SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
HEALTH & WELLNESS
natural reaction is to fight the bacteria, which can lead to
breakdown of the bones and tissue around your teeth.
Studies also suggest that poor oral health is related to
systemic diseases including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke, and
heart disease. Routine visits to your dentist can identify oral
problems before they become painful and more serious. So
how can you protect your pearly whites against long-term
health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see immediate benefits, but
you’ll be saving your gum health in the long run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper nutrients your teeth
and gums need to stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most significant risk factors
in developing gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months.
NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you work in a sedentary
environment, your response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal
pain is caused by excessive sitting throughout the day,
leading to slouching, hunching over, and muscles in your
body going without use for hours. Studies are finding that
although a regular workout routine helps, it won’t combat
the constant weight on your rump. Although some offices
are moving toward healthier options, such as convertible
stand up/sit down desks or treadmill desks (if you have the
skill to think and walk at the same time), most of us have to
face our chairs every day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative effects, such as
stiffness and poor circulation, of constant sitting:
• Get up and move! If you find yourself sitting for extended
periods of time, you need to break the habit. Schedule
an alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and take a lap
around your office. Manage your time effectively by going
to pick up your paper from the printer or grabbing a glass
of water. Even better? Visit a co-worker to talk about a
project instead of sending an email.
• Establish proper sitting habits. Keep your back
straight, feet at 90 degrees, and eyes level with the top of
your computer screen. Make sure your shoulders aren’t
hunched when resting your elbows on your desk to type.
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