HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are
Dental Health & Heart Health
HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
HealthBeat is an excellent
opportunity for you to reach a health-conscious audience of readers. Next Month’s Topics: Nutrition & Athletic Training
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Daily steps to keep your heart healthy
Heart disease is a formidable foe. According to 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 mil-
lion adults in the U.S. have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. And heart disease is not exclusive to the United States, as the Heart Research Institute says that every seven minutes in Canada someone dies from heart disease or stroke.
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 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.
HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
Choosing the right dentist We’re taught from a very young age that caring for our teeth will save us a lifetime of pain and costly procedures. That’s true, so choosing a dental professional you can trust, along with scheduling regular care and cleaning can result in just that — a lifetime of beautiful, healthy teeth. If you don’t already have a regular dentist, choosing the right dental health professional is essential to helping you maintain your health and appearance in addition to helping you avoid nasty dental problems down the road. Find a dentist who makes you feel comfortable and explains every procedure in an understandable way, and you’ll be in good hands. Finding a dentist near your home or workplace will help you make your appointments on time. When searching for a dentist, make sure the office hours work for your schedule. Whether you’re moving to a new area or haven’t made time to find a regular dentist, here’s a few tips on how to start your search.
Ask around
First, ask your social network for recommendations. Friends, family and colleagues can be a great resource. Searching on the internet for dental offices in your area will also help. Professionals often have their own websites, which include the backgrounds of those working there. The website may also tell you about how they handle procedures and appointments, as well as specialized services they offer. Your local newspaper will likely have advertisements from local dentists. Oftentimes you can find specials and discounts.
Interview dentists
Once you have gathered a list, begin calling each prospective dentist. You can talk to a receptionist or other staff per-
son if the dentist is unavailable. Check to make sure the dentist earned the necessary degree from a reputable school and is current on all licensing and continuing educational requirements. Ideally, he will be familiar with the latest dental technologies and trends. Ask if the dental office provides emergency services. If you break a tooth or need to have a root canal done right away, you will want to use your chosen dentist. You don’t want to have to search for a dentist when you are in pain. Lead time for appointments is another consideration. Some offices might be able to see you right away, while others may have a three-week wait time. Your prospective dentist should accept your dental insurance. If don’t have dental insurance, inquire about payment plans. The office should give you an estimate before performing any work.
Office visit
When someone meets all of your requirements, visit the office. The staff should be professional and friendly. Every dentist should be willing to answer all of your questions. Some people are afraid of dentists or of pain. If you have any concerns, communicate with the staff and dentist. Many professionals are willing to go above and beyond to help you work through these issues. A basic oral health history should be taken by the dentist or staff. They should tell you about future treatment and prevention options. A quality dentist will help you feel comfortable during your visit. The best dentists offer friendly, non-threatening dental experiences. Teeth are extremely important to your overall health. They can also help or hinder your appearance. Finding a good dentist is like finding a friend who consistently brings out your best smile.
keep their smiles
Healthy & Bright Gentle dental care for growing smiles. Come see us for your child’s first appointment!
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 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.
Let Our Family Care for Your Family! Michael R. Dana, D.D.S., P.C. Monique M. Dana, D.D.S., MICOI Bradly R. Dana, D.D.S., MICOI Nicole D. Dana, D.D.S., MICOI
State of the Art Air Sanitation Technology 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