SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: HEALTH & WELLNESS
children’s beds the same for them. Add
extra pillows for comfort and a favorite
stuffed animal to keep them company at
night. Keep lights down to a dim lamp
or nightlight to make the room dark
enough for sleeping.
• Keep electronics out or off.
Electronics produce a blue light that
sends a signal to your brain to stop the
release of melatonin, making it harder
to fall asleep. On top of wanting to text
with friends or check social media,
children and teens will give any excuse
to stay awake. Electronic devices are best
left in the dark at bedtime. • Eat well for luscious locks. Think your
diet has nothing to do with the way your
hair looks? Think again. Hair quality
can change over time with continual
consumption of processed foods. Keep
a healthy diet full of nutrient-rich foods
including healthy fats, dark leafy greens,
and fish and you’ll be on your way to
radiant hair.
BAD HAIR DAYS?
If you seem to be having a stint of bad
hair days, maybe your body is trying to
tell you something. Poor hair condition
could be a sign of physical or psychological
issues.
Keeping an Eye on Your Hair
• Increase water intake. Dehydration
becomes evident in many forms, but
one lesser known form is brittle hair.
Increasing water consumption has many
benefits, including improving the look
and feel of your hair.
• Hair loss may be a sign of bigger
issues. It is normal to lose 80-100 hairs
per day. Feel like you are losing more
than that? Stress and anxiety could be
the cause. If you can’t identify specific
stressors, talk to your doctor. Excessive
hair loss could be a sign of other health
problems.
HEAR ALL ABOUT IT
Although hearing loss is most
commonly associated with aging, it could
happen at any time and can be caused by
environmental conditions like working
in a noisy environment, earwax buildup,
or inner ear damage. According to the
National Center for Health Statistics, the
average person waits six years after the first
signs of hearing loss to get checked by a
doctor. Hearing problems are considered
an undertreated issue for reasons including
patient denial, vanity, and less awareness
of issues associated with hearing loss. With
the oldest Baby Boomers entering their
70s, an age at which many individuals only
start seeking medical attention for hearing
ailments, it is important to take charge at
the first signs of trouble.
A study on the psychological effects of
hearing loss was done for the American
Psychology Association and focused on
mental health in patients who suffer from
hearing loss. The National Council on
Aging study found that 2,304 people who
suffered from hearing loss but used no
form of treatment were 50% more likely
to suffer from sadness or depression than
individuals who wore hearing aids. It
revealed that individuals not using hearing
aids showed more signs of anger, anxiety
and frustration, causing them to be less
involved in social activities than those
who wear aids. The risk for dementia
also increases in patients who suffer from
hearing loss, due to sensory loss and
growing social isolation, pointed out in
a study conducted by the Archives of
Neurology.
Start becoming aware of the signs of
hearing loss, and consult your doctor or
audiologist if you start to notice some of
the symptoms:
• Trouble hearing over the phone
• Vertigo, causing dizziness, pain, or
ringing in the ears
• Mumbled voices
• Having to ask others to repeat
themselves often
• Avoidance of social situations
• Having a family medical history of
hearing loss
Individuals with hearing loss may often
be reluctant to face the reality, but may
not know about the deeper implications of
letting it go untreated. If you or someone
you know may be experiencing some of
the symptoms of hearing loss, be sure
to understand and share the benefits of
seeking treatment.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN
As we learned in grade school, our
largest organ is our skin. Our skin regulates
body temperature, protects against the
elements, and gives us the feeling of
different sensations. Since our skin does so
much for us, it is important to take care of
it. A skin care routine is important for men
and women of all ages, although it will vary
throughout the years.
Teenage Years
When starting your first skin care
routine, it’s important to first determine
your skin type. It’s pretty simple to figure
out whether oily, dry, or combination.
Between breakouts and blemishes, think
about how your skin feels on a day-to-day
basis. Here are some do’s and don’ts about
treating your skin during your teens:
• DO: Pick a cleanser, scrub, toner, and
moisturizer that are meant for your
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