IN Millcreek Winter 2018 | Page 55

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 ❘ WINTER 2018 53