IN Keystone Oaks Winter 2018 | Page 23

Americans over the age of 45 suffer from hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated, eating more fiber, or over-the-counter Confused Healthcare? creams may provide about relief from your hemorrhoids. • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Affecting 15 percent of Americans, IBS is characterized by stomach pain or discomfort at least three times a month for several months. Symptoms vary widely with IBS, making it hard to determine the exact cause. Treatment focuses mostly on diet, eliminating common trigger foods such as dairy, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and beans. Doctors also recommend a diet high in fiber and consumption of probiotics found in yogurt. Skin Bones Bones are an important part Let of your but often forgotten. us body help. They protect vital organs and provide structure to your body. Building and maintaining strong bones is important from childhood to adulthood. There are many factors that determine bone health, the most common being age. Bones become thinner as we age, with women at greater risk of osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men. Genetics and race also play a large role. Those who are white or of Asian descent are at a greater risk, as are those with a family history of osteoporosis. Too much of 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. Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show on the outside. Your skin often mirrors your body’s true overall health, so a healthy diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water will do wonders. But keep in mind: there are other ways to make your skin shine bright! Back and Neck Care • Wear sunscreen. Back pain is one of Americans’ most common medical • Get a full night’s sleep. ailments. Chiropractic and other specialized care centers can be • LIFE Exfoliate to shrink pores. Pittsburgh is an all inclusive program for individuals a 55+ resource for patients suffering from a variety of conditions such • who Hydrate and home, chest. but need supportive services. want your to face, stay neck, in their as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, • Our Always wash off dirt and of makeup before bed. medical, social and daily coordinated plan care includes spinal stenosis, ear infections, neurological conditions, or • Keep shower water warm, not hot. living support. At LIFE Pittsburgh, older adults are treated scoliosis. with The nervous system controls all of the cells and organs • Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. www.lifepittsburgh.org the respect and dignity they deserve. LIFE Pittsburgh goes • Keep your hands off your face. beyond simply “treating medical problems” to actually on next page > • Sanitize your cell phone. 412-388-8055 Continued TTY:711 improving the quality of life for most of our Participants. Confused about your Healthcare? LIFE Pittsburgh is an all inclusive program for individuals 55+ who want to stay in their home, but need supportive services. Our coordinated plan of care includes medical, social and daily living support. At LIFE Pittsburgh, older adults are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. LIFE Pittsburgh goes beyond simply “treating medical problems” to actually improving the quality of life for most of our Participants. Let us help. www.lifepittsburgh.org 412-388-8055 TTY:711 KEYSTONE OAKS ❘ WINTER 2018 21