IN Woodland Hills Winter 2018 | Page 27

HEALTH & WELLNESS S P E C I A L S E C T I O N diet high in fiber and consumption of probiotics found in yogurt. Skin Most likely, if you are unhealthy on the inside, it will show on the outside. Your skin often mirrors your body’s true overall health, so a healthy diet, exercise, and drinking lots of water will do wonders. But keep in mind: there are other ways to make your skin shine bright! • Wear sunscreen. • Get a full night’s sleep. • Exfoliate to shrink pores. • Hydrate your face, neck, and chest. • Always wash off dirt and makeup before bed. • Keep shower water warm, not hot. • Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp. • Keep your hands off your face. • Sanitize your cell phone. Bones Bones are an important part of your body but often forgotten. They protect vital organs and provide structure to your body. Building and maintaining strong bones is important from childhood to adulthood. There are many factors that determine bone health, the most common being age. Bones become thinner as we age, with women at greater risk of osteoporosis because they have less bone tissue than men. Genetics and race also play a large role. Those who are white or of Asian descent are at a greater risk, as are those with a family history of osteoporosis. Too much of the thyroid hormone can cause bone loss, and women are likely to experience increased bone loss during menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. With long-term use, some medications may also cause bone loss. It is important to ensure proper health and nutrition for bones to stay strong throughout your life. Adequate calcium intake and physical activity can help keep bones healthy. Back and Neck Care Back pain is one of Americans’ most common medical ailments. Chiropractic and other specialized care centers can be a resource for patients suffering from a variety of conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, sciatica, spinal stenosis, ear infections, neurological conditions, or scoliosis. The nervous system controls all of the cells and organs in your body, which is why chiropractors focus on the health and proper alignment of the spine. Patients with the types of issues above often seek professional chiropractic therapy to relieve the pain they are experiencing rather than taking medication. Chiropractic care can start by addressing general wellness or looking directly at disease prevention. Patients have reported several health benefits including: • Improved sleep • More energy • Better mood • Reduced need for medication • Relief from pain Some general ways to keep your back and neck healthy are regular exercise, stress management, proper posture, healthy weight, nutrition for strong bones, wearing appropriate shoes, and not smoking. n WOODLAND HILLS ❘ WINTER 2018 25