IN Murrysville Winter 2018 | Seite 27

• 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. Bones Bones are an important part of your body but often forgotten. They protect vital organs and provide structure to your body. Building and maintaining strong bones is important from childhood to adulthood. There are many factors that determine bone health, the most common being age. Bones become thinner as we age, with women at greater risk of osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men. Genetics and race also play a large role. Those who are white or of Asian descent are at a greater risk, as are those with a family history of osteoporosis. Too much of the thyroid hormone can cause bone loss, and women are likely to experience increased bone loss during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. With long-term use, some medications may also cause bone loss. It is important to ensure proper health and nutrition for bones to stay strong throughout your life. Adequate calcium intake and physical activity can help keep bones healthy. 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.   ■ Rivé Nail + Skin Care Spa Murrysville, PA 15668 4522 Old William Penn Hwy www.RiveNailAndSkinCareSpa.com Organic Luxury + Artistry MURRYSVILLE ❘ WINTER 2018 25