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Medicine Talk
Health
Clinic
Exercise - Not Just for Muscles
Regular exercise may not just keep you physically fit, but mentally sharp
elderly women published in the
as well. A study of nearly 6,000
Archives of Internal Medicine
July 23, 2001, issue of the
who exercised the most had the least
reported that those women
during the six to eight years that
amount of mental decline
authors stated that even moderate
they were followed. The
get out there and exercise for
activity showed benefit. So, <
( J to see your physician before
your mind! Just don’t forget
starting any exercise regimen.
Source: www.emazing.com
Help for Leg
Cramps or
Charley Horses
If you’ve never had one of those
late-night cramps in the calf that send
you shooting out of bed, consider
yourself lucky. This kind of cramp,
inexplicably called a charley horse,
usually lasts for a few excruciating
moments and then subsides.
Some charley horses may be
caused by low electrolyte levels. If
you work out and sweat excessively,
this can cause a depletion in
necessary electrolytes. Sometimes
replacement of electrolytes (perhaps
with a sport drink such as Gatorade)
can do the trick.
For immediate relief when one
of these spasms hits, you might try
extending your leg straight out while
pushing your heel out. This helps
elongate the muscle and relax the
spasm. If your charley horses
become persistent and frequent, see
your doctor. There may be an
underlying problem.
Source: http://www.topica.com/
tipworld
Men and
Nutrition
Whether you’re male or female, the
nutrition message is still the same. For
optimal nutrition, eat a balanced, varied
diet that includes plenty of fruits,
vegetables, and fiber, and minimizes
saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
But some of you men may still have
questions specifically related to your
own health and lifestyle.
Most men tend to gain weight
around the middle section, the stomach.
Excess weight, especially in the
stomach, has been linked to a higher
risk of heart disease, stroke, and
diabetes. Exercise, along with a slight
change in your diet, can gradually help
you minimize that spare tire.
Try making the following “slight”
dietary revisions:
Z Eat more fresh fruits and
vegetables.
Z Choose foods that are lower in
fat and higher in fiber and
whole grains.
Z Limit your alcohol intake to one or
two drinks a day. Alcohol is packed
with “empty” calories and contains
few nutrients. One drink is
considered to be one 12-ounce beer,
a five-ounce glass of wine, or one-
and-a-half ounces of liquor.
Source: http://www.topica.com/
tipworld
Tooth Talk
by Linda Kreutzer, RDH
February is Children’s Dental Health Month
The American Dental Association (ADA) began this national observance in
February 1949 to help the American public understand how important early dental
care is to a child’s overall health.
The annual event began as a one-day affair in Cleveland, Ohio, on
Feb. 3, 1941. This single-day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In
1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as
Children’s Dental Health Month.
Since 1941, the observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide
program with dental health messages that reach millions of people in communities
across the country and at numerous armed service bases abroad. In larger cities,
observances often include poster, coloring, and essay contests; health fairs; free
dental screenings; classroom presentations; and dental office tours. The main
idea is to draw attention to the very important topic of dental health for children.
The Siletz Community Health Clinic conducts a free sealant project through
Siletz School every April. Sealants are a protective coating that can prevent decay
and tooth loss for children. The Siletz Clinic will soon offer special fluoride
“varnish” services to prevent decay in baby teeth, focusing on infants and toddlers.
At the clinic, dental care and dental education are provided daily to children
and their parents. Special dental health classroom presentations are given monthly
for all grades at Siletz School. Dental health education for Head Start children is
a priority. For those of us here at the dental clinic, every month is Children’s
Dental Health Month.
The goal of the ADA is to urge parents to take an active role in ensuring the
health of their children’s teeth. Attitudes and habits established at an early age
are critical to maintaining good oral health throughout life.
Children should get their first dental checkup before age 2. Children should
be encouraged to stay away from candy and pop. It’s important that children
brush twice daily, beginning when teeth first appear. Fluoride is very
important in preventing decay in the developing teeth. If fluoride is not in drinking
water, a dentist can prescribe daily fluoride tablets, ensuring strong, healthy
permanent teeth.
Sealants can be placed in the child’s permanent molars beginning at age 6.
Thumb sucking can be a problem for erupting teeth if it continues when permanent
teeth begin to come in and causes improper growth of the mouth and tooth
misalignment. A dentist can tell if this is a problem and give ideas to help
control it.
There are many good reasons why it’s important to get children an early start
at good dental health. February is a great month to be reminded of that. If you
haven’t done so already, pick up the phone and make an appointment for your
child at your dental office or clinic. Children’s Dental Health Month is a time to
celebrate a healthy, decay- and pain-free mouth for every child.
February
2002 •
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Siletz News
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