HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
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 such
as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica,
spinal stenosis, ear infections, neurological conditions, or
scoliosis. The nervous system controls all of the cells and organs
in your body, which is why chiropractors focus on the health and
proper alignment of the spine.
Patients with the types of issues above often seek professional
chiropractic therapy to relieve the pain they are experiencing
rather than taking medication. Chiropractic care can start
by addressing general wellness or looking directly at disease
prevention. Patients have reported several health benefits
including:
• Improved sleep
• More energy
• Better mood
• Reduced need for medication
• Relief from pain
Some general ways to keep your back and neck healthy are
regular exercise, stress management, proper posture, healthy
weight, nutrition for strong bones, wearing appropriate shoes,
and not smoking.
Foot Health
It is important to stay healthy from head to toe, including
your feet. There are 26 bones and 33 joints in your foot and
ankle, making the possibility for issues very high. From sprains
and fractures to ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, and athlete’s
foot, we may find ourselves hiding our foot problems in a pair of
shoes. But overlooking foot health can lead to greater problems
if left untreated. Taking a few simple steps to ensure foot health is
easy to do:
• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Make sure to trim toenails regularly and straight across.
• Wear shoes that fit properly.
• Don’t ignore discolored or cracking toenails.
• Wear shoes in public places to avoid fungal infections.
Diet Nutrition
Clean eating focuses on the quality and type of food you eat
– consuming a variety of whole foods and avoiding processed
foods containing trans fats, preservatives, color additives,
refined grains, and added sugars. How do you navigate the
clean eating options available to you? Use these tips below:
Genetically modified (GMO) vs. non-GMO – GMOs
are living organisms that have been altered in some way, with
growing evidence linking them to health problems. A Non-
GMO label ensures that the product does not contain GMOs.
Best advice? This one is easy! ALWAYS go for non-GMO.
Locally sourced vs. organic – Organic foods are grown
using environmentally friendly agricultural methods and
renewable resources, meeting the standards verified by the
USDA. Any animal products you buy, such as organic meat,
poultry, eggs and dairy products, will be hormone and
antibiotic free. Organic vegetables will be free of harmful
pesticides and fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or
bioengineering. Locally sourced organic options are even
better, allowing you to ask farmers directly about their
practices.
Best advice? It’s best to buy locally sourced organic food
whenever possible, but when that’s not, stick to organic.
Overall Health
Overall health and well-being starts from the inside out. Begin
by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to work
properly. You will have more energy and feel better every single
day that you eat healthy, nutritious foods, drink plenty of water,
and get in some exercise. While physical wellness is crucial for a
healthy life, it is important not to overlook mental wellness. This
includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental
health is important throughout all stages of life, from childhood
to adulthood. While good physical health directly affects mental
health, you should care for your mental health in different ways.
• Love yourself and treat yourself with kindness and respect.
• Surround yourself with people who make you happy.
• Meditate and/or pray to provide yourself with time to silently
reflect on all of the positive aspects of life.
• Try something new to break away from the daily grind.
• Get help when you feel like you cannot help yourself. ■
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Wild vs. farm-raised – Wild fish are caught in the wild and
feed on a natural diet, but are often higher in mercury, and
some fishing methods can harm the ocean habitat. Farm-raised
may have more contamination from toxic chemicals and are
prone to higher rates of bacteria and pesticides from crowded
conditions. Yet conditions for farmed fish are improving, with
some being sustainably farmed.
Best advice? Make your decision based on the type of fish you
are purchasing. Your local fishmonger will be able to provide
you with valuable insights.