CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - LiveWell

Upright and DO SMILE A warm, open demeanor can help you feel better, emotionally and physically. Although depression has been shown to contribute to back pain and headaches, mood-boosting activities such as exercise or listening to music — even laughing and smiling — can alleviate pain. Keith J. Hill, MD DO help you feel better, emotionally physically. Although depression has been shown to contribute to back pain and headaches, mood-boosting activities such as exercise or listening to music — even laughing and smiling — can alleviate Feeling Right DON'T WEAR HIGH HEELS Wearing high heels can shorten calf muscles and contribute to knee arthritis. And, you could always fall and sprain an ankle. To spare your legs, wear flat shoes and save the heels for special occasions. "When it comes to shoes, many people tend to choose stylish over sensible," says Keith J. Hill, MD, board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in foot and ankle health with the CHRISTUS Orthopedic Specialty Center and Beaumont Bone & Joint Institute. "Fashionable high heels and sandals can cause bunions, hammertoes, back and knee pain, and many other serious problems." Your fashion and fitness choices can influence your orthopedic well-being. Make your boldness and your bones and joints part of the same wonderful project: strong, graceful, healthy you. DO AVOID HAIRSTYLE HAZARDS. If getting ready every day involves curlers, heat, chemicals, or a lot of teasing and tugging, you may be paving the way to long-term hair loss. Dermatologists say the less hair roots are stressed, the better. If you wear your hair in a ponytail, keep it tied loosely to prevent damage. DON'T WEAR TIGHT JEANS Give your too-tight skinny jeans solitary confinement in the closet. They may show off your figure, but they also make breathing, moving and just about everything you do uncomfortable while you're wearing them. They can squeeze nerves in the legs, leading to pain and numbness. Did you know neurologists coined the term "tight pants syndrome" for the common condition marked by stomach discomfort, heartburn and belching? Tight jeans are also associated with yeast infections and reduced blood flow. DO WEIGH THAT PURSE Heavy purses and backpacks can strain your shoulders, neck and back. They can even cause tension headaches due to pressure on shoulder and neck muscles. Limit your purse's heft to less than 10 percent of your body weight. Is joint pain interfering with how you stand, sit or move? Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist by calling 1.800.218.9355. 6 LiveWell | August/September 2014

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