HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are
Dental Health & Heart Health
HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
Daily steps to keep your heart healthy
opportunity for you to reach a health-conscious audience of readers. Next Month’s Topics: Nutrition & Athletic Training
To advertise your business, contact your advertising representative.
Spearfish: 642.2761 • Sturgis/Rapid City: 641.8636
Did you know?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dental caries, or tooth decay, is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that children with dental caries in their baby teeth are at much greater risk for cavities in their adult teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to the acids that can contribute to
H
eart disease is a formidable foe. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for nearly 25 percent of all deaths in the United States each year. Issues relating to the heart affect both men and women, and an estimated 15 million adults in the U.S. have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. Such statistics are disconcerting, but they can serve as a wake-up call that compels people to prioritize heart health. Fortunately, heart disease is often preventable and people can employ various strategies to reduce their risk. • Stop smoking right now. One of the best things to do to protect the heart is to stop smoking. The Heart Foundation indicates that smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and damages blood vessel walls. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, or a narrowing and clogging of the arteries. • Eat healthy fats. When eating, choose polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats and avoid trans fats as much as possible. Trans fats increase one’s risk of developing heart disease by clogging arteries and raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Read food labels before buying anything at the store. • Keep your mouth clean. Studies show that bacteria in the mouth involved
HealthBeat is an excellent
in the development of gum disease can travel to the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for blood vessel inflammation. Brush and floss twice daily, and be sure to schedule routine dental cleanings. • Get adequate shut-eye. Ensuring adequate sleep can improve heart health. One study found that young and middle-age adults who regularly slept seven hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (a sign of early heart disease) compared to those who slept five hours or less or those who slept nine hours or more. • Adopt healthy eating habits. Changes to diet, including eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure — leading to a healthier heart. • Embrace physical activity. Regular moderate exercise is great for the heart. It can occur at the gym, playing with the kids or even taking the stairs at work. A healthy heart begins with daily habits that promote long-term heart health.
tooth decay. Parents, even those whose children do not yet have any teeth, can discuss fluoride drops or chewable fluoride tablets with their youngsters’ pediatricians. The CDC notes that more than 40 percent of children have tooth decay before reaching kindergarten, but dental caries is often preventable. Parents who are diligent about their children’s oral care and mindful of potential problems, such as stains on the teeth, can reduce their sons’ and daughters’ risk of tooth decay.
e t e l p m o C & g n Kind, Cari
y r t s i t n e D Family
n rest easy whe to le b a e b l ’l u Yo being well is y il m fa le o h your w Especially for f. o re a c n e k ta ealth Month H l ta n e D ’s n Childre in February!
e r a C l a t n e D e l t Gen t, D.D.S. mid
Richard G. Sch 1300 Junction
D 57785
Ave., Sturgis, S
3
605-347-510
HealthBeat
HealthBeat is an excellent
opportunity for you to reach a health-conscious audience of readers. Next Month’s Topics: Nutrition & Athletic Training
To advertise your business, contact your advertising representative.
February: Dental Health & Heart Health
T
Spearfish: 642.2761 • Sturgis/Rapid City: 641.8636
Heart Health by Age
here is no certain age to begin proactivity toward better cardiovascular health. While many conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke increase as we get older, heart health is a lifelong commitment. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state half of all living Americans have at least one of the top three risk factors for developing an issue: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. To promote a heart-healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones, follow these age-appropriate guidelines as recommended by the American Heart Association.
During Your 20s
Get a head start on heart health by practicing a safe lifestyle at an early age. Becoming familiar with the benefits of exercise while you’re young can make it
easier to maintain the commitment as you get older. Create a workout that combines both cardio and strength training, then challenge yourself with more difficult routines. It’s also beneficial to begin regular wellness exams and become familiar with your doctor. Annual physicals allow professionals to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and heart rates to ensure your body is functioning properly.
During Your 30s
When you find yourself balancing your family and career, heart health may be far from your mind. However, it’s a perfect opportunity to instill healthy habits
into your spouse and children. Start by researching healthy meals that you can eat at the dinner table and spending more time outdoors doing activities like hiking, biking or walking around the neighborhood. Teaching these healthy lessons to your children will ingrain positive behavior in their minds as they get older. The ADA also recommends limiting the stress in your life as it can increase your heart rate and spike blood pressure to damaging levels.
During Your 40s
Now is the time to watch your weight. You will likely notice that your metabolism has slowed down making it more dif-
ficult to manage your waistline. Stick to a healthy diet and find a quality workout plan you enjoy. Sleep apnea occurs in one in five adults and can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke if not treated. Snoring is a significant symptom that something me by awry.
The 50s and Beyond
Symptoms of heart disease aren’t always as obvious as other signs of aging. Be vigilant with wellness checks and discuss any concerns with your doctor. Follow their guidelines for medication, diet and physical activity so you and your cardiovascular system can enjoy the golden years.
HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
Basics of Brushing Brushing your teeth has gone high-tech. There are apps that tell you exactly how long to brush. You can find smart toothbrushes that optimize the brushing experience. But if you still have trouble staying consistent with your brushing habits, consider the following brushing basics from the Mayo Clinic to improve your oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day. Take about two minutes to do a thorough job. Clean your tongue. We may not always remember to use our toothbrush or tongue scraper, but this is an important part of your oral health. Your tongue contains bacteria, which can lead to other health issues if not cleaned properly. Use the best equipment. This includes a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Practice makes perfect. Remember to hold your toothbrush at a slight angle. Gently brush with a circular motion. Brush too hard, and you can damage your gums and possibly your enamel. Keep it clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing and store
your toothbrush in an upright position to allow it to air out. Replace your toothbrush often. The Mayo Clinic recommends investing in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three months.
Become the Boss of Floss
No matter how well you brush, you’ll likely miss some of the food and bacteria in the tight spaces between your teeth, not to mention the hard-to-reach gum line. Use floss generously. The Mayo Clinic suggests breaking off about 18 inches of floss per usage. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand. Get a grip. Experts recommend you grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers but remember to gently guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Don’t forget the gums. When the floss reaches your gum line, curve it against one tooth, making a “C” shape.
keep their smiles
get an
early start healthy smile! to a
Healthy & Bright Gentle dental care for growing smiles. Come see us for your child’s first appointment!
FEBRUARY IS
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH Your child should see a dentist by age 1, or within 6 months after the first tooth comes in. Dr. Matt Nehl is certified by Access to Baby & Child Dentistry, and every Thursday is Kid’s Day.
Call 605.892.3603 to schedule an appointment!
Let Our Family Care for Your Family! Michael R. Dana, D.D.S., P.C. Monique M. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI Bradly R. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI Nicole D. Dana, D.D.S., FICOI, MICOI
605 Railroad St., Belle Fourche nehldental.com
1306 Main Street 200 Federal Avenue Spearfish, SD Rapid City, SD 605.642.7727 605.342.6038 A General & Cosmetic Dental Practice
www.danadentalarts.com