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American Heart Month & Healthier Hearing
A growing body of research is leading experts to believe that your hearing and your heart are closely connected. A study presented by David R. Friedland, MD, PhD, hypothesized that low-frequency hearing loss may be a predictor for current or impending cardiovascular disease.

But the connections don't end there. A 2011 study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine discovered that long-term exposure to excessive noise in the workplace is strongly associated with coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease.

There are a number of factors which affect your cardiovascular system as well as your hearing system, meaning the risk of heart disease and hearing loss go hand-in-hand. The greatest risk factors that both conditions have in common include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and stress. Here are some simple ways to protect your heart and your ears at the same time:

• Eat a healthy diet, including more fish
• Exercise regularly; it reduces obesity, improves heart health, decreases blood pressure,
lowers cholesterol levels and reduces stress
• Stop smoking
• Cut back on alcohol consumption
• Get more sleep
• Take frequent breaks during work to reduce stress

Also, anyone over the age of 40 should request a hearing test as part of a routine physical exam. "Hearing health should not be assessed in a vacuum," said Charles A. Bishop, AuD. "There is simply too much evidence that hearing loss is related to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions. It's time we maximized the information we have in order to benefit the individual's overall wellbeing."
Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology 425-9330

The Social Senior
Staying social allows you to reconnect with yourself, your interests and your loved ones. And no matter how old you are, it's never too late to make a new friend or go out on a first date! If you're unsure of how to take the first steps toward new relationships, here are some activities to try:

Participate in a sport. This could be joining up with someone on a golf course or going to a water aerobics class.

Attend a religious service and keep an eye out for barbecues or coffee socials after.

See what activities the local YMCA and senior center is putting on. A bingo night or an arts and crafts event are great places to meet new people in a fun environment.

If you can't go out, invite friends or family members over for lunch and an afternoon of cards.

No matter what you choose, making the effort to stay social will pay off. Social engagement decreases loneliness and improves overall brain health, so find a social activity you enjoy today.
Home Care Assistance 452-6430

New Year, New Friends
As we age, and as we develop chronic illnesses, socializing seems more difficult and we tend to become more isolated and lonely. In the US, about two-thirds of older men reported they did not have a close friend and 16 percent of widows reported having no friends. We know that older adults living alone need to reach out to friends for companionship, support and human contact. But it's hard.

Casual friendships can help, but according to Nina Chen, PhD of the University of Missouri, one very close friend can do so much to help relieve stress and depression. If you don't have a friend, take the initiative to be a friend to someone else. Join a social club or volunteer organization, take part in church activities... whatever fits your interests and lifestyle. And, when you attend a group, have something to say. Be informed by reading news, magazines and books, and find opportunities to speak to others. As important, listen to what others are saying to you. Remember, if you want a friend, you must be a friend.
Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys 254-8701

Cryotherapy can Change your Life
Think it's just a "trend" to chill out at super-low negative temps? No way! Cryotherapy is here to stay - because it's changing lives for the better. Here's just one SCV testimonial:
"I am 62 years old. I had been suffering with lower back pain and stiffness for months due to arthritis in my lower back. I had developed sciatica symptoms of pain and numbness radiating down my left leg. I was taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by my doctor and felt very lethargic from the medications. I had an upset stomach from the drugs and was still having difficulty getting out of a chair. My wife drove me to MEND Cryotherapy and I limped in and sat down in the lobby. With difficulty, I stood up and had my first cryotherapy session. The two and a half minutes went quickly and painlessly in the cryo sauna. I sat down and relaxed for 10 minutes and allowed the cryotherapy to take effect. The owner said to me, "I saw you limp in and have trouble getting out of the chair you're sitting in 10 minutes ago; try standing now and tell me how you're doing." I stood up cautiously. "Wow, that's amazing!" I exclaimed. My sciatica symptoms and numbness radiating down my left leg were gone and I felt great. I have continued cryotherapy for the past several months about twice a week. I have not had any pain or numbness in my legs and my painful/stiff back is dramatically improved. I am 100 percent off my prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. I can get out of a chair effortlessly. I am back to working out in the gym, doing yoga a couple of days a week, and I bicycle 100 miles a week. I don't even think of the sore back anymore, but I am continuing cryotherapy treatments twice a week to stay this way."
Mend Cryotherapy 294-7898

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Fighting the Flu
This flu season has already been particularly tough on SCVians, with many seeking medical support for coughs that linger, high fevers and more. It doesn't help that this year's flu vaccine has only shown about 10 percent effectiveness from preventing contraction of the illness (But also worthy of note: The flu shot has been shown to reduce the severity and length of the flu, so it's still worth getting!). What to do if you or a loved one come down with this year's nasty virus? First, stay calm. The vast majority of people can manage flu symptoms safely at home. Stay hydrated; sipping on decaffeinated hot teas with honey will soothe your throat and keep your cough loose. Warm baths with a cup of Epsom salts can be incredibly relaxing to body and mind and aid in sleep while banishing the chills. Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers can address the "pressure" headache so commonly associated with this illness. Small servings of simple, healthy foods - think soup! - will keep your energy levels higher while nourishing your body. Sinus congestion can make you feel miserable; sitting in a steamy bathroom should loosen it up and help you clear your passages.
If your symptoms worsen after you think you're getting better - or last longer than a week, if your fever lasts longer than three days or is very high, if you note severe pain in the chest or sinus area, or if you're struggling to breathe or notice wheezing/rattling, it's time to seek medical attention.
Henry Mayo Urgent Care 200-2500

Start a New Career in the Health Field in just 10 Weeks
Are you thinking of changing careers? Do you want a roadmap that puts you on the fast-track to a rewarding job - in an industry that's always in high demand? Dental Assisting could be your ticket! The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job-growth outlook for Dental Assisting from 2012 to 2022 is 25 percent. That's a lot faster than the 11-percent average growth rate for all occupations. What's more: Most dentists, dental hygienists, treatment coordinators and office managers begin their careers as dental assistants.

If you're looking for a school that provides hands-on training in a real state-of-the-art dental office, look no further than the Santa Clarita School of Dental Assisting (SCSDA). Located conveniently in Valencia, the school offers a 10-week intensive course that won't interfere with your current job. As a SCSDA graduate you will receive your Dental Assisting Certification and California State Dental Radiology Certification. "I appreciated the extensive hands-on experience. My instructors truly cared for me and helped me to succeed! I'm so glad I took this class because as soon as I graduated, I was able to transition right into the dental profession. I love my new career!" states Bailey M., a SCSDA graduate.

Don't wait: The next class session begins January 20. Call to schedule your personal school tour today and join their upcoming Open House and School Tour on Thursday, February 22 from 6pm to 8pm. Seats fill up fast, so rsvp asap. 799-9JOB