HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Pet Health
• Change up your pet’s exercise routine – Outdoor
walks may be limited in cold winter months, so change
your play routine to ensure adequate exercise for your
pet. See if your community has an indoor recreation area
to get out some energy.
• Adjust food portion sizes – To accommodate the
fluctuation in activity, adjust the amount of food and
treats you give to your pet. Avoiding weight gain during
months that your pet is more sedentary is important.
• Limit bathing – Natural oils help your pet maintain a
healthy coat during dry winter months. Be sure to keep
bathing to a minimum to reduce skin issues. If you need
to bathe your pets, be sure to dry them thoroughly, even
if they are staying in the house.
• Pets need moisturizer, too – In addition to limiting
baths, help prevent dry skin with coconut oil, a natural
moisturizer that can aid flaky or cracking skin.
• Wipe away chemicals – Wash and dry your pet’s paws
and stomach to remove chemicals from road salt after
outdoor walks. These chemicals can cause burns to
paws and skin if not removed (plus you don’t want them
in your house). If your dog has furry feet, trim the fur
between the pads to prevent build-up of ice and snow.
• Prevent burns – Block off heat sources such as fireplaces
and space heaters to prevent burns and accidents.
• Warm bed – Keep your pet’s sleeping area away from
drafty doors and cold floors. Providing a cozy bed will
help keep pets warm during cold months.
• Watch for hazardous edibles – Keep holiday
ornaments, lights, poinsettias, alcohol, and chocolate out
of reach to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect
your pet has ingested something hazardous, call your vet
immediately.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car – No
matter what season it is, do not leave your pet in the car.
Freezing cold temperatures are equally as dangerous as
the heat of the summer months. Leave your pet at home,
or find a pet sitter to stop by to visit while you’re out.
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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. With 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.
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.
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. ■