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.
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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.
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.
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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.