through your bloodstream, they can
attach to your heart, causing an infection
in the inner lining called endocarditis.
Research suggests that poor oral
health is linked to clogged arteries and
stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is
critical for warding off bad breath and
poor health. It is important to brush at
least twice a day, floss, eat a healthy diet,
replace your toothbrush every three to
four months, and avoid tobacco use to
maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting your
dentist for regular cleanings can also
ensure that oral hygiene is at its best.
Heart Health
We are all aware that it is important to
eat healthy and stay fit for heart health.
A diet rich in plant foods and low in
processed food and animal products
lends itself to a happy heart. Paired with
cardiovascular exercise, you’ve got it
made for a healthy body. But have you
ever thought of staying positive as a way
to keep your heart healthy? A research
study at the University of Illinois shows
that people with optimistic attitudes have
higher odds of having ideal cardiovascular
health when compared to pessimistic
people. The study analyzed “the mental
health, levels of optimism, and physical
health of 5,100 adults ranging from 45
to 84 years of age. Heart health scores—
based on American Heart Association-
approved metrics, including blood
pressure and body mass index—increased
right alongside optimism levels.” So when
you’re feeling down, remember that
staying positive affects more than just
your day, so keep your head up and your
heart happy.
Digestion
Digestive issues affect all of us at one
time or another. From upset stomach,
gas, and heartburn, to constipation
and diarrhea, digestive problems are
painful and embarrassing. Some of the
most common are:
• Food Intolerance – Often confused
with food allergy, food intolerance
likely allows you to eat a small amount
of an offending food without any
issues (while a food allergy could be
life-threatening). Causes of intolerance
include celiac disease, sensitivity
to food additives, food toxins, and
absence of an enzyme needed to fully
digest a food.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD) – A chronic digestive disease,
GERD is defined as experiencing
acid reflux and heartburn at least
twice a week. It affects 20 percent of
Americans and can cause persistent
bad breath, tooth erosion, nausea, and
pain in the chest or upper abdomen, or
it can make swallowing and breathing
hard to do.
• Hemorrhoids – Hemorrhoids are
inflamed blood vessels found at the end
of your digestive tract. Often painful
and itchy, they are caused by chronic
constipation, diarrhea, or a lack of fiber
in your diet. Seventy-five percent of
Americans over the age of 45 suffer
from hemorrhoids. Staying hydrated,
eating more fiber, or over-the-counter
creams may provide relief from
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
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!
• Wear sunscreen.
• Get a full night’s sleep.
• Exfoliate to shrink pores.
• Hydrate your face, neck, and chest.
• Always wash off dirt and makeup
before bed.
• Keep shower water warm, not hot.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is
still damp.
• Keep your hands off your face.
• Sanitize your cell phone.
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MCKEESPORT AREA
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