July 2023 The Monthly Gragpevine

O ice: 925.634.0880

Text: 925.628.2256 info@MonthlyGrapevine.com

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Gingival Enlargement

Gingival enlargement or gingival overgrowth is usually associated with patients taking medications for high blood pressure antiseizure medications and some immunosuppressant drugs. Although the pharmaceutical effect and the primary effects of these drugs are different, they act similarly on the gum tissue causing the gums to enlarge and overgrow. While some spontaneous resolution of the gum enlargement occurs when the drugs are discontinued this generally is not the rule. The prevalence of gingival (gum) enlargement in healthy populations has been estimated to be between four to seven percent. Patients receiving anti- seizure medication have a prevalence of gingival enlargement from ten to fifty per cent.

The risk when gingiva (gum) enlarges is that more plaque accumulates under the gums and in between the teeth causing the gums to get more inflamed and swollen and bleeding results causing a vicious cycle resulting in gum infection and eventually leading to periodontitis and loose of bone structure around the teeth causing the teeth to get loose and eventually the teeth are lost. Therefore, it is very important to get the gums and teeth checked by the dentist and if gum enlargement is noticed due to taking medications consulting with the physician are recommended to change or discontinue the drugs depending on the individual’s health circumstances. In addition, gum treatment is recommended is recommended by non-surgical methods like deep cleaning and a short-term use of prescription mouthwash. Sometimes if the gums get enlarged excessively where teeth are being pushed out of alignment then surgical removal is an option.

Drugs are not always the only cause of gingival enlargement. Gingival enlargement may arise due to hereditary, a spontaneous gene

mutation, leukemia and infections like tuberculosis. Therefore, when you notice any gum enlargement it is best to check with the dentist and undergo appropriate laboratory testing to find the underlying reason causing the gums to enlarge and get treated at the earliest possible time. However, a biopsy is highly recommended to get a more definitive diagnosis of the underlying problem is always preferred which the dentist would be able to guide and treat as needed.

Apollo Dental Care is the dental office of Dr. Sue Padavettan, D.D.S. Dr. Sue has 15 years of experience in dentistry, graduated from USC with outstanding achievement award for restorative dentistry, was elected member of Honor Dental Society by the Zeta Chapter and is an active member of and ADA, CDA and CCDS. Apollo Dental Care supports Heritage Patriots & East County Little League.

Apollo Dental Care is located at 4530 Balfour Rd. Suite C in Brentwood. They can be contacted at 925-634-5061.

Calendar of Events

Ongoing Events

AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMY

Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1:30-6:30pm, Village Community Resource Center, 633 Village Drive, Brentwood or Byron Community Library Club, 3926 Main St., Byron. Literacy and homework support for K-5th Grade. Info 925-626-7892 or jose@vcrcbrentwoodca.org.

AL-ANON MEETING

Friday, 8pm, Brentwood United Methodist Church, 809 2nd Street, Brentwood. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Trisha 510 910-1389

AL-ANON MEETING

Monday, 12:15pm, Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Rd., Discovery Bay. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Charlie (925) 858-5382.

AL-ANON MEETING

Wednesday, 12:00pm, Contra Costa Fellowship Hall, 8385 Brentwood Blvd. ST B., Brentwood. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Trudy (626) 576-8146.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY

1st Tuesday, 5pm, Legion Hall, Basement, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info Dolly 925-890-7357.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 202 MEETING

2nd Wednesday, 6:30pm, Veterans Hall, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info AML202.org or 925-516-2141.

ANCIENT SCRIPTURES AND LANGUAGES OF THE BIBLE Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Brentwood. Info 209-642-0278.

ANIMAL RESCUE RECON DOG ADOPTIONS

Saturdays, 10am-1pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info 925-392-7654 or animalrescuerecon.com.

ART CLASSES

Ongoing schedule of fun and creative art classes for kids and adults. Delta Art Gallery, 2485 Sand Creek Rd., Streets of Brentwood. Info DeltaGallery.com or 925-516-5935.

BRENTWOOD ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

2nd Thursday, 7-8:30pm, Brentwood. Please call 800.272.3900 to register for the meeting.

BRENTWOOD LIONS CLUB

1st Wednesday, 6:30pm, Straw Hat Pizza, 6680 Lone Tree., Brentwood. Info 925-587-3783.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF HELP GROUP

2nd Wednesday, 1pm. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Info Julie 925-437-5681.

BYRON DELTA LIONS CLUB

1st Friday, 10am, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2800 Camino Diablo Rd., Byron. Info Kathy 925-980-6696.

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Tuesdays, 1-3pm, 3505 Lone Tree Way., Suite 3, Antioch.

DASH ADOPTIONS

Fridays, 5-8pm at Petsmart, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

1st & 3rd Sunday, 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Info 925-219-0151 or deltaanimalssafehaven.org.

DELTA SHADOW BOXERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

1st Wednesday, 2-5pm. Merrill Gardens., 2600 Balfour Rd., Brentwood. Info Sue 925-550-2756

DISCOVERY BAY CORVETTE CLUB

1st Thursday, 7:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club. Info Shari 925-341-9433.

DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB

1st Tuesday, 6:30pm, Discovery Bay Yacht Club. Info Rita Caruso 925-640-5746, www.discoverybaylions.com.

DISCOVERY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB FREE TRAINING

First Saturday of the month, 10am, Discovery Bay Community Center 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd, Discovery Bay.. Info 925-628-7906.

DELTA GROUP SIERRA CLUB

2nd Friday, 5pm, Oakley Tavern, 3685 Main St., Oakley. Covers Antioch, Pittsburgh, Bay Point, Oakley, Brentwood, Bethel Island, Discovery Bay, and unincorporated areas of ECCC. Info Joeandlu@comcast.net.

DELTA QUILTERS GUILD

For information about meetings/events, go to deltaquilters.org.

DELTA WOMEN’S SOCIAL CLUB

2nd Thursday, 11:30am. Info Gloria 925-513-8731.

DIG - DELTA INFORMAL GARDNERS

4th Monday, 7:30pm, Brentwood Methodist Church, 809 Second St., Brentwood. Info Bob 925-642-0080 or deltainformalgardners.org.

DOFBWOW (Daughter’s of Faith Becoming Women of Wisdom)

2nd & 4th Thursday, 6:45pm, via Zoom. Contact True Free Love Ministry via email truefreeloveministries@gmail.com.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - SUMMER SCHEDULE

Wednesday, 10-11am (lunch to follow), Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road, Brentwood. Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706.

HELPING ONE WOMAN

Monthly dinner to honor a local woman going through an irreplace- able loss.

3rd Tuesday’s, 6-8pm, Brentwood Community Center 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Email: howdiscoverybay@gmail.com

HALO ADOPTIONS

Saturdays & Sundays, 12-3pm (cats), Petsmart , 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Saturdays and 4th Sunday (dogs), 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Saturdays and Sundays (cats), 2nd Sunday (dogs) 12-3pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

HOSPICE OF THE EAST BAY

Once-a-month training for volunteers who are interested in working with patients and families. Informational Session and Training. Info 925-887-5678 or volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.

HOW OVER-EATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING

Thursdays, 10-11am, Brentwood Professional Plaza, Fellowship Hall, 8385 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B, Brentwood. AA Big Book Discussion. Info Peggy 925-200-2281

Ongoing Events - Cont’

MINISTRY OF CARING

Thursdays, 5-6:15pm, IHM Church 500 Fairview Ave., Hall B, Brentwood. Monthly potluck and happy hour (emphasis on fellowship). Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 for dates and times.

MOMS IN PRAYER

Moms in Prayer is an international organization that equips women to pray for kids and schools at weekly prayer meetings. Find a local group: Crystal - momsinprayer58@gmail.com or momsinprayer.org.

MOBILE HOME OWNERS ADVOCACY GROUP

1st Saturday, 1-2:30pm, Oakley. Teach mobile home owners their legal rights and how to defend themselves. Mobile home owners in Oakley, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Brentwood, Antioch and Pittsburg welcome. Info/register 925-625-6251.

OAKLEY SENIORS INDOOR FAIR & FLEA MARKET

1st Saturday, 9-3pm, Oakley Senior Center, 215 2nd Street, Oakley. Arts & Crafts, New & used items, collectibles and antiques. Vendors Contact OSC President Tim Lear (925) 238-5356.

PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

2nd Tuesday, 5:30-7pm, Tony LaRussa’s Pet Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Info 925-887-5678 or hospiceeastbay.org.

SEAMS TO HELP

1st Sat & Tues, Volunteers use sewing and other skills to create needed items for our community and beyond. Volunteering information www.seamstohelp.org.

SUTTER DELTA FREE DIABETES CLASS

Wednesdays, 2-4pm & 4-6pm. Info 925-779-3605.

SUTTER DELTA FREE STOP SMOKING CLASS

Mondays, 6-8pm. Info 925-779-3555.

TYPE 1 DIABETIC PUMP GROUP

2nd Thursday, 4-5:30pm, Kaiser Sand Creek Hospital, Rooms 1A & 1B, Antioch. Info Cheryl 925-516-7725.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

After School Academy to work with students on their reading/ literacy and homework. Our students are K-5th grade. Two locations in Brentwood and in Byron. Info Village Community Resource Center 925-626-7892 or vcrcbrentwoodca.org.

WI CHA KA COUNCIL

1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:30pm, Red Men Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main St., Oakley. Info Helen 925-634-4609.

Business Meetings

AKTION CLUB OF EAST CONTRA COSTA

2nd Tuesday, 5:30-7pm, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 1185 2nd Street, Station M, Brentwood. Adults with Special Needs sponsored by Kiwanis Int’l. Info 925-890-2563.

BETHEL ISLAND LIONS CLUB

1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7pm, Scout Hall, 3090 Ranch Ln., Bethel Island. Info Dave 925-595-1451.

BRENTWOOD CHAMBER MIXER

3rd Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm. Info 925-634-3344.

BRENTWOOD ROTARY CLUB

Mondays, 12-1:30pm, Wedgewood Banquet Center, 100 Summerset Dr., Brentwood. Info 888-556-0083.

BNI REFERRAL FACTORY

Thursdays, 11:30am-1pm, Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Info Liz 925-206-9314 or liz.litaea@lhfs.com.

BNI - GIVING TO GAIN

Tuesdays, 7am, Via Zoom. Info Maria 925-323-6313.

BUSINESS ON THE BAY

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 8:30am & 11:30am. Discovery Bay. Info Michelle 408-891-0090.

CREATIVE COMMUNICATORS TOASTMASTERS MEETING

Tuesdays, 7:10-8:15pm, Kaiser Hospital, 4501 Sand Creek Rd., Conference Room IC, Antioch. Info Joe Amaro 510 812-2282 or ccclub.toastmastersclub.org.

DELTA NETWORKING PARTNERS

Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45am, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, 234 Oak Street, Brentwood, Gabriela Manciulea, 408 750 7436 or email dnp.brentwood@gmail.com.

DELTA TOASTMASTERS MEETING

Tuesdays, 7:10-8:10am, MiMi’s Café, 5705 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info Greg Hullen, President 707-373-6890.

DISCOVERY BAY CHAMBER MIXER

4th Tuesday, 5:30pm. Info 925-235-0987.

DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB

1st Tuesday, 6:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5781 Marina Blvd., Discovery Bay. Info 925-240-3486.

EAST CONTRA COSTA REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATION

Coming May 19th George Papadopolous & June 8th Dr. Doug Frank. For more info republicanwomenECC@gmail.com.

KIWANIS CLUB OF BRENTWOOD

Thursdays, 12:30pm, Jalisco’s, 8335 Brentwood Blvd. #B, Brentwood. Info brentwoodkiwanis.portalbuzz.com.

SONS IN RETIREMENT-DISCOVERY BAY BRANCH

2nd Tuesday, 11:30am, Discovery Bay Country Club, Discovery Bay. Info Luis Figueroa 949-400-4715.

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE DELTA

1st Tuesday, 6pm, The Delta Gallery, 2485 Sand Creek Road, Suite 128, Brentwood. Info Jan Schults 925-890-6296.

WEBINAR WEDNESDAYS - 1ST TIME BUYERS

Every Wed, For more information contact Michelle Paxton, Sr. Mortgage Loan Officer, 408-891-0090.

Meet

Cultured Pearls

Museums, Theater & Live Entertainment

Contact Theresa at 925-642-7067 or Kellie at kkcandraw@yahoo.com.

Lit- n- Latte

Meets 1st Thursday of the month at 50 Birch St at 6:30pm. Contact Lydia at 925-548-5982 or Gina at 650-703-2935.

Movie Club

Meets 3rd Thursday of the month. Contact Lori at 925-628-7831 or Theresa at 925-642-7067.

Krafty Krafters

Krafty Krafter#1 FaceBook Group

Meets 2nd Saturday of the month. For more info Contact Lori at 925-628-7831.

Gamin’ Gals

Meets 4th Friday of the month. Contact Becky at 925-628-7923.

Lunch Ladies Meets 1st Friday of the month. Contact Donna at 925-813-1885 or Kathy at 925-759-1845.

This and That

Like to shop, eat out, cook a little, go to garage sales or gardening? Contact Chris at 925-628-3977 or Kathy at 925-759-1845.

Mom Tribe

Motherhood truly does take a village, come encourage and support each other. Contact Beckie at Beckiebarkley@gmail.com or Karley at Karley.hall@gmail.com.

What NOT to Do When Putting Your Home on the Market

Although it is not quite a Buyers’ market, Buyers have slowed down and now more than ever are looking for that just right home. As you ready your home for sale, you should realize that you can maximize your return with a few simple things like light fixtures or faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms will make a big impression and are affordable to implement. Don’t overimprove. Projects like adding solar and increasing insulation are better for the long term and not usually the best investment for a sale. Make any needed fixes to your space, but don’t go above and beyond—you may not recoup the money doing so.

A Realtor calls to let you know they will be bringing buyers by this afternoon. Great! You rally your whole family, Fluffy the dog included, to be waiting at the door with fresh baked cookies and big smiles. Right? Wrong.

Buyers want to imagine themselves in your space, not be confronted by you in your space. Get out of the house, take the kids with you, and if you can’t leave for whatever reason, and don’t go sit in the backyard if that is a selling feature, try standing on the front porch or walk around the block.

Over-decorating is just as bad as over-improving. You may love the look of lace and lavender, but your potential buyer may enter your home and cringe. Home staging is meant to create a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a look that will appeal to most everyone. If painting, you should choose nice neutral and warm beige tones. People are quick to stage living rooms and kitchens and but don’t forget to spruce up the bedrooms, flex space and closets as well.

People love natural light, so don’t block any light with heavy curtains or furniture. Accentuate any attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them. Don’t be afraid to take down the curtains and just use the blind or just leave the valance.

Scale down your furniture to be in balance with the scale of the room.

Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. Check that all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working.

People care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, add bark or rocks, make sure the lawn is mowed, the yard is tidy and add a few backyard accessories.

Above all don’t take things personal, buying and selling homes is very, very emotional. However, when selling your homes, try your very best not to take things personally. When a buyer lowballs you or says they will need to replace something you love. You may love your home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone coming through the door will feel the same way. Everyone has their own particular tastes and style. When selling a home the goal is to allow the buyer to see themselves in the homes and help give them a vision of what they can do to make it their Home.

Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker. Call/text 925-899-5536 • pmccarran@yahoo.com • CallPatrick.com Independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE#0193160.

How To Identify & Prevent Elder Abuse

The issue of elder abuse is one that affects an increasing number of older adults around the world. Elders are often vulnerable to mistreatment due to factors such as physical or cognitive disability, social isolation, and financial dependency. This mistreatment can take many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to neglect, financial exploitation, and abandonment. In this article, we will explore more about elder abuse, including how to identify it and what steps can be taken to prevent and address it.

Identifying Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can be difficult to identify, as many cases go unreported or unnoticed due to the older person’s fear of retaliation or shame. The following signs may indicate that an elderly person is being mistreated:

Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns; broken bones; or a sudden change in behavior or mood, such as becoming fearful or withdrawn, may indicate physical abuse.

Emotional abuse: Signs of emotional abuse include depression, anxiety, fear, and agitation, as well as verbal or nonverbal behaviors that indicate disrespect, humiliation, or threats.

Neglect: Signs of neglect may include malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, dirty living conditions, and untreated medical conditions.

Financial exploitation: Unexplained changes in finances, such as missing money or possessions, unexplained charges on credit cards, or sudden changes in legal or financial documents, may indicate financial exploitation.

Abandonment: Signs of abandonment may include being left alone without care or assistance, being left in a public place such as a hospital or nursing home, or an abrupt cut-off of contact with family or caregivers.

Preventing Elder Abuse

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent elder abuse from occurring:

1. Speak up: If you suspect that an elder is being abused, speak up. Talk to the person directly, or report the abuse to the authorities, such as Adult Protective Services or the police.

2. Educate: Educate yourself, your family, and your community about elder abuse. Learn the signs of abuse, and discuss them with others. Encourage others to speak up if they suspect abuse.

3. Stay Connected: Social isolation can make elders more vulnerable to abuse. Make an effort to stay connected with elderly friends and family members, and encourage them to participate in community events or activities.

4. Seek help when necessary: If you or another caregiver is feeling overwhelmed or stressed, seek help. Talk to a doctor or mental health professional or contact local resources for caregivers.

5. Plan ahead: Planning ahead for future care needs can help prevent abuse. Work with an elder law attorney to create a comprehensive estate plan that includes documents such as a living will and power of attorney.

In conclusion, elder abuse is a serious issue that affects a vulnerable population. By identifying the signs of abuse and taking steps to prevent it, we can help protect older adults from mistreatment and ensure that they are able to enjoy their later years with dignity and respect. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Adult Protective Services in Contra Costa County. (925) 646-2854