high. From sprains and fractures to ingrown toenails,
bunions, corns, and athlete’s foot, we may find ourselves
hiding our foot problems in a pair of shoes. But
overlooking foot health can lead to greater problems if
left untreated. Taking a few simple steps to ensure foot
health is easy to do:
• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Make sure to trim toenails regularly and
straight across.
• Wear shoes that fit properly.
• Don’t ignore discolored or cracking toenails.
• Wear shoes in public places to avoid fungal infections.
Overall Health
Overall health and well-being starts from the inside
out. Begin by providing your body with the nutrients
it needs to work properly. You will have more energy
and feel better every single day that you eat healthy,
nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, and get in some
exercise. While physical wellness is crucial for a healthy
life, it is important not to overlook mental wellness.
This includes emotional, psychological, and social
well-being. Mental health is important throughout
all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood. While
good physical health directly affects mental health, you
should care for your mental health in different ways.
• Love yourself and treat yourself with kindness
and respect.
• Surround yourself with people who make you happy.
• Meditate and/or pray to provide yourself with time to
silently reflect on all of the positive aspects of life.
• Try something new to break away from the
daily grind.
• Get help when you feel like you cannot help
yourself. ■
Diet
Nutrition
Clean eating focuses on the quality and type of food you eat
– consuming a variety of whole foods and avoiding processed
foods containing trans fats, preservatives, color additives, refined
grains, and added sugars. How do you navigate the clean eating
options available to you? Use these tips below:
Genetically modified (GMO) vs. non-GMO – GMOs
are living organisms that have been altered in some way, with
growing evidence linking them to health problems. A Non-
GMO label ensures that the product does not contain GMOs.
Best advice? This one is easy! ALWAYS go for non-GMO.
Locally sourced vs. organic – Organic foods are grown
using environmentally friendly agricultural methods and
renewable resources, meeting the standards verified by the
USDA. Any animal products you buy, such as organic meat,
poultry, eggs and dairy products, will be hormone and antibiotic
free. Organic vegetables will be free of harmful pesticides and
fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or bioengineering.
Locally sourced organic options are even better, allowing you to
ask farmers directly about their practices.
Best advice? It’s best to buy locally sourced organic food
whenever possible, but when that’s not, stick to organic.
Wild vs. farm-raised – Wild fish are caught in the wild and
feed on a natural diet, but are often higher in mercury, and some
fishing methods can harm the ocean habitat. Farm-raised may
have more contamination from toxic chemicals and are prone to
higher rates of bacteria and pesticides from crowded conditions.
Yet conditions for farmed fish are improving, with some being
sustainably farmed.
Best advice? Make your decision based on the type of fish you
are purchasing. Your local fishmonger will be able to provide you
with valuable insights.
PENN HILLS
❘
WINTER 2018
27