d-mars.com Health & Wellness 50

Health & Wellness Journal HEALTH

|

WELLNESS

|

MEDICAL

|

RESEARCH

September-October 2015

INSIDE

|

SPORTS

|

FITNESS

|

LIFESTYLE

|

BEAUTY

Inspire, Inform & Educate

Connect With Us

facebook.com/dmarsmarketing

50th Edition @dmars_com

@dmars_com

Creating Success by Doing You

The Prostate Effect

By Rhonda Dallas The prostate is a very vital organ of the male body.

PAGE 8

Mind, Body and Soul

PAGES 4-5

By Lisa Bradley The catch phrase, “Do you,” has been an expression that can be recognized no matter one’s background.

Avida Care Services Changes Our View of Mental Illness

PAGE 10

PAGE 16 PAGE 14

12 Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade We’ve all been told to avoid red wine, dark berries and black coffee in our quest for pearly whites, but what about foods that actually brighten your smile?

PAGE 12

Managing Diabetes: 4 Simple Steps to Keep Your Child Safe at School

A Nutritionist’s Sustainable Healthy Habits for the Whole Family

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it.

– Stevie Wonder

September-October 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

The theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Health and Wellness Journal is Creating Success by Doing You. We aim to be successful when it comes to finances and business, but do we aim to create success when it comes to our health? We need to remember that if we are not healthy, we will not be able to enjoy wealth. Our community is impacted by certain diseases more than other communities. At d-mars.com, we care about the health of the community. This issue will encourage you to take care of your health.

This month’s cover story is on Avida Care Services. The experienced and compassionate staff at Avida Care Services is achieving success in the healthcare industry with their approach to addressing mental illness. Not only is the team at Avida Care Services successfully treating mental illness, but they are also working diligently to dispel myths and stereotypes about mental illness.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

Contents

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Avida Care Services..................................................................................................................................................................................................4-5

Andrea Hennekes

What Do You Know about Prostate Health?....................................................................................................................................................... 6

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dermatologist Q&A...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Angel Rosa

The Prostate Effect..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

DISTRIBUTION

Mind, Body and Soul...................................................................................................................................................................................................10

Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

12 Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth....................................................................................................................................................... 12

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rhonda Dallas Lisa Bradley Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade d-mars.com News Provider

MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “If you want your life to be more rewarding, you have to change the way you think.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Managing Diabetes..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Healthy Habits for the Whole Family...................................................................................................................................................................16 Retraction......................................................................................................................................................................................................................16

Are you Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

499.99 .99 2991year

Presents

BLACK PAGES ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY What this means to you,

The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses

It’s time we put our future finances into our own HANDS! We must encourage members to patronize black-owned businesses to further expand the economic power of African American merchants and the households that support them.

ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

Call today 713.272.9511

It’s Just That Simple!!!

www.d-mars.com

contact@d-mars.com

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

4 September-October 2015

Avida Care Services Changes Our View of Mental Illness Achieving Excellence in Healthcare

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

A

vida Care Services (Avida) provides care and treatment to adult and pediatric patients with medical and behavioral health issues in the Houston area and in the Rio Grande Valley. It is one of the locally, highly respected and acclaimed agencies in the industry. A licensed, certified and accredited home health agency, Avida is a safe haven where patients can receive the quality care that they desperately need and deserve. In addition, Avida is also helping change the way the community views mental illness by dispelling its myths and stereotypes.

Mental Illness: Recognizing Mental Illness According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. This may affect an individual’s ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis. 1 in 20 people live with serious mental illnesses, and 1 in every 5 adults experience a mental health condition every year.

With that being said, most individuals with mental illness fail to recognize that they are ill, and they fail seek help. Some of the most common undiagnosed patients that Avida has encountered were experiencing depression caused by the following: • Chronic pain • Loss of use of body parts due to arthritis or other debilitating illnesses • Amputation • Newly diagnosed chronic or life threatening illness • Death in the family • Post-Traumatic Stress • Anxiety caused by mental or physical changes in the body or environment • Substance (drug and alcohol) abuse and more

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards helping those battling mental illness achieve wellness and complete functionality in the community in which they live.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015 5

Mental Illness: Recovery and Wellness The experienced and compassionate leadership at Avida takes pride in achieving excellent outcomes for the patients they service. This is accomplished by thoroughly screening all employees and health care professionals they hire.

Patient recovery begins with Avida’s staff initiating contact with the patient to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their medical, mental and psychosocial needs. They do a full assessment, so the patient receives a treatment plan that fits their needs. The families and patients served by Avida appreciate the fact that Avida is the much needed support system that they can rely on during their journey to healing and recovery.

Avida fulfills the void in regards to treating mental illness that other agencies lack or are unequipped to properly treat. Howard Henderson, Avida’s Clinical Director, has worked extensively in both hospital and community settings and has a first-hand insight of patient problems. Henderson witnessed the systematic elimination of behavioral health programs without initiating new ones to replace them. This left the mentally ill without a place they could go and with limited opportunities for proper treatment.

The unique approach by Avida ensures that both the skilled and unskilled needs of the patient are met, thereby, enabling them to recover in a much shorter length of time. Most often, this will involve coordinating a patient’s care with their psychiatrist, pharmacy, housing, transportation and nutrition, among other needs for the patient’s road to recovery and healing.

Patients are provided with services, such as psychiatric nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, counseling services, psychosocial rehabilitative services and more. The beauty of it is that all of the above mentioned services are provided in the comfort of the patient’s home. Once all of the patient’s needs are met, they become better suited to be productive in the community.

Wellness is maintained by continuously monitoring the patients and educating them on signs and symptoms of their disease, as well as knowing when and how to seek help. This newly accom-

“Mental illness is prevalent across all ages, ethnic and socio-cultural backgrounds. We want the community to know that if they or a loved one are dealing with mental illness, they need not suffer alone. It is important that they seek help where they are treated with respect and dignity and that’s right here at Avida,” expresses the Administrator for Avida, Abigail Wynne.

Another truth is that most people diagnosed with a mental illness are very functional and productive in society.

Can a CEO suffer from depression? Absolutely. With proper care and medication it is almost impossible to detect their illness by their everyday interactions. While interacting with family members of mentally ill patients, Avida’s staff has been quick to notice that there is a negative stigma about mental illness, while other common diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension are more widely embraced. This alone has been a major contributing factor as to why many mentally ill patients do not seek help until they become acutely ill and are hospitalized.

Ending the Stigma plished self-sufficiency leads to less hospitalizations and more independence. This model by Avida has caught the interest of major behavioral health insurance companies in the area, since Avida’s patients have overall become more functional and independent.

Mental Illness: Myths and Truths In addition to providing quality health care services and psychiatric home management services, Avida continues to work diligently to change the way society perceives mental illness.

Bennie Beal, Business Liaison Manager for Avida says, “In our communities, especially in the black communities, it is an unspoken rule that we don’t talk about our problems, and what goes on in the house, stays in the house. This unfortunately includes mental illness.

We want to portray to everyone that everything is fine, when it is not. Avida is getting the message out there that

there is no shame or embarrassment when you or a family member have mental illness and choose to seek help from a safe place like Avida for treatment and recovery.”

Many do not know the differences between mental health myths and facts.

It is of the utmost importance that the community learns the truth about the most common mental health myths.

Avida is relentlessly working to change the stereotypes and views of mental illness through partnerships, outreach and education. The truth is, there are people in our community suffering from mental illness who don’t even know it. Common mental illnesses, such as mood, anxiety, psychotic and personality disorders are huge in our communities, and they mostly go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

“We want people to know that there is no shame in asking for help. We are concerned about the well-being of our community and those suffering with mental illness. If you don’t get help at Avida Care Services, then please get help somewhere,” Henderson says.

With qualified, skilled, compassionate and experienced healthcare professionals at Avida, the Houston community can be sure to receive the best in health and mental care. To find out more about Avida Care Services, please call 713-910-0296 or visit their website at www.Avidacareservices.com.

“Mental illness is prevalent across all ages, ethnic and socio-cultural backgrounds. We want the community to know that if they or a loved one are dealing with mental illness, they need not suffer alone. It is important that they seek help where they are treated with respect and dignity, and that’s right here at Avida.”

– Administrator for Avida Care Services, Abigail Wynne

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 September-October 2015

What Do You Know about Prostate Health?

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

his is National Prostate Awareness Month. This month is observed every September in the United States by health experts, individuals and health advocates concerned with men’s prostate health. This month is designated for the issue that serves the purpose of: • Increasing public awareness of the importance of prostate health • Providing easily accessible prostate health screenings • Educating about risk factors and symptoms of prostate related diseases • Advocating for further research on prostate health issues

BPH are risk factors. Eight out of every 10 men eventually develop an enlarged prostate. About 90% of men over the age of 85 will have BPH. About 30% of men will find their symptoms bothersome (webmd.com).

Symptoms Symptomsofofan anenlarged enlarged prostatemay mayinclude: include: prostate • Trouble starting to urinate or urinating freely • Having to urinate frequently, particularly at night • Feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating • Feeling a sudden urge to urinate • Having to stop and start repeatedly while urinating

• Having to strain to urinate

As men age, it’s important they maintain a healthy prostate. The gland can become enlarged, and prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men.

There’s no definitive evidence that good nutrition can prevent prostate problems, but eating a healthy balanced diet may reduce your risk. “Building a meal and snack around veggies and fruit is a smart idea for health in general, and particularly a healthy prostate,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, nutrition expert for New York Times bestseller LL Cool J’s Platinum Workout and advisory board member for Men’s Fitness magazine. Instead of focusing on specific foods, dietitians, physicians, and researchers tout an overall

Many men are not as educated about prostate health as they should be, and that is why National Prostate Awareness Month is necessary. What is a prostate?

The prostate is a small gland in men that is part of the reproductive system. It's about the shape and size of a walnut. The prostate rests below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder (webmd.com). The prostate can grow larger as a man ages.

When a man reaches the age of 40, the prostate gland might have increased from the size of a walnut to the size of an apricot. By the time a man reaches the age of 60, it might be the size of a lemon. The enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra because it surrounds part of the urethra.

An enlarged prostate is also called benign (noncancerous) prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is common and cannot be prevented. Age and a family history of

pattern of healthy eating — and healthy eating is easier than you might think. In a nutshell, here’s what experts recommend (health.harvard.edu): 1. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Go for those with deep, bright color.

2. Choose whole-grain bread instead of white bread, and choose whole-grain pasta and cereals.

3. Limit your consumption of red meat, including beef, pork, lamb and goat and processed meats, such as bologna and hot dogs. Fish, skinless poultry, beans, and eggs are healthier sources of protein.

4. Choose healthful fats, such as olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), and avocados. Limit saturated fats from dairy and other animal products. Avoid partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats), which are in many fast foods and packaged foods.

5. Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks, such as sodas and many fruit juices. Eat sweets as an occasional treat.

6. Cut down on salt. Choose foods low in sodium by reading and comparing food labels. Limit the use of canned, processed, and frozen foods.

7. Watch portion sizes. Eat slowly, and stop eating when you are full.

September is National Prostate Awareness Month. It’s important that you encourage the men in your family and community to get educated about prostate health. Age, race, family history and environment are major factors that influence one’s risk for developing prostate cancer. September is about increasing public awareness of the importance of prostate health and educating about the risk factors. For more information about prostate health, please visit www.pcf.org.

Dermatologist Q&A: Essential Tips for Naturally Vibrant and Moisturized Skin By d-mars.com News Provider

F

rom creams and gels to serums and oils, moisturizers are often at the forefront of a woman’s beauty routine.

However, moisture can also be regarded for the negative effects it can have on skin, as in the case of sweat and surface wetness that can lead to a range of various conditions.

These quintessential examples of “good moisture” and “bad moisture” demonstrate that we should consider both when it comes to a comprehensive skin care routine.

Dove Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur shares the difference between the good and the bad, while offering her tips for achieving softer, smoother skin from head to toe.

Q: First, how does our skin differ from place to place on our bodies?

A: Fundamentally, all skin is made up of the same building blocks, but different characteristics such as thickness, pigmentation, hair follicles and sweat

glands all factor into how we care for different parts of the body. For example, the skin on our neck and face is very fine, while the skin on our arms and legs have more sweat glands and hair follicles. There are also unique hybrid areas such as our underarms, where the skin is fine like on our neck, but also has more sweat glands and hair follicles.

Q: With so many characteristics, does all skin need moisture?

A: Absolutely. The skin is an intricate protective layer of cells that requires adequate hydration to stay healthy and looking its best. A lack of moisture can weaken the stratum corneum (our outermost epidermal layer), which helps protect underlying tissue from bacteria and enzymes. In addition, moisture contributes to the overall softness and smoothness of skin and can help reduce itchy dryness, uncomfortable irritation and visible redness. Throughout the day, our skin loses moisture due to a range of factors – from fabrics we wear to various climate conditions – and that moisture needs to be replenished in order to

maintain the skin’s overall balance.

Q: What is the difference between good and bad moisture?

A: “Good moisture” is an important element of proper skin care. It refers to applying topical moisturizers that are formulated to draw moisture into the outer layer of our skin to replenish hydration lost throughout the day. “Bad moisture” refers to surface moisture that can disrupt the skin’s healthy barrier. It can come in the form of sweat that leaves behind salt, enzymes and odor-causing bacteria or it can come from prolonged exposure to water (e.g., a day in the pool, a long, hot shower) that can actually cause the skin to crack and fissure.

Q: How do we address the good and the bad?

A: Be sure to drink plenty of water every day – it’s a golden rule for a reason.

Have your fun in the pool and enjoy your luxurious showers, but try to keep water exposure to around 15 minutes at a time. Lastly, we often think of places like our face, neck, hands and legs when it comes to moisturizing, but don’t for-

get those hybrid parts of the body like your underarms where you need to apply “good moisture” and ward off “bad moisture.”

Q: What products can you recommend to help?

A: I always try to recommend multitasking products to streamline and simplify my patients’ daily routine. Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant is a great option for underarms because it provides 48-hour odor and wetness protection and is formulated with moisturizing humectants to provide the added benefit of softer, smoother skin. I also recommend finding a multitasking daily facial moisturizer that has an SPF of 30 or higher with built-in UVA/UVB protection. Another great tip is to wear moisture-wicking technical fabrics that will not only keep you cool, but also prevent sweat and bacteria from remaining on your skin.

Visit Dove.com for more tips from Dr. Ellen Marmur and to learn more about Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant/ Deodorant. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015  7

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8  September-October 2015

The Prostate Effect There are many factors as to why our men rank higher in prostate cancer than any other race.

Genetics Play a Role

T

By Rhonda Dallas Contributing Writer

he prostate is a very vital organ of the male body. It is a gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder that releases prostate fluid. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to Caucasian men, and they are nearly 2.4 times as likely to die from the disease. Although scientists do not yet understand why prostate cancer incidence and death rates are higher among African-American men, it is widely believed that it is a combination of genetic differences, lifestyle, nutritional habits and medical care that may all play a role in the statistics (Prostate Cancer Foundation).

We know at times just getting our black men to go to the doctor once a year is challenging, and this may be even more difficult when encouraging them to get their prostate checked out. It is our responsibility to encourage our black men to go to the doctor.

A number of genes have been identified in black men that are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, none of these gene differences are found in the majority of black prostate cancer patients, so their role remains a mystery.

Socioeconomic Factors Make a Huge Difference Differences in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment account for a significant portion of the gap in death rates between blacks and whites, and both are heavily impacted by health insurance. Black men are less likely than whites to have insurance. Uninsured men have lower rates of screening for prostate cancer, are less likely to see a health care professional quickly for further tests if they have abnormal screening results, and are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease (cancer that has spread outside of the prostate gland, is more difficult to treat, and more likely to cause death).

Studies of blacks and whites in the military, where men have equal access to health care services, have shown that this equal access gets rid of most (but not all) of the death rate gap.

Race-Specific Evidence Missing Even when information is shared, it may not be complete or accurate information, at least as it relates to black men. The overwhelming majority of published prostate cancer research studies include few (if any) black men as subjects. This means that decisions on prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment in black men are based largely on what is known about how the disease behaves in white men.

So where do we go from here? The American Cancer Society and other organizations recommend that a discussion about prostate cancer screening begin at age 45 for black men (and

at age 50 for men at average risk).

Screening and treatment discussions with black men should include their higher risk of developing prostate cancer and dying from it is higher than other men in the U.S. It’s also important to acknowledge the things we don't know related to screening and treatment. Our black men going to the doctor once a year will help them live a healthier and a longer life.

To find out more about programs and health and wellness coaching, please contact Rhonda Dallas at info@rhondajdallas.com, and visit her on the web at www.rhondadallas coaching.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015  9

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 September-October 2015

Mind, Body and Soul

T

Lisa Bradley

Contributing Writer

he catch phrase, “Do you,” has been an expression that can be recognized no matter one’s background. It’s an expression that Cassandra Rios Dortch learned at a young age. Growing up, her mother told her, “Someone will always be prettier than you.” While her mother’s criticism could have been misconstrued and set a complex life for many, these words resonated with Cassandra and forced her to strive to be the best at everything she set her mind to. Those words helped her to realize that someone will always be faster, more disciplined, more confident and stronger. She refused to allow society to dictate her interpretation of what beauty, health, fitness and success demanded.

After her marriage, Cassandra was seemingly at the prime of her life. However, that changed after she gained 60 pounds during a complicated pregnancy, postpartum depression and later a 15-foot

fall that injured her back severely, with two separated ribs from the back bone.

In a matter of six months, her world was turned upside down and on the surface seemed far too much to bare. What should have been the most exciting time of her life became one of the most dreadful and darkest of days.

She dedicated herself to gaining her life back for her mind, body and soul. She lost the 60 pounds she gained, along with confidence, determination and the desire to help others achieve their goals in this journey. While some think of working out as a curse, Cassandra believes working out allowed her to release the tension and anxieties she was having. It allowed her to be transparent with God, as she cried to Him for guidance and resolution.

Her commitment to health and wellness saved her life.

Her passion became a reality when both Cassandra and her husband quit their jobs after her mother suggested they pursue a fitness business. This decision was not only right, but lucrative, as this business now afforded them to live on passion, which led to opening Beast Body Fitness facility. The Beast Body Fitness facility has given Cassandra and her husband the platform to help people fall in love with dance and fitness.

If you struggle with taking care of yourself and your body, she has a few suggestions. One of the biggest struggles to living a healthier lifestyle is commit-

ment. You have to know that you will be invited to places and be in the midst of individuals that do not share your same health goals. You have to go all in, commit 100% and give it your all. People fail to realize that old habits are hard to break, and it takes strong will and discipline. There are no quick fixes. Water, healthy eating, physical activity and consistency are key! It is important to realize that someone will always be ready to get you off track, but you must stay focused in order to see the results you are looking to achieve.

Most importantly, she wants people to understand that it takes time to get to your desired weight loss and fitness goals.

Society is one that wants things at the touch of a button. However, that is not how it works. You have to understand why you want this and know that it takes hard work to achieve those goals, no matter the obstacles you are faced with. Cassandra is busy with family and her business, but she makes time every single day for God, her family, herself and her body.

Cassandra believes her faith in God has allowed her the life in which she now lives. While times were rough, her faith didn’t waver. She had to be bold and brave, and that afforded her to unleash the inner warrior and beast within.

To find more about Beast Body Fitness, please visit www.beastbody.org.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015  11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 September-October 2015

12 Foods That Naturally Whiten Your Teeth a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. Pop a few almonds for a midafternoon snack – they’re full of protein, healthy fats and the crunch you need to get pearly whites.

ONIONS

By Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade

W

Contributing Writer

e’ve all been told to avoid red wine, dark berries and black coffee in our quest for pearly whites, but what about foods that actually brighten your smile? Try these natural solutions below for a brilliant beam.

STRAWBERRIES “They may be bright red, but malic acid, a chief component of this summery fruit, acts as a natural astringent to remove surface tooth discoloration,” says Dr. Irwin Smigel, Founder of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Fresh, juicy strawberries taste great in any meal, so getting your daily dose is both simple and delicious.

SEEDS AND NUTS “Chewing these lightly abrasive, hard foods rubs plaque and stains off the surface of teeth,” says Dr. Matthew Messina,

Although they may not be the ideal predate snack, the notoriously bad-for-breath alliums could be beneficial to teeth. “Because colorless, they won’t cause surface stains,” says Messina, adding, “After eating them, you’re more likely to brush, which is a surefire way to get whiter teeth.”

APPLES The loud crunch you hear when you bite into this hard fruit may be annoying, but it’s also good for your choppers.

“Apples’ crispiness strengthens gums, and their high water content increases saliva production, dispersing and neutralizing colonies of bacteria that lead to bad breath and plaque,” says Smigel.

BAKING SODA Take a toothpaste break and try brushing with this common ingredient. “Baking soda is a base, like bleach,” notes Messina. The “soda” is actually a form of salt and a mild abrasive that works to scrub off plaque and surface stains.

CELERY AND CARROTS The same high-water content that

makes these veggies great for your waistline and your health also helps whiten your teeth. By stimulating saliva production, it aids in washing away food debris and strengthening gums, according to Smigel.

BROCCOLI “Unlike beets and cranberries, this crunchy vegetable doesn’t stay stuck to teeth, so it won’t cause unsightly surface stains,” says Messina. Throw some raw broccoli into your lunch – the florets will scrub the surface of teeth, giving them a brief and natural midday brush.

CHEESE “Hard cheese, like the little blocks you get on those delicious appetizer trays, is full of calcium, which strengthens teeth and gums,” explains Smigel. Most cheeses are near colorless, meaning they won’t stain your teeth. So go ahead, order that cheese plate.

ORANGES “This bright fruit contains citrus, an acid that can wear away tooth enamel if ingested in large doses, making teeth whiter – but at a cost,” says Messina.

So while we don’t recommend gulping down bags of oranges in the spirit of a bright smile, a juicy helping once in a while is good for your pearly whites, and thanks to loads of vitamin C, your overall health, too.

WATER “Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile bright,” advises Smigel. He recommends sipping and swishing between glasses of wine and when eating dark, pigmented foods to prevent staining. However, while water reduces the acidity in your mouth and the resulting damage to your enamel, Dr. Smigel warns against imbibing too much sparkling water, which has greater potential to erode enamel and harm teeth.

PEARS Smigel recommends munching on a pear to neutralize pesky odor, causing and staining bacteria colonies on teeth.

Increased saliva production brought on by this sweet, delicious fruit also washes away food debris, leaving teeth clean and sparkling.

MILK AND YOGURT “These dairy products are teeth super foods. Their high calcium content strengthens teeth, making enamel healthier and whiter,” says Messina. But be warned: Not all calcium-rich foods—like spinach with its dark, stain-causing pigmentation—have the same effect. Chow down on a high-protein Greek yogurt for a snack or pair after-dinner cookies with a cold glass of milk to get that gleam.

For breakthrough dental technology, call us today at 832-304-2449, or visit us on the web at www.cosmeticdt.com.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015  13

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

14 September-October 2015

Managing Diabetes: 4 Simple Steps to Keep Your Child Safe at School By d-mars.com News Provider

B

etween figuring out after-school schedules and seemingly constant school supply shopping trips, back-to-school time can be stressful for any parent. But some parents have more to think about than others. There are about 208,000 boys and girls under the age of 20 living with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association, and parents of these children need to take steps to ensure their kids are safe in school.

Diabetes management is 24 hours a day, including both the many hours spent in the classroom and at other school events. As a parent of a child with diabetes, you need to feel confident that when you send your child to school, he or she will feel medically safe, be treated fairly and receive the same educational opportunities as every other student.

Reduce the amount of stress you feel in sending your child to school with these three simple steps: Stay informed and have a plan. Get the facts about legal protections for your child. Federal laws and many states have laws that protect children with diabetes

from discrimination and require schools to meet the diabetes management needs of students. First, update your child’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan or physician’s orders so you can provide your child’s school with the information they’ll need. This is also a good time to develop or update a Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) that sets out accommodations and modifications needed by your child to safely and fully

participate in all school activities.

Pay attention to staff basic diabetes training. Every school staff member who is responsible for a child with diabetes should receive training on the basics of diabetes. These staff members should understand the daily needs of a child and know how to identify and get help in a diabetes emergency.

Get to know the school nurse or health coordinator. The school nurse

or school health coordinator is not only the coordinator but also the primary provider of diabetes care for your child. Be sure your child is comfortable with the school nurse as he or she is usually the main person responsible for making sure your child is safe. Additionally, a small group of school staff, preferably a group that interacts with your child often, should be trained by a health professional to provide both routine and emergency care in the event that the school nurse is unavailable. Provide the supplies, insulin and food your child will need and make sure they’re in an accessible location.

Advocate for self-management. Capable students should be permitted to self-manage their diabetes anywhere, anytime. If your child self-manages he or she should be allowed to carry supplies, medication and food.

Follow these tips to get into a smooth back-to-school routine where you can feel at ease while your child has the freedom to learn and grow.

If you don’t feel comfortable and confident in the care your child is receiving at school or if you feel your child is being treated unfairly, contact the American Diabetes Association for assistance. – BPT

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015  15

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 September-October 2015

A Nutritionist’s Sustainable Healthy Habits for the Whole Family By d-mars.com News Provider

I

t’s important to establish healthy eating habits for your family, but it’s not always easy to know where to start. We spoke to Rebecca Scritchfield, a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), to find out what she recommends her clients do to form healthy routines that can be maintained through even the busiest seasons.

“It’s all in the little things,” Scritchfield says. “Every day, find something that connects health with enjoyment – something that works for you.” Here are a few tips to get you and your family started: Fill your home with enjoyable foods.

Kids’ eating habits start at home, so make sure they have healthy options to choose from. I keep healthy foods like yogurt, cheese, berries, avocados, eggs and vegetables in the refrigerator, as well as frozen fruit, veggies and fish

in the freezer. You can also stock up on oatmeal, granola and nuts for the pantry, and having a big bowl of fresh fruit on the countertop makes it easy for the whole family to grab and go.

Cover your nutritional bases. Despite our best intentions, we don’t always get everything we need from a healthy diet. I recommend vitafusion for adults and L’il Critters for kids – they’re gummy vitamins that taste great, so you’ll remember to take them every day.

Create colorful plates. Bring kids into the kitchen so that they learn how to build their own beautiful meal. Let them choose vibrant vegetables like carrots, beets and peppers to decorate their dinner plates, and encourage them to try new vegetables and fruits made in different ways. For young kids, you can even turn it into a fun art project, creating shapes and figures made from produce.

Set a good example. Kids learn best by watching you. Fill your own

plate with fruits, vegetables and other healthy options even if they aren’t eating them as much as you wish they would. Ask the kids to express their likes and dislikes so they learn about preferences. Ask the family for more meal ideas. Everyone has a role.

Gather around the table. For the family that eats together, meals are a time to reconnect, reprioritize and reinforce healthy habits. Let them know how much you value this time togeth-

er. Eating on the run or in front of the television makes it easier to overconsume without realizing it. Instead, sit together over a freshly prepared breakfast or dinner (or lunch, if you can!).

Remember that healthy living doesn’t begin and end in the kitchen.

Make exercise a family affair by allowing each family member to choose a weekend activity that everyone can get involved in. It can be as simple as trying a new walking route with the dog, or as adventurous as trying a new sport like rock climbing. It’s a great way to bond and build memories associated with health and enjoyment.

“Take it one step at a time, and don’t aim for perfection,” Scritchfield says. “Do what works for you, and remember to enjoy it!”

To learn more about vitafusion and L’il Critters gummy vitamins and Rebecca Scritchfield, registered dietitian and vitafusion and L’il Critters partner, visit www.gummyvites.com.

– BPT

RETRACTION: There is a correction in the Health and Wellness Journal August - September 2015 cover story. On page 4, the last paragraph states that Mitchell’s parents lost their lives when they were struck by a dump truck. This was not the case, and Mitchell’s parents did not lose their lives when they were struck by the dump truck.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

17

18

September-October 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

19

20

September-October 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

21

22

September-October 2015

d-mars.com ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

Experience Our World 713-272-9511 contact@d-mars.com www.d-mars.com

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

September-October 2015

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

23