have seen the negative effects and often
assume they are symptoms of ADHD,
when these distracting behaviors could
likely 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 both 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 sleeping.
• 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?
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 80-100 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. • Avoidance of social situations
• Having a family medical history of hearing
loss.
HEAR ALL ABOUT IT KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS
HEALTHY
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 the oldest Baby
Boomers entering their 70s, an age at which
many individuals only 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 and focused on
mental health in patients who suffer from
hearing loss. 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 revealed 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 wear aids. The
risk for dementia also increases in patients
who suffer from hearing loss, due to sensory
loss and growing social isolation, pointed
out in a study conducted by the Archives of
Neurology.
Start becoming aware of the signs of
hearing loss, and consult your doctor or
audiologist if you start to notice some of the
symptoms:
• Trouble hearing over the phone
• Vertigo, causing dizziness, pain, or ringing
in the ears
• Mumbled voices
• Having to ask others to repeat themselves
often
Individuals with hearing loss may often
be reluctant to face the reality, but may
not know about the deeper implications of
letting it go untreated. If you or someone
you know may be experiencing some of
the symptoms of hearing loss, be sure to
understand and share the benefits of seeking
treatment.
A big smile can say a lot about your overall
health, so if you’ve been skipping out on
the dentist, you may want to schedule your
visit. A yearly dental visit protects against
poor oral health that can lead to greater
problems down the road. Good oral hygiene,
including brushing at least twice a day with a
fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can protect
against the damaging effects of gum disease.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that
is due to plaque and tartar buildup on teeth,
leaving gums red, swollen, and irritated.
When left untreated, gingivitis can advance
to periodontitis. A more serious and painful
disease, periodontitis causes gums to pull
away from teeth, allowing bacteria to build
in the pockets between. Due to the infection
and inflammation, your body’s natural
reaction is to fight the bacteria, which can
lead to breakdown of the bones and tissue
around your teeth.
Studies also suggest that poor oral health
is related to systemic diseases including
diabetes, oral cancer, stroke, and heart
disease. Routine visits to your dentist can
identify oral problems before they become
painful and more serious. So how can you
protect your pearly whites against long-term
health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your
dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see immediate
benefits, but you’ll be saving your gum
health in the long run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper
nutrients your teeth and gums need to stay
strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most
significant risk factors in developing gum
disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three
months.
Continued on next page >
MCKEESPORT AREA
❘
WINTER 2019
11