HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Skin
Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show
on the outside. Your skin often mirrors your body’s true overall
health, so a healthy diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water will
do wonders. But keep in mind: there are other ways to make
your skin shine bright!
• Wear sunscreen.
• Get a full night’s sleep.
• Exfoliate to shrink pores.
• Hydrate your face, neck, and chest.
• Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed.
• Keep shower water warm, not hot.
• Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
• Keep your hands off your face.
• Sanitize your cell phone.
to keep your heart healthy? A research study 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 are:
• Food Intolerance – Often confused with food allergy, food
intolerance likely allows you to eat a small amount of an
offending food without any issues (while a food allergy could
be life-threatening). Causes of intolerance include celiac
disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and absence
of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A chronic
digestive disease, GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux
and heartburn at least twice a week. It affects 20 percent of
Americans and can cause persistent bad breath, tooth erosion,
nausea, and pain in the chest or upper abdomen, or it can
make swallowing and breathing hard to do.
• 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.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Affecting 15 percent
of Americans, IBS is characterized by stomach pain or
discomfort at least three times a month for several months.
Symptoms vary widely with IBS, making it hard to determine
the exact cause. Treatment focuses mostly on diet, eliminating
common trigger foods such as dairy, alcohol, caffeine, artificial
sweeteners and beans. Doctors also recommend a diet high in
fiber and consumption of probiotics found in yogurt.
24
724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
icmags.com
Back and Neck Care
Back pain is one of Americans’ most common medical
ailments. Chiropractic and other specialized care centers can be
a resource for patients suffering from a variety of conditions such
as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica,
spinal stenosis, ear infections, neurological conditions, or
scoliosis. The nervous system controls all of the cells and organs
in your body, which is why chiropractors focus on the health and
proper alignment of the spine.
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