Oregon Healthy Living

MARCH 2016 | VOL. 9 — ISSUE 3

Treating

Your

Tresses How to have gorgeously healthy hair

PLUS Advantages of apple cider vinegar Revive your workout O REGON H EALTHY L IVING . COM 0307HE00A00.indd 1

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Table of Contents

MARCH 2016 | VOLUME 9 — ISSUE 3

PAMPER

COVER STORY

FITNESS

FOOD

NATURAL

HEALTH

Decay Fighter: Dental sealants

Are you stressing your tresses?

Dos and don’ts for hair health

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Blah Blah Blah: How to shake up your workout

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Grow Your Own: Custom produce starts with seeds

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Versatile Vinegar: ACV for beauty and health

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20

Over-50 Tune Up: Colorectal cancer screening

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On the cover

The editor’s desk Many of us spend a lot of time and money messing around with our hair, but are we doing the right things or creating problems? Three local stylists gave us some advice on products, supplements and behaviors to get and keep healthy hair. Also, we are inviting you to be in touch with your wellness and fitness calendar events and to answer the question of what’s in your gym bag. We look forward to hearing from you!

Cover model Sabrina Baack of Central Point has always worn her hair long. To keep it healthy, she is cautious about over-styling it. “No curling or hair ties, unless for special occasions,” she says. “I braid my hair almost every night because that is a lot less damaging for hair than hair ties.

My favorite brand of shampoo and conditioner is Pureology, which is also vegan.” Baack gets regular cuts and occasional color Treating Your from her hairstylist, Jennifer Morse Tresses of Mane on Ivy. “We do some fun color-lifting and natural darker shades,” Baack says. Photo by David Gibb.

MARCH 2016 | VOL. 9 — ISSUE 3

How to have gorgeously healthy hair

PLUS

Advantages of apple cider vinegar Revive your workout

O REGON H EALTHY L IVING . COM

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STAFF EDITOR: Cheryl P. Rose ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Dena DeRose DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Bret Jackson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: David Gibb CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: John Darling Rebecca Scott Cindy Quick Wilson

Oregon Healthy Living Magazine is published by the Southern Oregon Media Group Advertising Department, 111 N. Fir St., Medford, OR 97501.

General information: 541.776.4422 Submissions and feedback: crose@mailtribune.com

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Secrets of

Healthy Hair Avoid the worst offenders and embrace the best fixes

PAMPER

TEXT BY REBECCA SCOTT

KATY HOGAN | BEL CAPELLI WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR HAIR — AIR DRY, TOWEL DRY OR BLOW DRY? Katy Hogan: In a perfect world, air drying is the healthiest option. Most people wrap their hair up in a towel while brushing their teeth and applying makeup to suck out the extra water, which is fine. I wouldn’t recommend rubbing your hair dry with a towel.

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE HAIR STYLING TOOL? Katy Hogan: A good blow dryer because it dries hair faster and better. I suggest a 2,000 watt, ionic straightening blow

dryer. If you use this in combination with a ceramic hairbrush it acts as a straightener and accomplishes two things at once.

IN REGARDS TO HAIR STRAIGHTENERS, HOW HOT IS TOO HOT? Katy Hogan: I wouldn’t go over 425 degrees. Start at 375 degrees with a new straightener. Thicker hair can withstand higher heat, but if you have thinner or highlighted hair, use a lower heat setting. An extremely high heat can melt your hair.

You can buy a quality straightener for about $70. There’s no reason to spend upwards of $200.

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continued from page 5

ARE THERE ANY FOODS OR VITAMINS WHICH MAINTAIN HEALTHY HAIR? Katy Hogan: Biotin is a vitamin which helps skin and hair health.

Taking biotin improves the keratin structure, which is a basic protein that makes up hair, skin and nails. Biotin supplements may also halt the process of hair loss and even aid in reversing it.

HOW CAN I GET RID OF DANDRUFF? Katy Hogan: The best thing to take for dandruff is fish oil. The omega-3s are a healthy fat which helps reduce skin dryness that can lead to dandruff or an itchy scalp.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID IN SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS? Katy Hogan: Avoid sulfates. Some people have an adverse reaction which makes the scalp flake or color fade. Sulfates can strip the natural oils from your hair, leaving your hair and skin dry or itchy.

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JENNIFER MORSE | MANE ON IVY WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP MALE HAIR ISSUES SUCH AS BALDNESS OR THINNING HAIR?

including stress, extreme weight loss and a reaction to medication.

Jennifer Morse: Genetically, what’s going to happen will happen. But a good quality product which cleans the scalp helps these problems. It will maintain hair’s shine and keep away a scalp buildup called sebum. Sebum coats and protects hair follicles, but an overproduction can result in greasy hair and undernourished roots.

Jennifer Morse: Yes. What you do internally, your diet and vitamin intake, will show in your hair. A diet with protein, iron and other nutrients improves overall hair health.

IS HAIR LOSS EXCLUSIVE TO MEN?

Jennifer Morse: I highly recommend coconut oil. I cook with it and use it on my hair and skin. It stimulates hair growth, moisturizes hair and adds softness, luster and shine.

Jennifer Morse: No, women experience hair loss too. Hair loss happens for a variety of reasons,

DO CHANGES IN DIET INFLUENCE HAIR?

ARE CERTAIN FOODS BETTER FOR YOUR HAIR?

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PAMPER

DOES BRUSHING YOUR HAIR 100 TIMES EACH NIGHT KEEP IT HEALTHY?

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DANDRUFF AND DRY SKIN?

Jennifer Morse: We’ve come a long way since that era and belief. The theory behind it is that brushing moves oils from the scalp throughout your hair. You wanted to brush as much natural oil through your hair as possible to get shine. Now we can infuse hair with natural oils and get beautiful shine rather than brush it 100 times every night.

Jennifer Morse: Yes. Dry skin is due to a loss of moisture in the scalp. Dandruff is not caused by dryness, but rather a buildup of oil. Dandruff flakes are larger than dry skin, greasy and yellowish-white in color.

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SARAH NEFF | SARAHINDIPITY SALON

IS “BOX” COLORING BAD? Sarah Neff: Coloring your hair is fine if it’s done by a licensed professional. Buying “box” color and doing it yourself will not only damage your hair, but will cost more in the long run. Box color has ingredients in it that aren’t good for your hair, and you or your friend are not educated in coloring hair.

ARE NATURAL PRODUCTS BETTER FOR YOUR HAIR? Sarah Neff: A natural product is a misconception. All products used in a salon will have some chemicals that aren’t natural. This doesn’t mean these products are bad for your hair.

You need to find the products with the least amount of chemicals that work best for you and your hair type.

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DO HEAT PROTECTANT SPRAYS ACTUALLY PROTECT HAIR? Sarah Neff: Thermal protectant sprays work great and I highly recommend applying one before using any heat tool. It hydrates the surface of the hair and saves it from heat damage.

I DON’T WANT TO GET A HAIRCUT BECAUSE I WANT MY HAIR TO GROW LONG. Sarah Neff: This is the biggest myth I hear. Hair grows from the top of your head, not the end of your hair.

You need to get a haircut every eight to 12 weeks to keep your hair healthy and free of split ends. The only way to “heal” split ends 100 percent is to cut them off. If you leave split ends, they will continue up your hair shaft and eventually your hair will break off.

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continued from page 9

SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY? Sarah Neff: It’s not ideal. Our hair produces natural oils, so when you wash hair every day it can dry out the hair and scalp, produce more oils and become greasy.

CAN YOU WASH YOUR HAIR MORE THAN ONCE A DAY? WHAT ABOUT AFTER EXERCISING? Sarah Neff: I don’t recommend washing your hair more than once a day, even if you sweat. Dry shampoo is a great alternative to shampooing.

This product absorbs the sweat and oils from your hair. It’s great to use on your day off from shampooing too.

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C

g n i n e e r c S AL

T C E R O L O C ANCER C TEXT BY REBECCA SCOTT

C

olorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. It is a cancer of the colon or rectum, located at the lower end of the digestive tract. If untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. However, colorectal cancer is also easily spotted and preventable through regular screenings. “It’s one of the easiest to detect cancers if people are proactive,” says Nicolette Kalic, office coordinator in the radiation oncology department of Providence Medford Medical Center. “It’s also preventable if caught early and easy to get rid of with screenings and colonoscopies.”

HEALTH The colonoscopy is the most infamously known test, but it’s not the only type of screening available. “Usually a colonoscopy is done on someone age 50 or older,” notes Kalic. The quickest test is the guaiac fecal occult blood test. The lab looks for hidden blood in the stool because it’s a potential symptom of colorectal cancer.

“Another option is a CT colonography, also known as a virtual colonoscopy,” says Kalic. The test uses lowdose radiation CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the colon. These screenings search the colon for any abnormalities or polyps.

Someone without polyps can get checked every ten years, but if you have polyps, get screened every three to five years. “If a polyp is found, that doesn’t mean you have cancer,” explains Kalic. “The polyp is removed during the colonoscopy and sent for biopsy.”

If the polyp is cancerous, the next step is meeting with a specialist and discussing options for the cancer.

“Different choices include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy,” says Kalic. The success rate of these treatment options depends on how far along the cancer is. The stage of the cancer is one factor the doctor considers when choosing how to treat colorectal cancer.

While treatments have varying degrees of success, the best approach is regular screenings and awareness of changes in your body. “Possible symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits,” says Kalic.

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FITNESS

EXERCISE

BLAHS Bored Mind, Bored Body

When your workout routine becomes, well, routine TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON

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andy, cookies and festive meals are a minefield of overindulgence during the holidays and soon the bathroom scales reflect our sins. Whether you’re a dedicated fitness enthusiast or just trying to shed those holiday pounds, most of us fall into a rut at some point and find ourselves just plain bored with our workouts. Routine has its value when it gets us to commit to a regular plan of exercise, but the same old routine can also bore us into giving up completely.

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FITNESS

“If you don’t challenge yourself, you’re not going to change yourself. Try to always strive for a new best.”

— Kyle Rickard, Aspire Fitness, Medford

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11.

22.

33.

44.

“We’re creatures of habit,” admits Kyle Rickard, manager and personal trainer with Aspire Fitness in Medford. “A lot of people stick with the same program they’ve done for the last 10 years because they did it once and it worked, but in doing that, their body doesn’t get a chance to learn or experience anything new.”

Most of us don’t exercise just for the pure joy of sweating and feeling sore muscles. We do it to improve our health, maintain our weight or because we just feel better when we do. But exercise doesn’t have to be grueling. “I think it’s so important for people to find some element of fun or enjoyment in whatever it is they’re doing,” explains Amanda Valle, personal trainer and group fit instructor at Club Northwest in Grants Pass. “If you’re going to put someone

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55.

WAYS TO OVERCOME WORKOUT WOES

Change it up! No matter what your normal workout routine consists of, look for ways to motivate yourself. If you walk or run, do it in reverse or pick a different route. If you lift weights, change the intensity of your workouts. Ask a friend, trainer or check online for ways to add new moves to your plan. Try circuit training or different cardio machines.

Find a workout buddy. Working out with a partner is a great way to help push yourself. It also helps when someone is there to hold you accountable if you try to slack off or cut it short. Enlist your friend, co-worker, a trainer or even your pet to come along for your workout.

New stuff. If music is your workout partner, download some new tunes. Buy yourself some new gear, workout clothes or shoes. Try a new electronic gadget that tracks your progress.

Set a goal for yourself. It’s often easier to hit the target when we have a specific goal or timeline to work towards.

Pick an event or date by which you want to lose weight, gain strength, or increase your stamina. Be specific. Use a wedding, class reunion or other special occasion as your incentive.

Try something you’ve never tried before. Take a Zumba or a yoga class. Try a fun run. Take up tennis.

Commit to walking the pooch around the block three times a week. Enlist your partner to take dance lessons. Check out local senior centers, community centers or class offerings of local parks and recreation departments.

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FITNESS

continued from page 13 on a treadmill who really loves to dance, they’re going to be bored out of their minds,” she says. “What they really need is a Zumba class. Hard work can still be fun.”

No results, no incentive

Along with our minds, our bodies get bored with the same workout routine.

It’s no wonder the results are less than inspiring and we lose our enthusiasm.

“Changes in routines shake up the body’s response to exercise and the way all the body systems work together,” Valle says. “It affects the muscular, skeletal and neurological reactions. If you do the same thing every time, it no longer challenges the body to work in a different way.”

Physiologically, the body adapts to the amount of effort required during a workout. For example, weight-bearing activities cause an increase in bone density and strength training promotes muscular strength and power. But this adaptation process remains static when the demands stay the same and the body no longer has to work as hard as it did initially. Less exertion is required to lift the same amount of weight so the results are diminished. This is often where people reach a discouraging plateau with both their weight loss and strength goals. “For instance, if you want to build muscle mass, the best rep (repetition) range is between eight and 12,” Rickard says. “If you stop at eight when you can really push yourself to do 12, you’re not going to see the same benefit as if you struggled to get those extra reps. It’s all about pushing ourselves.”

Something bold, something new

A sure way to rev up your fitness routine is to add a new challenge, Rickard says. “I give my clients a new, fun exercise to master, something that they can’t do initially and I challenge them to do it.” By doing this, they will no longer concentrate on the boredom of the previous activity, he says, but will be focused on attaining this new goal. “Try to set more of a performance goal rather than an aesthetics goal,” he suggests. “Make it something specific you can measure and track. Say you want to be able to do a pull-up or to add 10 pounds to your squat. That gets you into a mindset that pushes you to work a little harder.”

The biggest thing is to try new activities, says Valle. “In-home workouts are another option. There are so many available online or on DVDs, on our phones or the television. Hook up with someone from work or someone from your neighborhood. Find a partner to do it with. I can’t say enough about that human connection, someone to help motivate you and pull through the times when you don’t feel like exercising.”

Overcoming boredom can be as easy as changing your perspective

If you walk or run outdoors, choose a new trail, route or neighborhood, or reverse the route you usually take. Your body will respond to a simple change

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FITNESS

in terrain and scenery. Valle suggests the growing popularity of local fun runs. “They’re happening all over the valley,” she says. “They are not timed events and they’re geared for all fitness levels. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved.”

Other ideas include downloading new music for extra inspiration. Buy yourself some new shoes. Change the intensity of your weight training routine by interspersing less weight, high-rep days instead of what you normally lift. Use machines at the gym that you have never tried. Take a group class that you think might be fun. Learn CrossFit, circuit training or kettlebells. Try tennis or racquetball, swimming or dance. Get a friend to try something new with. “My best advice is to keep it interesting by challenging yourself,” Rickard says. “If you don’t challenge yourself, you’re not

going to change yourself. Always strive for a new best.”

Get out of your rut, leave your comfort zone behind

“I also think it’s really important to go out there and be a motivator yourself,” Valle says. “You know that phrase, fake it till you make it? It’s kind of the same thing. If you put yourself out there to motivate others, it’s amazing what happens to you internally and how much of that motivation comes back to you. It’s part of that shared energy thing. You may not feel in the mood to exercise but when you go out and motivate your friends, the next thing you know, you’re getting excited and feeling motivated yourself. Go forth and inspire!”

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FOOD

Summer

Get a March on

Starting seeds indoors takes attention, time and love

BY JOHN DARLING

P

lanting from seeds requires much oversight, nursing the seeds along in trays and gradually, for a few hours a day, introducing them to the elements in your garden. So why bother? The answer is that seeds give you the freedom to grow exactly what you want, if you are willing to invest the time and labor in “growing out” what you love.

The big advantage to starting your own plants is that you’ll have access to a lot more seed variety, including heirloom (non-hybrid) seeds. You’ll be able to save seeds for next year and support the biodiversity of the planet. That’s the philosophy of longtime Southern Oregon gardening wizard and teacher Jennifer Ewing. If you’re going to start any plants from seed, there’s no better time than March in Southern Oregon to begin nursing these tender babies to a semblance of hardiness. It’s not that difficult to be a successful propagator, but it does take faithful attention to the process. “You have to give seedlings time to mature and get a good root system going,” says Ewing. “It’ll be four to six weeks before the root system is strong enough to let them exist out in the garden.”

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Creating the right conditions

Find a spot with a little warmth, such as an attic or basement, for your seed project. When you start seeds inside, you might think it’s best to put them by the window, where there is presumably plenty of sunlight, but no, that’s not enough light, says Ewing. Insufficient light will make seedlings “leggy” (too much greenery) without proper stem and root support. This will stress plants. “The fact is that we don’t have enough sun in our windows all day in the Pacific Northwest,” she says.

Ewing recommends using a regular shop light from the hardware or home store, along with chains and hooks, so you can hang it just above the seedlings. Ewing eschews incandescent or grow-lights. “Fluorescent gives enough of the color spectrum to get seeds started for outside planting,” she says. “The lights should sit almost on top of the seedlings, but not touching them. As plants grow, just raise the lights.”

Ewing suggests getting eight 6-packs of plastic seed starter trays, which will yield 48 plants ready to go all at once. Use a special soil designed for starting seeds. “The mix is very airy and that’s because your seed roots are very fine and need to get through this soil in order to get started,” says Ewing.

Tender shoots

Kelly Brainard, owner of Ashland Greenhouses, says to keep seedlings always damp, but not overly wet. The biggest mistake people make is too much or too little water, she says.

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FOOD

To get first-hand information on beginning your garden indoors, Jennifer Ewing will be teaching “Successful Seed Starting” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19 at Ashland’s North Mountain Park.

The two-hour class is $20.

When seedlings poke through and start getting their first true leaves, then you can put them in potting soil. The seedlings should stay inside for a couple of weeks. They will have used up all the nutrients in the starting mix by that time, says Ewing.

Going outside

A good “go” sign for planting in the garden is when seedlings develop their second set of leaves, says Brainard.

“If anything is frost-sensitive, wait until after Mother’s Day in May, when frost danger is mostly behind us,” she advises.

At that point, you can put the new plants in a tray and introduce them to the outside world. Make sure seedlings are sheltered out of the wind and away from deer. Start with a few hours at a time, then longer and longer each day. Bring plants in at night for the first three or four days. This is called “hardening off.” Ewing says these steps are important to prepare the seedlings for outdoor life. “If they aren’t coached to this stage and you plant them, they’ll most likely wilt, stress out and perish,” she said.

When you plant the seedlings in the garden, the roots will be holding onto the potting soil. Water plants in the garden, but don’t fertilize them, Ewing advises. Like all organic gardeners she recommends using compost, not fertilizer. You feed the soil, not the plant, she notes. “Then stand back and watch them grow.”

WHAT YOU NEED

TO START YOUR SEED

WHAT TO PLANT

AND WHEN

It’s not rocket science, but you do have to study up on each veggie and determine what timing and conditions work best. Fortunately, if you’re buying seed packets at the market or nursery, the planting guidelines are printed right on the little packet. Most seed catalogs have the data, also. In Southern Oregon, Ewing and Brainard have the following advice about seeds starts.

Root plants: With selections such as peas, beans, carrots, beets and turnips, seeds can and should be sown directly in the garden in late March, according to Ewing.

Cool-weather plants: For kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks or chard, seeds need an earlier start. Brainard says lettuce and broccoli can be started inside as early as January, but early March starts can still enjoy the season. Ewing said to give these starts four to six weeks before transferring to the garden.

Warm-weather plants: March is a good time to start tomatoes, peppers, herbs, eggplants and “just about anything else,” Brainard says. Wait to transfer frost-sensitive plants to the garden until after Mother’s Day, which is May 8 this year.

Though your local nursery or gardening staff can provide specifics, you can expect to need the items on the list below for an indoor seed project.

• A shop light with fluorescent bulbs to go in it and possibly an extension cord.

• Lightweight, compartmentalized, plastic nursery flats.

• Soilless seed mix. Don’t use potting soil, compost or garden soil.

These are too heavy and have too many pathogens and bugs.

The soilless mix is made of peat, vermiculite (moisturizer), perlite (aerator) and a little bit of sand.

• Potting soil for the final weeks inside.

• Tags to identify the species.

• Seeds of choice.

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Amazing

NATURAL

Apple Cider Vinegar

Not just an old folk(s) remedy

TEXT BY CINDY QUICK WILSON

M

any of us long for the days when life was simpler and our environment was considerably less chemically “improved.” Enter the enduring popularity of a common household companion, apple cider vinegar. As a staple in the kitchen, we know it adds a little zing to salad dressings and pickles. But sitting modestly in your pantry, this potent-smelling apple juice cousin packs a medicinal punch when called to duty.

WHAT’S TO LOVE ABOUT

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR • Skin: Use for a facial toner, dark spot lightener, blemishes, rough patches, sunburn, bug bites.

• All-purpose cleaner: Use one part water, one part ACV, plus 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix in a spray bottle.

• Upset stomach: Antibiotic properties and pectin can soothe the stomach.

• Detoxifying bath: Add 1/2 to 1 cup to bath water along with Epsom salts and lavender essential oil.

• Stuffy nose: Mix a teaspoon in a glass of water and drink.

• Neutralize cat urine smell: Add it to the laundry when you wash bedding, clothing.

• Bad breath: Add 1/2 tablespoon to a cup of water and gargle for 10 seconds at a time until the cup is empty.

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“This is an age-old folk remedy,” says Eve Campanelli of Ashland. As a long-time herbalist and practitioner of homeopathic medicine, she is familiar with this nature’s nectar, both personally and professionally. “I use it every day myself, and have used it in my practice as an herbalist for 40 years,” she says.

Owing to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries for treating everything from bad breath to toe fungus. Victoria Markham, who teaches Food as Medicine classes at the Ashland Food Coop, is an advocate. “I love teaching people about using food for its medicinal properties,” she says.

“I think apple cider vinegar is one of the greatest home remedies that we have available.”

• Sore throat: Mix 1/4 cup ACV with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour.

• Exercise exhaustion: Amino acids in ACV act as an antidote to lactic acid buildup in the muscles. Add a tablespoon to a glass of water after a workout.

• Shiny, untangled and dandruff-free hair: Add 1/3 cup ACV to 4 cups of water and pour over hair after shampooing.

Leave on for a few seconds and rinse with cold water.

• Whiten teeth: Gargle with it every morning. The vinegar helps remove stains and kill bacteria in the mouth and gums.

• Acne: Mix one part ACV to 3-4 parts water. Apply to skin with a cotton pad, let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse. Repeat three times a day.

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NATURAL

“I think apple cider vinegar is one of the greatest home remedies that we have available.”

— Victoria Markham, Food as Medicine, Ashland Food Co-op

As the stomach churns

This versatile liquid has many claims to fame, such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol and promoting weight loss, but certainly one of the most well-known is its antiseptic properties that cleanse the internal system. When taken before a meal, it can aid digestion and help with acid reflux, stomach pain, spasms and bloating. “When we eat sugar and fats, our systems become more acidic,” explains Campanelli. “The pectin in the apples is what is so powerful in the stomach, the gall bladder and the small intestine. It is most effective if you take it 10 minutes before a meal, so when the food comes down, it’s ready.”

ACV, as it’s sometimes referred to, contains all the nutritional goodness of the apples from which it is made, plus it is fortified with living nutrients including bacteria, extra acids and enzymes. As apple juice is processed, it turns to hard cider, followed by a second fermentation to apple cider vinegar. It is this two-step fermentation method which produces the added health benefits.

Getting the raw stuff

the strength with no harmful effects. I dilute it with water in a spray bottle and add a drop or two of essential oils to improve the smell a little.”

Although ACV is credited with multiple health benefits, more research is needed for these to be fully substantiated.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it may actually pose health problems for some individuals and its medicinal use should be discussed with a health professional to avoid possible risks. “I would emphasize that, although this is a natural remedy, it is a medicine,” Markham says. “People should go slowly when using it as a treatment, and not jump into taking it every day.

If you’re starting to feel sick with the flu or your sinuses are feeling clogged, use it, but then stop using it and give your body a break. I encourage people to know what they’re using it for and to use it for the correct length of time.”

Not all ACV is created equal, say those who use it. Many commercially processed apple cider vinegars have been pasteurized, filtered, refined or distilled in order to make them more visually appealing to consumers, but this process actually destroys many of its natural benefits. The best product is made from cold-pressed, organically grown whole apples, to which no chemicals or preservatives have been added. This unpasteurized, unfiltered liquid should contain the “mother of vinegar,” a natural gelatinous substance formed during the final fermentation step.

“They call that the mother tincture,” explains Campanelli, “so don’t drain that away. Just shake it up because it has valuable properties.”

In addition to its internal health benefits, ACV has external uses for skin and hair. “People use it on sunburns, insect bites, blemishes, dark spots and for swelling or dry patches,” says Markham. “For hair, it also works well for dry scalp and dandruff or for rinsing out heavy metals and minerals that are so common in well water.”

As a chemical-free cleaning agent, Markham says ACV is effective as a grease-cutting, nontoxic household cleaner, deodorizer and disinfectant.

“Because it’s all-natural, you can vary

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HEALTH

Sealing Surfaces

A preventative step for oral health TEXT BY JOHN DARLING AND CHERYL ROSE

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entists sing the praises of dental sealants. “Clinical studies have shown sealants to be 86 percent effective at one year and about 60 percent effective four to five years out,” says Medford’s Dr. Jed Taucher, a dentist and the oral health medical director for AllCare. “Effective means that the sealant is in place and there is no decay on the tooth’s chewing surface.”

Sealants began in a very crude form at the start of the 20th century, coming into their present form in the late 1960s, according to Dr. Crystal Thompson, a dentist with Abbett and Associates in Medford. What the sealant does is quite simple: It forms a physical barrier, using resin composite bonded to the tooth, to prevent decay. Sealants fill in the valleys and grooves of the teeth, which are natural plaque traps where bacteria can breed. “By placing the sealants, we help make teeth have a smoother surface to prevent the plaque trap and therefore prevent decay,” Thompson says. “The only challenge when applying sealants is to keep the teeth dry with suction and cotton rolls. There

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is no anesthetic required. Applying sealants is a quick and easy procedure.”

Sealants, however, are not a permanent fix and the duration of effectiveness varies. “Sealants typically last from three to five years, but can last much longer,” Taucher says.

“How long they last partially depends on the anatomy of the tooth and how well the tooth is isolated when applying the sealant.”

If a sealant starts chipping away over time, often from eating hard or sticky candy, says Taucher, the material can be easily and quickly repaired. “Sealants can wear away or debond over the years, but they’re generally very effective and

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HEALTH won’t allow decay on the part of the tooth sealed, which is the occlusal or chewing surface.”

Thompson says sealants cannot be applied between teeth. The health of these areas must be maintained by the patient with brushing and flossing.

The ideal time to apply sealants is when the teeth are new. “Typically, we start installing sealants when the children have permanent molars at about age 6, then again with the second molars at about age 12,” she says.

Can adults get sealants? Yes, they can, however, there is no research that shows how beneficial sealants are for adults, says Thompson. With age, teeth may already have fillings, decay or worn down grooves, making sealants redundant. Therefore, though adults can get the treatment, most insurance companies don’t cover it over age 16.

For children, the cost for sealants ranges from $40 to $60 a tooth and most dental insurance plans do cover the procedure.

Sealants are a fraction of the cost of fillings, Thompson points out. Though the cost is low and the value is high, many families aren’t taking advantage of this preventive care. She estimates only about 30 percent of children get them. “A lot of kids are not getting sealants, even though they are recommended by dentists,” she says.

FREE SEALANTS

FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN Because sealants do the job so well, dental hygienist teams sponsored by La Clinica, Rogue Community Heath and Capitol Dental Care routinely visit area elementary and middle schools each year to assess each child and administer sealants to molar chewing surfaces of kids who need them, says Laura McKeane, oral health integration coordinator for AllCare.

The sealant program in schools is offered for free and is available to all, regardless of income or insurance, with dental hygienist teams making the rounds to each school in Jackson and Josephine Counties every year. “The school program is a great way to get kids’ teeth sealed,” McKeane says. “We find a lot of kids have difficulty getting to the dentist because of transportation, scheduling or parents at work.”

To take advantage of this program, children need a permission slip from parents and these pieces of paper often get lost and don’t get back to school, says McKeane. “Parents, please check your kids’ backpacks often,” she encourages.

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MARCH

EVENTS CALENDAR

GET LISTED! DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU’D LIKE TO PROMOTE ON OUR EVENTS CALENDAR?

Simply email crose@mailtribune.com and include the following information: Event title, date, time, location, contact information and a brief description including any required fees.

Please note: Event information must be received at least 60 days in advance to be considered for publication in Oregon Healthy Living.

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TAR ‘N TRAIL (TNT) 8 A.M. • PIONEER & HARGADINE ST., LITHIA PARK ENTRANCE, ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: www.roguevalleyrunners.com A 6-mile run with a mixture of road and trail in and around Lithia Park, HaldStrawberry Park, and the side streets of Ashland. Course will be marked and there will be some course marshals to help direct runners. Early entry fee of $25 includes short-sleeve technical T-shirt. Student entry fee of $15 includes short-sleeve technical T-shirt. Race day entry fee is $30, T-shirt included ONLY while supplies last.

We want to know:

What’s in your

GYM BAG?

What are your must-have items when working out at the gym? Is there a new piece of tech that you just can’t live without? How about your favorite after-workout snack?

Got an especially helpful hygiene item? Let us know how to pack the best gym bag possible and your ideas may be featured in Oregon Healthy Living.

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CONNECTING WITH OUR CHILDREN THROUGH NATURE AWARENESS SERIES 1 P.M. TO 3 P.M. • COYOTE TRAILS NATURE CENTER, 2931 S. PACIFIC HIGHWAY., MEDFORD CONTACT INFO: 541.282.8577 or office@coyotetrails.com For all ages. Includes skills, games, family problemsolving, and team-building activities designed to improve communication, trust and awareness. Preregistration required. Fee: $180 for family up to four people, plus $40 each additional participant.

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LITTLE GNOMES 10 A.M. TO 12 P.M. • NORTH MOUNTAIN PARK NATURE CENTER 620 NORTH MOUNTAIN AVE., ASHLAND CONTACT INFO: 541.488.6606 Preschoolers with their parent or friend will explore the trails, plants, creeks, ponds, animals and changing seasons strolling through North Mountain Park. Play, movement, song, stories, activities or crafts, and monthly themes will be incorporated to engage the children in learning about the natural world around them. Cost $6 per child. Ages 2-5 recommended.

Email your response to Cheryl Rose (crose@mailtribune.com)

by March 31 and your response could be featured in the May issue of Oregon Healthy Living.

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MARCH

EVENTS CALENDAR

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CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 1 P.M. TO 3 P.M. • PROVIDENCE CANCER CENTER, 940 ROYAL AVE., MEDFORD CONTACT INFO: Call Delaine Due at 541-499-5214 Art Therapy Group for adult cancer survivors who are in treatment or post-treatment. This group will provide a safe space to communicate the unique experiences of being a cancer survivor through art therapy. No art experience or supplies necessary.

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OREGON CHEESE FESTIVAL 2016 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. • ROGUE CREAMERY, 311 N. FRONT ST., CENTRAL POINT CONTACT INFO: 1.866.396.4704 or www.oregoncheeseguild.org Come join the fun with classes and tastings for cheese, wine and beer. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Children 12 and under free. The Cheese Makers Dinner will be held on Friday, March 18th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $125.

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SOUTHERN OREGON BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION - SPRING BEE SCHOOL 9 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. • SOUTHERN OREGON RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER, 569 HANLEY RD., CENTRAL POINT CONTACT INFO: southernoregonbeekeepers.org Beginning beekeeping class. Cost: $45.

Register online by March 18 or by mail before March 10. Limited to the first 100 people.

Please bring a lunch and protective bee gear if you have it.

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FOREST PARK 5K AND 10K RUN 10 A.M. • FOREST PARK, RESERVOIR RD., JACKSONVILLE CONTACT INFO: www.southernoregonrunners.com A 5K and 10K trail run and 5K walk/hike through the trees and historic trails in Jacksonville. Some climbs reward participants with breathtaking views of the valley. Pre-registration is $12 for the 5K and $18 for the 10K. Refreshments will be served before and after the events.

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