IN Murrysville Winter 2016 | Page 23

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 being done 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 digestive problems are: u Food Intolerance – Often confused with a food allergy, food intolerance allows you to eat a small amount of the
offending food without any issues( a food allergy could be life-threatening). Causes include celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. u Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease( GERD) – A chronic digestive disease, GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week. GERD affects 20 percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath, tooth erosion, nausea, pain in chest or upper abdomen, or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to do. u 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. u Irritable Bowel Syndrome( IBS) – Affecting 15 percent of Americans, IBS is characterized by stomach pain or discomfort at least three times a month
Continued on page 23 ➢

VANISH YOUR VARICOSE AND SPIDER VEINS

Plan now so your legs are beachready for your next vacation!

ARE YOU BOTHERED BY:
• Red or Blue Veins
• Ankle Swelling
• Burning, Aching Swelling or Inflammation
• Night Cramping
• Brown Skin Discoloration
• History of Vein Clotting
• Spontaneous Bleeding
• Inability to Participate in Activities You Love?
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO www. pittsburghveins. com
All Treatments Performed In Office Requiring Only Local Anesthetic:
Varicose Veins • Spider Veins Venous Leg Ulcers Phlebitis • Blood Clots
CALL TODAY!

412-373-9580 www. pittsburghveins. com

Dr. Mario T. Plaza-Ponte, M. D., FACS., FASCRS. RVT, RPVI Venous Circulation Specialist 30 Years Of Surgical Experience
PROCEDURES COVERED BY MOST INSURANCES
2550 Mosside Blvd, Suite 105 Monroeville, PA 15146
Murrysville | Winter 2016 | icmags. com 21