SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
muffled speech from others, difficulty understanding words, frequently
asking others to repeat themselves, loud volume on the television or
radio, and avoidance of social settings.
Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, infection in
the ear, or ruptured eardrum. Damage to the inner ear can happen with
age, or constant exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time.
These cause wear on the nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound to the
brain. When they are damaged, signals aren’t transmitted as effectively,
causing loss of hearing. Heredity, aging, occupational and recreational
noises, some medications, and some illnesses may cause either partial or
full hearing loss, but there are ways to treat hearing loss. Treatment can
include surgical procedures, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
Preventive measures can also be taken to protect against noiseinduced hearing loss and to avoid age-related hearing loss. Be sure to
wear protective earmuffs if you work in a loud environment or if you are
hunting, going to concerts or doing other loud activities for an extended
period of time. It is also important to have your hearing tested on a
regular basis. Early detection is key to preventing complete hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. Investing in your
oral health is also investing in your general health. There are several
conditions that are linked to oral health including endocarditis and
cardiovascular disease. When bacteria from your mouth, or other parts
of your body, spread through your bloodstream they can attach to your
heart, causing an infection in the inner lining, also called endocarditis.
Research suggests that poor oral health is linked to clogged arteries and
stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is critical for warding off bad breath
and poor health. It is important to brush at least twice a day, floss, eat a
healthy diet, replace your toothbrush every three to four months, and
avoid tobacco use to maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting your dentist for
regular cleanings can also ensure that oral hygiene is at its best.
Heart Health
We are all aware that it is important to eat healthy and stay fit for
heart health. A diet rich in plant foods and low in processed food and
animal products lends itself to a happy heart. Paired with cardiovascular
exercise, you’ve got it made for a healthy body. But have you ever
thought of staying positive as a way to keep your heart healthy? A
research study being done at the University of Illinois shows that people
with optimistic attitudes have higher odds of having ideal cardiovascular
health when compared to pessimistic people. The study analyzed “the
mental health, levels of optimism, and physical health of 5,100 adults
ranging from 45 to 84 years of age. Heart health scores—based on
American Heart Association-approved metrics, including blood pressure
and body mass index—increased right alongside optimism levels.” So
when you’re feeling down, remember that staying positive affects more
than just your day, so keep your head up and your heart happy.
Digestion
Digestive issues affect all of us at one time or another. From upset
stomach, gas, and heartburn, to constipation and diarrhea, digestive
problems are painful and embarrassing. Some of the most common
digestive problems are:
u Food Intolerance – Often confused with a food allergy, food
intolerance allows you to eat a small amount of the offending food
without any issues (a food allergy could be life-threatening). Causes
include celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and
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