IN Canon-Mac Winter 2016 | Page 24

SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY LIVING can happen with age, or constant exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time. These cause wear on the nerve cells in the cochlea that send sound to the brain. When they are damaged, signals aren’t transmitted 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 if you 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, also 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 tooth brush 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. Heart Health We are all aware that it is important to eat healthy and stay fit for heart health. A diet rich in plant foods and low in processed food and animal products lends itself to a happy heart. Paired with cardiovascular exercise, you’ve got it made for a healthy body. But have you ever thought of staying positive as a way to keep your heart healthy? A research study being done at the University of Illinois shows that people with optimistic attitudes have higher odds of having ideal cardiovascular health when compared to 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Canon-Mac pessimistic people. The study analyzed “the mental health, levels of optimism, and physical health of 5,100 adults ranging from 45 to 84 years of age. Heart health scores— based on American Heart Associationapproved metrics, including blood pressure and body mass index—increased right alongside optimism levels.” So when you’re feeling down, remember that staying positive affects more than just your day, so keep your head up and your heart happy. 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 digestive problems are: Food Intolerance – Often confused with a food allergy, food intolerance allows you to eat a small amount of the offending food without any issues (a food allergy could be life-threatening). Causes include celiac disease, sensitivity to food additives, food toxins, and absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. 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 u Continued on page 24 >