SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
absence of an enzyme needed to fully
digest a food.
u Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD) – A chronic digestive disease,
GERD is defined as experiencing acid
reflux and heartburn at least twice
a week. GERD affects 20 percent of
Americans and can cause persistent bad
breath, tooth erosion, nausea, pain in
chest or upper abdomen, or it can make
swallowing and breathing hard to do.
u Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are
inflamed blood vessels found at the end
of your digestive tract. Often painful
and itchy, they are caused by chronic
constipation, diarrhea, or a lack of fiber
in your diet. Seventy-five percent of
Americans over the age of 45 suffer from
hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated, eating
more fiber, or over-the-counter creams
may provide relief from hemorrhoids.
u Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) –
Affecting 15 percent of Americans,
IBS is characterized by stomach pain
or discomfort at least three times a
month for several months. Symptoms
vary widely with IBS, making it hard to
determine the exact cause. Treatment
focuses mostly on diet, eliminating
common trigger foods such as dairy,
alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners
and beans. Doctors also recommend a
diet high in fiber and consumption of
probiotics found in yogurt.
Skin
Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the
inside, it will show on the outside. Your skin
often mirrors 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.
u Exfoliate to shrink pores.
u Hydrate your face, neck, and chest.
u Always wash off dirt and makeup before
bed.
u Keep shower water warm, not hot.
u Apply moisturizer while your skin is still
damp.
u Keep your hands off of your face.
u Sanitize your cell phone.
u
u
Bones
Bones are an important part of your body
that is 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 being
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. After 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.
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