Healthy Foods, from Drs. Bernard & Eimer

If you notice, every television ad these days is about fitness, from Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Nutrisystems, Medifast and more. The newspaper ads are all selling workout clothes, yoga mats and exercise equipment. But, the best place to start is with nutrition.

A healthy diet is very important. Try to follow the National Dietary guidelines for the proper daily intake of foods such as, fruits, dairy, vegetables and meat. If the country could get 5 more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, we would see a huge decrease in heart disease, cancer and high blood pressure. Try to add an extra piece of fruit or an extra vegetable to your diet each week until you achieve the correct number of daily servings.

Water is also very important to a healthy diet. Make water your primary drink, this way you will be drinking a zero calorie no chemical drink all day long instead of a high calorie or high chemical alternative.

Many fruits such as berries are a great source of antioxidants, and other chemicals that your body uses to repair and prevent some of the damage caused by aging.

Fish and nuts are great sources of Omega 3-s. These are foods that improve your good cholesterol.

Try to change one thing about your diet each week, over time you start to view these changes as habit, therefore taking steps to a healthier lifestyle.

Reasons to Smile, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

Did you ever notice how you are drawn to people that smile? We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is making them smile. People that frown, scowl and grimace send out a signal that they do not want to be approached, causing most to steer clear.

Next time you are feeling down, put on a smile, it will change your mood for the better. A smiling person can light up a room, and change the mood of others.

Stress can really show up in our faces, it makes you look tired, or overwhelmed.
Smiling can boost you immune system. By smiling immune function improves and flu and colds can be prevented. It can also lower blood pressure, release endorphins and raise serotonin levels in the brain, making you feel better.

It takes many more muscles to frown than it takes to smile. This overtime can cause you to look older, and today looking younger is a national obsession.

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing your smile, it’s hard to do! Our body sends a message that “Life is Good” when we smile, it makes us appear more confident and successful.

SMILE!!

ADHA to emphasize early education during February

In observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) will emphasize the importance of early education on a proper oral health regimen. This focus builds upon the National Dental Hygiene Month message, “It’s Simple. Healthy habits for a healthy smile.”

“Educating children on the importance of their home care, and teaching proper brushing and flossing, creates a routine of healthy behavior that kids can continue into adulthood,” said Pam Quinones, RDH, BS, ADHA President. “Teaching kids at a young age sends the message that oral health care is important, and this message will have a tremendous impact on their oral and overall health for the rest of their lives. It really is a simple matter of creating habits that keep your mouth, and your entire body, healthy.”

To prevent cavities and gum disease, which affect millions of Americans — including children, good oral hygiene routines should be established as early as infancy and continued throughout life. Some tips for parents include:

• Even before teeth begin to erupt, thoroughly clean your infant's gums after each feeding with a water-soaked infant washcloth or gauze pad to stimulate the gum tissue and remove food. When the baby's teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
• A small amount of fluoridated toothpaste will help to inhibit decay. Fluoride is also found in mouth rinses, community water supplies, and in some foods.
• At age two or three, you can begin to teach your child proper brushing techniques. But remember, you will need to follow up with brushing and gentle flossing until age seven or eight, when the child has the dexterity to do it alone.
• Change your child’s toothbrush three to four times a year, and after every illness to avoid bacteria and germs.
• Limit the amount of sugar children can eat by encouraging them to eat fruits and vegetables for snacks instead of candies and cookies. Also, limit snacking between meals, and make sure they brush afterward.
• Determine if the water supply that serves your home is fluoridated. If there is not fluoride in your water, discuss supplement options with your dental hygienist.
• Set a good example for your child by brushing, flossing and eating healthy foods, and scheduling regular oral health visits for yourself.
• Continually remind your child about the benefits of good oral health and stress the role that nutrition plays in maintaining it.
• Schedule regular oral health appointments starting around your child's first birthday.


Instilling proper oral habits is vital, but even the best oral hygiene routine needs to be supplemented by regular oral health checkups. As preventive oral health experts, dental hygienists are the best educators when it comes to your children’s mouths. During a routine visit, your oral health professional will check for cavities in the primary teeth and watch for developmental problems, as well as help to create a positive experience that may alleviate fear at future visits.

Here are some tips for preparing children for oral checkups:

• Schedule visits to the dental hygienist at a time when your child is likely to be well rested and cooperative.
• Never mention the words “hurt” or “pain” around your child when discussing an oral health visit. Saying “it won’t hurt” instills the possibility of pain into your child’s thought process.
• Do not discuss your own negative experiences in your child’s hearing range.
• Allow and encourage your child to discuss any fear he or she might have about oral health visits.

Instructions on proper oral hygiene are available on ADHA’s website, including these diagrams on proper brushing and flossing.

ADHA encourages dental hygienists across the country to get involved during NCDHM to increase public awareness of the specific oral health issues related to children and to help parents understand how prevention plays a key role in optimum health.

How to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

Commonly known as the "Winter Blah's), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 10 million Americans, it is a biological condition caused by a deficiency of sunlight in the fall and winter, causing depression, lethargy, muddled thinking, and a craving for sweets and starch. Another 25 million have a mild form of SAD. Some individuals go into a “hibernation” mode, which can lead to boredom, weight gain and depression.

How do you avoid becoming a statistic of this illness? Experts suggest going outside and walking or jogging, any activities that will get you outside in the daylight. For severe cases, a high-intensity light box may need to be used to simulate sunlight. Light therapy makes a difference for most people.

Work on some projects during the winter months such as, home improvement, getting fit by exercise and diet, take a class or throw a winter blah’s party, a potluck where everyone pitches in for the party! Staying busy is the key to avoid falling into the blah’s.

Take up a winter sport such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or sledding. You may find that you actually enjoy these winter outdoor activities.

Read a great book, or read several great books. If you don’t want to purchase them your local library is an option. Find a winter activity that you enjoy to pass the time until spring arrives!