SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING
Research suggests that poor oral health is
linked to clogged arteries and stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is critical
for warding off bad breath and poor health. It
is important to brush at least twice a day, floss,
eat a healthy diet, replace your toothbrush
every three to four months, and avoid tobacco
use to maintain a healthy mouth. Visiting
your dentist for regular cleanings can also
ensure that oral hygiene is at its best.
Heart Health
We are all aware that it is important to eat
healthy and stay fit for heart health. A diet
rich in plant foods and low in processed food
and animal products lends itself to a happy
heart. Paired with 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 Associationapproved 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.
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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.
u
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.
u
u
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
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