SPECIAL SECTION : HEALTHY LIVING
u Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) – A chronic digestive disease , GERD is defined as experiencing acid reflux and heartburn at least twice a week . GERD affects 20 percent of Americans and can cause persistent bad breath , tooth erosion , nausea , pain in chest or upper abdomen , or it can make swallowing and breathing hard to do . u 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 overthe-counter creams may provide relief from hemorrhoids . u 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 .
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 hiding our foot problems in a pair of shoes . But overlooking foot health can lead to greater problems if left untreated . Taking a few simple steps to ensure foot health is easy to do :
u Keep feet clean and dry . u Make sure to trim toenails regularly and straight across . u Wear shoes that fit properly . u Don ’ t ignore discolored or cracking toenails . u Wear shoes in public places to avoid fungal infections .
Overall Health
Overall health and well-being starts from the inside out . Begin by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to work properly . You will have more energy and feel better every single day that you eat healthy , nutritious foods , drink plenty of water , and get in some exercise . While physical wellness is crucial for a healthy life , it is important not to overlook mental wellness . This includes emotional , psychological , and social well-being . Mental health is important throughout all stages of life from childhood to adulthood . While good physical health directly affects mental health , you should care for your mental health in different ways .
u Love yourself and treat yourself with kindness and respect . u Surround yourself with people who make you happy . u Meditate and / or pray to provide yourself with time to silently reflect on all of the positive aspects of life . u Try something new to break away from the daily grind . u Get help when you feel like you cannot help yourself . n
20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West Mifflin