HEALTH & WELLNESS
S PE CIA L S E C T I O N
those effects, increasing cause for concern. If you have a
sedentary job, make a point of taking a walk when you get
home or spend some time on your feet with your kids or at
the gym. Keeping active during breaks and on the weekends
will help combat negative effects from the workweek.
HEART HEALTH—SKIP THE SUGAR!
Heart disease is the number-one killer of all Americans, but
awareness of the disease and its causes have allowed for a decrease
in the number of deaths associated with it in recent years. Eating
well and exercising are obvious ways to prevent the onset of heart
disease, but a recent study by the Journal of the American College
of Cardiology looks at another culprit that has damaging effects
on your heart: sugar (fructose). According to the study, one to
two servings of sugary drinks per day raises a person’s risk of heart
disease by 35 percent. It is important to be cognizant of sugar
intake, as it can often sneak into your diet unnoticed. Men should
only consume about 37.5 grams of added sugar (think coffee
drinks, sodas, yeast breads, cereals, fruit drinks) per day, while
women should stay around 25 grams. Starting out the day with
a latte, frozen beverage, or soda could add anywhere from 20 to
63 grams of sugar in just 12 ounces! Make sure to stop and think
30 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Monroeville
before you consume added sugar for the sake of your heart health
because sugar isn’t as sweet as it seems.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
After hours of physical abuse from constant pounding and
tapping, your feet deserve a break! Feet take a constant beating
every day, and we often blame foot pain on a long day on our feet
or shoes with poor support. Foot pain may be caused by other
problems in your body that shouldn’t be ignored.
Keep tabs on your feet by:
• examining your feet regularly.
• wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly and offer plenty
of support.
• keeping your toenails trimmed straight across.
• allowing your feet to air out after being in shoes.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing:
• joint stiffness
• tingling or numbness
• swelling
• discoloration or bruising
• inability or limiting of physical tasks due to foot pain. ■