Cleaner Teeth Can Brush Away Health Risks 

Think twice the next time you’re tempted to skip brushing your teeth — you might just save your life. When gums are inflamed and bleeding, it’s often gingivitis; a dentist’s care and good daily teeth cleaning can reverse it. But let the problem continue and the bones and tissue that hold your teeth in place begin to get damaged. That’s called periodontitis.

Once it sets in, you’re at risk of something much larger than a few missing teeth.

Poor dental habits can have a surprising ripple effect throughout your body.

Sharper brain
People with severe periodontal disease were three times more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, according to a statistical review. In another study, stroke patients had higher levels of certain bacteria in their saliva, demonstrating a link between oral hygiene and stroke risk.

Clearer lungs
If you find yourself headed to the hospital, bring your toothbrush. A recent study found that providing patients with oral care decreased instances of hospital-related pneumonia by 39 percent. 

Lower cancer risk 
Postmenopausal women who’ve experienced periodontal disease are at increased risk for breast, esophageal, gallbladder, skin and lung cancers, according to a 2017 study. 

Healthier kidneys 
The correlation between poor periodontal health and atherosclerosis has been well established. Atherosclerosis can be the root of many health problems, like chronic kidney disease.

Stronger heart
Endocarditis is an infection or inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, caused by germs invading the bloodstream. The National Institutes of Health warns that “poor dental hygiene and unhealthy teeth and gums increase your risk for the infection.”

Lower blood sugar
People with diabetes and periodontal disease may have a harder time controlling their blood glucose levels, according to some studies. Let your dentist know if you have diabetes, and if you wear dentures, make sure they fit properly.

Source: www.aarp.org

Get to Know…Rebecca Pavelka, Administrative Manager

Rebecca manages client billing, payroll and accounts payable, in addition to being the go-to person for a wide variety of other tasks. She can be counted on for an answer for many technical and other questions around the office.

Fun facts about Rebecca:

• Favorite sports team is the Cardinals
• Proudest accomplishment is being the mother to four wonderful children
• Favorite place to vacation is the beach
• Loves taking photos and is a semi-professional. She enjoys capturing nature, flowers, family pictures, senior pictures and events. She’s on the volunteer photographer staff at Missouri Botanical Gardens

Testimonial

Seniors Home Care is keeping me in my condo. My caregiver usually is the same person, Erica. She helps me bathe, drives my car and we run errands. The kitchen has now become “Erica’s kitchen” to my friends who come for supper. God Bless “Erica’s kitchen.” God Bless Seniors Home Care.
                                                A very happy client,
                                                Evalyn R.

Glaucoma Awareness

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.

Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage.

Because vision loss due to glaucoma can't be recovered, it's important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure so a diagnosis can be made in its early stages and treated appropriately. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have the condition, you'll generally need treatment for the rest of your life.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. For example:

Open-angle glaucoma

• Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes
• Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

• Severe headache
• Eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Eye redness

If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.

When to see a doctor
Go to an emergency room or an eye doctor's (ophthalmologist's) office if you experience some of the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, such as severe headache, eye pain and blurred vision.

Source: www.mayoclinic.org

Good Medicine

“I don’t know what it is, doc,” the nervous young man said. “I just don’t feel good.”

The doctor examined him and ran some tests. After consulting with her nurse, she came back into the examination room with three large bottles of different colored pills.

“OK,” the doctor said. “I want you to take one blue pill with a large glass of water every two hours. Also, go ahead and take one green pill with a large glass of water every three hours. Finally, take one of the yellow pills, with a large glass of water, every four hours.”

“Geez, that’s a lot of pills,” the patient said. “What’s the matter with me?”

“You’re not drinking enough water.”