HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
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 . be considered for types of advanced neovascular AMD , which typically results in severe vision loss , to stop further progression .
Hearing Loss and Prevention
It is common for hearing loss to occur as you age . According to the Mayo Clinic , about 25 percent of people in the United States between the ages of 55 and 64 have some degree of hearing loss , increasing to one in two people by age 65 and older . Chronic exposure to loud noises and aging are the two main causes of hearing loss , resulting in the perception of muffled speech from others , difficulty understanding words , frequent requests for others to repeat themselves , loud volume on the television or radio , and avoidance of social settings .
Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear , infection in the ear , or ruptured eardrum . Damage to the inner ear can happen with age , or constant exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time . These cause wear on the nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound to the brain . When they are damaged , signals aren ’ t transmitted as effectively , causing loss of hearing . Heredity , aging , occupational and recreational noises , some medications , and some illnesses may cause either partial or full hearing loss , but there are ways to treat hearing loss . Treatment can include surgical procedures , hearing aids , or cochlear implants .
Preventive measures can also be taken to protect against noise-induced hearing loss and to avoid age-related hearing loss . Be sure to wear protective earmuffs if you work in a loud environment or are hunting , going to concerts or doing other loud activities for an extended period of time . It is also important to have your hearing tested on a regular basis . Early detection is key to preventing complete hearing loss .
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