December 2015 Health Guide

HERE’S HERE’S TO TO YOUR YOUR HEALTH HEALTH

❏ ❏ Heathy Resolutions for the New Year ❏ ❏ Make Time to Exercise

❏ ❏ Cancer Screenings for Men

❏ ❏ Health Screenings for Women

THE JOURNAL PRESS, INC.

Page 2 Page 4 Page 6 Page 7

2

FALL, 2015 • FAMILY HEALTH

Start planning now for healthy resolutions for the New Year Metro Creative The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions can be traced back to the ancient Babylonians, who promised their gods that they would repay their debts and return borrowed items in the new year.

While resolutions have changed since then, people still see the dawn of a new year as an opportunity to commit to doing something good in the months ahead.

No rules govern New Year’s resolutions, but many people resolve to do something healthy.

The following are just a few resolution ideas for people who want to make 2016 as healthy as possible.

Lose weight A January 2015 survey from Nielsen found that 32 percent of U.S. consumers resolved to lose weight in the New Year.

That should come as no surprise, as New Year’s Day marks an end to the holiday season, when many people pack on pounds thanks to holiday dinners, parties and the baked goods that seem to find their way into homes and offices throughout December. Seventy-

six percent of participants in the Nielsen survey said they did not follow a weight loss or diet program in 2014, which might explain why so many felt a need to lose weight in 2015.

If you resolve to lose weight in the new year, do so with the assistance of your physician, who can offer useful advice on diet and exercise.

Bike to work Depending on how close your home is to your office, consider riding a bike to work instead of driving into the office every day. Riding a bicycle is great cardiovascular exercise, which is a critical part of any successful exercise regimen.

But riding a bike to work also benefits the environment by making the air you breathe cleaner.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that roughly half of all U.S. residents live within five miles of their workplace, which provides a great opportunity for commuters to reduce total household emissions, all while having fun on their bicycles.

If 50 percent of American workers chose to bike rather

than drive to work each day, total household emissions could be cut by as much as 6 percent. Biking to work also saves commuters money on fuel.

Work less Work is good for the mind and body, but too much work can lead to elevated levels of stress.

Stress can produce a host of negative consequences, including an increased risk for depression, obesity and heart disease.Long hours at the office is one of the leading causes of work-related stress, and many professionals find themselves taking on more than they can reasonably handle.

Make an effort to scale back your responsibilities and spend less time at the office.

Reduce alcohol consumption Reducing alcohol consumption is another healthy resolution for the new year. Excessive alcohol consumption can do a number on the human body.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that overconsumption of alcohol can affect the heart (increasing the risk for cardiomyopathy,

Riding a bike to work instead of driving is a great way to get healthy in the New Year. Biking to work also saves consumers the cost of gas and promotes a cleaner environment. Combining exercise wit ha moderate diet and reduced alcohol consumption can lead to a happier, healthier New Year. arrhythmia, stroke, and high blood pressure), liver (fibrosis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis), pancreas (pancreatitis), and immune system (weakening it and making you a much easier target for disease).

Reducing consumption can have a considerable impact on your overall health.

Men and women resolving to get healthier in the New Year can do so in various ways.

Eagle’s Nest Animal Hospital

Eye Care of Virginia King George

(In the Walmart Super Center)

With Drs. Samantha Judge and Megan Hodorowicz

540-775-6800

Over 44 Years Specializing In Hard To Fit Contact Lenses & Sports Contact Lenses

Eye Care For The Entire Family

Dr. Miles Press Optometrist

Tues. & Fri. • 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Kelley G. Aschenbrenner,

Welcomes New Patients, and Former Patients

Licensed Professional Counselor

Most insurances accepted including All Tricare, Medicare, United Health Care, Davis Vision

(540) 663-3937 (EYES)

16375 Merchant Lane• King George, VA 22485

Visit our website • eyecareofvirginiakg.com

M.S., NCC

Achieving Clarity Through Therapy kgcs@sent.com office & text: 540-625-2139 fax: 540-625-2235 kgcounselingservices.com

New address beginning Jan. 1st:

6097 James Madison Parkway King George, VA 22485

FAMILY HEALTH • FALL, 2015

3

As New Year approaches, look for healthy ways to handle stress Metro Creative Stress affects people of all ages.

The symptoms of stress can be extremely unpleasant.

Participants in a study released earlier this year by the Statistic Brain Research Institute and the American Institute of Stress reported experiencing physical symptoms of stress such as feeling fatigue, headache, upset stomach, and muscle tension, among other

things.

Among those who reported feeling physical symptoms of stress, 77 percent admitted to feeling those symptoms regularly, citing job pressure and money as the primary causes of their stress.

How men and women handle stress can impact both their immediate and long-term health, as stress has been linked to a host of problems and ailments, including sleep dysfunction and

heart disease.

Many people cope with stress in unhealthy ways, which may only exacerbate the effects of stress on the body.

Certain methods of handling stress may work for some people but not others, but the following are a few healthy ways to combat stress.

Limit alcohol, caffeine intake Many adults turn to alcohol at

World Class Therapy in Your Backyard Magnolia Manor at The Orchard offers physical therapy and other outpatient services in a completely renovated therapy suite.

With programs modeled after Riverside Rehabilitation Institute’s highly regarded systems, patients benefit from the highest level of care offered by a warm, friendly staff without having to travel more than a few miles from home.

Specialized Programs: • Neurological A Riverside Retirement Community • Stroke Conditions • General • Selected Orthopedic Debilitation Conditions 20 Delfae Dr., Warsaw, VA 22572 804-313-2400 Call us today at 804-443-6090 to learn orchardliving.org more about our outpatient therapy services.

A recent study noted that most hearing aid users live with hearing loss for more than 10 years with their impairment progressing from moderate to severe levels.

Hear the way nature intendedbirds chirping, musical high notes, and more.

You’ll fall in love the minute you put them on.

1171 Central Park Blvd., Ste. 104 • Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Monday-Friday • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • centralparkhearing.com Walk-ins Welcome • Free Hearing Aid Cleaning Hearing instruments help many people hear better, but cannot solve every hearing problem nor restore normal hearing. ©2012 Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved 4/12. SHI/13292

Kim Kube Sorrell

Freda S. White

Owner/Operator

Hearing Aid Specialist

the end of a stressful day, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that relying on alcohol to cope with stress may only create more problems down the road, and those problems will only increase your stress levels. In addition, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that alcohol and caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

Rely on a support network Coworkers, family and friends have stressful days, too, and such confidantes can help you handle stress in healthy ways. The ADAA recommends men and women dealing with stress let their support circle know how they can help relieve stress.

Many people simply need to talk to someone after a stressful day, which can feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

Let your support network know you’re there for them when they experience stress as well.

Get daily exercise Exercise pays a host of dividends, not the least of which is relieving stress.

At the end of a stressful day, get some exercise instead of pouring

yourself a drink or indulging in an unhealthy meal. When the body is physically active, the brain secretes endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that make you feel good.

Regular exercise also helps you get a fuller, deeper sleep, which can be disrupted by stress.

Eat a healthy diet Diet also can affect how your body handles stress. Certain foods can tame stress.

For example, oatmeal can boost levels of a calming chemical known as serotonin in your brain. That calming effect can make it easier to cope with stress.

Other foods may help strengthen the immune system.

Vitamin C may help curb levels of stress hormones such as cortisol while strengthening the immune system.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in many fish, may help prevent surges in stress hormones while also protecting against heart disease and depression, two serious conditions that studies have linked to elevated stress levels.

Healthy ways to handle stress can help men and women who are stressed out ensure that stress is not compromising both their immediate and long-term health..

4

FALL, 2015 • FAMILY HEALTH

Get creative! Make time to exercise for your health Metro Creative Diet and exercise are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. While even the busiest men and women can find ways to eat healthy, finding time to exercise can be more difficult.

According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, regular physical activity can prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and stroke, which are the three leading causes of health-related death in the United States.

In addition, men and women who are not physically active are at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps people control their weight while promoting bone, muscle and joint health.

While the benefits of regular exercise are substantial, finding the time for daily exercise is not always so easy.

The following are a handful of strategies men and women can employ as they attempt to make more time in their days to exercise.

Reexamine your free time Few adults, and especially those juggling families and careers, have an abundance of free time.

But reexamining the ways you are spending your free time may help you uncover some moments for daily exercise. The Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition notes that adults between the ages of 18 and 64 need at least two and a half hours each week of moderateintensity aerobic activity.

While that may seem like a lot, it’s only slightly more than 20 minutes per day. It helps to supplement such aerobic activity with some strength-training activities at least two days per week.

Try waking up 20 to 30 minutes earlier each day, using that time to hit the treadmill or jog around the neighborhood. You likely won’t be affected by waking up earlier. In fact, you may find your day is more productive, and you won’t need to alter your existing schedule for the rest of the day, either.

If mornings aren’t your thing, make better use of your lunch hour, going for a jog or visiting your company’s exercise facilities if that option is available to you.

Work while you exercise Technology has made it easier than ever before to stay connected to the office even when you are nowhere near your desk.

Men and women who can’t seem to find time to exercise often cite the demands of their job as the primary reason behind their inactivity, but those same individuals can use the technology at their disposal, be it smartphones that allow them keep track of work emails or tablets that make it possible to connect remotely to office servers, to work while they exercise.

Bring your smartphone or tablet with you when you work out on the elliptical or jog on the treadmill.

Taking the dog for a walk rather than spending time on the couch is one creative way to get exercise.

Reduce your sedentary time A 2008 study from Australian researchers found that people who regularly break up their sedentary time, including the hours they sit behind their desk at the office, with movement had healthier waist circumferences, body mass indexes and triglycerides than those who did not.

While hourly breaks to walk around the office might not seem like exercise, such breaks can benefit your long-term health.

Get creative Many people associate daily exercise with private gyms, and while gyms can serve as excellent motivators and great places to get full-body workouts, time involved in driving to and from the gym can make it difficult to commit to gym memberships.

But you don't need a gym membership to live a healthy lifestyle.

When possible, take the stairs instead of an elevator and park further away from your office door so you get a small cardiovascular workout on your way into and out of the office.

Rather than retiring to the couch after dinner, walk or bike around your neighborhood. Such simple gestures may seem insignificant, but the more creative ways you find to exercise each day, the more beneficial such efforts become.

While there is no way to create more time in the day, men and women can employ several strategies to make more time for daily exercise.

Your Comprehensive Center for Wellness #1 Choice For Physical Medicine in the King George & Surrounding Areas

KING GEORGE FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC AND PHYSICAL THERAPY 9305 Kings Highway 540.775.2250 www.kgfc-pt.com

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICAL THERAPY Shawn D. Pallotti, DC Family Chiropractor

MASSAGE THERAPY ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE PERSONAL TRAINING

Helping People Get Healthy and Stay Healthy

Jeana R. Wood, DPT Physical Therapist

Free Hydromassge Offer expires 10/19/15

FAMILY HEALTH • FALL, 2015

5

Choose carefully when shopping for an assisted living facility Metro Creative The decision to move yourself or a family member to an assisted living facility can be difficult.

When men and women begin to experience difficulty with everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing or getting around, families may need to explore assisted living facilities.

Millions of people in North America reside in assisted living facilities. The majority of residents in senior living are those who may need assistance with one or two daily activities, but who are otherwise mobile and self-sufficient.

Families faced with moving relatives into assisted living facilities should consider the following pointers.

Consider services offered Some facilities offer single rooms, while others provide apartment-style living. Most assisted living facilities provide a variety of services, such as housekeeping, laundry, exercise and wellness classes, and social activities, for their residents. Investigate the

offerings at each home you visit, looking for a facility that best suits your loved one’s needs.

Inquire about staff It is important to know how many staff members a facility has and how many people are working at any given time.

Do staffing schedules differ at night? If a resident has a particular rapport with one staff member, can he or she be requested? Look for a facility that is well-staffed and adept at dealing with elderly men and women.

Study individual service plans Many assisted living facilities create individual service plans, or ISPs, for their residents to ensure individualized care is given. These plans are important for the safety and comfort of residents and also can help maximize a person’s independence. Some communities offer memory care programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders.

Consider security A good assisted living facility

When selecting an assisted living facility for a loved one, shop carefully and consider many factors, including licensing, security and individual service plans.. has a 24-hour support system in place and immediate access to care. Rooms may be equipped with emergency phones that can be accessed day or night. Many homes have check-in desks so that residents are accounted for when going on outings and for

announcing guests.

Check on licensing In the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements for assisted living facilities.

Confirm a facility is licensed and that it meets the expectations of the

local regulatory agency. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the home.

Assisted living facilities can meet the needs of people who cannot live independently but do not require the 24-hour care.

King George Journal ad copy2015 revised_Layout 1 9/8/15 9:14 AM Page 1

SPECIALIZING IN ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CARE

ESTABLISHED 2013 Poet’s Walk of Spotsylvania 4621 Spotsylvania Parkway Fredericksburg,VA 22408 540.898.1900 www.poetswalkmc.com

COMING SOON Poet’s Walk of Fredericksburg 3020 Gordon W. Shelton Blvd.

Fredericksburg,VA 22401 540.785.3644 www.poetswalkfredericksburg.com

REASONS YOU’LL LOVE POET’S WALK MEMORY CARE: ✓ Brand new, state-of-the-art communities, featuring spacious, light filled apartments all on one level ✓ Private studio and companion suite floor plan options ✓ Finely appointed common areas ✓ Professionally landscaped outdoor courtyards ✓ Innovative dementia-centered activities program

✓ Personal dining experiences ✓ On-site nursing ✓ Electronic med management system ✓ Oversight by a Medical Director with weekly rounds ✓ Higher staff ratios for personal attention ✓ Focus on family education

6

FALL, 2015 • FAMILY HEALTH

Men should consider several different cancer screenings Metro Creative Cancer screenings play an important role in cancer prevention.

Screenings may not prevent people from getting cancer, but they can detect the presence of cancer before a person begins to experience any signs or symptoms. Screenings also can help doctors catch cancer before it metastasizes, or spreads, to areas of the body outside the area where it originated.

Many women get routine mammograms to detect for breast cancer, but women are not the only ones who should include cancer screenings in their healthcare routines. Men also can benefit from screenings, discussing the pros and cons of each with their physicians during routine health examinations.

Colon cancer Men should begin getting screened for colon cancer at age 50, though those with family histories of colon cancer or other colon

issues should begin even earlier, as family history increases a man’s risk of developing colon cancer.

Colon cancer screenings may discover a type of growth known as a polyp, which is typically benign and can be removed before it develops into cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that men have various options to choose from with regard to screening for colon cancer.

Such options include a colonoscopy, a stool DNA test and a camera pill. Speak to your physician about these options and discuss your family history, which will influence how frequently you need to be screened for colon cancer.

Early screening is crucial when it comes to helping men win the battle against cancer. Men should undergo a number of routine cancer screenings and discuss the results with their physicians.

Lung cancer Screening for lung cancer is most important for men who currently or recently smoked. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for men between the ages of 55 and 80 who have a 30 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.

Screening should be discontinued once a man has not smoked for 15 years or has developed a health problem that substantially limits a man’s life

expectancy or his ability or willingness to undergo curative lung surgery. (Note: Packyear history is calculated by multiplying the number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day by the number of years the person has smoked.)

The ACS notes that the risks associated with lung cancer screenings typically outweigh the benefits for men who have never smoked or quit long ago.

Prostate cancer The National Cancer Institute notes that prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men in the United States. Being 50 years of age, black and/or having a brother, son or father who had prostate cancer increase a man’s risk of developing the disease.

The NCI notes that screening tests for prostate cancer, which include a digital rectal exam and a prostate-specific antigen test, come with risks, and men should discuss these risks and the potential benefits of prostate cancer screenings before deciding to be screened.

Cancer screenings can detect cancer in its earliest stages, and as men get older, they should discuss their screening options with their physicians.

Regular vet visits help keep pets healthy, family happy Metro Creative

At Comfort Keepers ® we provide an approach to care that focuses on the “whole person,” by promoting

Mind• Body • Nutrition • Safety

through social engagement, mental stimulation and physical exercise.

We are always looking for GREAT caregivers!

Call HR for more information.

Pets are valued members of the family, and pet owners work hard to provide safe, secure and healthy living situations for their companion animals.

A good diet and regular exercise are essential to pet health, and pets also benefit from a strong relationship with their veterinarian.

Routine vet visits are necessary to maintain pet health, but at times pet owners may have to call the vet when something is awry. Animals are very good at hiding symptoms that may indicate they are not feeling well.

Pet owners must learn to recognize certain subtleties that may indicate a dog or cat needs to visit the vet. Here are some symptoms that may indicate it’s time to schedule a vet visit.

Restlessness: Animals that are jumpy or can’t seem to get comfortable may be experiencing pain or anxiety.

Physical appearance: Changes in posture or other physical changes may indicate something is wrong with your pet. Does he seem to be moving slower than usual or look pale? Is the pet avoiding eye contact?

More or less vocal: Some dogs and cats are the strong, silent types, while others like to vocalize. If you notice changes in your pet’s vocalization, he or she may not be feeling well and trying to tell you.

Cold signs: Dogs and cats can suffer the

common cold just like humans, but the viruses are different. Symptoms are quite similar to what people experience, including runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. If symptoms last more than a week, book an appointment with the vet.

Dietary changes: Many pet owners learn something is amiss when their pets exhibit changes in their eating habits. Food may suddenly sit uneaten in bowls. Dogs or cats may begin to drink a lot of water or leave the bowl untouched. If these changes persist, contact your vet.

Digestive issues: Digestive issues also may indicate a problem. Be aware if pets are not eliminating as they normally do. Cats may not be using the litter box, or dogs may be unable to hold their waste until they are outdoors. Frequent accidents or bouts of vomiting may not be indicative of a behavior problem, but a sign of illness.

Fatigue: Dogs and cats certainly do their share of napping during the day and night.

But excessive napping may be a sign of something bigger. Illnesses can cause fatigue in animals, and sleeping may be their way to banish pain.

While symptoms such as bleeding, limping or rising temperatures are clear indicators that things are awry, many pets only experience subtle symptoms when they begin to feel sick.

Pet owners should keep an eye out for such issues to ensure their pet is not suffering in silence.

FAMILY HEALTH • FALL, 2015

7

Remember these five health screenings women shouldn’t miss Metro Creative A nutritious diet and daily exercise can promote long-term health, but preventative care also plays a key role in keeping adults healthy as they age. Routine health screenings can head off potential problems, preventing illnesses and possibly limiting the duration of sickness.

Women may have longer life expectancies than their male counterparts, but that does not mean they can afford to overlook preventative care. The following are five health screenings women should include as part of their healthy routines.

Pap tests and pelvic exams Beginning at age 21 (or earlier if they are sexually active), every woman should get regular Pap smears and pelvic exams to test for any abnormalities in their reproductive systems. Pap smears may be suggested every two to three years depending on a woman’s age. A routine visit with a gynecologist is recommended annually to discuss any changes or worrisome symptoms.

Mammograms and breast exams In addition to conducting self examinations, women should get clinical manual breast exams. Women age 40 and older should get a manual breast exam each year and an annual or bi-annual mammogram.

Cholesterol checks the ideal level of total cholesterol is below 200 mg/DL. Individuals with a higher level of cholesterol may be at a greater risk for heart disease. Cholesterol screenings can alert doctors to potential trouble and help them develop plans for their patients to lower cholesterol levels. Doctors may suggest dietary changes and advise women to adopt more active lifestyles. Some doctors may even prescribe medication if cholesterol levels are especially high.

Skin examination & cancer screening Women should examine their skin every month for new moles or changes in existing spots or moles to detect early signs of skin cancer. Be sure to check all areas of the body, as skin cancer can appear just about everywhere. Some doctors perform skin cancer screenings as part of routine physical exams, or women can visit a dermatologist.

Bone density screening Those with a risk for osteoporosis, such as women with fractured bones or slender frames, should be screened earlier and more regularly than women without such histories or body types. Doctors generally recommend that women receive annual bone density screenings beginning at age 65.

8

FALL, 2015 • FAMILY HEALTH

Treat yourself to some much-needed pampering for your health Metro Creative The daily grind sometimes is exhausting.

In fact, a poll from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health found that 49 percent of Americans reported having a major stressful event or experience in the past year.

Additionally, 26 percent of people said they had a “great deal” of stress.

In small amounts, stress can push a person to act and grow.

But constant stress can become debilitating and has been linked to a compromised immune system and other unhealthy side effects.

As a result, many people resolve year after year to reduce their stress levels.

In addition to taking on fewer responsibilities, engaging in some activities to promote a relaxed mind and body can help alleviate stress and tension.

Though the term pampering may not appeal to everyone, a day of pampering might be just what you need to relieve stress and unwind.

Get a full-body massage Licensed massage therapists have the training and knowledge to work the kinks out of your muscles and ease aches and pains. Massage therapy works tension out of the body and can help release feelgood endorphins.

A massage can improve circulation and help reduce blood pressure. It’s difficult to walk out of a spa without feeling relaxed.

Get a manicure or pedicure If you do not have time for a full massage, having your hands and feet pampered can be a good substitute.

Manicures and pedicures are not just for ladies, either. Men can indulge and opt for no nail polish.

Many salons offer different types of manicures and pedicures.

Spa treatments may include warm paraffin wax or hot stones to

further ease pain and enhance the pleasure of the experience.

accommodations and turn your phone or tablet off for a few days.

with other scents and oils to achieve the desired result.

Take a retreat Schedule a trip to a resort or even a small hotel that is away from the hustle and bustle of where you live. Such a respite can provide a welcome change. New scenery and a chance to escape the daily grind can effectively relieve stress. Consider low-tech

Try relaxing aromatherapy Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to elicit mental and physical responses. Lavender is a relaxing scent that can be used during a massage or in baths to induce a sense of calm. Experiment

Laugh with friends Plan a friends’ night where you can go out for drinks and conversation or huddle around the television and watch your favorite comedy. Laughter is often a great medicine for stress, as is the company of other people who can provide some comic relief.

ALL NEW EQUIPMENT

Oooo Oooo Oooo Oooo ooooo

Strength Training Cardio in 30 Minutes!

Also NEW BALANCE Exercises

THE WHOLE SOLUTION MAKES BURNING FAT EASY AS 1, 2, 3 !

1. 30-minute Fitness Circuit 2. Customizable Meal Plans 3. Personal & Automated Coaching

xtras: Free E , e Balanc & Dance Jillian s el Micha lasses act C Check Progress on your Cell! ntr No Co s a Option Retain your web access to50% automatedoff meal plans and shopping lists permanently as longVisit as you retain your Fitness membership.

Enrollment on First Also ble Availa Retain web access to automated meal plans and shopping lists permanently as long as you retain your Fitness membership.

7987 Kings Hwy., King George, VA 540-775-6406 - Designed for Women.

Sunday, September 13, 15

Caring for your mouth is crucial to overall health Metro Creative A healthy mouth is good for more than just a pretty smile. Oral health can affect the entire body, making dental care more than just a cosmetic concern.

Many people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even lost teeth. But are you aware that failing to brush or visit the dentist regularly also can lead to more serious health issues?

According to Colgate, recent research suggests that there may be an association between oral infections, particularly gum disease, and cardiovascular disease and preterm birth.

Gum disease also may make diabetes more difficult to control, since infections may cause insulin resistance and disrupt blood

sugar.

Your mouth also can serve as an infection source elsewhere in the body. Bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream through infection sites in the gums.

If your immune system is healthy, there should not be any adverse effects. However, if your immune system is compromised, these bacteria can flow to other areas of the body where they can cause infection. An example of this is oral bacteria sticking to the lining of diseased heart valves.

Other links have been found between oral health and overall health. In 2010, researchers from New York University who reviewed 20 years of data on the association concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation

and Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers in the UK also found a correlation. Analysis showed that a bacterium called

“Porphyromonas gingivalis” was present in brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer’s. The P. gingivalis bacterium is usually associated with chronic gum disease and not dementia.

Researchers also have found a possible link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer.

Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease, based on studies of men from 1986 through 2007.

While oral health issues may lead to other conditions over time, symptoms also may be indicative of underlying conditions of which a person is unaware. Inflammation

of gum tissue may be a warning sign of diabetes. Oral problems, such as lesions in the mouth, may indicate the presence of HIV/AIDS. Dentists may be the first people to diagnose illnesses patients don’t even know they have.

An important step in maintaining good overall health is to include dental care in your list of preventative measures. Visit the dentist for biannual cleanings or as determined by the doctor.

Do not ignore any abnormalities in the mouth. Maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Mouthwashes and rinses also may help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Oral health and other systems of the body seem to be linked.

Taking care of your teeth promotes overall health.