Blog
Healthy Active Seniors
Why should I be active?
Maintain your health and independence as you age
Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical and mental health and quality of life as you get older. Walking, stretching, and keeping your muscles in good condition will help you to maintain your independence.
Physical inactivity makes your body age faster
Independent living depends on being able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them. To stay independent you need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry, and move around easily. Staying physically active will help you to keep moving, and stay strong.
Think about these facts
- 60% of older adults are inactive.
- Sitting or lying for long periods is a serious health risk. (World Health Organization)
- Inactivity leads to declines in:
- bone strength;
- muscle strength;
- heart and lung ...
September 8, 2008General0Continue reading
Protecting Our Children from Tooth Decay
Did you know that children can get a cavity as soon as their first tooth arrives?
It is never too early to start looking after your child's oral health. Even before your child has their first tooth, it is important to begin good oral hygiene habits. Plaque grows in a child's mouth even before they have teeth. The bacteria found in plaque can lead to the development Early Childhood Tooth Decay or ECTD (also known as Early Childhood Caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay), so it is important to remove plaque from the child's mouth daily.
What is Early Childhood Tooth Decay (ECTD)?
ECTD is a severe type of tooth decay that can affect baby teeth; especially the upper front teeth.
What Causes ECTD?
Food left in the mouth from feeding including milk, juice, drinks and breast milk can lead to the development of ECTD. The sugars found in food combines with the bacteria in plaque to ...
September 1, 2008Dental Tips0Continue reading
Notes on Effective Brushing and Flossing
Adults
The health of your gums, teeth and mouth are very important to your overall health. There is definitive research which shows the connection between poor oral health and systemic disease such as diabetes in people of all ages and respiratory diseases particularly among elderly people. New research is now pointing to possible connections between oral health and other systemic conditions such as heart disease and premature, low birth weight babies. Although researchers are still learning about the links between oral health and general health, oral disease itself can cause pain, tooth loss and bad breath.
How should I brush my teeth?
- Use a soft toothbrush
- Point the bristles toward the gums
- Gently wiggle the toothbrush back and forth
- Brush all sides of your teeth
- the inside (tongue side)
- the outside (cheek side)
- the top where you chew
- Brush you ...
August 25, 2008Dental Tips0Continue reading
Water Fluoridation Why?
I thought this letter might interest you.
Letter from Canada's Chief Dental Officer - July 30th, 2008
As the Chief Dental Officer for Canada, I would like to highlight some of the many benefits of water fluoridation.
Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the level of fluoride in the water to provide dental health benefits. Many governments and health organizations, including Health Canada, the Canadian Public Health Association, the Canadian Dental Association, the Canadian Medical Association and the World Health Organization endorse the fluoridation of drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Community water fluoridation has been identified by U.S. Centers for Disease Control as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.
Canada has one of the best systems in the world to ensure water quality. Health Canada supports water fluoridation as a public ...
August 12, 2008Dental News0Continue reading
Enjoying the Summertime
Have a wonderful summer
Sun Safety For All
Before you head for the beach, the park or even the back-yard, take a few minutes to learn about sun safety. You can protect your family and still have fun under the sun. This advice applies to everyone regardless of age or ethnicity.
- Avoid needless exposure to the sun.
- Protect your eyes by wearing UV blocking sunglasses.
- Select shaded areas for outdoor activities.
- Clothing such as a broad brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants can protect your skin. Tuck a handkerchief under the back of your hat to help prevent sunburn on the neck.
- If you can't cover up, use a sunscreen containing a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, verify it has both UVA and UVB protection, re-apply every two hours and after sweating or swimming.
- Avoid using sun lamps.
- Some medication can make skin more sensitive to UV rays, consult ...
July 14, 2008General0Continue reading
