HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL SECTION
Patients with the types of issues above often seek professional chiropractic therapy to relieve the pain they are experiencing rather than taking medication . Chiropractic care can start by addressing general wellness or looking directly at disease prevention . Patients have reported several health benefits including :
• Improved sleep
• More energy
• 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
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 .
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 . ■
Diet & Nutrition
Clean eating focuses on the quality and type of food you eat – consuming a variety of whole foods and avoiding processed foods containing trans fats , preservatives , color additives , refined grains , and added sugars . How do you navigate the clean eating options available to you ? Use these tips below :
Genetically modified ( GMO ) vs . non-GMO – GMOs are living organisms that have been altered in some way , with growing evidence linking them to health problems . A Non- GMO label ensures that the product does not contain GMOs .
Best advice ? This one is easy ! ALWAYS go for non-GMO .
Locally sourced vs . organic – Organic foods are grown using environmentally friendly agricultural methods and renewable resources , meeting the standards verified by the USDA . Any animal products you buy , such as organic meat , poultry , eggs and dairy products , will be hormone and antibiotic free . Organic vegetables will be free of harmful pesticides and fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or bioengineering . Locally sourced organic options are even better , allowing you to ask farmers directly about their practices .
Best advice ? It ’ s best to buy locally sourced organic food whenever possible , but when that ’ s not , stick to organic .
Wild vs . farm-raised – Wild fish are caught in the wild and feed on a natural diet , but are often higher in mercury , and some fishing methods can harm the ocean habitat . Farm-raised may have more contamination from toxic chemicals and are prone to higher rates of bacteria and pesticides from crowded conditions . Yet conditions for farmed fish are improving , with some being sustainably farmed .
Best advice ? Make your decision based on the type of fish you are purchasing . Your local fishmonger will be able to provide you with valuable insights .
MOON TOWNSHIP ❘ WINTER 2021 29