hair loss could be a sign of other
health problems.
• 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.
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 skin type. Labels make it easy
to choose between the different
brands. Many brands have a line of
products developed especially for oily,
dry, or combination skin. It is still
important to put on moisturizer if you
have oily skin, but be sure to look for
one that is oil-free.
• DO: Look for a moisturizer or
foundation that has SPF! It is
important to keep something with SPF
on whenever you go outside to protect
your skin from the damaging effects of
the sun now and in the future (you’ll
be so glad you did).
• DON’T: Pick! You can pick
your friends, but don’t pick your
stubborn pimples! Although you might
want to rid yourself of whiteheads and
blackheads, resist the urge. This could
lead to long-term damaging effects on
your skin.
• DON’T: Leave makeup on overnight.
As tempting as it is to crash after a long
day, be sure to give your pores a rest
from makeup. Makeup-removing wipes
are a quick way to at least get a majority
of products off your face.
• DO: Be sure to wipe down your
cell phone. Bacteria can live on the
surface and cause major breakouts on
your cheeks and chin if not properly
sanitized.
Continued on page 26 >
UPPER ST. CLAIR
❘
WINTER 2019
23