Whtie Coat Hypertension?

J. Storm, the executive director of the Marion Polk Yamhill Dental Society (Oregon), posted a great article over at ADA.org about hypertension in the dental office. Click here to read the article.

Eating Healthy Can Give Edge in Life

It's the new year and time to think about resolutions. For many, this includes eating healthier. An article appeared in the Wichita Eagle this morning (and probably elsewhere) which discussed healthy eating and snack habits for teens. Of course, this is important for good dental health, but it helps us feel better as well. Many of the same things apply to adults.

AP Article Focuses on Doctors Who Practice While in Rehab

An Article by the Associated Press recently examined doctors who continue to practice while in rehabilitation programs. California recently abolished a long standing program that allowed some providers to continue to practice so long as they continue their treatment program. (More).

Newton Enacts Ban on Smoking

The City of Newton joined other Kansas communities by voting unanimously Tuesday night to adopt a clean air ordinance that prohibits smoking in all public buildings and places of employment in the city. The ordinance, which takes effect Jan. 1, will ban smoking inside bars, restaurants, private clubs and fraternal organizations. A 20-foot radius around all building entrances and outdoor vendor areas also will be smoke-free under the law. The KDA is following these ordinances as part of its opposition to the use of smokeless tobacco and all tobacco products in general. Read more.

A Six-Minute Workout

I remember back to the days of the early 1980's and to the television program which seemed to take America by storm. The show was called 20 Minute Workout and featured a very simple white room with three young women would exercise under the bright lights. If you are so inclined to watch the program and laugh at the humble beginnings of cable television, You Tube has several of the 1983 program (of course). View it here.

Fortunately, we are no longer have to endure the painful experience of watching 20 Minute Workout and we can get a quick workout in six. MSNBC's The Fit List uses celebrity trainers to provide exercise tips. The latest is a six minute workout for those days in which you can't quite fit in your full routine.

Well-Being Should Mean Being Well

By Greg Hill

Well being means more than recovering from addiction.

That is the message of the American Dental Association and its purpose for changing the name from the ADA’s Dentist Well-Being Program to the Dentists Health and Wellness program. The focus extends beyond the traditional scope of recovering from chemical dependency to being more proactive and looking at our own health and wellness.

According to the American Dental Association, “The single most valuable asset in any dental practice is the dentist. Optimal health and work-life balance aren’t the buzzwords of the week or touchy-feely luxuries; rather they are essential to the maintenance of the person(s) without whom the practice would cease to exist! The practice of clinical dentistry is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. Many dentists thrive on the challenges and benefits of dental practice. But for other dentists, things happen, circumstances change, life doesn’t always go according to plan.”

The Kansas Dental Association, through its own Wellbeing program, is also expanding its interest beyond the traditional concept of recovery. While working with those who are in recovery will remain the primary focus, the committee is exploring ways to promote healthier living.

In August, the American Dental Association held a conference on Wellbeing. Rather than solely focusing on addiction issues, the ADA looked at ergonomics and personal health as a way to be proactive in being well.

Of course, healthy living doesn’t necessarily imply an all-out-blitz against any and all things with fat, carbohydrates or calories.

The key is moderation. According to Dawn Jackson Blatner, nutritionist for Lifetime Television and one of the presenters at the program, it is possible to enjoy many of your favorite foods, but there are certain things to look out for when it come to the labels on foods.

1. Look at the saturated and trans fats. These are the bad fats. Keep these fats to a minimum. However, unsaturated fats are good for us. One tip is that if oil is liquid at room temperature, it is most likely good for you. Olive oil is an example of this kind of fat.
2. Calories are important. But they should be spread out over time. Dawn recommends that between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner, it is important to have a snack of about one hundred calories each.
3. Keep a good eye on the amount of cholesterol in your foods.
4. Watch the percentage of daily value. A good test is that the closer to 20% of the daily value, the more it becomes a significant part of your diet. Look for foods around 5%, particularly if it is sodium.
5. Also look for the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in the order of quantity. If it looks bad and is near the top, stay away.

There are many ways to improve your health, prolong your life and make you feel better and healthier. All of these will lead to a better lifestyle and a life of living well.

An apple a day will keep the doctor away, but looking at what we eat can have a very positive impact on dentist’s lives and ultimately their practice.