May - Older Americans Month Proclamation

Live Long! Age Strong! Stay Active! Be smart!

Whereas the Anishinaabe is a community that includes precious citizens aged 60 and older;

Whereas, the older Anishinaabe adults are among of our most “treasured resources,” united by historical experiences, strengthened by diversity, and interpreting events through unique perspectives and backgrounds to bring wisdom and insight to our community;

Whereas our elders are remaining strong and active for longer than ever before;

Whereas the older Anishinaabe adults in Michigan deserve recognition and respect for the contributions they have made and will continue to make to our culture, economy, and character of our community and our nation;

Whereas our community can provide tools for improving the quality of life for older Americans by:

Increasing their opportunities to remain active and engaged in community life

Providing individualized services and support systems to maintain the dignity, independence, and selfdetermination of our Anishinaabe elders.

Combating ageist attitudes by honoring their past, present, and future contributions.

Now therefore, we do hereby proclaim May to be Older Americans Month

We recognize that our Anishinaabe elders do enrich our entire community’s quality of life.

We urge every citizen to take time this month to honor our elders and to thank the professionals, family members, and volunteers who care for many of them.

A healthy mouth enhances the overall health for all Anishinaabe Why not control what we can to improve our own vitality and our elders’ vitality?

The American Dental Association recommends that our elders:

Brush the teeth twice or more per day. Use an oscillating power toothbrush. Floss regularly. There are many interdental cleaning aids available.

Fluoride is a proven cavity-preventing mineral. Use daily fluoride toothpaste, a fluoride rinse and fluoride varnish treatments at the dentist’s office

Visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning.

Consider having your teeth cleaned 3 times per year.

Tell the dentist about any medical conditions you have and medications you take.

The dentist does an oral cancer exam at each dental examination.

Eat a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables

Quit smoking. Smoking increases the risk for oral cancer & gum disease

Limit alcoholic beverages.

Use lip balm with sunscreen o Be sure to leave them out of your mouth while you sleep.

Drink only water throughout the day.

Replace missing teeth to aid in eating, speech and to maintain the form, shape, and function of the mouth.

Keep your dentures clean by brushing dentures every day and soaking them in water or a denture-cleansing liquid at night.

Education of the caregiver, as well as the patient, is an important part of the prevention of dental disease.

Oral health problems in older adults include the following:

Untreated tooth decay. 1 in 5 older Americans have untreated tooth decay.

Gum disease A high percentage of older adults have gum disease Gum recession can expose root surfaces to harmful bacteria

Tooth loss. Having missing teeth can affect nutrition, because people without teeth or with dentures often prefer soft, mushy foods, which foods are high in sugar, carbohydrate and fat content.

Oral cancer. Cancers of the mouth and throat are primarily diagnosed at the median age of 62 years. Chronic disease.

Untreated dental disease causes an inflammatory cascade in the body which worsens chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, heart diseases, pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Many older Americans take both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which can contribute to dental disease and can impact dental appointments

Dry mouth. Reduced can lead to mucositis, root cavities, increased tartar, cracked lips, and fissured tongue.

Home oral care can be lacking due to cognitive as well as physical and sensory limitations Dental care in the dentist’s office might also be affected https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidentialactions/2021/05/03/a-proclamation-on-older-americansmonth-

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Thank you Your continued support means everything to me Stay Strong,

231-313-8407, jrickert@deltadentalmi com; jarickert@charter net

VA waives copayments for eligible Native American/Alaska Native Veterans

WASHINGTON Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans are no longer required to make copayments for health care and urgent care received through VA. The Biden-Harris administration and VA are proud to implement this rule, which is estimated to impact approximately 25,000 American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans.

Under this new policy, VA will reimburse copayments paid on or after Jan. 5, 2022 and waive future copayments for eligible American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans.

Beginning Tuesday, April 4, Veterans can submit documentation to qualify for the copayment exemption. Eligible Veterans include any Veteran who meets the definitions of “Indian” or “urban Indian” under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act – including Veterans who are members of an American Indian Tribe, certain Veterans who are descendants of Tribe members, Alaska Native Veterans, and more.

“American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans deserve access to world-class health care for their courageous service to our nation,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “By eliminating copays, we are making VA health care more affordable and accessible which will lead to better health outcomes for these heroes.”

To receive this financial relief, eligible Veterans should mail 1) a completed VA Tribal Documentation Form (VA Form 10-334), and 2) a copy of official tribal documentation demonstrating that they meet the definitions of “Indian” or “urban Indian” to VHA Tribal Documentation, PO Box 5100, Janesville, WI 53547. For more information on copayment waivers for Native American and Alaska Native Veterans, visit here.

VA posted a final rule for public inspection in the Federal Register today establishing the waiver and process for Veterans to submit documentation to have their VA copays waived. This rule implements Section 3002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 Public Law 116-315, signed into law Jan 5, 2021

Learn more about copayment exemptions for Native American and Alaska Native Veterans and VA benefits and programs for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans.