HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
• 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 ?
SLEEP YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER YOU
By now , you ’ ve most likely heard the news on the numerous benefits of sleep on overall health . From improving brain function to assisting in weight loss , getting the recommended hours of sleep fit for your age is essential to staying healthy . The message is loud and clear to adults , who still fight sleep to watch late-night television or finish one more chapter of a good book . You may let children do the same , stay up to finish homework or to play a little while longer . You may think you are making your children happy with the extra time awake , but the 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 found 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 problemsolving skills . Many families have seen the negative effects and often assume they are symptoms of ADHD , when these distracting behaviors could easily 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 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 good sleeping .
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 between 80 and 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 Baby Boomers starting to enter their 70s , an age at which many individuals 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 . 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 was found 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
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