hearing. Heredity, aging, occupational and recreational noises,
some medications, and some illnesses may cause either partial
or full hearing loss, but there are ways to treat hearing loss.
Treatment can include surgical procedures, hearing aids, or
cochlear implants.
Preventive measures can also be taken to protect against
noise-induced hearing loss and to avoid age-related hearing
loss. Be sure to wear protective earmuffs if you work in a
loud environment or are hunting, going to concerts or doing
other loud activities for an extended period of time. It is also
important to have your hearing tested on a regular basis. Early
detection is key to preventing complete hearing loss.
Mouth Health
Your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. Investing
in your oral health is also investing in your general health. There
are several conditions that are linked to oral health including
endocarditis and cardiovascular disease. When bacteria from
your mouth—or other parts of your body—spread through
your bloodstream, they can attach to your heart, causing an
infection in the inner lining called endocarditis. Research
suggests that poor oral health is linked to clogged arteries and
stroke as well.
Keeping tabs on your oral health is critical for warding off
bad breath and poor health. It is important to brush at least
twice a day, floss, eat a healthy diet, replace your toothbrush
Continued on next page >
MILLCREEK
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