SPECIAL SECTION : HEALTHY LIVING
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 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 digestive problems are : u Food Intolerance – Often confused with a food allergy , food intolerance allows you to eat a small amount of the offending food without any issues ( a food allergy could be life-threatening ). Causes include celiac disease , sensitivity to food additives , food toxins , and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food . u Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) – A chronic digestive disease , GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week . GERD affects 20 percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath , tooth erosion , nausea , pain in chest or upper abdomen , or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to do . u 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 . u 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 !
u Wear sunscreen . u Get a full night ’ s sleep . u Exfoliate to shrink pores . u Hydrate your face , neck , and chest . u Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed . u Keep shower water warm , not hot . u Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp . u Keep your hands off of your face . u Sanitize your cell phone .
Bones
Bones are an important part of your body that is 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 being 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 . After 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 .
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