IN West Jefferson Hills Winter 2019 | Page 22

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: of benefits to canceling your package at the tanning salon and quitting smoking would take up this entire article, but for skin’s sake, give them up! Treatment Years Now is the time to treat the years of damage that the sun and other elements have caused to your skin. • Put the right nutrients into your body. It’s important to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs on the inside for radiant skin on the outside. This includes lots of water! • Take cover when heading outside. SPF products shouldn’t be skipped at this age either and should be applied daily. Try adding a hat and cover your skin to prevent overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun, even in the cooler months. • Find a good retinoid. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids boost collagen production in the skin to stimulate blood vessels and unclog pores. HEALTH & WELLNESS and it is expected that computer simulations will account for much of the learning style in the future. Both teachers and parents are finding that children are adapting well to the use of technology in the classroom, making learning more interactive and current than most textbook learning. The AOA’s 2015 American Eye-Q survey stated that 41 percent of parents say their kids spend three or more hours per day using digital devices, and 66 percent of kids have their own smartphone or tablet. As technology becomes more of an essential part of modern life, it is important for parents to facilitate balance in their children’s digital usage. Electronic devices, including televisions, give off blue and violet light that may affect vision by causing eyestrain and discomfort. If your child has to do homework using a computer or tablet, then keep the television and other devices off during dinnertime and enjoy conversation together. Optometrists also researched the importance of natural sunlight exposure to the eyes and say that a lack of exposure to natural light could affect the growth and development of vision. Digital eyestrain symptoms • Burning • Itchy or tired • Increased headaches • Fatigue • Blurry vision • Head and neck pain The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year. KEEP YOUR TEETH & GUMS HEALTHY SEEING INTO THE FUTURE Twenty-first century children will be looking beyond genetics as a cause for needing corrective eyewear, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). In the Digital Age, children are exposed to electronic devices their whole lives as an integral part of social and educational practices. Teachers are continuing to increase the amount of digital technology used in the classroom, 20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ A big smile can say a lot about your overall health, so if you’ve been skipping out on the dentist, you may want to schedule your visit. A yearly dental visit protects against poor oral health that can lead to greater problems down the road. Good oral hygiene, including brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can protect against the damaging effects of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is due to plaque and icmags.com tartar buildup on teeth, leaving gums red, swollen, and irritated. When left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. A more serious and painful disease, periodontitis causes gums to pull away from teeth, allowing bacteria to build in the pockets between. Due to the infection and inflammation, your body’s 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/