IN Penn Hills Winter 2018 | Page 25

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 are: • Food Intolerance – Often confused with food allergy, food intolerance likely allows you to eat a small amount of an offending food without any issues (while a food allergy could be life-threatening). Causes of intolerance include celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) – A chronic digestive disease, GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week. It affects 20 percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath, tooth erosion, nausea, and pain in the chest or upper abdomen, or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to do. • 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. miles We Create p S ions! for Cham l a t n e D y t i Steel C • 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. Continued on page 25 > • FREE Orthodontic & Implant Consultation • • General dentists - provide cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, partials, dentures, and root canals • Oral Surgeons - Extractions, Implants and more all done while you sleep • Orthodontists - metal or clear braces Steel City Dental Welcomes Dr. Chen! Schedule Your Appointment with him – earn DOUBLE Points • Earn Patient Appreciation Points for Dental Work and MORE! PATIENT APPRECIATION For More Information go to www.steelcitydental.net/rewards • All forms of SEDATION DENTISRY Available • • • • Dental Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Oral Sedation IV Sedation General Anesthesia Schedule Your Appointment and enter to win a HOLDIAY GIFT BASKET HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY Ask for details. Financial Plans available to fit most needs. Most insurances accepted including State plans 582 Brown Avenue Wilkins Twp., PA 15145 412-824-6888 Two Convenient Locations To Serve You and Your Family 10493 Frankstown Road Penn Hills, PA 15235 412-371-1300 Walk-ins welcome • Referrals Rewarded • www.steelcitydental.net PENN HILLS ❘ WINTER 2018 23