HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
can be treated with daily intake of vitamins and minerals that can
slow the progression of the disease. Th erapy and surgery can also
be considered for types of advanced neovascular AMD, which
typically results in severe vision loss, to stop further progression.
Hearing Loss and Prevention
It is common for hearing loss to occur as you age. According to
the Mayo Clinic, about 25 percent of people in the United States
between the ages of 55 and 64 have some degree of hearing loss,
increasing to one in two people by age 65 and older. Chronic
exposure to loud noises and aging are the two main causes of
hearing loss, resulting in the perception of muffl ed speech from
others, diffi culty understanding words, frequent requests for others
to repeat themselves, loud volume on the television or radio, and
avoidance of social sett ings.
Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear,
infection in the ear, or ruptured eardrum. Damage to the inner ear
can happen with age, or constant exposure to loud noises over an
extended period of time. Th ese cause wear on the nerve cells in
the cochlea that send sound to the brain. When they are damaged,
signals aren’t transmitt ed as eff ectively, causing loss of hearing.
Heredity, aging, occupational and recreational noises, some
medications, and some illnesses may cause either partial or full
hearing loss, but there are ways to treat hearing loss. Treatment can
include surgical procedures, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.
Preventive measures can also be taken to protect against noise-
induced hearing loss and to avoid age-related hearing loss. Be sure
to wear protective earmuff s if you work in a loud environment or
are hunting, going to concerts or doing other loud activities for an
extended period of time. It is also important to have your hearing
tested on a regular basis. Early detection is key to preventing
complete hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. Investing
in your oral health is also investing in your general health. Th ere
are several conditions that are linked to oral health including
endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. When bacteria from
your mouth—or other parts of your body—spread through your
bloodstream, they can att ach to your heart, causing an infection in
the inner lining called endocarditis. 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, fl oss, 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 fi t
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 at the University of Illinois
Continued on page 23 >
Confused about your Healthcare?
LIFE Pittsburgh is an all inclusive program for individuals 55+
who want to stay in their home, but need supportive services.
Our coordinated plan of care includes medical, social and daily
living support. At LIFE Pittsburgh, older adults are treated with
the respect and dignity they deserve. LIFE Pittsburgh goes
beyond simply “treating medical problems” to actually
improving the quality of life for most of our Participants.
Confused about your Healthcare?
Let us help.
www.lifepittsburgh.org
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help.
SHALER
❘ winter 2018
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