THE HEALING POWER OF A HUG

by Marlaina Donato

When we were children, a hug helped to take the sting out of a skinned knee or quell first-day-of-school jitters. In adulthood, hugs are not as plentiful or practical; many people lack partners or loved ones, and the gesture—both giving and receiving—is too often labeled as sentimentality. As we continue to move through life with pandemic restrictions, hugs can feel risky at a time when we need them the most.

A hug elicits a powerful shot of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, and we don’t necessarily need another human to reap the benefits. Wrapping our arms around a breezeswept tree in the backyard or on a hiking trail can lower heart rate and set our brains abuzz with feel-good endorphins. Earlier this year, the forestry service in Iceland invited people to cuddle up to trees to offset COVID-19 isolation and get in a good dose of forest bathing. Scientific research, including a study from Carnegie Mellon University, backs what unapologetic huggers have always known: Even the most casual embrace can help to lower stress, boost immunity and promote a better night’s sleep.

Cuddling up with a stuffed animal is a part of everyday life for 43 percent of American adults, with men taking the lead. Befriending a plush toy is part of some trauma recovery programs and has a soothing effect on those navigating the dark waters of grief, loss and chronic anxiety. Snuggling up under a warm, weighted blanket is also akin to a hug, and has benefits much like the real thing.

Holding and being held strengthens the body’s defense systems, as well as romantic partnerships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves. Opening our arms can foster the spiritual discipline of not only giving, but receiving—a vital requirement in self-care. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine; they can also be a powerful metaphor and reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human.

Marlaina Donato is a mind-body-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

by Dr. Yolanda Cintron

For some time now, we have had our state-of-the-art Kavo Cone Beam 3D Imaging, and it has been one of the best pieces of equipment we’ve ever bought! It has been able to detect abscesses (infections) that a traditional X-ray cannot, and for that reason, our patients are very grateful. Thanks to the CT scan, we’ve been able to take care of our patients right away and avoid their situations becoming worse.

This type of CT scanner uses a special technology to generate three-dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning. Cone beam CT is not the same as conventional CT. However, dental cone beam CT can be used to produce images that are similar to those produced by conventional CT imaging. With cone beam CT, an X-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images, also called views. Both CT scans and cone beam CT produce high-quality images.

Cone beam CT provides detailed images of the bone and is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses. It does not provide the full diagnostic information available with conventional CT, particularly in evaluation of soft tissue structures such as muscles, lymph nodes, glands and nerves. However, cone beam CT has the advantage of lower radiation exposure compared to conventional CT.

More often than not, a traditional 2D X-ray taken in the chair will not catch an abscess. The benefit of having the CT scan is that you are avoiding any possible infection to spread to other teeth, causing more damage. With the CT scan, you are able to detect it right away and nip it in the bud!

Apart from taking the scan, we also send the CT scan out for a radiology report to have it interpreted by a radiologist, someone that specializes in reading scans and detailing everything he/she finds. The radiologist looks at everything—they even measure your airway and check if it is within normal limits.

FAQs: Does the CT scan hurt?

No! It is painless and easy.

How long does it take?

About 30-40 seconds.

How often do I need one?

I think it is wise to have one done every year. I like to be comprehensive and thorough. A lot can change in a year. By doing this annually, you are ensuring everything is in good condition, such as your bone health, sinuses, airway, etc.

As an example, I had an apical abscess on a front tooth and began experiencing pain; I took an X-ray. I didn’t see anything and thought this to be strange. Fast forward a few days when I decided to have a CT scan done in the office; sure enough, there was a huge abscess. Thanks to that CT scan, I was able to detect an infection that would have spread to the adjacent teeth, but since I caught it in time, I was able to avoid that from happening.

As a biological dentist, I want to go above the standard of care for my patients and offer them every single safe resource under the sun in order for them to get the results they deserve; by implementing the CT scan as an essential diagnostic tool, I am doing just that.

In 2021, let’s make our health a priority, your health is your wealth. Take action. Call us today, use code #NANov21 for $50 off your new patient consultation exam and X-rays. God Bless and keep you protected.

Love, Dr. Yolie

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. ~ Isaiah 54:10 NIV