B4 RED DEER ADVOCATE Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013
Severe tooth decay in preschoolers a leading cause of day surgery McFarlane said a number of factors likely contribute to children who still have their baby teeth developing substantial decay: lack of fluoridation For thousands of Canadian pre- in water; ignorance of good dental hyschoolers, going to the dentist doesn’t giene practices; and having limited mean a short visit to a clinic for a mi- access to dental care if living in a rural nor cavity, but going under general an- or remote community. Indeed, the CIHI study found that in esthesia for extensive dental surgery more than one in five day surgery visin hospital. About 19,000 children aged one to its, families spent two or more hours five end up in hospital each year be- travelling to get care. That was particularly the case cause they have in the North, multiple cavities where for the and tooth decay vast majority of so severe that it dental surgeries requires surgical — 92 per cent in treatment, says a Nunavut and 80 report from the per cent in the Canadian InstiNorthwest Territute for Health Intories — families formation (CIHI), had travelled at released Thurs— ANNE MCFARLANE, CIHI least two hours day. VICE-PRESIDENT FOR WESTERN so their child In fact, about CANADA AND could have the one-third of all DEVELOPMENTAL INITIATIVES operation. day surgery op“Severe denerations for pretal problems can schoolers — who be painful and still have their affect a child’s baby teeth — are done to perform subself-esteem and quality of life,” said stantial dental work. “When you see the numbers, when McFarlane. “Many factors can contribyou think 19,000 kids, you just really ute to dental health, such as fluoride are taken aback,” said Anne McFar- levels in local water and timely access lane, CIHI vice-president for West- to dental care, but cavities and decay ern Canada and developmental initia- are still highly preventable.” Dr. Bob Schroth, a pediatric dentist tives. “And that’s just the tip of the ice- and an assistant professor at the Uniberg,” McFarlane said from Victoria, versity of Manitoba, said tooth decay noting that the figure doesn’t capture can be halted at any stage through the children who are waiting for surgery use of fillings or varnishes, while pullor those who had their dental work ing a tooth is considered a last-resort option. done in a clinic. Ideally, children should be avoid“These children are under anesthesia for 86 minutes on average, so ing processed sweets containing lots they have severe dental problems,” of sugar and eating diets full of fresh fruits and vegetables, he said from she said. “What happens (during surgery) is a Winnipeg. But for low-income Canadians and combination of teeth getting filled and those living in remote areas, it can be teeth being extracted.” The CIHI study found rates for den- too expensive or difficult to purchase tal day surgery among young children such fresh food, he said. “It is evident that there are disparivaried by province and territory and depended on the makeup of the popu- ties in young children’s oral health in Canada,” said Schroth. lation and where kids live. “These findings reinforce the need In neighbourhoods with a high number of aboriginal families, the rate of for improved access to early dental viskids getting in-hospital dental surgery its and effective prevention.” The report estimated that these day was almost nine times higher than that for children in neighbourhoods with a surgery operations cost $21.2 million each year across Canada, excluding low First Nations or Inuit population. Income level also appears to play a Quebec. McFarlane said that figure reprerole, with dental surgery rates for kids in poorer neighbourhoods almost four sents a fraction of the real price tag times higher than for peers in more af- because it does not include travel costs or payments to dentists and anesthesifluent areas. As well, three times more rural than ologists. “Again, we think that’s just the tip urban children had day surgery for seof the iceberg.” rious tooth decay. Dental surgery rates among preschoolers were highest in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan, while Ontario, Alberta and B.C. had the lowest rates in the country. BY SHERYL UBELACKER THE CANADIAN PRESS
Assorted salts are shown. Hypertension Canada has raised the recommended amount of daily sodium intake to 2,000 mg, the equivalent of roughly one teaspoon of salt.
2,000 mg of dietary sodium a day OK BY THE CANADIAN PRESS A group that advises doctors on how to best help patients prevent high blood pressure is shaking up its advice on the amount of sodium Canadians should get in their diets. Hypertension Canada announced it has raised its recommended amount of daily sodium intake for most adults to 2,000 milligrams, the equivalent of roughly five millilitres or one teaspoon of salt. The organization’s recommendations task force — made up of almost 70 doctors, nurses, dietitians and other health professionals from across Canada — decided to raise the daily sodium target to 2,000 mg after reviewing the latest research about the effects of salt on blood pressure. Previous recommendations advised Canadians aged 14 to 50 to limit their daily sodium consumption to 1,500 mg, those 51 to 70 to aim for 1,300 mg, and those 70 and older to ingest even less — 1,200 mg. But task force co-chairman Dr. Raj Padwal said research shows that cutting salt intake to even 2,000 mg a day from 3,600 mg can significantly improve blood pressure levels. “The second reason is that 1,500 or 1,300 or 1,200 ... it’s simply not feasible because the average intake in the Canadian population is 3,400 milligrams, which is about a teaspoon and a half of salt.” In 2010, a sodium working group chaired by Health Canada advised Canadian adults to try to cut salt con-
sumption by a third so they could reach a maximum of 2,300 mg a day by 2016. The group said 1,500 mg daily is considered adequate intake. At the same time, the food and restaurant industries were urged to voluntarily pinch back the sodium in their products. About 75 per cent of sodium in people’s diets comes from processed foods, not from sprinkling meals with salt during cooking or at the table. Padwal, an internal medicine specialist at the University of Alberta, conceded that variations in intake targets from different organizations are likely confusing people. “Based on our review of the (research) literature, we’re very comfortable with this cutpoint and ... the fact that it reduced blood pressure.” Research has suggested that reducing excess dietary sodium could prevent the premature deaths of 30 to 40 Canadians a day from heart disease and stroke, or roughly 11,000 to 15,000 a year. Keeping blood pressure levels under control helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. Padwal said it’s important for consumers to remember that much of their sodium comes from processed foods, which makes it a hidden source. “Nobody really eats sodium or even salt,” he said. “You don’t sit down at your dinner table and portion out your food and have a portion of salt that you scoop into your mouth. You eat food.” That’s why another key recommendation from the Hypertension Canada task force is to eat a healthy diet, including high-fibre foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. “And by doing so, your sodium intake will naturally decline. You don’t have to worry about the numbers ... your sodium intake will naturally be around two grams.”
STORIES FROM PAGE B3
VALUE: Dig deeper If we dig a little deeper, we find fear, poor self-esteem and a lack of self-awareness. The problem with false impressions is just that: they’re false, an illusion. And what is illusion must eventually give way to reality often creating disappointment or resistance. Some people are convincing actors but eventually the curtain falls, the costumes and makeup come off and the house lights come up. What then will the audience behold? Relationships built upon an honest presentation of self are always healthier and more enduring. This ancient piece of wisdom has been echoed by sages down through the ages but never as eloquently as by Shake-
speare’s Hamlet: “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night (follows) the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” As time went by Rick’s daughter began to make further demands. If Rick was picking her up after school or following a visit with a friend, he was also to park at least two blocks away. He was never to meet the parents of her friends or introduce himself as her father. Eventually Rick and his wife sat down with their daughter to discuss the issue. “You don’t know what it’s like,” she cried. “It’s hard to make friends today.” Rick’s wife explained that no lasting friendship would be built on a false impression. She suggested that her daughter try being open and honest, maybe inviting one of the girls over to the house for a visit.
Reluctant, even fearful at first, Rick’s daughter eventually acted upon her mother’s advice. Predictably, some of girls scoffed at the request and rejected her outright when they learned of her modest existence. One girl did accept the offer and over time became a close friend. And that friendship, founded upon honesty, endures to this day. Want to make a good impression? Make an honest one. There will be those who appreciate it and those who won’t, but the ones who do won’t be disappointed when the house lights come up. Murray Fuhrer is a self-esteem expert and facilitator. His new book is entitled Extreme Esteem: The Four Factors. For more information on selfesteem, check the Extreme Esteem website at www. extremeesteem.ca.
POLICY: No Losers
Vencor is currently hiring the following positions in various locations throughout
Northern & Central Alberta: Day Supervisors Night Supervisors Assistants APPLY NOW! resumes@vencorproduction.com Fax: 780-778-6998
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Bilton Welding and Manufacturing Ltd. designs, engineers and manufactures custom energy equipment. Since 1992, Bilton has worked with engineering firms and oil and natural gas producers around the globe to develop their own equipment standards for size, capacity and any number of technical specifications. We operate seven manufacturing facilities in Innisfail, Alberta and employ over 175 people.
We currently have career opportunities for a professional;
CAD DESIGNER / DRAFTSPERSON
Gaetz Ave. Denture Clinic
Essential Job Functions • design/draft tanks, vessels and piping packages • create detailed fabrication drawings using inventor software • interpret customer and engineering markups and make changes to drawings • create drawing files for parts to be cut by the plasma table • administrate autodesk vault, inventor content center libraries and autocad plant 3d specs The incumbent must possess the following; • diploma in Engineering Design and Drafting Technology or equivalent • certified Engineering Technologist (CET) • minimum 3 year’s experience designing/drafting piping packages, pressure vessels, tanks and skids • proficient with using AutoCAD, plant 3d, and inventor • experience with creating BOM’s and utilizing an ERP software (M2M preferred) • experience using a nesting software (ProNest preferred)
Denture Specialist
David Fedechko DD
Losing TAKE THIS TEST: your dentures... your Are R Loose? R In your pocket? R Cracked or worn? teeth? grip? R Over 5 years old? RR Missing Sore gums?
We offer competitive wage and benefits packages Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted. 52802J1-K2
403-358-5558 North of Value Village
Catch up with Jim Daly at www.jimdalyblog.com or at www.facebook.com/ DalyFocus.
NOW HIRING
Production Testing Crews
With your long-term interests in mind, we provide you with ample opportunities to achieve your career goals. We’ll provide you with hands-on training and an opportunity to work on some of the most interesting projects and applications in the energy sector.
lizing In Difficult Dentu a i c e res Sp
#140, 2325 - 50th Avenue Red Deer, AB T4R 1M7
Creating a No Losers Policy goes a long way toward creating the kind of relationships that yield joy and satisfaction rather than grief and frustration. It’s worked for my wife, Erin, and I, and it can work equally well for you, regardless of the type of relationship in which you apply it. Although it takes some work, we have yet to be unable to find a win/win solution when addressing a decision or issue.
Please forward your resume via fax to (403) 227-7796 or e-mail to hr@bilton.ca
48697J1-5
BLOOD PRESSURE EXPERTS RAISE QUOTA
‘SEVERE DENTAL PROBLEMS CAN BE PAINFUL AND AFFECT A CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM AND QUALITY OF LIFE.’
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File photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS