IN West Allegheny Winter 2016 | Page 22

SPECIAL SECTION : HEALTHY LIVING
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 !
u Wear sunscreen . u 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 .
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 hormone can cause bone loss and women are likely to experience increased bone loss during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels . After longterm use , some medications may also cause bone loss .
It is important to ensure proper health and nutrition for bones to stay strong throughout your life . Adequate calcium intake and physical activity can help keep bones healthy .
Chiropractic Care
Back pain is one of Americans ’ most common medical ailments and chiropractic care is a natural , drug-free way to combat pain . The nervous system controls all of the cells and organs in your body , which is why chiropractors focus on the health of the spine being properly aligned .
Chiropractic care can be a resource for patients suffering from a variety of different conditions such as lower back pain , neck pain , headaches , fibromyalgia , sciatica , spinal stenosis , ear infections , neurological conditions , or scoliosis . Patients with these types of issues often seek professional chiropractic therapy to relieve the pain they are experiencing rather than taking medication to relieve their ailments . Chiropractic care can start by addressing general wellness or looks directly at disease prevention .
Making an appointment to visit a chiropractor can provide several health benefits including :
u Improved sleep u More energy u Better mood u Reduced need for medication u Relief from pain
Foot Health
It is important to stay healthy from head to toe , including your feet . There are 26 bones and 33 joints in your foot and ankle , making the possibility for issues very high . From sprains and fractures , to ingrown toenails , bunions , corns , and athlete ’ s foot , we may find ourselves
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