HEALTHY Living SUMMER 2022
contact us Medicine Hat Office 3257 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3R2 403.527.1101 www.medicinehatnews.com What the nutrients found in many fruits and vegetables do for your body 3 Weightlifting tips for beginners 6 How to stay mentally sharp after retirement 8 7 common fitness mistakes to avoid 10 The brain-boosting benefits of word games 12 Warning signs of mental illness 12 Fast facts about the sun 14 Warning signs of thyroid issues 14 Dental hygiene is about more than just your teeth 15 HEALTHY Living SUMMER 2022 2 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
What the nutrients found in many fruits and vegetables do for your body A nutritious diet can serve as a strong foundation for a long, healthy life. Fruits and vegetables are the building blocks of nutritious diets, as they’re loaded with nutrients that serve the body in myriad ways. • Calcium: Dark, leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli, and bok choi contain calcium. Calcium also is found fruits, including papaya and orange. According to the National Institutes of Health, the body utilizes calcium to build and maintain strong bones. In fact, the NIH notes that almost all calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, where this vital mineral provides structure and hardness. Calcium also helps nerves carry messages from the brain to every part of the body. • Dietary fiber: Dietary fiber is found in various fruits and vegetables. The Cleveland Clinic notes that berries like raspberries and blackberries contain significant amounts of dietary fiber. Pears, artichoke hearts and Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber as well. A high-fiber diet helps stabilize bowel movements and maintain bowel health, and WebMD notes that studies have found a link between high-fiber diets and a lower risk for colorectal cancer. Studies also have linked fiber-rich foods with heart-friendly outcomes like reduced inflammation and lower cholesterol. • Magnesium: The Mayo Clinic reports that magnesium supports muscle and nerve function and energy production. Individuals with chronically low levels of magnesium could be at increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. The NIH notes that magnesium is widely distributed in plants. That means it can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including spinach, edamame, black beans, bananas, and broccoli. Magnesium levels vary significantly in these foods, so anyone concerned about magnesium deficiency can speak with their physicians about the best and healthiest ways to include more in their diets. • Vitamin A: According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, vitamin A stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, helps maintain healthy cells that line the body’s interior surfaces and regulates cell growth and division necessary for reproduction. Green, leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamin A, as are orange and yellow vegetables like carrots and squash. Vitamin A also can be found in cantaloupe, apricots and mangos. • Potassium: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans established by the United States Department of Agriculture list beat greens, lima beans, swiss chard, baked potatoes (with skin), and yams as great sources of potassium. Kiwi, melon, cantaloupe, and bananas are additional sources of potassium. The T.H. Chan School of Public Health reports that the main role of potassium in the body is to help maintain normal levels of fluid inside the cells. Potassium also supports a normal blood pressure. The nutrients found in various fruits and vegetables go a long way toward building stronger, healthier bodies. HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022 | 3
We Cater To Cowards 403 - 526 - 2425 Suite 104, 1840 Strachan Road S.E. (across the parking lot from Save on Foods) Dr. Mark McKenna 4 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
If you can relate to any of the above, please know that there is help for you, right here in Medicine Hat! We understand that you may be fearful, especially if you have had a difficult experience in the past, and we would love the opportunity to help you conquer that fear. Our goal is to help patients restore their oral health and reach the place where they are happy with their smiles. Thankfully, we have many patients who are now not only completely at ease in our office, but also very happy with their smiles! We welcome you to join them in this quest and will do our utmost to help you along the way. Perhaps the thought of calling and booking a dental appointment already makes you feel faint and brings your knees to knocking. Maybe you haven’t booked an appointment because you are scared of what will happen at the first appointment. Please let us assure you that it does not have to be scary. After Dr. McKenna’s new patient examination, you will have a clear understanding of the health of your teeth and gums; you will know the results of your oral cancer screening; you will know the priority sequence of how to achieve optimal oral health; and you will be on your way to conquering your dental fear! More than likely, you will have shared a joke and a laugh with Dr. Mark and one of his kind dental assistants, you will have had the opportunity to chat and ask questions, and you will leave with the sense that you have learned a lot about your mouth and how to keep both it, and your body healthy. New patients tell us all the time how thorough they find their new patient visits to be, which is very encouraging to us! We truly understand that your fear is real. We also know that the longer you procrastinate, the worse your fear gets. So, what if you call to schedule a visit so that you can get over your fear? We will not lecture you – we promise! Instead, we will take the time to answer your questions and help you in the best way we know how. You may end up wondering why you waited so long to meet us. Dental care available at Strachan Corner Dental * Annual cancer screenings for denture patients * Partial and complete dentures * Comprehensive examinations * Hygiene care * Restorations * Root canals * Extractions * Crowns & Bridges * Implant restorations * Aesthetic options * Sports guards and spacers * Periodontal bruxism appliances All ages welcome! We enjoy everyone, from wee little children to our wonderful seniors! And remember, we welcome even the most timid patients!! 403-526-2425 | Suite 104, 1840 Strachan Road S.E. (across the parking lot from Save on Foods) WELCOME TO STRACHAN CORNER DENTAL, WHERE WE CATER TO COWARDS! • Do you feel like a chicken when it comes to seeing a dentist? • Have you ever had a traumatic experience at a dental office? • Does the mention of the word ‘dentist’ cause you inner panic? • Are you embarrassed about the condition of your teeth? HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022 | 5
Strength training is a vital component of an effective exercise regimen. Guidelines from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommend adults include moderate- to high-intensity strength training activities in their workout regimens at least twice per week. Individuals with little weightlifting experience may not recognize the value of strength training, which is often associated with building as much muscle as possible. Though strength training helps build muscle, it’s also a great way to burn fat. Muscle increases resting metabolic rate, which means individuals who engage in strength training will burn more fat during rest than they would if they did not include such exercise in their workout regimens. Stronger muscles also provide more support to bones and connective tissues, which reduces injury risk. That’s an especially important benefit for aging men and women. As valuable as strength training is, it’s imperative that individuals approach weightlifting and other strength-building exercises with a measure of caution. Improper form or going too hard too soon can increase injury risk. Beginners can heed these tips as they acclimate to strength training. • Work with a personal trainer. Proper form is imperative to avoiding injury while strength training, and personal trainers can guide individuals through an assortment of exercises to make sure they’re performing them correctly. If a Weightlifting tips for beginners long-term commitment to a personal trainer is beyond your financial means, find a trainer with limited commitment packages or one who lets clients pay on a session-by-session basis. Many fitness facilities include one or two free personal trainer consultations for new members, so take advantage of these opportunities when they’re offered. If you plan to work out at home, ask a friend with weightlifting experience to show you the correct form or watch online tutorials. • Begin with light weight. Beginners should avoid reaching for the heaviest dumbbells on the rack. Mastering form is vital at the beginning stages of a new strength training program, so go for lighter weights and gradually add weight as your body acclimates. If you find yourself completing a set without much effort, you can add a little more weight. But start with light weight and build from there. • Warm up with some light cardio prior to lifting any weight. The fitness experts at Gold’s Gym note that some light warmup prior to a strength training workout increases range of motion, decreases injury risk and contributes to more permanent change in muscles. Keep warmup sessions to between five and 10 minutes, opting for anything from a low-intensity jog on a treadmill or session on an elliptical. After warming up, perform some stretches that target the muscles you’ll be focusing on during your workout. A trainer or online tutorial can be good sources of stretches to perform before working out a particular muscle group. • Recognize the need for recovery. Rest and recovery is vital for any athlete, and that includes strength training beginners who are not yet lifting a lot of weight. Rest helps to build lean muscle tissue and prevents injuries. When planning a strength training regimen, ensure muscles get adequate rest by never working out the same muscle groups on consecutive days. Strength training beginners should take things slowly and gradually change their routines as their bodies become more acclimated to exercises designed to make them stronger. 6 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
As the city’s original trained laser surgeon, Dr. Jeffery has been a champion for women’s health in Medicine Hat for over 30 years. The MonaLisa Touch is a breakthrough, non-surgical, non-hormonal treatment for vaginal rejuvenation. By promoting elastin and collagen production in the outer and inner layers of tissue, this technology helps menopausal women regain firmness and hydration in the most intimate areas of the body. MonaLisa Touch can assist women struggling with the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including sexual discomfort, itching, dryness, urinary incontinence, burning sensations and vaginal irritation. New Light Laser & Aesthetics is honoured to be the only clinic in Southeast Alberta to offer the MonaLisa Touch treatment. Our mission is to help women appreciate their beauty and feel more confident. Book a free consultation with Dr. Jeffery or one of his medical aestheticians to discuss your ideal treatment plan. New Light Laser & Aesthetics offers innovative laser and aesthetic treatments that generate incredible results and encourage our patients’ self-confidence! The medical professionals on the New Light team operate with consistent and uncompromising adherence to the medical code of conduct. Patients can trust that all our products and services are provided under a Specialist Physician supervision and backed by clinically proven results. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Facial Peels • Vivier Products • Laser Treatments • Help with Acne • Help with Aging • Help with Scarring • Skin Tightening • Laser Hair Removal • Tattoo Removal • Vaginal Rejuvenation • Body Sculpting NEWLIGHTLASER.CA 403.525.6159 NORWOOD PROFESSIONAL CENTRE 2810 – 13TH AVE. SE, UNIT 301 All New Light Laser Techs are Diploma Certified Cosmetic Aestheticians #41453453/06/18/2022 HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022 | 7
If asked to describe how they envision retirement, many professionals might reference travel, time spent with grandchildren and various recreational pursuits. Few, if any, would mention cognitive decline. However, cognitive decline poses a significant threat to aging men and women, especially during retirement. Researchers have long since recognized that certain cognitive abilities begin to decline with advanced age, even among elderly individuals who are healthy. However, despite that decline, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that dementias like Alzheimer’s disease are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, the CDC estimates that as many as 40 percent of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. In addition, the CDC reports that it’s not uncommon for routine memory, skills and knowledge to stabilize or even improve as the brain ages. That’s good news for retirees who want to spend their post-work life pursuing their passions and hobbies. Individuals also can embrace some strategies to stay mentally sharp in retirement. • Consider delaying retirement. Even if early retirement is a dream, it might be better to work a little longer than you had planned. A 2021 study published in the journal SSM - Population Health found that postponed retirement is beneficial to cognitive function for all genders, races/ethnicities, educational levels, and professional status. The study reported that individuals who waited until age 67 to retire experienced less cognitive decline than those who retired prior to turning 67. • Make exercise part of your retirement routine. A lack of structure may seem enticing to individuals who have spent How to stay mentally sharp after retirement decades working. However, many retirees find that little structure loses it appeal quickly after calling it quits. When creating a new routine in retirement, include regular exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies indicate that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function. So daily exercise not only gives retirees something to do, but also benefits their brains. • Enroll in an adult education course. A 2014 study published in the journal JAMA Neurology examined the association between lifetime intellectual enrichment and cognitive decline in the older population. The study’s authors found that higher levels of late-life cognitive activity were associated with higher levels of cognition. The study’s authors concluded that lifetime intellectual enrichment might delay the onset of cognitive impairment. Retirees can look into adult learning programs at local colleges and universities to see if anything piques their interest. Retirement can be everything professionals hope it will be, especially for those who make a concerted effort to maintain optimal cognitive function after they call it a career. 8 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
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It is important to follow appropriate guidance when pursuing fitness goals. However, with so much information available online, it can be challenging to sift through the advice and determine what is safe and effective and what is not. Fitness enthusiasts may make certain mistakes along the way to achieving their goals. Recognizing which practices should be avoided can lower risk of injury and produce the desired results. 1. Skipping warm-up Warm-ups are vital before a workout. They help muscles in the body become acclimated to exercise by gradually building up heart rate and muscle flexibility and endurance. A warm-up can include walking, biking or light repetitions of exercises. 2. Getting caught up in “low-fat” foods It is important to eat a balanced diet that includes real, wholesome foods, according to Lucky 13 Fitness. Many people fill their carts with sugar-free desserts or fat-free items thinking this is healthy eating. When fat or sugar is removed, chemicals often replace these ingredients. Rather than embracing an extreme diet, focus on balance and moderation. 3. “Cheat days” Some people operate under the assumption that the weekend or another less regimented day is an opportunity to let loose and stray from a diet and exercise regimen. This can be a mistake. A better approach is to find a routine that has enough balance so a person doesn’t feel like he or she needs to go off the rails to indulge. 4. Using the “I’m busy” excuse There is no such thing as being too busy to exercise. Making exercise a necessary part of a daily routine requires finding time for fitness. Individuals may need to squeeze in exercise in the early morning before work or school. If exercise seems to be getting in the way of family time, engage in a group workout with the kids or your spouse. 5. Pushing too hard Many people exercise under the assumption that “more is more.” Injuries can occur when one pushes too far in a workout, particularly if he or she is lifting more weight than his or her body can handle. It is essential to give the body some time off to recuperate. Rest helps to prevent injuries. 6. Making vague goals Establishing fitness goals helps people reach markers that make it easy for them to gauge their success. Statements like “I want to lose weight” or “I want to get stronger” make it hard to measure progress, as they lack specificity. It is much better to make firm goals, such as specific pounds to lose or being able to lift a certain amount of weight by a predetermined date. 7. Hopping from program to program It’s tempting to try everything the gym or the fitness world has to offer. It is better to learn the basics and stick with a program for some time before moving on to another one; otherwise, you may never have enough time to master any routine. These are just a few of the fitness mistakes to avoid as you begin a journey to improved health and wellness. common fitness 7mistakes to avoid 10 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
2 SKILLS TO HELP YOU OWN YOUR HEALTH & HAPPINESS! by Coach Benj Heinrichs RUTHLESSLY SIMPLIFY If there is one thing that is going to have the biggest impact on your happiness, it’s to learn the skill of simplifying. There is not one area of my life that is improved by complexity. Time and again, research shows that a simple life (but not an easy life) is a satisfying life. The better you get at focusing on the few things that really matter to you and are worth struggling for, the more meaningful your life will be. Stop wasting time and energy on stuff that doesn’t matter. The fastest way to improve happiness is to eliminate negatives. It’s also the most difficult and maybe painful, but so worth it. The pain may be intense, but it’s likely short and the relief will come quick. Next, minimize decisions. The average person makes thousands of decisions each day. Making decisions take a huge amount of energy and the brain doesn’t rate their importance, so save your energy for the ones that actually matter. Prioritize and organize your life and environment so you don’t need to think about so many things. Finally, minimize and control access. You don’t need to be accessible by 10 different methods, 24 hours a day. This is stressful and doesn’t allow you to focus on those things you say matter to you. People are protective of their property and money, and don’t give a second thought to wasting time. Time is the one thing we should be the most stingy with, because we all have such a limited amount. LIFT HEAVY THINGS We’ve been told for decades now that we need to exercise. It’s true that the more you move your body, the better off you’ll be, but most exercise is overrated at best and downright harmful at worst. While I certainly advocate as much daily walking as you can fit in, the one thing you need to spend some time on is strength training. It has countless health benefits, and no one I know ever regretted getting stronger. Life is simply easier when you build some muscle. Other improvements include metabolic efficiency, increased confidence, bone density, and body composition to name a few. Best of all, you don’t need to spend hours in the gym pumping iron. Literally five to ten minutes a day of bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats or lunges, and crunches or planks are enough to significantly move the needle. If you like something a bit more structured, two or three 20 to 30 minute sessions a week will get the job done. Resistance bands are a great, inexpensive tool providing variable resistance that is extremely efficient at building muscle. Whether you choose something simple at home, or you go to the gym to use machines and free weights, the key is in the heading: lift heavy things. You do need to make sure it’s difficult, which could mean increasing the number of repetitions or the amount of weight. Either way, when you challenge your muscles, your body will adapt and get stronger. End result: just about everything you do will become easier, and you’ll feel better doing it. COACH BENJ HEINRICHS - “Medicine Hat's premier FITNESS, NUTRITION, & MINDSET COACH for sustainable health and happiness.” WHAT COACH BENJ OFFERS: FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK COACH BENJ, PLEASE VISIT WWW.OWNITWELLNESS.CA “I can't thank Benj enough for his help in simplifying and improving my health! He has done all the difficult research and is passionate about sharing this information to help people live better lives. I have improved my health in every way (sleep, food, exercise, breathing, relationships) with less time and money spent than before.” - Scott F. In-person “fitness,” “healthy eating,” and “healthy habits” consultations at The Ridge Spine & Sport Centre. To book a consultation, Call 403-527-7447 or Online www.ridgespinesport.com One-on-one and small group coaching: 90-Day “Strong, Fit, & Healthy For Life” programs. I’ll meet you wherever you’re at, and teach you simple and sustainable skills to be strong, fit, and healthy for life! Corporate: Coach Benj has been teaching and inspiring people through lectures, keynotes, seminars, and workshops for over two decades. #41450068/06/18/2022 HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022 | 11
Warning signs of mental illness The brainboosting benefits of word games Word games continue to be popular pastimes and provide a great opportunity to engage in lighthearted competition among family and friends. Wordle is perhaps the most popular word game to become popular in recent years. Created by software engineer and former Reddit employee Josh Wardle and launched in October 2021, Wordle was devised as a way to pass the time during the pandemic lockdown. Today it is played by millions of people and was even purchased by The New York Times Company in 2022. For those who are looking for something even newer, Knotwords, a word game created by Zach Gage and Jack Schlesinger, is available on iOS, Android and Steam. It’s a mix between a word scramble, crossword puzzle and sudoku. There are scores of other word games for people to try. In addition to their entertainment value, these games may provide some benefits that surprise even the most devoted wordsmiths. • Build your vocabulary: Word games enrich vocabulary and may introduce people to new words. They also may help reinforce spelling skills. • Improve focus: Nowadays people are pulled in many directions and are expected to multitask more than ever. Word games in large part require focusing exclusively on the task at hand and employing strategy. • Stimulate the brain: Word games require critical thinking skills that could stimulate the brain. Word games train the brain in a way that’s similar to how physical activity trains the body. • Improve memory: According to WebMD, word games may help seniors avoid memory loss and possibly delay the onset of dementia. But seniors are not the only ones to benefit. Word games may improve short-term memory and the cognitive abilities of people of all ages. • Boosts feel-good substances: When a person is happy, the body releases endorphins, which are feelgood hormones and neurotransmitters. Healthline indicates an “endorphin rush” often occurs after engaging in a fun activity. Endorphins are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Playing word games may release endorphins, which can improve mood, boost self-esteem and reduce pain and discomfort. These are just a handful of the many positive ways word games can affect the mind and body. Recognition of the vital role mental health plays in overall health has been on the rise in recent years. The pandemic undoubtedly contributed to that growing awareness, as individuals from all walks of life were forced to confront mental health issues stemming from the COVID-19 virus, fears about getting it and the measures implemented to prevent its spread. In late April 2022, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases throughout the pandemic, indicated in an interview with PBS NewsHour that the United States was out of the pandemic phase of COVID-19, even though the virus would not be eradicated. Though the world might be gradually emerging from the pandemic, mental health issues related to it could linger far longer. Mental health disorders like depression affect hundreds of millions of people across the globe. A 2021 report from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation indicated that approximately 280 million people in the world have depression, making it the most common mental health disorder across the globe. Tens of millions more have been diagnosed with other mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses. Mental health statistics are estimates and don’t necessarily reflect the real scope of mental health disorders, many of which go unreported or undiagnosed due to various factors, including lack of access to health care. That underscores the importance individuals from all walks of life must place on learning to recognize the common signs of mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness notes that each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs may include the following: • Excessive worrying or fear • Feeling excessively sad or low • Confused thinking or difficulty concentrating and learning • Extreme mood changes • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger • Avoiding friends or social activities • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired or low energy • Changes in eating habits, such as increased hunger or lack of appetite • Changes in sex drive • Overuse of substances, including alcohol or drugs • Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes, such as headaches, stomach aches or vague and ongoing “aches and pains” • Suicidal thoughts Though the world is emerging from the pandemic, many mental healthrelated issues that have arisen since 2020 may linger in the months and years to come. More information, including how to find support for mental health issues, can be found at www.nami.org. 12 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
TODAY, MISSING A FEW WORDS IS A FEW TOO MANY. When you lose hearing, you lose it permanently, you cannot return to 20/20 hearing. Our goal is to work with you to help maximize the amount of hearing you have left. Hearing loss is one of the world’s most common health problems. Trying to hide or compensate for a hearing loss is much more obvious than wearing any pair of hearing aids. At Hale Hearing, we allow patients to try out hearing aids at no cost for 30 days, in order for them to truly realize how it can improve their lives. His advice for people trying out hearing aids for this fi rst time: Wear them, wear them, wear them - all the time, every waking hour, then, go back and talk with your practitioner. Your satisfaction will vastly improve if you do those two things. Your hearing has to be relearned, not just purchased. When you fi rst begin using hearing aids, your brain will be startled to receive these signals that, up until now, have been missing. It is a learning process, much diff erent than putting on a pair of glasses and enjoying improved vision instantaneously. Remember, the job of your hearing aids is to help maximize your current hearing levels. It just takes time, patience and practice. Stick with it! Once you reach the end of the learning curve and your brain has been successfully retrained to every day sounds, you will be able to better hear and understand things around you, and you will no longer miss out on so many of life’s special moments. I am here with my clients every step of the way – helping them achieve the best hearing that they can have. Allen has been improving people’s hearing in Medicine Hat since 1997. Hearing aids have made remarkable improvements in the last few years, and can now help with many types of hearing loss. So if you feel that it’s time give Allen a call at Hale Hearing and let us see how we can help. Please call 403-526-0633 today to book an appointment. Hale Hearing is located in the Co-op Mall on 13th Avenue SE. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, sound plays an important role in our lives. Whether it’s alerting us to danger, delivering needed information, or simply making us laugh, smile, or cry, sound informs, entertains and connects us to the world. Help for hearing loss at Hale Hearing “When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing loss.” -Mark Ross, Ph.D The sooner we seek treatment for hearing problems, the more successful we’ll be. 103,3030 13th Ave. SE • www.halehearing.com • Co-op Mall • 403-526-0633 BC - HIS Board Certifi ed Hearing Instrument Specialist 41346698 Experience better hearing with our 30 day FREE trial period. Dementia Adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. severe loss moderate loss mild loss T I MES MORE LIK E L Y 2x 3x 5x Cognitive Decline Adults with untreated hearing loss experience a 30-40% faster decline in cognitive abilities. 30% 40% 41452302 Consequences of untreated hearing loss! HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022 | 13
Warning signs of thyroid issues Thyroid disease may not be the most familiar medical condition, but it’s more common than the average person may realize. A 2013 report in the journal The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology indicated that thyroid diseases affect an estimated 200 million people worldwide. To put that in perspective, the combined population of the United Kingdom and Japan is right around 195 million people. Perhaps the most troubling reality surrounding thyroid disease is its status as a silent threat. According to the American Thyroid Association, up to 60 percent of people with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Learning to spot the warning signs of various thyroid conditions could compel millions of people across the globe to seek potentially lifesaving treatment. Spotting hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid. The role of the thyroid is to produce thyroid hormones that are secreted into the blood and then carried to tissue throughout the body. Thyroid hormones perform a variety of important functions, such as helping the body use energy and ensuring organs, including the heart, function properly. The ATA notes that, when individuals are hypothyroid, their blood does not contain enough thyroid hormones. Spotting hypothyroidism can be difficult, as the ATA reports that the condition does not have any characteristic symptoms that people with it always have. In addition, symptoms of hypothyroidism are often found in people with other diseases. That said, the Houstonbased Medinet Family Care Clinic notes that some warning signs of hypothyroidism include: • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight • Constipation • Fatigue • Dry skin • Thinning hair • Hoarse feeling in the throat • Sensitivity to the cold • Muscle weakness • Joint pain Spotting hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism occurs when there is too much thyroid hormones in the blood. The ATA notes that excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone speeds up every process in the body. This leads to symptoms such as: • Nervousness • Irritability • Increased sweating • Heart racing • Hand tremors • Anxiety • Difficulty sleeping Additional symptoms of hyperthyroidism include fine, brittle hair and muscle weakness, particularly in the upper arms and thighs. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that women are more likely than men to develop hyperthyroidism. Women who develop hyperthyroidism may experience a lighter menstrual flow and less frequent menstrual periods. Thyroid disease is more common than many people may realize. Individuals experiencing symptoms associated with thyroid disease are urged to contact their physicians immediately. Fast facts about the sun The sun makes life on Earth possible. While the warmth and light provided are beneficial for many reasons, the dark side of the sun is the potential damage that can be caused by ultraviolet radiation. These facts about sunlight and UV rays, courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the FactFile and NASA, can help people make more informed choices about spending time in the sun. • There are three types of UV rays. UVA reaches Earth’s surface because the atmosphere does little to shield these rays. UVA rays contribute to ailments like wrinkling and can penetrate through windows and clouds. UVB rays largely are thwarted by the atmosphere. However, latitude, altitude and time of year may increase the likelihood of UVB ray exposure, which is often the culprit behind skin cancer. UVC rays are completely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and don’t pose a significant threat, even though they have the highest energy levels of all three types of UV rays. • The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its highest in the sky. The ultraviolet radiation will be less severe early in the morning and later in the day. • Snow, water and sand reflect the damaging rays from the sun and can increase a person’s risk for sunburn. • The higher up in altitude a person goes, the stronger the sun’s rays become. Therefore, sun exposure in the mountains can be more dangerous than exposure at sea level. • Areas closest to the equator will get the longest hours of sunlight. The sun’s rays are much stronger near the equator. • Australia ranks near the top of the skin cancer risk list along with New Zealand. These countries are located close to the ozone layer hole over the Antarctic. In addition, during summer, the Earth’s orbit places Australia closer to the sun compared to other countries. That results in an additional solar UV intensity, according to Specialist Clinics of Australia. • UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and can cause it to prematurely age. • UVB rays damage the outermost layers of the skin and contribute to the most skin cancers. Overexposure to UVB rays causes delayed sunburns. • While the sun is more intense during spring and summer, sun glare may be a bigger problem in the fall and winter. The sun during the colder months takes a lower angled route when rising, rather than seemingly going straight up, which it does in the summer. That keeps the sun in a blinding position for a longer period of time in the fall and winter. • The sun’s energy is produced by the fusion of hydrogen into helium. Nuclear reactions occur in the core of the sun due to temperature and pressure. The sun also emits infrared radiation, visible light and ultraviolet light. 14 | HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022
WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Individuals tend to learn about dental hygiene at an early age. On the recommendation of their children’s pediatricians, parents may begin brushing their youngsters’ teeth the moment the first tooth breaks through the gums. While proper dental hygiene is vital to oral health, it also can have a profound effect on the rest of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, poor oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions. Periodontitis is a severe yet preventable gum infection that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. But the threat of periodontitis doesn’t end in the mouth. The American Academy of Periodontology notes there’s a connection between periodontitis and several other diseases. While bacteria was long suspected to be the link between periodontitis and other diseases in the body, the AAP notes that recent research points to inflammation as the culprit that connects periodontitis with diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes The AAP notes that people with diabetes are at increased risk for periodontal disease, speculating that diabetes patients’ risk is higher because people with diabetes are more vulnerable to infections than those without diabetes. While that suggests periodontal disease is a byproduct of diabetes, the AAP notes that research points to the relationship being a two-way street. Periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, making dental hygiene an especially vital component of routine healthcare for people with diabetes. Heart disease The AAP notes that research indicates periodontal disease increases a person’s risk for heart disease, with the inflammation caused by the former leading to the latter. People with existing heart conditions also may find that periodontal disease exacerbates those conditions. The Mayo Clinic notes that the link between heart disease and periodontal disease is not fully understood, but enough studies have been conducted for scientists to support the notion that the two are connected. Can periodontal disease be prevented? Periodontal disease is preventable. A daily dental hygiene regimen that includes brushing after meals, flossing at least once per day and swishing with mouthwash are some simple, healthy habits that can prevent periodontal disease. In addition, the AAP recommends that people at increased risk for periodontal disease, including the elderly and smokers, should discuss their risk with their dental professionals. Dental hygiene can do more for individuals than produce a mouthful of pearly white teeth. In fact, people who prioritize dental hygiene may lower their risks for various diseases. Dental hygiene is about more than just your teeth HEALTHY Living • SUMMER 2022 | 15
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