‘Cha-may weeya
Medicine Talk
Siletz
Community
Are You at Risk for
Developing Diabetes?
by John Jasper, Diabetes Coordinator
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) estimates that one in six people
over age 65 has diabetes, or 4.2 million Americans. Recent evidence suggests
that diabetes is expected to increase as much as 165 percent over the next
50 years. With education and lifestyle changes, a great majority of diabetes
can be prevented.
Do You Know the Risk Factors?
Family history of diabetes
Abnormal blood cholesterol
History of diabetes during pregnancy
Having a baby that weighed more
than 9 pounds at birth
Native American heritage
Over age 45
Inactive and sedentaiy lifestyle
Previous or current impaired
fasting glucose
Overweight
What You Can Do
Call your clinic and make an appointment with your health care provider
or your certified diabetes educator. With education and/or early detection, we
can prevent some of the complications associated with diabetes. Call the
Siletz Community Health Clinic at 541-444-1030 or 1-800-648-0449 for
more information.
Allergies/Asthma
Affect Work
More Dieting
Damage
A survey of 300 adults with asthma
and/or nasal allergies suggests that
these conditions may cause people to
take more sick days from work and have
decreased work effectiveness. Results
of the survey, which were published in
the June 2001 issue of the Journal of
Clinical Epidemiology, showed that
those with asthma were more likely to
take full days off from work while
those with nasal allergies alone
were more likely to take partial
days off. If you suffer from either
asthma or allergies, talk to your
physician to discuss treatment options.
With proper treatment, you’ll be
working at your best!
Source: www.emazing.com
Two recent studies confirmed that
high school girls who diet are more
likely to gain weight at the end of four
years than those who don’t. The
researchers suggest that the girls, like
most unsuccessful dieters, suppress
their desire to eat and end up actually
overeating when their desires outweigh
their willpower. A positive influence on
healthy eating for the girls is the family
dinner - if parents make it a priority,
their children learn first-hand what
balanced eating is and develop healthier
habits to last a lifetime.
Source: www.ernazing.com
Health
Clinic
Tooth Talk
by Linda Kreutzer, RDH
Sealants
During April, the Siletz Community Health Clinic is offering a special
service to grade-school children at Siletz School. All children (grades 1-8)
whose parents or guardians sign a permission form can come to the clinic and
have sealants placed on their teeth for free! The clinic supports the idea of
preventing tooth decay before it starts. The Dental Sealant Project will take
place April 22-24.
What are dental sealants?
Dental sealants are thin, white, plastic coatings that are applied to the
chewing surfaces of the back teeth. Most tooth decay in children and teen
agers occurs in these back teeth (molars). Before decay can begin, sealants are
placed to fill in the small grooves in the molars.
Which teeth are suitable for
sealants?
The teeth most likely to benefit
from sealants are the permanent
molars. First molars come into the
mouth when a child is about 6 years
old. Second molars appear at about age
12. Children from age 5 to 14 benefit
most from sealants. After an
examination, a dentist will determine
which teeth can be sealed.
Does it hurt?
Absolutely not! Getting a sealant is quick and easy. Application requires
no shots or drills. The tooth is first cleaned with a special liquid and then the
sealant is “painted” on the tooth. The material goes on as a liquid (it flows into
the cracks of the tooth), then hardens with help from a special fiber-optic light.
A finished sealant is almost invisible and cannot be felt by the tongue.
How long will it last?
One sealant application can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants
should be checked annually by your dentist to make sure they are in place.
Sealants have been used for more than 20 years. They have proved to be very
effective in preventing decay. Ask your dentist if your children can get sealants.
With regular brushing, flossing, and sealants, a child may never have a cavity
or need a filling.
If your child attends Siletz School, ask the school secretary for a Sealant
Parent Permission form. Several permission forms already are in. The school
will accept completed and signed forms until April 18. Don’t let your child
miss out on the lifetime benefits of sealants.
Medical Terminology
The years of training that a physician must endure makes it somewhat difficult
to recall which medical terms and words are unique to the medical profession
and which are widely known. For this reason, your physician may use medical
terminology that you don't understand.
Do not be afraid to ask your doctor to explain what he or she is saying. It
ultimately will be to your benefit.
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Siletz News
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Source: www.etnazing.corn
April 2002
Blending Herbs with Medications
If you are currently on drug medications, talk with your health care
practitioner or pharmacist about adding herbal remedies to your treatment plan.
There are a few drugs and herbal remedy combinations to avoid. Seek
professional advice to stay safe and healthy.
Source: www.emazing.com