well and exercising are obvious ways to prevent the onset of heart
disease, but a recent study by the Journal of the American College of
Cardiology looks at another culprit that has damaging effects on your
heart: sugar (fructose). According to the study, one to two servings
of sugary drinks per day raises a person’s risk of heart disease by 35
percent.
It is important to be cognizant of sugar intake, as it can often sneak
into your diet unnoticed. Men should only consume about 37.5 grams
of added sugar (think coffee drinks, sodas, yeast breads, cereals, fruit
drinks) per day, while women should stay around 25 grams. Starting
out the day with a latte, frozen beverage, or soda could add anywhere
from 20 to 63 grams of sugar in just 12 ounces! Make sure to stop and
think before you consume added sugar for the sake of your heart health
because sugar isn’t as sweet as it seems.
BEST FOOT FORWARD
After hours of physical abuse from constant pounding and tapping,
your feet deserve a break! Feet take a constant beating every day and
we often blame foot pain on a long day on our feet or shoes with poor
support, but foot pain may be caused by other problems in your body
that shouldn’t be ignored.
Keep tabs on your feet by:
• examining them regularly
• wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly and offer plenty of
support
• keeping your toenails trimmed straight across
• allowing your feet to air out after being in shoes.
Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing:
• joint stiffness
• tingling or numbness
• swelling
• discoloration or bruising
• inability or limiting of physical tasks due to foot pain. ■
SEWICKLEY
❘
WINTER 2019
31