SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
effects are ultimately hurting their ability to fully function during
the day.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children
between the ages of 6 and 10 get 10-11 hours of sleep per night,
while 11 to 17-year-olds should get 8.5 to 9.5 hours. A poll done by
the foundation last year revealed that children were falling short and
losing out on the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Research shows
that less sleep leads to learning and behavior problems, directly
affecting cognitive ability, concentration, and problem-solving
skills. Many families have seen the negative effects and often assume
they are symptoms of ADHD, when these distracting behaviors
could likely be reduced or even eliminated by an earlier bedtime.
Make Sleep Matter
• Set bedtimes and wake times. You can start to make sleep
a higher priority for your kids by setting a good example and
getting enough sleep yourself. Start by setting bedtimes and
wake-up times that you can adhere to on both weekdays and
weekends. Creating a pattern will help your body understand its
sleep cycle, allowing for more restful nights.
• Create wind-down activities before bed. The half-hour before
bed should be free of high-energy activities. Start a bedtime
routine that includes calming activities like bathtime or reading.
• Make a bed sanctuary. As adults, nothing is better than a
comfortable place to sleep at night. Make your children’s beds
the same for them. Add extra pillows for comfort and a favorite
stuffed animal to keep them company at night. Keep lights down
to a dim lamp or nightlight to make the room dark enough for
sleeping.
• Keep electronics out or off. Electronics produce a blue light
that sends a signal to your brain to stop the release of melatonin,
making it harder to fall asleep. On top of wanting to text with
friends or check social media, children and teens will give any
excuse to stay awake. Electronic devices are best left in the dark at
bedtime.
BAD HAIR DAYS?
If you seem to be having a stint of bad hair days, maybe your
body is trying to tell you something. Poor hair condition could be a
sign of physical or psychological issues.
Keeping an Eye on Your Hair
• Increase water intake. Dehydration becomes evident in many
forms, but one lesser known form is brittle hair. Increasing water
consumption has many benefits, including improving the look
and feel of your hair.
• Hair loss may be a sign of bigger issues. It is normal to lose
80-100 hairs per day. Feel like you are losing more than that?
Stress and anxiety could be the cause. If you can’t identify specific
stressors, talk to your doctor. Excessive hair loss could be a sign
of other health problems.
• Eat well for luscious locks. Think your diet has nothing to
do with the way your hair looks? Think again. Hair quality can
change over time with continual consumption of processed
foods. Keep a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods including
healthy fats, dark leafy greens, and fish and you’ll be on your way
to radiant hair.
HEAR ALL ABOUT IT
Although hearing loss is most commonly associated with aging,
it could happen at any time and can be caused by environmental
conditions like working in a noisy environment, earwax buildup,
or inner ear damage. According to the National Center for Health
Statistics, the average person waits six years after the first signs
of hearing loss to get checked by a doctor. Hearing problems are
considered an undertreated issue for reasons including patient
denial, vanity, and less awareness of issues associated with hearing
loss. With the oldest Baby Boomers entering their 70s, an age at
which many individuals only start seeking medical attention for
hearing ailments, it is important to take charge at the first signs of
trouble.
A study on the psychological effects of hearing loss was done
for the American Psychology Association and focused on mental
health in patients who suffer from hearing loss. The National
Council on Aging study found that 2,304 people who suffered
from hearing loss but used no form of treatment were 50% more
likely to suffer from sadness or depression than individuals who
wore hearing aids. It revealed that individuals not using hearing
aids showed more signs of anger, anxiety and frustration, causing
them to be less involved in social activities than those who wear
aids. The risk for dementia also increases in patients who suffer
from hearing loss, due to sensory loss and growing social isolation,
pointed out in a study conducted by the Archives of Neurology.
Start becoming aware of the signs of hearing loss, and consult
your doctor or audiologist if you start to notice some of the
symptoms:
• Trouble hearing over the phone
• Vertigo, causing dizziness, pain, or ringing in the ears
• Mumbled voices
• Having to ask others to repeat themselves often
• Avoidance of social situations
• Having a family medical history of hearing loss
Individuals with hearing loss may often be reluctant to face the
reality, but may not know about the deeper implications of letting
it go untreated. If you or someone you know may be experiencing
some of the symptoms of hearing loss, be sure to understand and
share the benefits of seeking treatment.
Continued on next page >
GREENSBURG SALEM
❘
WINTER 2019
19