HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
your body’s true overall health, so a healthy diet, exercise, and
drinking lots of water will do wonders. But keep in mind: there
are other ways to make your skin shine bright!
• Wear sunscreen.
• Get a full night’s sleep.
• Exfoliate to shrink pores.
• Hydrate your face, neck, and chest.
• Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed.
• Keep shower water warm, not hot.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
• Keep your hands off your face.
• Sanitize your cell phone.
Bones
Bones are an important part of your body but often forgotten.
They protect vital organs and provide structure to your body.
Building and maintaining strong bones is important from
childhood to adulthood. There are many factors that determine
bone health, the most common being age. Bones become thinner
as we age, with women at greater risk of osteoporosis because
they have less bone tissue than men. Genetics and race also play a
large role. Those who are white or of Asian descent are at a greater
risk, as are those with a family history of osteoporosis. Too
much of the thyroid hormone can cause bone loss, and women
are likely to experience increased bone loss during menopause
due to a decrease in estrogen levels. With long-term use, some
medications may also cause bone loss.
It is important to ensure proper health and nutrition for bones
to stay strong throughout your life. Adequate calcium intake and
physical activity can help keep bones healthy.
Pet Health
• Change up your pet’s exercise routine – Outdoor
walks may be limited in cold winter months, so change
your play routine to ensure adequate exercise for your
pet. See if your community has an indoor recreation area
to get out some energy.
• Adjust food portion sizes – To accommodate the
fluctuation in activity, adjust the amount of food and
treats you give to your pet. Avoiding weight gain during
months that your pet is more sedentary is important.
• Limit bathing – Natural oils help your pet maintain a
healthy coat during dry winter months. Be sure to keep
bathing to a minimum to reduce skin issues. If you need
to bathe your pets, be sure to dry them thoroughly, even
if they are staying in the house.
• Pets need moisturizer, too – In addition to limiting
baths, help prevent dry skin with coconut oil, a natural
moisturizer that can aid flaky or cracking skin.
• Wipe away chemicals – Wash and dry your pet’s paws
and stomach to remove chemicals from road salt after
outdoor walks. These chemicals can cause burns to
paws and skin if not removed (plus you don’t want them
in your house). If your dog has furry feet, trim the fur
between the pads to prevent build-up of ice and snow.
• Prevent burns – Block off heat sources such as fireplaces
and space heaters to prevent burns and accidents.
• Warm bed – Keep your pet’s sleeping area away from
drafty doors and cold floors. Providing a cozy bed will
help keep pets warm during cold months.
• Watch for hazardous edibles – Keep holiday
ornaments, lights, poinsettias, alcohol, and chocolate out
of reach to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect
your pet has ingested something hazardous, call your vet
immediately.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car – No
matter what season it is, do not leave your pet in the car.
Freezing cold temperatures are equally as dangerous as
the heat of the summer months. Leave your pet at home,
or find a pet sitter to stop by to visit while you’re out.
Back and Neck Care
Back pain is one of Americans’ most common medical
ailments. Chiropractic and other specialized care centers can
be a resource for patients suffering from a variety of conditions
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CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
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