IN Greensburg Salem Winter 2017 | Page 20

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
DIGITAL EYESTRAIN
• Burning
• Itchy or tired
• Increased headaches
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Head and neck pain
The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year.

KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS HEALTHY

A big smile can say a lot about your overall health, so if you’ ve been skipping out on the dentist, you may want to schedule your visit. A yearly dental visit protects against poor oral health that can lead to greater problems down the road. Good oral hygiene, including brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can protect against the damaging effects of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is due to plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, leaving gums red, swollen, and irritated. When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. A more serious and painful disease, periodontitis causes gums to pull away from teeth, allowing bacteria to build in the pockets between. Due to the infection and inflammation, your body’ s natural reaction is to fight the bacteria, which can lead to breakdown of the bones and tissue around your teeth. Studies also suggest that poor oral health is related to systemic diseases including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Routine visits to your dentist can identify oral problems before they become painful and more serious. So how can you protect your pearly whites against long-term health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily( you may not see immediate benefits, but you’ ll be saving your gum health in the long run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper nutrients your teeth and gums need to stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most significant risk factors in developing gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.

NO BONES ABOUT IT

Is your job a pain in the neck? If you work in a sedentary environment, your response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal pain is caused by excessive sitting throughout the day, leading to slouching,
18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Greensburg Salem