HEALTH & WELLNESS
S P E C I AL S E C T I O N
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.
NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you work in a sedentary environment, your
response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal pain is caused by excessive sitting
throughout the day, leading to slouching, hunching over, and muscles in your body
going without use for hours. Studies are finding that although a regular workout
routine helps, it won’t combat the constant weight on your rump. Although some
offices are moving toward healthier options, such as convertible, stand up/sit down
desks, or treadmill desks (if you have the skill to think and walk at the same time),
most of us have to face our chairs every day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative effects, such as stiffness and poor
circulation, of constant sitting.
• Get up and move! If you find yourself sitting for extended periods of time, you
need to break the habit. Schedule an alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and
take a lap around your office. Manage your time effectively by going to pick up
your paper from the printer or grabbing a glass of water. Even better? Visit a co-
worker to talk about a project instead of sending an email.
Continued on next page >
Mt. Lebanon | Winter 2017 | icmags.com 37