Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness of good dental health in children and how this affects them later in life. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums when people are young does have lasting benefits. For one thing, it leads to fewer and shorter visits (and probably less tears!) to the dentist. It also produces prettier smiles!
Even more important, good oral health prevents more serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. When kids establish good habits early on, they’re more likely to avoid these and other poor health conditions as adults.
Currently, thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers and educators lead the effort. This year the theme is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.” Through press releases and distribution of materials, the push is to promote good oral health to children, their caregivers and teachers across the country.
Getting the kids involved adds weight to the movement. To do this, fun activity sheets that include coloring and puzzles are available online. These sheets can be found at www.ada.org.
Cataract surgery is a common procedure – but do you really know what cataracts are? They occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudyand impairs your vision. Chances are, if you live long enough to become a senior citizen, you’ll have the need for cataract surgery.
One thing scientists have learned after years of study is that cancer isn’t just one disease. While a lot more research needs to be done, scientists have made great strides. One area of focus is our immune systems. Another is genetics.
Previously overshadowed by more commonly known diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has finally hit the spotlight. HPV is actually a group of over 200 related viruses. More than 40 of these are spread through direct sexual contact and cause genital warts. Even more concerning is how they can cause certain types of cancer – like cervical, vaginal, penile and anal. And that’s just the short list.
