HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
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. These cause
wear on the nerve cells in the cochlea
that send sound to the brain. When they
are damaged, signals aren’t transmitted
as effectively, 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 earmuffs 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. There are several conditions
that are linked to oral health including
endocarditis and cardiovascular disease.
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When bacteria from your mouth—or
other parts of your body—spread
through your bloodstream, they can
attach 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, floss, 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 fit 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 shows
that people with optimistic attitudes have
higher odds of having ideal cardiovascular
health when compared to pessimistic
people. The study analyzed “the mental
health, levels of optimism, and physical