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Tips for Making Spring Cleaning Easy for the Entire Family ARA CONTENT
W inside Easy Way to Clean Up in a Snap ➤
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Are You at Risk for Gum Disease and Its Many Health Threats? Most patients are unaware of both the consequences and the treatment options METRO CREATIVE
Eighty percent of U.S. adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, yet only 60 percent are aware of it. And only 3 percent choose to treat it. That’s alarming, because gum disease, or periodontitis, threatens much more than oral health; studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, strokes and even stillbirths. With such broad health consequences, how do you know you are at risk? A Mouthful of Risk Not surprising, risk factors begin in the mouth — with poor oral hygiene and diet. Bacteria and plaque build up without proper brushing and flossing. Teeth with cracks and crevices or improperly sealed fillings and crowns can trap food and encourage plaque and bacteria growth. Patients with impacted wisdom teeth are also at risk and often experience no symptoms. For this reason, dental professionals recommend that preteens, teens and young adults have their dentists examine them for signs of gum disease. Risks Increase With Age The older people get, the greater their risk for gum disease. More than half of American adults 35-69 show signs of gingivitis surrounding three or four teeth; about 30 percent show significant levels of gum disease. Eighty-six percent of people older than 70 show moderate gum disease and more than 25 percent lose their teeth. Factors That Run in the Family Genetics may be responsible for about half of periodontal disease cases. Those whose parents suffered gum disease are 12 times more likely to harbor the bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease. Even spouses and partners may be at risk, say researchers who’ve found that a particular oral bacteria may be contagious over long periods of exposure. The Smoking Gun Of all the risks for periodontal disease, smoking is the most preventable. Smokers are four times more likely to develop advanced periodontal disease and exhibit bone loss and gum recession even with-
hen it comes to spring cleaning, it’s understandable you and your family want to clear all of the past year’s clutter and mess, without taking too much time away from enjoying fun springtime activities. And thankfully it’s possible to maintain a deep spring cleaning without spending more than a day’s time, as long as you stay organized. “Cleaning smart is the key to making your spring cleanup quick and efficient, not long and painstaking,” says Jelmar President Alison Gutterman. “Everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors this time of year, so getting the whole family involved, making a plan and using the right tools will help your cleanup get done fast and your home will look great.”
When your clan is able to carve out one day to hold your spring cleaning initiative be sure to go in prepared to ensure total participation and maximize success.
Spring Cleaning Tips Delegate: The entire family contributes to the mess over the year, which means the entire family should also help clean it up. Don’t try to take on a deep spring cleaning alone, enlist the troops and assign age-appropriate chores to everyone. Make a list: Before everyone commits to several hours of spring cleaning, do a quick walk-through of the house and take notes on exactly what needs cleaning up or needs to be tossed out. This makes prioritizing work a bit easier, and you’re sure
to get everything that needs to be cleaned done. Supply Suitably: Everyone has their ever-growing stash of cleaners in a closet or under the sink, but having a multitude of products just drags out your projects, not to mention creates more clutter. Try some effective multi-purpose cleaners that can take care of a few different rooms and several tasks for easy and quick cleanup. Keep your perspective: Things are going to get dirty along the way, so while a good spring cleaning is definitely necessary each year, there are always going to be things to tidy up. Taking the steps to making your spring cleaning efforts as efficient and effective as possible is the best way to get your home looking its best.
Inspired Ideas to
Change Up
Your Chicken Dishes
out gum disease. More than 40 percent of smokers lose their teeth during their lifetimes. Even secondhand smoke carries risks, with a 50 percent to 60 percent higher incidence of gum disease. When people quit smoking, however, risks return to normal over time. Women and Gum Disease Despite their better dental hygiene, women account for about 75 percent of periodontal office visits. Studies point to the effects of female hormones on oral health — effects that are also triggered by prescription birth control and menopause. Some women see gingivitis flare-ups a few days before their periods and during ovulation as the hormone progesterone dilates blood vessels, causing inflammation and slowing down the repair of collagen —- the protein that supports gums. These same hormonal fluctuations are in force throughout pregnancy, typically worsening at two months and peaking around the eighth month of pregnancy. These hormonal changes don’t actually cause gum disease; they simply make women more vulnerable to it. Stepping up oral hygiene can make a big difference — especially important given the recent research that links gum disease with low birth weight and other complications including stillbirth. These risks make dental visits a vital part of prenatal health care. Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity As with many diseases, gum disease appears in greater numbers among the poor, particularly poor children and elderly people as well as racial minorities. Those with fewer financial resources for dental visits show the greatest amounts of oral bacteria. Approximately 44 million Americans live without medical insurance; 110 million have no dental insurance10. Diseases Associated with Periodontal Disease Many diseases also contribute to the development of periodontal disease, whether
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inside Inspired Chicken Recipes ➤
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Parmesan-Crusted Bruschetta Chicken Family Features
Chicken is one of America’s favorite foods, so much so that every American ate an average of 84 pounds last year. Although it’s a great go-to ingredient for a family dinner, it’s easy to get tired of the same old chicken recipes. Chef Tim Love has launched “Chicken Change-Up,” offering simple and
family-friendly recipe ideas, tips and tricks to help inspire parents when preparing the nightly meal. “Chicken dishes are a staple in my household,” says celebrity chef, dad and author Tim Love. “I’m always looking for inspiration to create different types of chicken recipes and — no matter the dish — mayonnaise made with simple ingredients like oil, vinegar and
30 percent cage-free eggs, is my secret for keeping chicken juicy and crispy.” Whatever your dinnertime challenge, with recipes such as Parmesan Crusted Chicken an Baked Buffalo Chicken, mayonnaise can transform your chicken into a juicier, crispier, more delicious meal that the whole family will love.