SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION:
Good oral hygiene, including brushing at
least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
and flossing, can protect against the
damaging effects of gum disease. Gingivitis
is a mild form of gum disease that is due to
plaque and tartar buildup on teeth, leaving
gums red, swollen, and irritated. When
left untreated, gingivitis can advance to
periodontitis. A more serious and painful
disease, periodontitis causes gums to
pull away from teeth, allowing bacteria to
build in the pockets between. Due to the
infection and inflammation, your body’s
natural reaction is to fight the bacteria,
which can lead to breakdown of the bones
and tissue around your teeth.
Studies also suggest that poor oral
health is related to systemic diseases
including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke, and
heart disease. Routine visits to your dentist
can identify oral problems before they
become painful and more serious. So how
can you protect your pearly whites against
long-term health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your
dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see immediate
benefits, but you’ll be saving your gum
health in the long run).
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper
nutrients your teeth and gums need to
stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most
significant risk factors in developing
gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every three
months.
• Get up and move! If you find yourself
sitting for extended periods of time,
you need to break the habit. Schedule
an alarm for every 30 minutes to get
up and take a lap around your office.
Manage your time effectively by going
to pick up your paper from the printer
Continued on next page >
NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you
work in a sedentary environment, your
response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal
pain is caused by excessive sitting
throughout the day, leading to slouching,
hunching over, and muscles in your body
going without use for hours. Studies are
finding that although a regular workout
routine helps, it won’t combat the
constant weight on your rump. Although
some offices are moving toward healthier
options, such as convertible stand up/
sit down desks or treadmill desks (if you
have the skill to think and walk at the
same time), most of us have to face our
chairs every day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative
effects, such as stiffness and poor
circulation, of constant sitting:
WOODLAND HILLS
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WINTER 2019
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