Teeth & Ear Care

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When we talk about health there is a tendency to think of physical illness and heading to the local doctor. But health encompasses much more than just what a doctor can do to serve your ailments. With that in mind, we are going to give a rundown here of some of the other health issues that you should make sure you are getting checked out for the greater benefit of your overall health.

Teeth

First of all, let’s discuss your teeth. You spend parts of your day brushing them, flossing them and all the other daily rituals surrounding teeth. However, how often do you ask yourself about how your teeth are? While the routine of cleaning your teeth is vital to their health, there are also other parts of dental hygiene that we should all be doing. For starters, it is important to make sure you are keeping up appearances with your dentist with a regular six-month appointment.

Outside of the dental surgery, there are other things that you should be doing, especially if you have concerns about the health of your teeth. Limiting acidic drinks and sugary snacks will benefit your teeth greatly and work in a complementary way with the previously daily routine. Your dental regime should consist of at least two thorough brushes and a floss.

Finally, when it comes to teeth, you should make sure you do everything you can to protect them. People who take part in competitive sports might want to consider wearing a mouth guard and everyone should avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food. That means loosening bottle caps, etc.

Hearing

Another part of our general health that we don’t always pay full attention to is the delicacy of our hearing. It might have been a while since your last hearing test and so that should be top of your agenda if that is the case. As we get older our hearing naturally deteriorates and we need to make sure we are taking full advantage of the medical professionals who specialize in this field of expertise. You can learn more about hearing tests before getting one so that you are confident of what to expect.

There are some methods that you can employ to look after your hearing such as wearing ear protection in noisy environments like when using a lawnmower or in a workplace where heavy machinery is being operated. Avoid listening to loud music through headphones for extended periods of time. Also, maintain good ear hygiene using some of the many products on the market designed for this purpose.

These are just two parts of your body that need your attention and there are many more that could be discussed. From your eyes to your joints and beyond there are medical professionals to seek advice from and maintenance that you need to ensure you are doing. Your health is the most important part of your life, so keep it in check for a good time.


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New Year Health Checkups

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Unfortunately,  we aren’t immortal, and no matter how much we manage our diet and exercise our bodies, we go through a process of wear and tear as we get older, which means it’s a good idea to have a quick check-up from time to time; and what better time than the New Year to schedule some routine check-ups.  Here are five recommended check ups to consider in the new year.

 

EYE TEST

The majority of people today, particularly given the intensive use of computers, televisions, and mobile devices we all use require a little help to correct their sight; as we age the health of our eyes can start to deteriorate so it’s good to have a check-up, not just for glasses, but to confirm your holistic optical health and rule out conditions such as glaucoma.

 

HEARING TEST

The good news is hearing evaluations are one of the less invasive tests required, yet so many of us begin to lose the edge of our ability to hear others, which leads to severe and totally unavoidable communication issues.  The ability to communicate is so important, and if you are struggling with your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a quick test and could save a lot of embarrassment down the line.  The other thing to note is that some hearing aids are now totally hidden within the ear itself.


ORAL HEALTH

Many of us fear visiting the dentist, and perhaps this is for good reason on the basis that nobody likes the invasive feeling of having fingers crammed into one’s mouth and sharp implements prodded around the gums resulting in the inevitably metalic taste of blood - but it’s much better to keep your oral health in check, rather than be searching for emergency dentists at the last minute because of a dental emergency such as toothache.  Indeed, toothache can be one of the most excruciating and intimate pains as it’s in such a sensitive part of your body that’s full of nerves and can be aggravated by stimuli as simple as breathing in and out.

The thing with oral health is that as long as you keep on top of it, it’s actually pretty inexpensive - however, if you allow a small problem to turn into a big problem you’re likely to not just be up all night with the pain of toothache but the financial pain of having to search for the best personal loan to cover the huge dental bills you’re going to face.  The best advice, therefore, is to visit your dentist regularly and keep on top of your oral health.


BLOOD PRESSURE

High or low blood pressure can lead to serious problems so it’s a good idea to know where your blood pressure level is, in order to make any necessary adjustments and keep yourself in tip top shape.

 

CHOLESTEROL

Given the processed diets we often find ourselves living on, out of convenience, a lot of us suffer with high levels of cholesterol where the arteries begin to clog up, become furry, and eventually harden.  This is a major cause of heart disease, and if you do have high cholesterol, it’s something that should be addressed by a change in diet, sooner rather than later.  You can even order self-testing kits to measure your own cholesterol levels online.

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Oral Hygiene: Four Ways To Take Better Care Of Your Mouth

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Hands up if you've ever been on a diet, or been worried about your weight? That will be most of us, then. Body image is such a contentious issue in the modern day, and women, in particular, can often be on the receiving end of any societal pressures. Of course, being concerned about your weight doesn't just mean that you are hung up on the way you LOOK. Plenty of people change their diet and lifestyle to simply be healthier - any aesthetic changes merely come as a plus. However, with so much focus being on our weight and our bodies, other aspects of our health and beauty can often get pushed out. Take our faces, for example. The face is the first thing you see when you meet a new person and is integral to forming new relationships. Expressions are so delicate that many of us are not even aware we are making them, but we can give away a lot of how we are feeling just from our faces!

The mouth, in particular, is a critical aspect. It is our primary communication tool and also goes through plenty of other things on an average day - whether that is eating, drinking, or kissing! Therefore, it's often crazy to think how much many of us overlook both our oral and our dental health. If you start to ignore this area, you could be opening yourself up to some pretty nasty future health issues. No one wants to be the person who looks back and thinks 'I could have done more to look after myself back then.' So, with that in mind, here are some top tips for keeping your lips, gums, teeth, and tongue in tip top condition.

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Dental hygiene

We all know we should brush our teeth twice a day - but are you doing it right? There is quite a lot of contention about how you should brush; whether you should dampen your toothbrush prior or not, how much toothpaste you should use, and whether you should use a manual brush or an electric one. With all this conflicting information, it can get a bit confusing knowing what or what not to do. However, the best course of action is to speak to your dentist personally and ask for their advice. Only they know your teeth better than you will, so they will be able to point you in the right direction. Typically, though, try and get into the habit of using a fluoride toothpaste, along with a non-alcoholic mouthwash and floss a couple of times a week, if you can.


Your tongue

Our tongue is a muscle - although you'd have to try something pretty out there to pull it like you would your bicep or your quads! However, that doesn't mean to say that it still isn't safe from damage, sitting safely inside your mouth. Certain lifestyle habits can have a derogatory effect on the health of your tongue, leading to some pretty nasty symptoms. Take, for example, 'black hairy tongue.' This gross-sounding condition is what can sometimes occur when a person has been smoking tobacco for many years. The gradual build-up of smoke in the mouth causes discoloration to appear on the surface of the tongue, which in turn, gives the appearance of the tongue being hairy. Attractive, no? If you are addicted to smoking and quitting cold turkey to avoid this issue is not an option, you could always try switching to e-cigarettes instead. Electronic cigarettes use 120 ml e juice rather than tobacco, as well as containing far fewer chemicals. Therefore, you still get your nicotine rush, but without all the added nasties (and no black tongue!).


Your gums

Gum disease is one of the most common oral disorders people are treated for all over the world. Ironically, it is also one of the easiest conditions to protect yourself against. So many people forget about their gums when brushing their teeth, but remember, that part of your mouth needs attention too! If you find that your regular toothbrush is too rough or harsh on your sensitive gums (remember, you never want to draw blood), find a softer one to use. Flossing or using a plaque pick is again, integral to dental hygiene overall, but particularly for your gums. A plaque build-up is one of the leading causes of gum disease, so if you notice that the gaps between your teeth are yellowing, take action right away. If you notice that when you spit your toothpaste back into the sink, there is blood there, this could be an early sign of gum disease (even if other symptoms haven't arisen yet). Make an appointment with your dentist straight away, and he or she will be able to diagnose you and put a treatment plan in place.

 

Lips

Our lips are one of our most aesthetic features - and keeping them healthy is what help to keep them beautiful, too! Try and think of your pout a bit like a sponge (not the nicest metaphor, we know). When they are hydrated, they are soft and supple. When they are starved of moisture, they are dry and rough. Lots of people struggle with chapped lips during the winter and burnt lips during the summer. To avoid both of these scenarios, make sure you are taking the necessary protective precautions. During hot weather, always use a lip balm with an SPF in it - if you're a lipstick lover, just apply a small layer of balm over your color of choice. Similarly, in winter, make sure your lips are hydrated with a moisturizing balm that will prevent them from the icy temperatures. You can also take another measure towards getting your lips pucker-perfect, such as using an exfoliating lip scrub to soften them - just don't rub them too hard! Finish with a slick of lipstick or gloss, and you're ready to go, knowing that your lips are both beautiful AND healthy.

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Looking After Your Hard Parts

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The human body is formed from a vast selection of different materials. Of course, you have probably heard that the human body is mainly made from water. And, this is true. But, this water is found within a lot of the more complex structures you find; people aren’t just balloons. This variety of materials is one of the reasons that your body needs so many different nutrients and vitamins to keep going. It’s not just the food you eat which impacts your body, though; there are loads of factors. Unfortunately, covering each part of the body would require a scientific journal. So, this post will have a narrower focus; the solid parts of your body.

To start, it’s best to consider the most important hard part of your body; your bones. Bones are used as the frame for your body. Without them, you’d be unable to stand, sit, or even hear things. Your bones are incredibly important; so, it’s worth looking after them. To start, calcium is a huge part of this. Calcium is used by the body to strengthen and repair bones. But, without it; bones can develop to be weak. A lot of dairy products are rich in calcium; but, sunlight will also promote its production. So, simply going outside could be enough. This isn’t the only way you can protect your bones, though. Oils, like cod liver oil, contain Omega 3; which is great for your bones. And, of course, during your normal life, you should be looking to avoid large impacts and injuries to your bones.

This next area is one of the most important to a lot of people; their teeth. This part of your body is one that most people you interact with will see. Having teeth misaligned or missing altogether can have a huge impact on your appearance. Of course, this sort of issue isn’t disgusting or ugly; but, it makes a lot of people feel self-conscious about it. To start, you should be brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. This ensures you don’t have any residue on them which could cause decay. Along with this, you should also plan regular trips to the dentist. These professionals are experts in mouths who have studied for many years to get their job. And, with oral surgery becoming more and more popular; most of the procedures are incredibly safe. This makes trusting them much easier. 

The last consideration on this list isn’t a huge problem for a lot of people. But, it could still make your life a lot easier. Nothing is worse than chipping a nail just after you’ve paid to have them done up nicely. In this sort of situation, one thing can be blamed; the strength of your nails. Some of the best supplements for this are creatine which is what nails are made from. This sort of product can also cause health issues, though. So, a more natural approach should be taken. There are loads of foods out there which are great for this part of your body. And, as a nice side effect, this will also improve your hair; thanks to the two parts of your body being made from the same stuff.

 

Hopefully, this post will give you an idea of what can be done to start protecting the solid parts of your body. Most people don’t realise how fragile these parts of the body can be. Keeping them healthy is incredibly important; especially as you get older. Life can be made much more comfortable with work like this.

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Take Better Care Of You: Health Tips For Maintaining Inner Beauty

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It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself sometimes.  With more demands on our time and attention from work, children and family, the importance of keeping healthy can take a back seat.  It’s time to make a change to your health and maintain a better, longer lasting version of yourself.

We all know the rules.  Exercise often, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated.  But there are other important factors we are missing.  When was the last time you saw your doctor, for example? How long have you been ignoring that ache in your neck? I’ve gathered together a short guide of changes you need to make now. Small changes for a better future.  So sit back, grab a cup of green tea and read on …

I won’t kick start this with hydration but will instead highlight the importance right now and get to it later.  Drink.  Drink 2 litres a day.  Every day.  Instead we’ll start by looking at fitness.

Your heart is the only thing between you and death.  If your heart fails, well that’s essentially the end of it all.  So keeping it healthy and and strong is vital.  Experts advise we take a minimum of 25 minutes of exercise per day. This can range from gentle walking to more high impact sports such as running.  Cardio fitness is the key to a nice strong heart but there are so many exciting ways to get the heart pumping.  Here are three to get you inspired

1: The Quick Morning Cardio Burn

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If you don’t have time to make it to the gym, wake up and smash a 15 minute cardio wake up call.  Simple exercises like one minute reps of jumping jacks, squat thrusts, sit ups, high chests and running up and down the stairs, repeated 5 times each (Only pick three and mix them up everyday)   Or include a short weight lifting routine as I wrote about in this blog into your quick cardio.  It will give you a super snappy cardio buzz before breakfast.  You can jump in the shower and feel the extra energy boost.  Cardio exercise increases your metabolism all day so you can feel smug that you have set the town of your day and enjoy a guilt three latte at lunch.

 

2: The Enthusiastic Run

Running isn’t for everyone but, don’t knock it until you have given it a good go.  Running with interval sprints of thirty seconds for 30 minutes is a real fat burning cardio boost which will help trim you down whilst toning your muscles.  You need to ensure you have the correct trainers and kit to protect your limbs as this is a high impact sport.  The very best thing about falling in love with running is that it is completely free and you can do it absolutely anywhere.  Put your music in your ears and pound away the miles.  Mix running up with something like swimming to keep your body moving without constant high impact on your joints.

 

3: Think Different!

Horse riding may not look like it’s burning much in the way of calories but a one hour horse ride burns the same calories as a 30 minute run.  It is also extremely good at building up your core muscles and working your inner thigh.  Giving you a cardio and toning exercise all in one.  Make sure you stay safe by wearing all the correct kit and find a local riding school that gives lessons in a school or takes you out and about on brilliant hacks.  You won’t even notice your heart is getting a workout.  You might notice it the following day in your muscles though!

 

If you can include 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise into your daily routine, you will be well on the way to improving the health of your heart.

 

Next on the list of things we usually put on the back burners are regular health checks with a doctor or our dentist.  As we grow older we need to keep an eye on things.  Prevention is most definitely better than cure, but with certain illnesses we can be blissfully unaware of any changes until it’s too late.

Our teeth suffer years of abuse without a good hygienist, so get online and use http://dentists.nhere.me to find a local dentist and go for regular check ups and cleans. This is especially important if you have children.  Kids watching their parents taking care of their teeth are twice as likely to take care of their own.  Make it fun.  Brush together and get your kids to enjoy visits to the dentist.  

Finding a good doctor is also important.  Women over 20 should be having regular smear tests and women over 35 should be having well women tests. Check your breasts often and at different points in your cycle so you get to notice any changes in the shape and feel of them.  If you notice anything out of place, make an appointment and get a second opinion.

 

Keeping a little back for yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can bestow upon your body.  Mindfulness.  Relaxation.  These two simple things are so often forgotten, but without them we can suffer unhealthy habits and even create mental health issues we could have avoided.  Meditation is particularly helpful at putting your monkey mind to task.  Our minds can create huge problems for relatively minor issues.  Learning to control that is the key to lasting inner peace.

Yoga is a fantastic release for stress and can be practiced either first thing in the morning to energize you, or with a little meditation last thing at night to prepare your body for sleep.  You don’t have to find a class to learn the basics with lots of handy tips on line like these, just find a comfortable, clutter free area and a quite 15 minutes then practice the slow, low impact movements whilst allowing your mind to run free of all the chatter.  

Inner peace is something that we need to help us solve problems and make better decisions.  Lying in bed with a million worries and anxieties will lead us to a pattern of no sleep and sluggish behavior.  Lack of sleep can have serious impact on our day to day lives.  Creating havoc with our skin and general health.  Find peace, relax and sleep!

 

Lastly, I mentioned it in the first half of this article, hydration and a healthy balanced diet.

You will not find one article in the world on health that doesn’t stress the importance of drinking pure water every day.  Amounts range, but setting yourself up for the challenge of 2 liters a day, will make remarkable changes in your life.  From your brain to your skin and your general energy levels, water will change the way you take on the world and help you form better decisions.  Cells need water to regenerate so, a little like plants, without regular water we will slowly wither away, health will deteriorate and eventually we’ll die!

 

Clean eating, removing processed and sugary foods from your diet, will give your digestive system a happy detox.  Homemade meals with fresh local ingredients or, better still, home grown ingredients will ensure heart, cell and brain health.  A balanced diet is proven to decrease your risk of many cancers and increase your life expectancy so get to it!

Take better care of yourself, look and feel more beautiful and enjoy life, longer.

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Why Everything We Hate About Dentists Is Wrong

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If dentists are your pet peeve, or if you are panicking at the idea of needing to make an appointment to get your teeth checked, think again. Most people nourish a form of dentist hate, and it is often unjustified. It is time to debunk the myth of horror based on the unreasonable fear and misconceptions that surround the dentist profession.

 

The Dentist Has A Big Needle

The fear of needle, which is sometimes referred to as Trypanophobia, is the phobia of medical procedures that involves injections. The needle phobia is officially recognized by the medical and psychiatric body and can lead to intense reactions from the sufferer, such as fainting, hyperventilation, and much more. It is likely that you probably dislike needles more than you suffer from phobic reactions in their presence. This is not specifically a dentist-focused terror, but you need to understand the purpose of the dentist needle: Anesthetic. There is a lot of non-invasive dentistry processes that do not require local anesthesia. But more significant processes, such as the treatment of a cavity, are not possible without proper pain management. You need to remember that dentistry treatment with an anesthetic will be a painful experience that the needle saves you from. While some prefer to master the art of pain management with the mind it is a lot easier and safer to rely on the dentist needle.

 

It Is Impossible To Get An Appointment

Many patients love the excuse that it is impossible to get a proper appointment with a dentist when you need one. Generally, this is the excuse that is most commonly used to never book any maintenance appointment that would avoid the emergency call at the earliest hours of the morning for an acute toothache. Regular maintenance meetings with your dentist will avoid the imposed painful emergency by taking good care of your teeth and sorting out problems before they have the time to develop. Additionally, don’t believe the myth that you can only see your dentist during office hours. There are plenty of flexible dentists who offer weekend appointments, such as SaturdayDentist.org for example.

It Is Always Painful

Your teeth are vulnerable and sensitive. But, often experiencing tooth pain at the dentist is rarely the dentist’s fault. This occurs because you have waited too long to get an appointment, or because you have skipped maintenance appointments. Besides, the needle that is part of the dentist myth is essential to proper pain management. Modern dentistry is comfortable and easy and has nothing to do with the torture lab that many patients imagine.

 

I Am Too Anxious

Dentists are aware that many patients only come with an intense sense of dread to the waiting room. This is the reason why the reception area is carefully prepared to reassure, and the receptionist will have a tendency to provide friendly pieces of advice over the phone or in person if you ask them. Dentists much prefer patients to get in touch a little too often if this helps them to feel better prepared for their appointment and to overcome their anxiety. Don’t be afraid to mention your fear to your dentist in advance, so that they can help you to feel more comfortable.

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Overcome Your Fear Of The Dentist With These Simple Steps

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If you want to keep your teeth healthy and looking good, then going to the dentist is a must. However, many people are afraid of the dentist. Maybe it’s the sterile environment, the pointy tools or just having somebody poking around in your mouth. Whatever it is, being scared of the dentist isn’t pleasant. The good news is, you can overcome your fear of the dentist.

Use this guide to help you!

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Find an Understanding Dentist

There are many understanding dentists out there, you just need to find them. Some dentists even say that they specialize in anxious clients, so it could be worth looking for one of them if you’re particularly frightened of the dentist’s chair.

 

 

 

Visit the Environment Before Your Appointment

 

When you think you’ve found the right dentist for you, visit the office before your appointment. Getting an idea of the environment, the receptionist, and everything else to expect should help to put you at ease. Then on the day of your appointment, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

 

 

Have an Early Morning Appointment

 

If you book your appointment early in the morning, you’re going to have less time to dwell on it and think about what you have to do. You can get it over with, realize it’s really not that bad and get on with your day.

 

 

Start off Small

 

By starting off with smaller treatments and working your way up to having larger treatments, you’ll be able to build up a relationship with your dentist (if this route is an option for you). When you see just how understanding and helpful they are, you’ll feel more at ease sitting in their chair. Maybe go for a simple check up at first. Then you could have a scale and polish, and work your way up from there. This will help you, especially if you suspect you might need some real work done at some point. If you have no choice but to have same day crowns, then you should make sure you’re visiting a trustworthy, understanding dentist first.

 

 

Ask for Breaks if You Need Them

 

If you feel like you might need to take breaks, make sure you tell your dentist and set up a cue. They might even suggest this for you. For example, if you begin to panic and feel like you might need a break, your dentist might suggest that you should raise your left hand. Many understanding dentists will give you more control as they tell you you’re free to leave whenever you want. It’s highly unlikely you’ll actually leave the chair, but you have the option.


Only you can take the steps you need to overcome your fear of the dentist. Nobody can take your fear away. The key is first wanting to do it, then taking the steps to slowly feel better about visiting. If you want to keep your teeth in good condition, then you must make sure you visit the dentist once a year. Your teeth make a huge difference to your appearance, so don’t neglect them!

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Positive Lifestyle Changes You Can Start Today!

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Having a healthy lifestyle may seem challenging to some, but it doesn’t have to be. Changing for the better doesn’t have to mean you overhaul your life like almost EVERYBODY does with these sudden New Years Resolutions. Even the most minor lifestyle changes can have a positive and dramatic impact on your life. It’s all about routine, commitment and staying focused. Here is a list of possible changes you can make to ensure you’re living the healthiest lifestyle possible.


Have regular check-ups
Start to schedule regular appointments with medical professionals. These could include doctors, opticians, dentists and nutritionists. Each of these experts can help you stay on top of your health and treat any current issues you may be facing. Regular check-ups can also highlight possible medical symptoms before they get worse and advise you on how to care for yourself properly. You can also use these sessions to air your concerns about your family’s medical history or to ask for weight loss guidance. Always visit a reliable Doctor and Dentist to keep all aspects of your body in tip top condition.


Improve your sleeping habits
If you find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and spend your days feeling drained, you need to improve your sleep habits. Start getting up at the same time every day including weekends (I know, I know). This can be difficult but after a few weeks, your body will adapt and get used to the change. It is a self-regulating system, so if you don’t get enough sleep one night, your body will get tired sooner the next day. Therefore making you want to go to bed earlier. Knowing what time you need to get up will also give you the opportunity to plan what time you go to bed to ensure you get enough rest. This can brighten your mood and make your body feel more active. It will also give your body a chance to rejuvenate and prepare itself for the day ahead.

A casual walk on a nature trail.


Making time for exercise
Many people will put off exercise because they don’t have time for it. Everyday life can be hectic and squeezing long gym sessions into your schedule can be difficult. But shorter workouts can be just as efficient and are easier to fit around your work and home life. Research high-intensity short workouts and make an effort to do them every day. Also, try to keep your body moving by walking more and taking the stairs. You could also try jogging on the spot during commercials or joining an evening and weekend sports team. Any additional movement you can give your body will keep your weight down and your fitness levels up.


Make an effort to try at least two of the items on this list and you could be reaping the benefits in no time. Small changes are still valid and give you the opportunity to grow, so don’t disregard them. They may be small, but they could change your life completely. Take your health seriously today and you’ll be more likely to live a long and happy life!

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