HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
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 are:
• Food Intolerance – Often confused
with food allergy, food intolerance likely
allows you to eat a small amount of an
offending food without any issues (while
a food allergy could be life-threatening).
Causes of intolerance include celiac
disease, sensitivity to food additives,
food toxins, and absence of an enzyme
needed to fully digest a food.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
(GERD) – A chronic digestive disease,
GERD is defined as experiencing acid
reflux and heartburn at least twice a
week. It affects 20 percent of Americans
and can cause persistent bad breath,
tooth erosion, nausea, and pain in the
chest or upper abdomen, or it can make
swallowing and breathing hard to do.
• 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.
• 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.
Pet Health
• Change up your pet’s exercise routine – Outdoor walks may be limited in
cold winter months, so change your play routine to ensure adequate exercise
for your pet. See if your community has an indoor recreation area to get out
some energy.
• Adjust food portion sizes – To accommodate the fluctuation in activity,
adjust the amount of food and treats you give to your pet. Avoiding weight
gain during months that your pet is more sedentary is important.
• Limit bathing – Natural oils help your pet maintain a healthy coat during
dry winter months. Be sure to keep bathing to a minimum to reduce skin
issues. If you need to bathe your pets, be sure to dry them thoroughly, even if
they are staying in the house.
• Pets need moisturizer, too – In addition to limiting baths, help prevent
dry skin with coconut oil, a natural moisturizer that can aid flaky or cracking
skin.
• Wipe away chemicals – Wash and dry your pet’s paws and stomach to
remove chemicals from road salt after outdoor walks. These chemicals can
cause burns to paws and skin if not removed (plus you don’t want them in
your house). If your dog has furry feet, trim the fur between the pads to
prevent build-up of ice and snow.
• Prevent burns – Block off heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters
to prevent burns and accidents.
• Warm bed – Keep your pet’s sleeping area away from drafty doors and cold
floors. Providing a cozy bed will help keep pets warm during cold months.
• Watch for hazardous edibles – Keep holiday ornaments, lights, poinsettias,
alcohol, and chocolate out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion. If
you suspect your pet has ingested something hazardous, call your vet
immediately.
• Never leave your pet unattended in the car – No matter what season it is,
do not leave your pet in the car. Freezing cold temperatures are equally as
dangerous as the heat of the summer months. Leave your pet at home, or
find a pet sitter to stop by to visit while you’re out.
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.
Continued on page 25 >
WEST ALLEGHENY
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WINTER 2018
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