IN Mars Area Winter 2018 | Page 26

HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N The Good Life Starts with O F M C C A N D L E S S PREMIER PERSONAL CARE & MEMORY CARE • 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. Foot Health Come Experience Vibrant Living in one of Pittsburgh’s Finest Senior Living Communities • Peace of Mind – 24-Hour Dedicated Care Team • Get Fit, Stay Active – Wellness Center & Fitness Club • We’ll Do the Cooking – Chef-Prepared, Anytime Dining • Be Social – Multiple Gathering Spaces, Activities & Events • A Breath of Fresh Air – Outdoor Walking Paths & Spaces • Learn Something New – Fun Classes & Demonstrations • Pamper Yourself – Salon & Spa Services Available Onsite NOW PRE-LEASING! Don’t Miss the Opportunity to join our Founders Club for exclusive savings. Call or Visit TODAY! 8651 Carey Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 387-2043 StonecrestOf McCand less.com It is important to stay healthy from head to toe, including your feet. There are 26 bones and 33 joints in your foot and ankle, making the possibility for issues very high. From sprains and fractures to ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, and athlete’s foot, we may find ourselves hiding our foot problems in a pair of shoes. But overlooking foot health can lead to greater problems if left untreated. Taking a few simple steps to ensure foot health is easy to do: • Keep feet clean and dry. • Make sure to trim toenails regularly and straight across. • Wear shoes that fit properly. • Don’t ignore discolored or cracking toenails. • Wear shoes in public places to avoid fungal infections. 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. 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.   ■ FREE INTRO CLASS BOOK ONLINE OR CONTACT THE STUDIO TO REGISTER. CLUB PILATES NORTHHILLS CLUBPILATES.COM/NORTHHILLS 412.278.7435 CLUB PILATES HAMPTON CLUBPILATES.COM/HAMPTON 412.385.4482 24 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com ©2018 Club Pilates Franchise, LLC. MARS AREA ❘ WINTER 2018 25