Special section:
HEALTHY LIVING
the television or radio, and avoidance of social
settings.
Hearing loss occurs when there is damage to
the inner ear, infection in the ear, or ruptured
eardrum. Damage to the inner ear 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.
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 e armuffs 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. 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. 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.
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
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 Association-approved metrics,
including blood pressure and body mass
index—increased right alongside optimism
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