HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
Pet Health
• Change up your pet’s exercise routine – Outdoor walks
may be limited in cold winter months, so change your
play routine to ensure adequate exercise for your pet. See
if your community has an indoor recreation area to get
out some energy.
• Adjust food portion sizes – To accommodate the
fluctuation in activity, adjust the amount of food and
treats you give to your pet. Avoiding weight gain during
months that your pet is more sedentary is important.
• Limit bathing – Natural oils help your pet maintain a
healthy coat during dry winter months. Be sure to keep
bathing to a minimum to reduce skin issues. If you need
to bathe your pets, be sure to dry them thoroughly, even
if they are staying in the house.
• Pets need moisturizer, too – In addition to limiting
baths, help prevent dry skin with coconut oil, a natural
moisturizer that can aid flaky or cracking skin.
• Wipe away chemicals – Wash and dry your pet’s paws
and stomach to remove chemicals from road salt after
outdoor walks. These chemicals can cause burns to
paws and skin if not removed (plus you don’t want them
in your house). If your dog has furry feet, trim the fur
between the pads to prevent build-up of ice and snow.
• Prevent burns – Block off heat sources such as fireplaces
and space heaters to prevent burns and accidents.
• Warm bed – Keep your pet’s sleeping area away from
drafty doors and cold floors. Providing a cozy bed will
help keep pets warm during cold months.
• Watch for hazardous edibles – Keep holiday ornaments,
lights, poinsettias, alcohol, and chocolate out of reach to
prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect your pet has
ingested something hazardous, call your vet immediately.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car – No matter
what season it is, do not leave your pet in the car.
Freezing cold temperatures are equally as dangerous as
the heat of the summer months. Leave your pet at home,
or find a pet sitter to stop by to visit while you’re out.
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.
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.
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.
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
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