HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N
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.
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.
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
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WEST MIFFLIN
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WINTER 2018
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