A preterm birth is de ned as a baby being born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. The World Health Organization indicates sub-categories of preterm birth include very preterm (28 to less than 32 weeks) and extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks). March of Dimes reports there were 380,548 preterm births in the United States in 2022, representing 10.4 percent of live births. In Canada, approximately 25,000 babies, or 8 percent, are born prematurely.
Babies who are born earlier than 37 weeks may have health problems that can continue into adulthood. With such a considerable percentage of children never making it to full term, prospective parents may wonder if there is anything they can do to prevent prematurity from occurring? Some women are more likely to go into labor, such as those with a short or weak cervix, or broids, according to Nemours Health. However, preterm labor may occur due to lifestyle choices, and some instances are hereditary. But women also can take steps to
• Space out pregnancies. NYU Langone says the odds of preterm labor increase when there are six months or less between a birth and an ensuing pregnancy. Doctors recommend waiting at least 12 months between pregnancies, particularly for women who have had preterm labor before.
• Address health issues. Diabetes, high blood pressure and preeclampsia can cause problems during pregnancy that may lead to preterm labor. In addition, March of Dimes says sexually transmitted diseases and infections of the uterus, urinary tract or vagina can a ect the length of gestation.
• Get prenatal care. Women who do not receive adequate prenatal care from the start of their pregnancies may be at risk of having a premature baby.
Movember changes the face of men’s health Movember® aims to raise awareness about men’s suicide
Studies have found that men might be more tight-lipped about their health than women. According to Kaiser Permanente, men sometimes don’t talk about their health because of cultural attitudes, fear or pride. As a result, men may not be able to catch illnesses at their earliest stages, which can reduce their life expectancy.
The Movember® movement was established as an e ort to raise awareness about men’s health and wellness. Movember® gets men involved in their personal health in a fun way: by growing mustaches.
The Movember® movement began in 2003 as a way to champion men’s health. Since its inception, Movember® has helped fund more than 1,320 men’s health projects around the world, including changing the way health services reach and support men. Travis Garone and Luke Slattery devised the idea for Movember® when they met up for a beer in their native city of Melbourne, Australia. Since mustaches had all but disappeared from men’s grooming trends at the time, the two friends felt that growing a mustache would be a way to spark conversation. Thirty men took up the challenge to grow mustaches and promote men’s health in the initial Movember® e ort. Today, Movember® has expanded exponentially and internationally.
The main focus of Mo-
vember® — beyond growing a mustache — involves signi cant issues a ecting men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Participants are urged to be more physically active and host fundraising events to raise awareness about the e ect these issues have on men. Much like Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October serves to spur more women to get mammograms and take breast health seriously, Movember® is a chance for men to make doctor’s appointments and discuss key issues like prostate health. In fact, the Prostate Cancer Foundation is an o cial bene ciary partner with Movember® for their U.S. campaign. To date, Movember® has donated more than $56 million to PCF to support innovative prostate cancer research.
From humble Australian beginnings, Movember® has grown into a global movement working with many di erent organizations united by a commitment to change the face of men’s health one mustache at a time.
Each year, men across the globe grow mustaches throughout the month of November. For some, the decision may be a spontaneous gesture designed to give their faces a new look. But millions more do so in support of Movember®, an annual event that aims to raise awareness of various issues pertaining to men’s health, including suicide. Men’s suicide may not garner many headlines, but men are far more likely than women to take their own lives. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women in 2022. Veterans Day also occurs in November, and the month is a good time to point out that
SEE MOVEMBER PAGE 5
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7 ways to enjoy a healthy holiday
Certain words are synonymous with the holiday season, and “festive,” “family,” “friends,” and “food” are certainly among them. Celebrants focus on being a little more indulgent with their time and habits as the year comes to a close, and health and tness may be set to simmer on the back burner.
According to a research review published in the journal Obesity, the average person gains between 0.8 and 2 pounds during the holiday season. Food represents more than just nutrition this time of year, as family gatherings around the dinner table are about tradition and fellowship. While no one wants to feel deprived when holiday celebrations arrive, it is important to make smart choices and continue to prioritize health as much as possible. These seven tips can help.
1. Plan your daily eating. Scale back meals accordingly if a large family feast is on the docket at dinnertime. While you shouldn’t skip meals altogether, a light breakfast or lunch may enable you to save more calories for dinner and treats to come later in the evening.
2. Aim for mostly healthy foods.
Buttery rolls, fatty roasts, candied yams, and pies come out in full force during the holidays. Try to make the majority of your plate full of lean protein, low-fat dairy and plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Then you can splurge on one or two foods like pumpkin pie.
3. Remain physically active. It may be tempting to hibernate inside watching heartfelt holiday movies on television, but resist the urge to be sedentary. Keep up normal tness routines, aiming for the recommended 150 minutes of mod-
erate-intensity exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise. Take the stairs at malls and park further away from stores when shopping for the holidays to add a little extra movement to your day.
4. Get enough sleep.
It may seem your schedule is packed with everything from parties to holiday preparation, but it is important to get adequate rest. Without enough sleep, you may feel sluggish and your immune system may not be as strong.
5. Lay o the alcohol.
Holiday toasts are replete with delicious cocktails. However, moderation is key whenever alcohol is being served. Popular drinks often are calorie-dense, and health experts warn that consuming too much alcohol is linked to a higher risk of developing certain conditions, like liver issues, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease,
says WebMD. Opt for non-alcoholic beverages. Water and unsweetened drinks are healthy options.
6. Position yourself away from the bu et.
When you are close to food, you might engage in mindless nibbling. Find a seat away from the dinner table or bu et during holiday gatherings.
7. Slow down and be aware. The holiday season is a busy time of year, and that means people may be racing around distracted or in a rush. Take special care to be alert while driving to avoid accidents that can lead to injuries or even fatalities.
Although nutrition often isn’t top of mind during the holiday season, healthy behaviors shouldn’t be completely forgotten during this festive time of year.
Volunteering is good for your health
Volunteering makes an immeasurable di erence in the lives of volunteers and those they help. Many people may be surprised to learn how positive volunteering can be for volunteers. Indeed, studies show that volunteering leads to better physical and mental health, among other bene ts.
According to an article published by the American Heart Association and Je rey Burr, a professor of gerontology at the University of Massachusetts Boston, “compared to non-volunteers, volunteers have less depression, less anxiety, higher self-esteem, greater happiness, and a greater sense of meaning in life.” Burr and the AHA note the health bene ts of volunteering occur among all ages, and a deep look
BIRTHS
• Reduce the amount of stress. Elevated stress levels can increase the chances of having a preterm birth.
It is important that pregnant women quit smoking, using street drugs, abusing pre-
at how volunteer e orts are good for personal health shows just how profound giving back can be.
• Reduces stress: The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. When volunteers spend time in service to others, they report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both of which can have stress-reducing e ects.
• Lowers depression: Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, particularly among people 65 and older.
• Provides a sense of purpose: AmeriCorps reports volunteer-
ing can provide a sense of purpose in older adults, which can help replace feelings of inadequacy due to loss of major role identities, such as wage earner or parent. This sense of purpose can improve life satisfaction and happiness.
• Reduces blood pressure: According to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, older adults who volunteered for at least 200 hours annually decrease their risk of high blood pressure by 40 percent. This also may lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Eliminates feelings of isolation: Volunteers working together
scription drugs, and drinking alcohol, as these behaviors are also linked to preterm birth.
There are many risk factors for preterm birth, but women can take steps to lower that risk.
rates of suicide among men who served in the military also are a cause for concern. According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the unadjusted suicide rate of veteran men was 35.9 per 100,000 in 2021, which marked a 3.5 percent increase over the previous year. The suicide rate among veteran men was
markedly higher than the rate among non-veteran adults in the United States. Suicide rates among non-veteran adults were 16.7 per 100,000 in 2021, which is less than half the rate among veteran men in the same year. November can be a great time to raise awareness about men’s suicide, and individuals and groups looking to do so can utilize events like Movember® and Veterans Day to draw attention to the issue.
Nicole Kaufman
Admissions & Marketing Director E nicole.k aufman@cienahealthcare.com
P (810) 376-2145 • F (810) 376-4093
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Our team is made up of more than just exper ts, we strive to treat each resident and guest as family from the moment they step through our doors
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FAQ about Alzheimer’s disease
The National Institutes of Health reports that incidences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia increased by roughly 148 percent between 1990 and 2019. By 2020, more than 55 million people across the globe were living with dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). ADI adds that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for as many as 75 percent of all cases worldwide.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is perhaps the most widely recognized form of dementia. But even those who are familiar with AD may not know the answers to common questions about it.
Are Alzheimer’s and dementia one and the same?
No. Dementia is an umbrella term that refers to a various conditions that the National Institute on Aging notes a ect a person’s ability to think, reason and remember. AD is merely one type of dementia, and additional forms of the condition include Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.
What distinguishes Alzheimer’s disease from other forms of dementia?
The David Ge en School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles reports that Alzheimer’s is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association® notes AD a ects the part of the brain associated with learning rst, so individuals with the condition often exhibit di culty remem-
bering in the early stages of the disease.
Are there other early signs of AD?
The NIA notes there are some additional early signs of AD, but also points out that di erent people exhibit di erent early signs of the disease. Some early signs may include:
• Decline in ability to nd the right words
• Vision/spatial issues
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): The NIA notes that signs of MCI include losing things often, forgetting to go to appointments or other events, and struggling to come up with words compared to people in the same age group. The presence of MCI does not necessarily mean a person will develop Alzheimer’s, and certain conditions, including stroke, can increase risk for MCI.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
The causes of Alzheimer’s remain a mystery, though research is ongoing and medical professionals have connected some dots. For example, the NIA notes that the presence of the genetic condition Down syndrome increases a person’s risk of developing AD. That supports the notion that some cases of AD are caused by a genetic component, which scientists believe may also explain cases of early-onset dementia.
Cardiovascular fitness and Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia is a general term for various brain disorders that can a ect behavior, thinking and memory. Among the condition that qualify as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, AD is an irreversible condition that destroys memory, thinking and the ability to carry out daily activities. Although initial AD symptoms may be mild, the disease worsens over time and eventually people with AD will need full-time care. Many people are interested in any ways they can reduce the severity of AD or stave o its progression. Cardio-
vascular tness could be an important tool in that ght.
Cardiovascular activity may help lessen the impact of dementia and AD in particular. According to a 2018 study published in the journal Neurology, a population-based sample of 1,462 Swedish women between the ages of 38 and 60 was examined in 1968, and then followed up with in various intervals until 2009. Researchers found that women who partook in high tness regimens saw their age of dementia onset delayed by 9.5 years . Time to dementia onset was delayed by ve years compared to medium tness participants.
VOLUNTEERING
link people to others and their communities. This can help people overcome feelings of isolation, which may come from being new to a community or being a senior and having a smaller social circle.
• Increases happiness: Those who volunteer regularly tend to be happier and more empathetic towards others. Volunteering also instils a sense of pride that can make people happier.
Another study from 2020 published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience looked at exercise for those who already have AD as a method of slowing the decline in activities of daily living (ADL). The study found that ADL decline was slower among individuals who engaged in an hour of aerobic exercise training twice a week compared to those in the non-active group. However, there was no e ect on behavioral symptoms, depression or nutritional scores.
Aerobic exercise programs aimed at improving cardiovascular tness
cognitive health. That’s because volunteering engages a person in new skills, requires them to solve problems and keeps them mentally stimulated through various activities.
• Improves physical health: Some volunteer activities will involve physical tasks that can contribute to improved physical health because they constitute moderate exercise.
• Keeps the mind active: Individuals who volunteer can improve their
Volunteering o ers a number of benets that can improve both physical and mental health for those donating their time to help others.
Did you know?
Understanding type 1 diabetes
Diabetes a ects millions of individuals across the globe. For some, navigating the di erences between the various types of diabetes can be confusing. Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is largely linked to lifestyle factors and insulin resistance, type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder. By learning more about type 1 diabetes, individuals can better understand what they must do to stay healthy.
What is type 1 diabetes?
According to the American Diabetes Association, when a person has type 1 diabetes, his or her immune system mistakenly treats the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for creating insulin, as foreign invaders and destroys them. When enough of these beta cells are obliterated, the pancreas cannot make insulin or makes so little that additional supplemented insulin is needed to survive. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood. However, the condition can manifest at any age.
What is insulin?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 90 percent of vision loss from diabetes can be prevented. Despite that, a signicant number of people with diabetes are not getting routine eye exams that could protect their vision. A collaborative study between the CDC and researchers at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia found that more than half of diabetes patients skip their recommended annual dilated eye exams. Such exams are vital for diabetes patients, as various conditions collectively referred to as diabetic eye disease pose a signi cant threat to patients’ vision. Annual dilated eye exams are highly e ective. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that such exams can prevent 95 percent of diabetes-related vision loss.
Insulin is an essential hormone that is normally produced in the pancreas. The Cleveland Clinic says its role is helping the body turn food into energy and managing blood sugar levels. If the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or if the body can’t use it properly, blood sugar levels can rise. Such a condition is known as hyperglycemia.
Insulin can be characterized as the key that opens the doors of the cells in the body so that glucose can leave the bloodstream and move into the cells to use it for energy. Without that key, the glucose builds up in the bloodstream and can be life-threatening.
Risk factors and causes
Why type 1 diabetes occurs is not fully understood, but doctors believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Researchers have identi ed some genes that may increase susceptibility to the condition, namely genes related to the immune system. Other researchers believe that viral infections can provoke an immune system response that plays a role in the onset of type 1 diabetes.
The ADA also says that individuals with a family
history of type 1 diabetes may be at higher risk. A doctor may suggest screening that includes a blood test to measure islet antibodies, markers that appear when insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas have been damaged. A positive result does not mean one has type 1 diabetes, but the chances for developing diabetes are higher.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
• excessive thirst
• frequent urination
• unintentional weight loss
• fatigue
• blurred vision
• itchiness around the genital area, or regular bouts of yeast infection
• irritability and other mood changes
• children who never wet the bed at night may start doing so
Managing diabetes
A comprehensive approach to health is needed to manage type 1 diabetes. The cornerstone is insulin therapy, as patients must regularly administer insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Individuals must carefully monitor blood glucose levels through ngerstick tests or continuous glucose monitors. Insulin doses must be coordinated to these readings and also based on factors like stress, physical activity and diet.
Those with type 1 diabetes often have to change eating patterns, particularly reducing carbohydrate consumption, as carbs have the most direct impact on blood glucose levels. Working with a registered dietician could help.
Long-term implications of poor type 1 diabetes management can include cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney problems, reports the Mayo Clinic. Adherence to treatment plans is essential.
Warning signs of Celiac disease
FITNESS
Celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to gluten, a kind of protein found in many grains. Celiac disease is an autoimmune response that attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed and digested. The disease targets the villi that line the small intestines, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food into the blood. Over time, the villi can become so damaged that individuals su er from malnutrition. Avoiding gluten is the only way to avoid such an outcome. Because Celiac disease can a ect people di erently, it may be challenging to get a diagnosis at rst. Recognizing some of the symptoms of Celiac disease can help people nd answers more readily. Here are some symptoms of Celiac disease, courtesy of the Celiac Disease Foundation.
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating and gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Depression and anxiety
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Weight loss
• Reduced functioning of the spleen
• Osteoporosis
• Pale, foul-smelling, fatty stools
Individuals should speak with their doctors and log all meals into a food diary if they suspect they have Celiac disease.
ALZHEIMER’S
The NIA notes that research also indicates late-onset Alzheimer’s, which is typically diagnosed in individuals in their mid-60s, is linked to age-related changes in the brain that occur over several decades.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s disease?
No. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s
disease, and the NIA notes that no scienti c evidence exists to support claims that various supplements or products like coconut oil can cure or delay the onset of AD.
Tens of millions of people across the globe are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Finding answers to common questions about the disease can help individuals and their families manage AD more e ectively.
seem to have moderate e ects on cognitive function among healthy older persons. But data from current randomized control trials are insu cient to show that these improvements are due exclusively to improved cardiovascular tness. Still, incorporating cardiovascular exercise in all stages of life is important. Here are a few notable ways exercise could a ect AD outcomes.
• Improved blood ow: Regular cardiovascular exercise facilitates blood circulation to the brain. Better blood ow delivers adequate oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which is important for maintaining cognitive function.
• Risk factor reduction: Cardio helps manage several risk factors associated with AD, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. By lowering these risk
factors, individuals may reduce their liklihood of developing forms of dementia.
• Reduced in ammation and oxidative stress: Physical activity can reduce in ammation and oxidative stress in the body, each of which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The American Brain Foundation says high levels of in ammation of the brain may accelerate brain aging and contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like AD, Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
• Improved sleep: Regular exercise can help promote more regular sleep patterns, which improves mood and cognitive health.
Although cardiovascular exercise cannot prevent dementia, it may help delay its onset.
Fast facts about prostate cancer all men should know
Preventive health care encompasses a host of strategies designed to reduce individuals’ risk for conditions and diseases that can adversely a ect their quality of life. Routine exercise and a commitment to a nutritious diet are two such strategies, and each can go a long way toward protecting an individual’s long-term health.
Education is another key component of preventive health care. By educating themselves about their own family histories and additional variables that may increase their risk of developing certain conditions, individuals can take steps to mitigate that risk.
The World Health Organization reports that roughly one in ve people across the globe develop cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer
poses a unique threat to men. The WHO notes prostate cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer in men, and recognition of that threat may compel men to learn more about the disease. Data does not tell the whole story of prostate cancer, but some fast facts about the disease can serve as a springboard to learning more about it and what, if anything, can be done to prevent it.
• The Prostate Cancer Foundation reports that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime.
• Rates of prostate cancer are higher among Black men. According to the PCF, one in six Black men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. In addition, Black men are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
• Estimates from the PCF indicate just under 300,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024, and roughly 35,000 men will die from the disease.
• Men with rst-degree relatives who have had prostate cancer may be twice as likely to develop the disease. First-degree relatives include a father, brother or a son. Men are urged to learn their family medical histories so they can identify their own individual risk for prostate cancer.
• The American Cancer Society reports that roughly six in 10 prostate cancers are found in men older than 65. However, the ACS also notes that the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increase signi cantly
after age 50. And while instances of prostate cancer in men younger than 40 are rare, men 39 and younger can still develop the disease.
• Five-year survival rates for prostate cancer are high when the disease is detected in the localized or regional stages. Localized indicates there is no sign the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, while regional means the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes. The ve-year survival rate for these stages is greater than 99 percent.
Prostate cancer poses a notable threat to men. Understanding that threat and what can be done to mitigate it is an integral component of preventive health care.
Compassion is an integral component of palliative care
Various medical and therapeutic treatments are designed to promote health and well-being. Many of these therapies attempt to remove illness or address sickness. But at some point in their lives, people may receive a di erent form of care known as palliative care.
Palliative care, according to Get Palliative Care, is based on the needs of the patient and not the patient’s prognosis. Unlike curative treatments that aim to eliminate illness, palliative care is centered on improving quality of life for patients and their families by addressing physical, emotional and psychological needs. Palliative care focuses on comfort, care and quality of life for those with serious illness. It is designed to improve life for people of any age who need it, not just older adults. The National Institute on Aging says palliative care is interdisciplinary, which means it involves a variety of doctors and care providers who work together with patients and families to address individual goals and values.
Palliative care prioritizes comfort and support, aiming to alleviate pain, manage symptoms and offer holistic care that encompasses the whole person. Some of the hallmarks of palliative care are relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. It also may help a person cope with side e ects of medical treatments. Palliative care may be recommended whether a condition can be cured or not. It is performed alongside other treatments a person may be receiving,
says the Mayo Clinic.
Patients with serious illnesses often experience pain, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Palliative care specialists utilize strategies and medications to alleviate these symptoms, ensuring that patients remain as comfortable as possible. Some of the conditions for which palliative care can be e ective include:
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Blood and bone marrow disorders
• Dementia
• Cystic brosis
• Kidney failure
• Lung disease
• Liver disease
• Stroke
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, patients with serious illnesses who received palliative care lived longer than those who did not receive this care. By focusing on relief and support, palliative care helps individuals and their families confront challenging times.
Those who would like to inquire about palliative care for themselves or a loved one can search the Palliative Care Provider Directory to nd options nearby. A conversation with one’s doctor also can point patients in the direction of palliative care.
Did you know?
Lupus Canada notes that women between the ages of 15 and 45 are most often a ected by lupus. In fact, the Lupus Foundation of America reports that 90 percent of people living with lupus are women. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of the disease, and the LFA estimates that half a million women between the ages of 15 and 45 in the United States have the condition.
Issues that can arise from poor dental hygiene
The importance of maintaining dental hygiene is emphasized from the time most people are small children. Indeed, parents start early by cleaning kids’ teeth the moment the rst one pushes its way through a baby’s gums, and that hopefully kick-starts a lifelong devotion to dental care.
Appearance may be the main reason why many people prioritize dental hygiene, and few things set as strong an impression as a set of pearly whites. But health is another notable reason to make dental hygiene a priority. It goes without saying that dental health is adversely a ected by poor dental hygiene habits, but the rest of the body also can suffer when individuals don’t take time to care for their teeth.
• Cardiovascular disease: The American Academy for Oral & Systemic Health reports that poor dental hygiene and in ammation of the arteries are directly linked. That’s because bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream and causes the arteries to harden, thus increasing a person’s risk for stroke or heart attack. The AAOSH also notes that poor oral health has been linked to high blood pressure and elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol, each of which pose a threat to cardiovascular health.
• Diabetes: The American Diabetes Association notes that periodontal disease causes in ammation in the
gums. That’s a notable link, as the ADA points out that in ammation in the body can cause high blood sugar levels, which is a known risk factor for diabetes. Simple oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and ossing can protect against gum disease that can increase the risk for diabetes.
• High-risk pregnancy: Women should know that taking care of their teeth could be a notable way to protect their unborn children. A 2021 study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that periodontal disease is strongly associated with premature birth. Authors of the study note that premature birth is associated with a host of negative outcomes, including perinatal mortality, immature lung development, reduced feeding ability, and inferior weight gain.
• Respiratory issues: The mouth is vulnerable to bacteria growth, which is one reason why daily measures like brushing and ossing are so important. The AAOSH notes that once bacteria reaches the lungs, an individual’s risk for infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory issues increases.
Dental hygiene practices like brushing and ossing are simple measures, but they can have a profound e ect on individuals’ overall health.
