THE PRESS
MARCH 6, 2020
MEDICAL & DENTAL PROFESSIONALS OF EAST COUNTY
Bright futures begin with a healthy smile DAWNMARIE FEHR
T
aking a little one to the dentist for the first time can have a lasting
impression and lifelong effect on oral health. Pediatric dentists have the training and tools to keep children calm and comfortable, ensuring a good cleaning. In addition to the training a general dentist receives, pediatric dentists get up to three years additional education on working with children,
preparing them to handle behavioral difficulties, nervous patients and all things kid-related. “I often get asked why a parent should take their child to a pediatric dentist rather than a general dentist,” said Dr. Ansony Kim of Hello Smiles Pediatric Dentists. “If you have a young child who is sick, most parents will take them to a pediatrician, rather than a family doctor. It’s the same thing.” see Smile page 17
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MEDICAL & DENTAL PROFESSIONALS
MARCH 6, 2020
Recommended vaccines for adults
R
outine immunizations help safeguard newborns, and as children get older, they receive vaccines to prevent measles,
mumps, rubella, hepatitis and chicken pox. But a common misconception suggests that vaccines are only for the young. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the protection provided by some childhood vaccines can wear off. In addition, some people may be at risk for certain vaccine-preventable diseases due to lifestyle, existing health conditions and age. As a result, it’s important for adults to make sure their vaccines are up-to-date. Those who are unsure of their vaccine status should discuss their health history with their doctors. In the meantime, adults should know that the following vaccines are recommended for people of various ages. ♦♦ Influenza: An annual flu shot is highly recommended. Doctors and health officials indicate that getting the flu vaccine is the single most effective way to prevent seasonal flu or reduce the duration and severity of the illness should it be contracted. ♦♦ Tdap: This vaccine contains strains of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). All three are implicated in serious illnesses or death, according to WebMD. Just about every person, young and old, should receive the Tdap vaccine. The Centers
Those who are unsure of their vaccine status should discuss their health history with their doctors. for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that every adult should get the Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent. Then a booster shot every 10 years is sufficient. ♦♦ Shingles: People who have been exposed to varicella (chicken pox) in their youth are at risk for shingles as they grow older. The CDC says nearly one out of three people in the U.S. will develop shingles in their lifetime. A shingles vaccine can protect against shingles and complications from the disease. Adults who are 50 and older should get the vaccine, which is administered in two doses. ♦♦ Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23): This vaccine protects against serious pneumococcal diseases, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. It is recommended for all adults age 65 and older. ♦♦ Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 13): This protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia. Adults 65 years or older who have never received a dose of PCV13 should discuss it with their physicians. Vaccines protect the very young from various diseases, but there are many vaccines that are still vital to health in adulthood.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
A common misconception suggests that vaccines are only for the young. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the protection provided by some childhood vaccines can wear off.
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MEDICAL & DENTAL PROFESSIONALS
MARCH 6, 2020
Smile
from page 17
Kim is in the process of setting up his practice in Oakley and hopes to open to patients next month with a state-ofthe-art facility. He has been a pediatric dentist since 2013 and said preventative care and education are a big part of what he does. “Many things, like bottle rot, are preventable, and a lot of times, first-time parents just don’t know how to prevent things,” he explained. “Seeing children early can prevent a lifetime of oral health issues and anxiety. We always want easy, positive checkup appointments.” Kim worked with dental hygienist Jen Sutton-Shay for two years before he moved from the East Coast to California. Sutton-Shay said Kim was popular with the children in the practice for talking sports and listening to ‘lost tooth’ stories. “The whole goal at the end of the day is to have a successful treatment,” she explained. “In pediatrics, it’s common to see kids who have had a negative dental experience elsewhere and come in scared. There is nothing better than to ease their fears and build a trusting relationship with them, so that, hopefully, they will leave with a smile on their face and feeling proud that they did it.” Kim said the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatricians both recommend taking a child for their first
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Seeing children early can prevent a lifetime of oral health issues and anxiety. We always want easy, positive checkup appointments. – Dr. Ansony Kim of Hello Smiles Pediatric Dentists dental appointment by age 1 or six months after the first tooth appears. “There’s a lot of benefits to seeing children early, so if there are any issues like decay or cavity, they can start as quickly as once the first teeth are out,” said Kim. Kim’s practice is currently under construction. He said he looks forward to serving as a member of the community and providing a local option to treat children from infancy to teenage years. He hopes to begin accepting new patients in April. For more information, visit www.hellosmileskids.com or email info@hellosmileskids.com. To comment, visit www.thepress.net
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Dr. Ansony Kim, of Hello Smiles Pediatric Dentists, is preparing to open his Oakley practice next month.
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The warning signs of stress
S
tress affects so many people and infiltrates so many parts of daily life that it can be tempting
to write it off as harmless or a normal part of being human, but the negative effects of stress are significant. Those who can recognize that are in a good position to find healthy ways to cope.
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The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that stress can take a considerable toll on a person’s mind and body. Chronic stress, which is a constant stress experienced over a prolonged period of time, can increase the risk of hypertension, heart attack or stroke. In addition, the APA notes that chronic stress causes the muscles in the body to be in an essentially constant state of guardedness, which can potentially contribute to tension-type headaches and migraines. These are just two of the many ways the body is adversely affected by stress, which the APA indicates also has been linked to problems with the gastrointestinal system, nervous system and reproductive system. Since stress can contribute to such unpleasant and potentially life-threatening side effects, it’s important that people from all walks of life learn to recognize the warning signs. The American Institute
Learning to recognize signs of stress can help people overcome it and reduce their risk for various conditions. of Stress lists the following among its most common signs and symptoms of stress: 1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain 2. Gritting, grinding teeth 3. Stuttering or stammering 4. Tremors or trembling of lips or hands 5. Neck ache, back pain or muscle spasms 6. Light-headedness, faintness or dizziness 7. Ringing, buzzing or popping sounds 8. Frequent blushing or sweating 9. Cold or sweaty hands and feet 10. Dry mouth or problems swallowing 11. Frequent colds, infections or herpes sores 12. Rashes, itching, hives or ‘goose bumps’ 13. Unexplained or frequent ‘allergy’ attacks 14. Heartburn, stomach pain or nausea 15. Excess belching or flatulence 16. Constipation, diarrhea, loss of control 17. Difficulty breathing or frequent sighing 18. Sudden attacks of life-threatening panic 19. Chest pain, palpitations or rapid pulse 20. Frequent urination Stress is a part of daily life. Learning to recognize symptoms can help people overcome it and reduce their risk for various conditions. – Courtesy Metro Creative