Focus On Health - October 5, 2017

FOCUS ON HEALTH A Supplement to Times Beacon Record Newspapers

INSIDE: • Breast Cancer • Nutrition • Dental Hygiene • Alternatives to Opioid Prescription

TBR NEWS MEDIA

PAGE S2 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • OCTOBER 05, 2017

St. Charles Hospital’s Outpatient

Specialty Care Center The Outpatient Specialty Care Center offers an array of specialty medical services and serves a large population of patients with both private insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

The Outpatient Specialty Care Center has a long history of providing a range of specialized care

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• Adult & Pediatric Audiology • Adult & Pediatric Muscular Dystrophy • Adult & Pediatric Orthopedics • Allergy & Clinical Immunology for Children & Adults (Evening Hours are now available) • Bariatric Center • Diabetes Education • Dental • Movement Disorders

• • • • • • •

Muscle Tone Neurology Nutrition Counseling Parkinson’s Disease Pediatric Developmental Care Pediatric Gastroenterology Pulmonology/Immunology Diagnostic Exams • Psychotherapy & Neuropsychology • Scoliosis Evaluation & Treatment • Wheelchair/Durable Medical Equipment Evaluations

For more information on the Specialty Care Center at St. Charles Hospital, call (631) 474-6797.

200 Belle Terre Rd., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 - www.stcharles.org - (631) 474-6000

OCTOBER 05, 2017 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S3

Focus on HealtH

Making mammograms less painful October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mammograms help to detect breast cancer early, improving women’s prognosis as a result. Susan G. Komen, an organization dedicated to breast cancer research, public policy and outreach contends that mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening tool in use today.

When women should begin getting mammograms remains open to debate.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that women between the ages of 45 and 54 receive annual mammograms.

Despite the benefits of mammograms, many women avoid them out of fear of the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. But researchers are examining how much pressure mammogram machines need to apply to get accurate breast images.

Until widespread customized mammograms are offered, women can take various steps to reduce the amount of discomfort they feel while undergoing these important screening procedures.

• Apply a topical numbing gel. BreastCancer.org says a study found that applying a numbing gel an hour before having a mammogram resulted in less discomfort when compared to placebo and other pain reduction techniques. Be sure to discuss application of the gel with your physician prior to your procedure.

• Schedule your procedure for the right time. Do not schedule a mammogram right

Did you know?

Women can take various steps to make mammograms less painful. before or during a menstrual cycle, when breasts already are very tender due to hormonal changes. Waiting until seven to 14 days after a period is a better bet.

• Take pain relief pills. A physician may suggest taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen prior to the appointment to reduce discomfort before and after the procedure.

• Speak with the technician. Women should express their concerns about pain to the mammogram technician, who might sug-

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gest various ways to minimize discomfort.

• Learn about padding. Find an imaging center that uses padding on mammogram plates.

• Avoid caffeine. Some women find that caffeine contributes to breast tenderness.

Avoid caffeine the week before the procedure.

Mammograms are an important health care tool. Reducing discomfort may encourage women to follow guidelines regarding mammograms more closely.

Being a woman is the leading risk factor for breast cancer. Only skin cancers exceed breast cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States.

Although roughly one in 1,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, the disease most often affects women. The American Breast Cancer Society says that breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than men. A woman now has a one in eight chance of being diagnosed in her lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although some breast cancers are traced to inherited gene mutations, 85 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no prior family history. NonHispanic white women have higher rates of breast cancer incidence, but all women are susceptible. This underscores the importance of being aware of the disease, following recommended screening guidelines and taking notice of any changes that occur in the breasts.

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Focus on HealtH

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Ways to reduce kids’ risk of getting colds at school School-aged kids who catch colds or the flu from their classmates can quickly spread those colds to their family members, who then might spread the colds further when they go to work. Preventing the spread of colds and flu at school is a team effort that requires the assistance of not just parents but also teachers and students. Still, parents might be the first line of defense when it comes to preventing the spread of colds and flu at school.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 38 million school days are lost to the flu each year. Those lost days can affect students who miss lesson plans but also affect parents, who often must take days off from work to tend to their sick children.

While there’s no way for parents to guarantee their children won’t catch a cold or the flu this school year, they can take various preventive measures to increase kids’ chances of staying healthy and achieving perfect attendance.

• Make sure kids are immunized and that their immunizations are current. Vaccinations bolster kids’ immune systems. That’s important, as kids’ immune systems are naturally less mature than adults’ systems, making them more vulnerable to germs and viruses. The CDC recommends that adults and children receive their flu vaccinations in October, while noting that such vaccinations can be administered as late as January and still prove effective. The CDC also recommends that adults and children receive flu vaccinations each year. Additional vacci-

nations may not need to be administered as often, but parents should still ensure kids are up to date with their shots.

• Make sure kids regularly wash their hands. Kids often catch colds by rubbing their hands that have been exposed to cold virus germs on their noses or eyes. To prevent that, parents can teach kids to wash their hands thoroughly, including scrubbing the backs of their hands, between their fingers and around their fingernails.

Kids should know to wash their hands regularly, but especially after they use the bathroom and before they eat, drink or touch their mouths, noses or eyes.

• Keep kids home when they are sick.

Parents don’t want their children to miss school, but kids who are suffering from colds or flu should be kept home. This prevents the spread of colds and flu to classmates and teachers, and time to rest at home may help youngsters recover more quickly.

• Teach kids to avoid common germ spots. Germs can be lurking anywhere, but some spots seem to make more welcome homes for germs than others. Studies have shown that kids were most likely to encounter germs in schools on water fountain spigots and on plastic cafeteria trays. Teach kids to never put their mouths on fountains and to avoid eating any food that might fall onto their trays in the cafeteria.

School-aged children are susceptible to colds and flu when spending time in the classroom. But parents can reduce their youngsters’ cold and flu risk in various ways.

OCTOBER 05, 2017 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S5

Focus on HealtH

Vision impairment: an affliction that knows no age An estimated 4.3 billion people suffer from the same health problem regardless of gender, age or ethnicity: vision impairment. Whether moderate or severe, vision impairment can have far-reaching social and economic impacts.

As the number of Americans with visual impairment is expected to double by 2050, vision health has an obvious role in the national health conversation.

Uncorrected vision is highly noticeable among certain groups, like the elderly and workers who rely on vision for safe and effective job completion. According to the Vision Impact Institute, two other groups significantly impacted by poor vision are drivers and children.

Drivers

A study from the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that one of the major causes of visual impairment is uncorrected refractive error, and that preventable URE causes nearly 80 percent of the global burden. The number of people impacted by URE is

especially troubling when taking into account day-to-day activities such as driving. A report from the American Academy of Optometry revealed that even moderate visual field loss causes drivers to have significantly poorer capabilities in completing tasks such as matching speed when changing lanes and maintaining lane position.

When you consider how changing technology and business models like ride-sharing companies and delivery services are adding drivers to the road, this impact becomes all the more crucial. If eye exams were part of the standard for renewing driver’s licenses then these issues could be called out by an eye care provider in advance of potential accidents on the road.

Children

Today, vision impairments and eye disorders are the thirdleading chronic conditions among children in the United States, with costs for direct medical care, vision aids, devices and caregivers amounting to $10 billion per year. In the U.S. alone,

the total economic burden of eye disorders and vision loss was $139 billion in 2013.

Uncorrected vision problems in children can have serious negative impacts on their educations and future employment opportunities. In 2014, researchers studied the impact on academic performance after providing a vision screening and free eyeglasses to low-income and minority elementary school children in the U.S. The study found that among fifthgrade students both the screening and eyeglasses significantly improved student achievement in math and reading.

As 80 percent of all learning occurs through vision, a simple pair of eyeglasses could correct poor vision and drastically change the course of a child’s life.

There are many correlations between vision health and the financial, educational and safety implications it can have on society.

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Vision impairment affects people of all ages, not just the elderly.

PAGE S6 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • OCTOBER 05, 2017

Focus on health

Did you know?

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According to the American Cancer Society, certain viruses, bacteria and parasites are now recognized as risk factors for cancer. While the percentage of cancers linked to infections is higher in developing countries than it is in industrialized countries such as the United States, between 15 and 20 percent of cancers across the globe can be connected to infections. Infections can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer in various ways. In some instances, a virus can insert its own genes into an otherwise healthy cell, causing the cell to grow out of control. In other cases,

infections cause long-term inflammation in a particular area of the body, leading to changes in the affected cells and in immune cells that are nearby. Those changes can eventually lead to cancer. Certain infections can compromise the immune system to such a great extent that it is no longer capable of fully protecting the body from some cancers. While infections can increase a person’s risk for cancer, the ACS notes that many people who develop the types of infections that have been linked to cancer do not ultimately receive a cancer diagnosis.

Some natural remedies can alleviate dandruff.

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Natural remedies for fighting dandruff

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Dandruff is a skin condition of the scalp that is relatively easy to spot. Telltale flakes can be seen on shoulders and are especially noticeable on dark clothing.

Dandruff can be embarrassing, and sufferers may try various methods to alleviate the symptoms. While relatively harmless, dandruff can cause itching and irritation.

The Mayo Clinic says the condition may worsen during the fall and winter when indoor heating can dry out the skin. Leading causes of dandruff include irritated, oily skin that forms flaky white or yellow scales. Failing to shampoo enough may contribute to the buildup of oils and skin cells, which also can cause dandruff. A yeastlike fungus known as malassezia lives on the scalps of many adults.

When it is overproduced, it can cause more skin cells to grow, resulting in dandruff. Dry skin and skin sensitivity also may contribute to dandruff.

Dandruff typically does not require the care of a doctor.

Many over-the-counter shampoos and products designed to alleviate flaking are readily available. Many dandruff products contain coal tar to lessen symptoms, offers the American Academy of Dermatology.

People who suspect they have dandruff should speak with a doctor just to rule out dandruff as a symptom of something more serious. After such discussions, those concerned about over-the-counter treatments may want to try these natural remedies.

• Lemon juice: Massage two tablespoons of lemon juice into the scalp and rinse with water.

• Apple cider vinegar: Mix ¹/₄ cup apple cider vinegar with ¹/₄ cup water in a spray bottle. Spritz on the scalp and wrap your head with a towel. Allow to penetrate for up to an hour before washing hair as usual.

• Tea tree oil: Add some tea tree oil to a favorite shampoo and wash normally.

• Aspirin: Crush two aspirins into a fine powder and add it to your shampoo. Leave the mixture on for one to two minutes and rinse well.

• Olive oil or coconut oil: These oils can be massaged into the scalp and left to sit. Shampoo normally afterward. Shampoos that contain coconut oil or olive oil can be used as well.

OCTOBER 05, 2017 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S7

Focus on HealtH

Times when weight loss can raise a red flag Dieting is a way of life for many people. Boston Medical Center says an estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, spending $33 billion annually on weight loss products. The figures are close to $7 billion in Canada. However, for one segment of the population — the elderly — weight loss can be a sign of something wrong.

The Mayo Clinic says that malnutrition is a serious health concern among seniors.

Inadequate nutrition can result in weight loss that has far-reaching health effects.

These include a compromised immune system, which increases the risk of infections, poor wound healing and muscle weakness that can result in falls and fractures.

Malnutrition also can lead to further disinterest in eating, which only compounds a weight loss problem. Weight loss and loss of appetite are common among seniors, particularly those with dementia.

Learning to recognize weight loss signs in the elderly can help others act promptly to correct the problem.

According to senior care advocate and placement center A Place for Mom, the senior population is at risk of malnourishment for several reasons, including: • lack of energy to cook • specific health conditions that impact ability to prepare or acquire meals

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Weight loss, in some circumstances, can be an alarming sign of malnutrition.

• lack of appetite attributed to decreased taste bud function or depression • inability to afford quality foods • side effects of certain medications.

Unfortunately, malnutrition is a very

common, yet widely undiagnosed, problem among seniors. If a friend or loved one has visible bones under the skin; loose dentures; loose rings on fingers; has dropped clothing sizes; or is leaving food on his

or her plate, they may be suffering from malnourishment. Concerned loved ones can take several steps to determine if their friend or family member is malnourished.

• Observe loved ones’ eating habits at home to see how they are eating. Routinely check the refrigerator and pantry to see which foods your loved one is eating. In a nursing home setting, check with a nursing administrator to see how mealtimes are going.

• Speak with doctors to see if weight loss is a side effect of medications or another health concern. Bring up any concerns you have about malnutrition.

• Provide finger food or easy-to-manage foods for seniors who have lost dexterity so they’re still able to feed themselves.

• Encourage foods that are fortified with nutrients. Supplementation with nutritional shakes can help fill the void.

• Make meals social events so that the concept of gathering around the table for food is fun.

• Mild or moderate exercise can stir up one’s appetite. Walking or chair-based exercises can help make people more interested in food.

• Introduce new foods that can whet the appetite.

Weight loss can benefit some people.

But among the elderly, weight loss may be a byproduct of malnutrition.

PAGE S8 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • OCTOBER 05, 2017

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Open enrollment for 2018 health insurance begins in November Despite the well-publicized political battle over the future of federal health care in the United States, open enrollment for 2018 health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act begins Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 15.

There are three ways to stay up to date about the marketplace. Applicants can sign up for email or text updates and reminders by visiting the HealthCare.gov home page, entering an email address under “Get important news & updates,” and clicking “Sign up.”

It’s also possible to connect with someone in your area to answer any questions you have by visiting the Find Local Help page on the HealthCare.gov site and searching by city and state or ZIP code to find trained helpers in your community. Finally, social media is a useful tool for updates. Follow @HealthCareGov on Twitter and like its Facebook page.

There are five ways to sign up for health insurance for 2018. Interested applicants can visit www.HealthCare.gov and enroll online; by calling the marketplace call center at 800318-2596, which is open 24/7; in person by

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OCTOBER 05, 2017 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S9

Focus on HealtH

A safe alternative to opioid prescriptions for pain Addiction to opiates is a growing problem in the United States.

Pain relief therapies, such as massage therapy, can be viable alternatives to the prescription pain medicines that often serve as a gateway to illegal drugs such as heroin.

Addiction to prescription painkillers is common. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 4.7 million people in the United States are dependent on painkillers, the sale of which has increased by more than 300 percent since 1999. Retail pharmacies across Canada dispensed 19 million prescriptions for opioids in 2016, which was up slightly from 18.9 million in 2015, according to the health data company QuintilesIMS. When prescriptions to oxycodone, hydromorphone and fentanyl run out, many people turn to heroin as a less expensive and more readily available means of pain relief.

NIDA says that up to seven percent of people who are prescribed opiate or analgesic pain killers will become addicted. To help reduce the overprescribing epidemic and keep people from becoming addicted to pain medi-

cations, people can look for other ways to alleviate pain.

Massage therapy is a viable option that can work wonders to improve flexibility and offer relief from pain in different parts of the body. In addition to alleviating pain, massage therapy can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.

Research indicates that massage therapy can reduce the incidence and frequency of back pain, headache and leg pain and can even reduce stress and tension. Massage therapy can be an asset to those with myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome and other conditions.

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada found that massage therapy affects the activity of certain genes, which directly reduces inflammation in muscles - the same results that would occur if a person took pain medication. Researchers tested people who exercised and received massages afterward against a control group, discovering that “massage dampened the activity of proteins known as inflammatory cytokines, which cause inflamma-

Getting a massage is one way to alleviate pain without the use of addictive medications. tion and pain. It also increased levels of proteins that signal the muscles to produce more mitochondria, the cell structures that produce energy and help muscles recover from activity.”

A review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice noted that moderate pressure massage can lead

to decreased cortisol levels, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Massage may help stimulate serotonin products, improving mood and feelings of well-being. Also, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, deeper massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues

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while helping the lymphatic system to flush away waste products.

It also eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

Massage therapy can be a viable alternative for pain sufferers who are reluctant to take potentially addictive prescription pain medications.

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PAGE S10 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • OCTOBER 05, 2017

FOCUS ON HEALTH

Strategies for managing weight during the holidays Staying fit during the holiday season can be quite challenging, even for the most ardent fitness enthusiasts and disciplined caloriecounters. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, many people are offered a wide assortment of foods, beverages and other indulgences — typically in mass quantities.

According to researchers at Stanford University, although the average person only gains around one pound during the holiday season, quite frequently that pound sticks around, and those extra pounds add up year after year. As a result, it doesn’t take too many years of holiday Bundt cakes to gain a considerable amount of weight.

Holiday season weight gain is not unique to the United States and Canada. Investigators at Tampere University of Technology in Finland tracked weight gained in the United States, Germany and Japan during those countries’ festive times and found that each country’s participants gained weight, particularly during the holiday season. Annual holiday weight gain can contribute to weightbased problems such as obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The holiday season might not be the best time to start a diet, but holiday eating does not have to derail healthy lifestyles. The following are ways to avoid holiday weight gain and still enjoy all of the parties, adventures and time spent with friends and family.

• Focus on festivity instead of food. When hosting holiday festivities, make the bulk of the celebration about an activity rather than

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Consider having a plan ahead of time for avoiding holiday season weight gain. food. If guests are focused on fun, such as a sing-a-long, dancing or tree-trimming, they may be less likely to overeat.

• Don’t show up starving. Eat a light, healthy snack before participating in any holiday revelry. Hunger pangs may drive one straight to the buffet table.

• Survey your options prior to eating.

Guests should scope out the food choices and then make the smartest selections possible. Avoid creamy sauces, greasy foods and those that are heavy on cheese. Fill up on vegetables and then you won’t feel bad about splurging on a dessert.

• Go sparingly on alcohol. People seldom realize how quickly calories from beverages can add up. A 12-ounce glass of beer

has about 150 calories, a five ounce glass of red wine has about 125 calories and a 1.5-ounce shot of gin, rum, vodka, whiskey, or tequila has about 100 calories, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Furthermore, alcohol lowers inhibitions, so you may be more likely to overindulge in more spirits or extra food when intoxicated.

• You can’t buy back calories with exercise. Putting in a marathon exercise session the next day probably will not undo the damage done from overeating the night before.

Maintain a consistent workout schedule all through the holidays.

Holiday weight gain is not inevitable for those who take control and exercise discipline.

Some foods have the power to prevent cancer Stock photo

People concerned about their cancer risk may find that switching their diets can do a world of good. Certain foods may reduce cancer risk, according to various cancer experts, including the MD Anderson Cancer Center. In addition, some foods might increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. Knowing what to put on the table come breakfast, lunch and dinner can go a long way toward reducing one’s cancer risk.

Some foods show cancer-fighting properties, although it is impossible to currently say one food or another can actually stop cancer from developing. Studies have shown that diets filled with colorful fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Cancer Research UK points out that some foods, such as red meat and salt-preserved foods, can increase a person’s risk of developing some cancers, while vegetables, fruits and foods high in fiber have the opposite effect.

A comprehensive review of thousands

of studies on physical activity, diet and weight conducted for the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research found that plantbased foods are the best at fighting cancer.

Broccoli, berries and garlic showed some of the strongest tendencies to prevent cancer.

According to research associates at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, a variety of chemicals from plants known as phytochemicals protect cells from harmful compounds in food and in the environment. Phytochemicals prevent cell damage and mutations.

When making their grocery lists, people who want to eat healthy and lower their cancer risk can include as many of these foods as possible.

• Garlic: Studies suggest that garlic can reduce the incidence of stomach cancer by attacking bacteria associated with some ulcers and belly cancers. Sulfur compounds in the food may stimulate the immune system’s

natural defenses against cancer and could reduce inflammation and tumor growth.

• Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage and kale contain glucosinolates. These are phytochemicals that produce protective enzymes that activate in the intestines. One particular compound, sulforaphane, is strongest and found in broccoli.

Protective properties are highest in raw or steamed broccoli.

• Blueberries: Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize the unstable compounds, called free radicals, that can damage cells and lead to cancer.

• Tomatoes: The red, rich coloring of tomatoes comes from lycopene. In laboratory tests, lycopene has stopped cancer cells, including breast, lung, and endometrial cancers, from growing. Researchers speculate that lycopene protects cells from damage that could lead to cancer by boosting the immune system.

The holidays may seem like a happy time for most, but some struggle with the season.

Beating the holiday blues Many people find the holiday season can be stressful. Holiday hosts may bear the brunt of seasonal stress, but the season also may be challenging for those who have lost loved ones or do not have close families to celebrate with. When holiday hustle leads to frayed nerves, there are some things people can do to reduce their stress.

• Hit the gym. The American Society of Exercise Physiologists says exercise has been shown to increase one’s sense of well-being, mood, selfesteem, and stress responsivity. Stress can rev up adrenaline, and exercise can help relieve any pent-up energy and frustration.

• Eat the right foods. Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and decrease cravings for comfort foods. Do not turn to caffeine, sugary sweets and alcohol to reduce stress, as such foods and beverages may only compound the problem.

• Get ample rest. Go to bed and rise at the same time each day. Many adults function best when they get between seven and eight hours of sleep per night, and a good night’s rest can help in the fight against stress.

• Engage in activities you enjoy.

Make time for activities that you like to do, such as crafts, hobbies and listening to music. Take time away from holiday tasks to give yourself a break.

• Skip the need to be perfect.

Christmas movies and holiday ideals portrayed in advertisements can put undue pressure on the average person. Ignore any perceived pressure to have a perfect holiday season, instead resolving to enjoy the time with family and friends.

Stress can impact the ability to enjoy oneself during the holidays. But stress can be overcome, even during this busy time of year.

OCTOBER 05, 2017 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • PAGE S11

Focus on HealtH

Caring for dentures can improve overall health Proper dental care and oral hygiene is essential at all stages in life, even for people who have dentures, partials or implants.

People with dentures must recognize that oral hygiene protects their dentures as well as their mouths.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, while 11 percent of the population requires the use of a complete denture. In addition, 5 percent of the U.S. population wears a partial denture. The Canadian Denture & Implant Centres says that 16 percent of the population wear dentures.

Removable dentures require care to keep them clean and in good repair. Servicing dentures also helps ensure wearers’ mouths stay healthy. Follow these guidelines to keep dentures clean.

• Handle with care. Dentures are strong, but they are not impervious to damage.

Treat them with care while handling, being sure not to bend or damage any clasps when cleaning, and try not to drop the dentures.

When handling dentures, Colgate recommends standing over a folded towel or basin of water for added protection.

• Brush daily. False teeth need to be brushed, so don’t trade in your toothbrush just yet. Brushing will help remove food deposits and prevent staining.

• Take a break. Remove dentures before

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Did you know?

Clean teeth or dentures actually can contribute to better health as a whole. going to bed and soak the dentures in warm water or special denture cleansers. Removing dentures for six to eight hours allows tissue inside the mouth to recover. Soaking helps to remove stains, bacteria and tartar.

The Mayo Clinic notes that most dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape, so do not allow them to dry out.

• Clean your mouth. While dentures are removed, use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the tongue, palate and cheeks. If you still have any natural teeth,

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use a soft-bristled brush to cleanse. Always rinse dentures before returning them to your mouth.

• Schedule regular dental visits. Dentists can advise how frequently to have dentures checked for fit and professional cleaning. Loose dentures can cause sores and infection, so it’s best to address any issues regarding fitting promptly. Dentists also will inspect the inside of the mouth for signs of disease or irritation.

• Eat healthy foods. Make sure to eat

Halitosis, or bad breath as it’s commonly known, can result from any number of factors. While food can be a culprit, some additional factors may be contributing to mouth odor as well.

Poor dental hygiene is a particular concern. According to Colgate and the American Dental Association, failure to brush and floss teeth regularly leads to the accumulation of food particles in the mouth. This food can collect bacteria and begin to break down, causing a bad aroma. Dry mouth is another condition that causes bad breath. Without adequate saliva production, particles of food that may cause odor are not swept away regularly. Bad breath also may be an indication of a medical condition elsewhere in the body. Upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal disturbances may contribute to halitosis. a well-balanced diet to keep the body and mouth healthy. Cut up hard foods like fresh fruits and vegetables if dentures are impacting your ability to eat these foods.

People of all ages rely on partial or complete dentures to maintain their smiles.

Routine care is necessary to keep the dentures intact and mouths healthy.

PAGE S12 • FOCUS ON HEALTH • OCTOBER 05, 2017

Presents

Bringing the community together in the fight against breast cancer. October 1-31, 2017

join us! events: breast cancer awareness

Thursday, Oct. 5, 4-8 PM: Fundraising Night at Panera Bread, Port Jefferson Station - must present qualifying flyer from www.paintportpink.org!

Thursday, Oct. 12, 7-9 PM: Olive Oil Tasting Event at Amazing Olive, Port Jefferson.

Friday, Oct. 13, 10 AM - 5 PM: $20 Blow Outs at Bounce Blow Dry Bar, Port Jefferson.

Friday, Oct. 13, 6-8 PM: Paint Nite at Comsewogue Public Library, Port Jefferson Station. Register at www.paintportpink.org Saturday, Oct. 14, 3-7 PM: Wine Tasting at Pindar Vineyards Wine Store, Port Jefferson.

Saturday, Oct. 14, 12-4 PM: $20 Haircut-A-Thon at Fedora Lounge Boutique Hair Salon, Port Jefferson.

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 4-10 PM: Fundraising Night at Five Guys, Port Jefferson Station.

Thursday, Oct. 26, 6:30-9 PM: Paint Night at Muse Paint Bar, Port Jefferson.

Register at www.paintportpink.org Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 AM - 1:30 PM: HealthyU, Mather Hospital, Port Jefferson.

Seminar series and health fair focused on physical, emotional and financial wellbeing. Register at www.paintportpink.org

For a complete list of community partners and more information, go to: www.paintportpink.org

or call 631-476-2723 Thanks to our sponsors

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Long Island Bone and Joint • Empire Bank • Local 342 Long Island Public Service Employees • Times Beacon Record Newspapers • Tritec Building Company Proceeds from all events above to benefit the Fortunato Breast Health Center Fund for Uninsured and Underinsured.