Good Oral Hygiene with Dexterity Difficulties

Good Oral Hygiene with Dexterity Difficulties

Michelle Phillips, RDH

With one who has dexterity difficulties such as arthritis, there are several oral hygiene aids that can help.  There are things such as electric toothbrushes and flossers out on the market now to aid in good oral hygiene. Continue reading “Good Oral Hygiene with Dexterity Difficulties” »

Optimal Oral Health for Optimal Overall Health

 

Optimal Oral Health for Optimal Overall Health 

Matthew Norman, DDS and Michelle Phillips, RDH

Many correlations exist between periodontal (gum) disease and systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and even pregnancy.  The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body, and it is becoming more and more evident that an infection in your mouth can affect the rest of your body. Continue reading “Optimal Oral Health for Optimal Overall Health” »

The Dangers of Tobacco and Smoking

By Carissa Stella

It has been well documented that smoking presents health hazards in many different forms, but the biggest issue with smoking is the damage it can do to a person’s lungs. The tar and approx. 4,000 carcinogens present in tobacco smoke can decrease the ability of the lungs to provide oxygen to the blood. Additionally, 20 of those carcinogens have been identified as those that cause lung cancer as well as throat cancer and other diseases.

Tobacco smoke – A dangerous enemy

In addition to lung cancer, tobacco smoke is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke as well chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and high blood pressure. It has been shown that a person who smokes as many as 20 cigarettes a day is more at risk to contract tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. Continue reading “The Dangers of Tobacco and Smoking” »

Listen to Your Heart

 By Carissa Stella

The heart is an amazing muscle in that it provides nourishing blood and oxygen to the entire body and if something is wrong, it can almost seem to talk to you, provided you know what to listen for. A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency during which quick action can save a person’s life or at the very least minimize damage done to the heart muscle.

Signs of a heart attack

When a person suffers a heart attack it is due to a blood clot in one of the blood vessels leading to or from the heart and is typically announced by pain somewhere in the body. Continue reading “Listen to Your Heart” »

The Importance of Respite for Caregivers

By Carissa Stella

As with any job, everyone needs time away from their responsibilities to take care of personal affairs, ease the stress of their position as well as to renew their energy. Being an in-home caregiver incorporates some additional stress of being responsible for someone’s health. This makes it more important for you, as a caregiver, to be able to provide quality care and attention to the patient. Whether you are caring for a family member or are a paid professional, taking a break from your responsibility will prevent you from getting burned out from the job.

Caregivers need to care for themselves too

If you are a caregiver, the job can lead to feeling overwhelmed and even episodes of depression if you are not able to take some time off and have time for yourself. Many in-home caregivers who remain on the job 24/7 will find it hard to take a break but the stress and negative emotions build up over time and could possibly hamper the quality of the care they provide. Continue reading “The Importance of Respite for Caregivers” »

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