Maintaining overall health requires a proactive approach. Whether it’s about caring for your hearing, oral health, self-care, or wanting to age gracefully, this guide encourages prioritizing these areas to support a healthier and more fulfilling life. In this issue, we speak to experts who offer their thoughts on taking better care of yourself and your loved ones.
Ear and Hearing Care
Dr. Sam Johnson, Au.D.
Walnut Creek Audiology
Untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching impacts on one’s health beyond communication.
According to Walnut Creek Audiology owner and audiologist Dr. Sam Johnson, Au.D., studies have shown that individuals with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience hospital stays and visits to the emergency room. Dr. Sam says hearing challenges, especially in older adults, often cause misunderstandings when listening to medical instructions, which could lead to other health complications and unnecessary tests.
“Sometimes they take the wrong medicine dosage because they did not hear the instructions correctly, which could lead to medical issues,” says Dr. Sam.
Those with untreated hearing loss can also experience a higher risk of falls, leading to an increase in visits to the emergency room.
This is because the auditory system plays a crucial role in spatial awareness, helping people maintain their balance. When this system is impaired, the likelihood of falls increases.
“We also lose out on external sounds that can aid us in knowing where we are in (a) space,” he adds.
Individuals with untreated hearing loss can also experience social isolation. Struggling to follow conversations in noisy places and frequently asking others to repeat themselves are among the things that eventually lead them to withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed, fostering loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Sam says these are good telltale signs to watch out for in loved ones, especially those older.
Research has suggested that untreated hearing loss leads to an increased risk for cognitive decline. This is likely due to a lack of information being sent to the brain from the ear.
“Over time, the pathway from ear to brain deteriorates, and ultimately, the brain may lose the ability to perceive the sound.
“When one of our senses deteriorates, our brain doesn’t receive the input it needs to operate properly,” he adds.
While the signs of hearing loss aren’t always obvious, acting early preserves not only hearing but overall health and well-being. Dr. Sam encourages people to get regular hearing tests—beginning in their 40s—to establish a baseline to detect early changes. Wearing hearing protection in noisy environments, limiting headphone volumes, and promptly addressing any suspected issues are also essential to safeguard your hearing.
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Dental Health
Content provided by Dr. Jeff Erickson, DDS
Coliseum Dental Walnut Creek
We all know that a sparkling smile brightens up any room, but did you know that keeping your mouth healthy could also help protect your heart, lungs, and blood sugar levels?
Research increasingly shows that poor oral hygiene can lead to many systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections – all linked to oral health problems, particularly gum disease. The mouth acts as a gateway to the body, and bacteria from dental-related issues can enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and complications in other organs.
Diabetes, for example, can elevate blood sugar levels, making people more prone to gum disease. This can impede the body's ability to fight infections. Infections in the mouth make it challenging to control blood sugar levels. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is pivotal.
One aspect of oral health is the impact of diet. Be mindful of unsuspecting sugar sources like chewable vitamins, cough drops, sleep aids, water supplements, and breath mints. Regularly consuming these products can create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, leading to cavities and gum disease.
Acidity from foods, drinks, or conditions like acid reflux can also erode tooth enamel, making teeth more prone to decay and fractures. Acids from certain foods and beverages, like citrus fruits, sodas, and vinegar, can erode enamel over time. Additionally, intrinsic acid sources, such as acid reflux, heartburn, or vomiting, can contribute to tooth erosion.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital for overall health, not just for a bright smile. Regular dental care, mindful eating, and caution about seemingly benign products can help prevent systemic health issues. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthier body, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach to wellness that encompasses both oral and overall health.
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Healthy Aging
Content provided by Dr. Paul H Kim, M.D.
Medical Institute Of Healthy Aging
As we approach the middle of this decade, healthy aging or longevity medicine has become increasingly accepted as an important aspect of one’s care.
With the advent of tests that measure biological aging, gut microbiome studies, and unique biomarkers, aging can be quantified so that intervention can help with the ‘aging process.’
The importance of this process can deliver a truly proactive model of one’s risk of chronic diseases. How we age determines our susceptibility to chronic diseases that we are all too familiar with. These common diseases include the top causes of death in our country – heart disease and cancer. Other prominent chronic diseases include stroke, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and, of course, neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. The focus on healthy aging helps one to identify early signs of these diseases. In other words, it helps one to be proactive instead of reactive. Healthcare providers who follow longevity medicine can also help provide personalized patient care.
The idea of healthy aging goes beyond just removing health issues—it focuses on building “health reserves” that promote a more youthful, energetic state. This involves understanding and addressing the body’s biochemical processes, such as fixing mitochondrial issues, removing aging cells, balancing nutrients and hormones, and detoxifying waste. You can read more about these processes in Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To, a book by David Sinclair that explores the science of aging and how to live longer:
Some may notice that despite following the same diet or exercise routines, they no longer see the same benefits. Others may find they’ve lost the motivation to stay physically active or feel that cravings have become more frequent, often tied to stress and the aging process. Implementing healthy aging therapies can help with the lifestyle issues some may encounter.
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Self-care
Anna Kaufman
Woodhouse Spa - Walnut Creek
Self-care is more than just a trend—it’s a vital part of maintaining overall health and happiness. Taking time for yourself can significantly improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, helping you manage stress, boost energy, and feel more balanced in your daily life.
One of the most effective forms of self-care is massage therapy. Woodhouse Spa Walnut Creek spa director Anna Kaufman says the ideal frequency of massages depends on the individual’s needs and lifestyle.
“For many clients at Woodhouse, booking a massage once a month is perfect for maintaining a state of relaxation, reducing stress, and boosting overall wellness.
“However, for those experiencing specific issues such as chronic pain, muscle tension, or fatigue, we recommend more frequent sessions—bi-weekly or weekly massages can help manage these concerns more effectively,” says Anna.
She says therapists at Woodhouse will work with individuals seeking to relax, recover from exercise routines, or address specific issues to customize a plan that supports their wellness goals.
Beyond relaxation, massages can reduce chronic pain, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. They also help lower stress levels, enhance mental clarity, and support better sleep—factors that contribute to a healthier lifestyle. For athletes or individuals with physically demanding routines, massages aid in muscle recovery and prevent injuries.
Woodhouse, says Anna, offers a range of signature treatments designed to target specific health and wellness needs.
Among the signature treatments offered is the “Body Balance Massage,” a Woodhouse take on the classic Swedish massage that promotes relaxation, relieves stress, and improves circulation. Those with deeper muscle tensions can opt for the “Deep Tissue Massage,” which focuses on pressure to release tight knots and discomfort, beneficial for those with physically demanding lifestyles.
"Our Tranquil Stone Massage uses the soothing heat of Himalayan salt stones to relax the muscles and improve blood flow, making it ideal for those with joint stiffness or stress. “Each of these treatments is carefully designed to cater to different needs, helping clients recover, rejuvenate, and unwind,” she says.
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