Page 7
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Smoke Signals December 1993
Let's Talk Teeth...
By Linda Mann, RDH
Smoke and you die! This is the message in a study
recently published in the Journal of American Medical
Association. Although heart disease and cancer may be
listed as the nation's biggest killers, the biggest underlying
cause of death is tobacco.
Tobacco-related diseases, such as oral cancer, throat cancer, lung cancer, heart
disease, emphysema, high blood pressure, and strokes are preventable. Even if you smoke
now, if you quit your risk of cancer eventually diminishes to almost the same risk of persons
who have never smoked. So why am I talking about this in "Let's Talk Teeth"? Because I
see all too often the affect tobacco has on a person's mouth, and these affects are entirely
preventable.
Smokers are more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease and have it more
severely than non-smokers. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It
destroys the bone that holds the teeth in. In addition, smoking stains the teeth, causes bad
breath, dulls the senses of taste and smell, and can cause oral cancer. Smokers have a risk
or oral cancer that is four times greater than that of non-smokers. More than ninety percent
of oral cancers are found in people over the age of 45, but oral cancer can occur at any age.
Individuals can spot symptoms by doing a monthly self exam. The exam should include a
check of these symptoms, which are some of the warning signs of oral cancer:
A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
Swelling of lips, gums, or other area inside the mouth, with or without pain
Repeated bleeding in the mouth for no apparent reason
These symptoms are not sure signs of oral cancer but if you have any, it is important
to see a dentist to rule out the possibility.
Quitting smoking is not easy but there is help available. Your medical and dental
professionals can help. We have stop smoking guides that offer excellent suggestions for
cutting down and quitting. We can offer support, guidance, and products, if needed, to make
the process easier for you. Whether you do it for your smile, health, or family, JUST DO IT.
Sources: American Dental Association, American Cancer Society, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
Pope Heads Up Cultural Program
Mala "Spotted Eagle" Pope has taken charge of the cultural component for the
Nanitch Sahallie Youth Treatment Facility in Keizer, Oregon. A counselor at Nanitch, Mala
says, "I believe that if our young people are more aware and involved in their heritage, they
will have the strength to avoid the problems that plague our people. We now have traditional
drummers and dancers coming in weekly, along with guest speakers on traditional values.
We also are in the process of completing our sweatlodge."
Before coming to Nanitch, Mala worked as a counselor (volunteer) for a non-profit
Native American foundation. He also worked for seven years as a counselor and supervisor
at the Youth Training Center in Elko, Nevada.
Healthy Eating In Indian Country
Submitted by Margo Norton, USDA Director
This is a new column submitted by the USDA Program and will cover a different
topic in healthy eating each month.
DO YOU HAVE LACTOSE INTOLERANCE?
You may have Lactose Intolerance if drinking milk or eating dairy foods gives you
stomach discomfort. Lactose Intolerance is when your body has trouble digesting lactose.
Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other foods that contain milk. Nausea, gas, diarrhea,
or cramps are some of the problems many people get from drinking milkor eatingdairy foods.
FOODS WITH CALCIUM
It is vert important that you eat foods high in calcium if you don't drink milk. You
need calcium in your diet, especially if you are pregnant. Canned and dried fish with bones
such as salmon or sardines are high in calcium. Dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli,
beet greens, and turnip greens also provide calcium. Try to eat these foods often.
EATING TIPS FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE
You may be able to eat some dairy foods such as yogurt, hard cheeses, and cultured
buttermilk. Try eating dairy foods in smaller servings to find an amount that agrees with
you. Try drinking halfa glass ofmilk with a meal or snack. Drinking small amounts of milk
may not cause problems. A healthy diet docs include dairy foods and milk. When you can,
choose lower fat foods such as ice milk, non-fat milk, lowfat yogurt and cheeses. There are
also brands of milk such as Dairy Ease and Lact-Aid that have been treated to reduce the
amount of lactose.
Nurse Practitioners Offer Many
Services To Tribal Members
Donna Brenneman and Dan Leone are the two nurse practitioners at the Grand
Ronde Tribal Health Clinic. They can provide primary health care to tribal members such
as check-ups, preventative health care, as well as treatment of minor injuries. They can treat
acute, chronic, and specialized illnesses and also have a list of referrals for patients who
should be seen by outside physicians, or do not have transportation to the tribal offices.
Said Donna, a graduate of Joseph School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, "We are
considered to be mid-level care providers. We can provide basic health care needs."
A big part of their jobs involves education of tribal members about preventative
health care. They instruct clients about their illnesses and how to help keep it from getting
worse, and about the ways in which people can prevent diseases.
"We instruct people about different levels of wellness so they can take over their own
health care. We talk about a linea Wellness Continuum with one end of the line being
illness, the other being wellness. We try to get clients to find a level of wellness they are
comfortable with, and maintain it," explained Dan. "Even terminally ill patients can and
should be comfortable."
; Mai w
I ' jf-: ..' I
I f I WMi"1-" S
It
r
v- . - cT.-. jp"s f ' . ...:..5 j
. V . -
V
1.''.
1 t 1 1
Stem
1 Donna and Dan prepare for a day of appointments and consultations in the health
cTimc
Preventative health care also includes education of everything from diet and
exercise to HIV Infection and AIDS. Dan and Donna both worked at the Tribes' summer
camp this year, and say that health education is often targeted towards young people.
They also frequently sponsor "test days" for anyone who wants to drop in and test
their blood sugar level or blood pressure, for example.
"Another big part of our job is maintaining the confidentiality of the client," said
Donna. "The family intimacy of the Tribe is very unique, and sometimes a client will speak
with a friend or family member about a problem. Some clients aren't concerned with
confidentiality, but it's our job to respect and protect a patient's privacy."
Added Dan, "Among health care professionals, there is an ethical code as well as
the Privacy Act. It's just something that people in this field respect and take seriously. In
fact, we don't share things with our own families."
Donna and Dan hope to be getting more space soon. Another exam table, more
storage space, and equipment.
"Eventually, we'd like to have an x-ray machine, radiology, and a pharmacy," said
Donna.
Darlene Aaron, a Certified Nursing Assistant, works with Dan and Donna, and has
recently celebrated five years of working for the Tribe. Her duties include working with
expectant mothers, giving shots, and follow-up immunization.
The clinic is open every Monday through Thursday from 8-6:00 P.M. Walk-ins are
from 8-9:00 A.M. and from 5-6:00 P.M. The rest of the hours are by appointment, however,
emergencies take first priority. If you would like to make an appointment with Dan or Donna,
please call 1-800-775-OO95 or 879-2000.