Keeping an Eye on Your Hair
• Increase water intake. Dehydration becomes evident in many
forms, but one lesser known form is brittle hair. Increasing water
consumption has many benefits, including improving the look and
feel of your hair.
• Hair loss may be a sign of bigger issues. It is normal to lose
80-100 hairs per day. Feel like you are losing more than that?
Stress and anxiety could be the cause. If you can’t identify specific
stressors, talk to your doctor. Excessive hair loss could be a sign of
other health problems.
• Eat well for luscious locks. Think your diet has nothing to do
with the way your hair looks? Think again. Hair quality can change
over time with continual consumption of processed foods. Keep a
healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods including healthy fats, dark
leafy greens, and fish and you’ll be on your way to radiant hair.
HEAR ALL ABOUT IT
The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children
between the ages of 6 and 10 get 10-11 hours of sleep per night,
while 11 to 17-year-olds should get 8.5 to 9.5 hours. A poll done
by the foundation last year revealed that children were falling short
and losing out on the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Research
shows that less sleep leads to learning and behavior problems,
directly affecting cognitive ability, concentration, and problem-
solving skills. Many families have seen the negative effects and
often assume they are symptoms of ADHD, when these distracting
behaviors could likely be reduced or even eliminated by an earlier
bedtime.
Make Sleep Matter
• Set bedtimes and wake times. You can start to make sleep
a higher priority for your kids by setting a good example and
getting enough sleep yourself. Start by setting bedtimes and
wake-up times that you can adhere to on both weekdays and
weekends. Creating a pattern will help your body understand its
sleep cycle, allowing for more restful nights.
• Create wind-down activities before bed. The half-hour before
bed should be free of high-energy activities. Start a bedtime
routine that includes calming activities like bathtime or reading.
• Make a bed sanctuary. As adults, nothing is better than a
comfortable place to sleep at night. Make your children’s beds
the same for them. Add extra pillows for comfort and a favorite
stuffed animal to keep them company at night. Keep lights down
to a dim lamp or nightlight to make the room dark enough for
sleeping.
• Keep electronics out or off. Electronics produce a blue light
that sends a signal to your brain to stop the release of melatonin,
making it harder to fall asleep. On top of wanting to text with
friends or check social media, children and teens will give any
excuse to stay awake. Electronic devices are best left in the dark
at bedtime.
Although hearing loss is most commonly associated with aging,
it could happen at any time and can be caused by environmental
conditions like working in a noisy environment, earwax buildup,
or inner ear damage. According to the National Center for Health
Statistics, the average person waits six years after the first signs
of hearing loss to get checked by a doctor. Hearing problems are
considered an undertreated issue for reasons including patient
denial, vanity, and less awareness of issues associated with hearing
loss. With the oldest Baby Boomers entering their 70s, an age at
which many individuals only start seeking medical attention for
hearing ailments, it is important to take charge at the first signs of
trouble.
A study on the psychological effects of hearing loss was done for
the American Psychology Association and focused on mental health
in patients who suffer from hearing loss. The National Council on
Aging study found that 2,304 people who suffered from hearing loss
but used no form of treatment were 50% more likely to suffer from
sadness or depression than individuals who wore hearing aids. It
revealed that individuals not using hearing aids showed more signs
of anger, anxiety and frustration, causing them to be less involved in
social activities than those who wear aids. The risk for dementia also
increases in patients who suffer from hearing loss, due to sensory
Continued on page 25 >
BAD HAIR DAYS?
If you seem to be having a stint of bad hair days, maybe your
body is trying to tell you something. Poor hair condition could be a
sign of physical or psychological issues.
MURRYSVILLE ❘
WINTER 2019
23