the television or radio, and avoidance of social
settings.
Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to
the inner ear, infection in the ear, or ruptured
eardrum. Damage to the inner ear can happen
with age, or constant exposure to loud noises
over an extended period of time. These cause
wear on the nerve cells in the cochlea that send
sound to the brain. When they are damaged,
signals aren’t transmitted as effectively, causing
loss of hearing. Heredity, aging, occupational
and recreational noises, some medications, and
some illnesses may cause either partial or full
hearing loss, but there are ways to treat hearing
loss. Treatment can include surgical procedures,
hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
Preventive measures can also be taken to
protect against noise-induced hearing loss and
to avoid age-related hearing loss. Be sure to
wear protective earmuffs if you work in a loud
environment or if you are hunting, going to
concerts or doing other loud activities for an
extended period of time. It is also important
to have your hearing tested on a regular basis.
Early detection is key to preventing complete
hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall
health. Investing in your oral health is also
investing in your general health. There are
several conditions that are linked to oral health
including endocarditis and cardiovascular
disease. When bacteria from your mouth, or
other parts of your body, spread through your
bloodstream they can attach to your heart,
causing an infection in the inner lining, also
called endocarditis. Research suggests that poor
oral health is linked to clogged arteries and
stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is critical
for warding off bad breath and poor health. It is
important to brush at least twice a day, floss, eat
a healthy diet, replace your toothbrush every
three to four months, and avoid tobacco use to
maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting your dentist
for regular cleanings can also ensure that oral
hygiene is at its best.
Heart Health
We are all aware that it is important to eat
healthy and stay fit for heart health. A diet rich
in plant foods and low in processed food and
animal 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
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