It's Time to Take Charge of your Health
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide - and their rates are rising rapidly, especially here in the US. We're talking high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, pain, stress, sleeplessness - all the conditions that drain your energy and your ability to enjoy a higher quality of life. To compound the problem, people with chronic diseases, many of whom are coping with more than one condition, often have poor self-management skills when it comes to their health. Finding the time, motivation and energy often feels near impossible.Fortunately, barriers can be overcome virtually. Learn how to set goals, make action plans, eat healthier and assess and solve problems with sites like the CDC's Self-management Education site or even the free virtual workshops offered through the online extension department at the University of New Hampshire (insidescv.com/unhprograms). With virtual and free opportunities to improve life with chronic illness, you can make this the year where you take charge of your health so you and your loved ones can live a better, happier life.
Home Instead Senior Care for Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys 254-8701

How to get Young Kids to Brush & Floss
As many parents know, toddlers and small children can sometimes be fussy when it comes to getting their teeth brushed. Fortunately, this presents itself as an opportunity to allow them to really own this part of their dental hygiene and do it for themselves.
Some tips to help get your little one comfortable with brushing their teeth include...
Allow them to pick their own toothbrush
Opt for swallow-safe children's toothpaste
Let your child pick their toothpaste flavor
Play their favorite song to time two minutes of brushing
Lead by example, brushing your teeth with your child
Encourage them to brush their teeth in circular motions
Remember: Be sure to put a small smear of toothpaste on your child's toothbrush rather than a pea-sized amount if they are under the age of 3 - and to model excellent dental hygiene yourself.
Skyline Smiles 244-4036

It Snowed in Santa Clarita, But it was Over 170 Degrees Here
Last month, a freezing SCV saw snow - but at The Sweat Shack in Old Town Newhall and Saugus, guests were still sauna'ing like the Finns in the steamy Kuuma sauna, where temps can climb over 170 degrees.
There's good reason to snuggle into a steamy sauna. The Finnish people are among the healthiest in the world - and most partake in steam sauna like The Sweat Shack's Kuuma sauna multiple times a week.
Frequent sauna users have shown to have a reduced mortality rate from all causes by a whopping 40 percent. And sauna use has been correlated to improved immune function, reduction in auto-immune symptoms, improvement in heart and lung function and much more.
The best reason to sauna? That's up to you and your health and wellness goals. But guests of The Sweat Shack share glowing reviews about stress and anxiety reduction; smoother, clearer skin; better-quality sleep; an increase in energy and sense of wellbeing and so much more.
The Sweat Shack 678-0880

Schedule your Cleaning for Fresh Spring Smiles
Clean teeth make for a healthier, better-smelling mouth and happier smile - so don't delay in scheduling your "spring cleaning" dental appointment. While you're there, ask about custom dentures that are designed to fit your unique dental characteristics or Invisalign, which can straighten your teeth - and give you more comfort and confidence - in less than a year.
Santa Clarita Advanced Dentistry 259-4474

Isolation & Depression in the Elderly
Isolation is a big concern for seniors who live alone and can lead to an increase in depression, anxiety, dementia and other health problems. The first step to managing depression and isolation in the elderly is to know and understand the signs. Feeling occasionally down, lonely, anxious, sad, or "empty" is normal. However, if these feelings persist for weeks or months, it could signify depression. Other signs of depression include feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness or helplessness; irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still; loss of interest in previously-enjoyable activities; decreased energy or fatigue; moving or talking more slowly; and difficulty with concentration, memory, or decision-making; and more. Regular contact with loved ones - in person or through phone calls, FaceTime or Zoom - can help an older adult maintain social connections. Professional companion care can also help manage depression and isolation in seniors. Visiting Angels' senior care offers companionship at home to help your loved one maintain meaningful social connections. An in-home caregiver can also monitor and report any indications of depression.
Visiting Angels 263-2273

Cryotherapy Shown to be Effective in Management of Chronic Pain
For many people, pain relief only comes with the pop of a pill - but we know that those little doses can add up to big problems later. That's why more and more pain sufferers are turning to holistic health and wellness treatments, including cryotherapy. Recently, 22 randomized controlled trials were reviewed by researchers to evaluate the use of cryotherapy for the management of chronic pain, including pain associated with diseases that are rheumatic and degenerative.
The researchers concluded that cryotherapy was an easy,low-risk treatment option for patients who suffered from chronic pain.
Mend Health & Wellness 294-7898

Spider Veins are a Valve Issue
No one's in a rush to look older - and spider veins, those webs of deep-red or dark-blue veins that can appear on legs - certainly can make you feel like your aging has accelerated. But why do these veins appear at all? The ultimate reason lies in your blood.
When veins begin to experience extra pressure due to a blood backup, spider veins can develop. The reason that the blood backup occurs? It's usually a valve issue. Your valves regulate your flow of blood, keeping it on a steady upwards route towards the heart.
However, if a valve stops functioning or begins to malfunction by pushing blood down instead of up, the blood will inevitably begin to back up. This backed-up blood strains the veins and causes them to expand. This, in turn, makes the veins push against the skin to reveal the spider-web pattern.
Looking for a minimally-invasive solution to spider veins? Harvard- and Stanford-trained double-board-certified surgeon Dr. Larisse Lee of LA Vein Center focuses on the most up-to-date techniques to get the results you want. 818-325-0400

Cold Laser Therapy is the Hot Treatment for Fungal Nails
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses low levels of light to stimulate healing in the body. This therapy has been used for a variety of medical conditions, including pain relief, wound healing and hair loss. More recently, cold laser therapy has been studied for its potential benefits in treating fungal nails.
The research on cold laser therapy for fungal nails is very promising. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that cold laser therapy was highly effective in improving nail thickness and reducing nail discoloration in patients with fungal nails. Another study published in the same journal in 2017 found that cold laser therapy was highly effective in treating fungal nails in diabetic patients. Current studies show between a 75 percent and 89 percent success rate. It's the most successful laser on the market to treat fungal nails. At Valencia Foot and Ankle Center, over 500 patients have been treated with this laser with great success.
Valencia Foot & Ankle Center 288-2321