Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 1999)
Siletz Community liver also plays a role in blood clotting, digestion, protein production, glucose production, cholesterol control, blood pressure control, and many other important bodily functions. A diseased liver can cause problems with any or all of these body functions. People can live without a lot of their organs (like a gallbladder, kidney, or appendix), but a person cannot live without a liver. Definitions Hepatitis: A general term used to describe liver inflammation. Jaundice: A condition in which a substance called bilirubin accumulates in tissues in the body, causing a yellowish coloration to the skin and eyes. The liver normally gets rid of the bilirubin. Cirrhosis: Irreversible injury of the liver caused from many things, including alcohol and the hepatitis virus. The liver tissue becomes distorted, nodular, and inflamed, leading to poor liver function. Liver enzymes: Chemical substances produced by the liver that help it perform bodily functions. When these enzymes are elevated, however, liver damage may be indicated. Sally Noack A big welcome to Sally Noack, one of our newest employees at the Siletz Community Health Clinic. Sally has been busy getting the lab in order and getting our policies and procedures ready for accreditation. She's also busy with training and will be ready to work when she gets back. Sally is friendly and a hard worker, and always has a smile for everyone. Again, welcome Sally! “Cha-may weeya Health Clinic Medicine Talk Low Fat, No Fat. What’s a Person to Do? Tooth Talk by Linda Kreutzer, RDH Why Put off Visiting the Dentist ? Got an off-and-on again sore tooth? Broken tooth? How long has it been since you went to see the dentist? A lot of people have a terrible fear of going to see a dentist. Everyone has their own reasons for putting off making an appointment. When you finally do make that call, here are some do’s and don'ts for a more comfortable dental visit. For quite awhile, we have been hearing that the answer to our problems with diet, disease, and being overweight are due to eating too much fat. Now experts our saying people are more aware of fat and eating less of it, but are still getting fatter. What is the answer? Consider this: Too much fat is NOT good for you. It tends to make you fat, clogs your arteries, raises your blood pressure, and harms you in many ways. Fat has more calories (energy) per gram than any other nutrient. * When you buy foods that are reduced fat or no fat, they often have more sugar. This isn’t good either. Take cookies, for 1. DON'T be shy or self-conscious. Dentists example. Just because they are low fat see lots of mouths, all day long. You may doesn't mean you can eat the whole box! have a lot of fillings and your teeth may The bottom line is neither one is very be far from perfect, but don’t worry. A good for you, the low-fat cookie or the perfect mouth is EXTREMELY rare. high-fat cookie. Save them for occasional 2. DON’T worry about being judged. treats, not a major food source! Dentists don’t think any less of you as a * Follow the food guide pyramid, but person if you have cavities or a lot of beware of some common mistakes. The fillings. A dentist is happy that you care food guide pyramid has a very wide range enough about your teeth to come in and of recommended servings. The lower have them taken care of. numbers are for women, older, and less- 3. DO come to your appointment with a active people; the higher numbers are for clean mouth. It’s courtesy and good men, younger, and more-active people. manners to brush your teeth (or dentures) If you want to lose weight, go for the thoroughly BEFORE your appointment. lower number. For example, on grains, A dentist will assume that you don’t care cereals and breads, the recommendation about your teeth if you come in with is six to 11 servings a day. To lose weight, plaque and food all over them. you should try to keep your number of 4. DO have a positive outlook! The dentist servings down to six. will easily forgive past dental neglect IF * Another common pyramid downfall is the patient has a good attitude and asks serving size. Most people say they eat less HOW can I get and keep my mouth than the pyramid, but they are off on healthy starting TODAY? What matters serving size. A serving of bread is one is that you are in the office NOW and slice. That puts many breads, like bagels, want to move forward to obtain a healthy at two or three servings. A serving of mouth. Know too, that most of the effort pasta is half a cup, not a plateful! Meat must come from you. It’s important to is another one that we eat too much of at show’ up for dental appointments. Also, a serving. A serving of meat is the size of it's important to establish good daily a deck of cards. Most chicken breasts are brushing and flossing habits. more than one serving! * Try to eat foods in their most natural state. Sometimes overcoming dental fears takes A baked potato is much healthier than courage. We who work in the dental office french fries. Pick foods that have not been know and understand those fears. Just give refined or processed, such as whole us the opportunity to help you. grain products. *
