HealthyLife Articles

Author: AIPM

Regular Dental Care

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Dental problems affect more than your teeth and mouth. Gum (periodontal) disease and other mouth infections may increase the risk for:

* Pneumonia.

* Heart disease.

* Diabetes.

Also, an oral exam can help a dentist detect many health problems. These include diabetes, eating disorders, heart disease, osteoporosis, and a lack of vitamins.

Brush Your Teeth

* Do this twice a day. Brush more often, if you need to.

* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride. Brush with a gentle touch. If you have sensitive teeth, use a toothpaste made for this.

* Do a thorough job. Brush in small circles across all of the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Brush the surfaces between the teeth.

* A child younger than 7 years old and some handicapped persons may need help to do a thorough job. A mechanical tooth brush may be helpful.

* Use a toothbrush that fits your mouth. Change your toothbrush to a new one every 3 to 4 months. Do this more often if the bristles are bent or frayed. Change it after having a throat or mouth infection, too.

* Brush your gums gently. Keep the brush perpendicular to your teeth.

* Gently brush your tongue. It can trap germs.

Floss Your Teeth

* Floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day to remove food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.

* Use a piece of floss about 1-1/2 feet long.

* To floss your upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb on one hand and index finger on the other. Using a gentle, sawing motion, bring the floss through the tight spaces between the teeth. Do not snap it against the gums.

* With the floss at the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently scrape the side of it with the floss. Repeat on each tooth. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.

* Repeat for your lower teeth, but hold the floss between both index fingers.

* Rinse your mouth after flossing.

* If it is hard for you to use dental floss, use a dental floss holder sold in drugstores.

* After flossing, rinse your mouth with water, mouthwash, or an anti-microbial mouthrinse.

It is normal for gums to be tender and bleed for the first week. If the bleeding continues, see your dentist.

More Tips

* Protect your teeth from damage and injury.

* Ask your dentist if you should use a fluoride mouth rinse, a prescribed toothpaste with fluoride, fluoride supplements, and/or a water-pik device.

* Don’t lay a baby down with a bottle left in the baby’s mouth if the bottle contains juice, milk, soda, etc. Water is okay, though.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

See your dentist every 6 months, at least every year, or as often as your dentist advises. Regular dental checkups are important to:

* Clean your teeth and remove plaque and tarter that buildup even after you brush and floss every day. Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems.

* Check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancers, tooth grinding, bite problems, and other problems. When these are detected early, they are easier to treat.

* Address any areas of concern.

* Find out how to take care of your teeth and what dental care products you should use.

Also, an oral exam can help a dentist detect other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, and osteoporosis.

Diet & Dental Health Tips

* If your local water supply has fluoride, drink 6 to 10 cups of tap water every day. If not, make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste.

* Eat a well balanced diet. Limit between-meal snacks.

* Eat sticky, chewy, sugary foods with (not between) meals. Finish a meal with foods that help buffer acid formation. Examples are cheese, meat, fish, nuts, and dill pickles.

* Avoid sugar-sweetened gum and beverages. Chew a sugar-free gum instead, especially one with the artificial sweetener xylitol.

* Don’t eat sweets, fruit, or starchy foods just before bedtime. Your mouth makes less saliva during the night. This allows cavity-causing bacteria to feed on food particles. Brushing your teeth doesn’t effectively prevent this.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Repetitive Motion Injuries

Bone & Muscle Problems

Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) are also called repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). They result from doing the same activity over and over for a long period of time. This can be at work, at home, during sports, and/or with hobbies.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms depend on the injury.

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

* Thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers feel numb.

* Tingling feeling in the hand(s).

* Pain is felt in the thumb and fingers. The pain may be worse at night. It can wake you up.

* Pain starts in the hand and spreads to the arm. The pain can even travel to the shoulder.

* The fingers swell. It feels like your fingers are swollen. Your hands feel weak in the morning.

* You have trouble holding on to things. You drop things.

* You have a hard time writing with a pencil or pen, opening a jar, buttoning a blouse, etc.

Causes

In general, RMIs are caused by repeated movements that involve:

* Drilling or hammering.

* Lifting.

* Pushing or pulling.

* Squeezing.

* Twisting.

* Wrist, finger, and hand movements.

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Repeated motions, typing vibrations, etc. cause swelling of the tendons inside the carpal tunnel. This is the narrow tunnel in the wrist. The swelling puts pressure on the nearby nerves.

Treatment

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

This is easier to treat and less likely to cause future problems if it is found early. Women are more likely to get CTS than men, because their carpal tunnel is usually smaller. Once diagnosed, CTS can be treated with:

* Preventing further damage.

* Wearing a wrist brace, splint, etc. as advised. It may need to be worn while you sleep and during the day.

* Over-the- counter medicines to reduce pain and swelling. Examples are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

* Physical therapy.

* Occupational therapy.

* Cortisone shots in the wrist area.

* Surgery, if needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Preventing Wrist and Hand Injuries

Whenever your hands and wrists do the same activity time and again, you increase your risk for CTS and tendinitis. Change how you do a task and you may avoid some of these injuries.

* Do not hold an object in the same position for a long time. Even simple tasks, such as hammering nails, can cause injury when done over a period of time.

* Give your hands a break. Rest them for a few minutes each hour.

* Lift objects with your whole hand or with both hands. Gripping or lifting with the thumb and index finger puts stress on your wrist.

* If your line of work causes pain in your hands and wrists, alternate the stressful tasks with other work.

* Exercise your hands and wrists as often as you can. Here are two examples:

– Place your hands in front of you. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax. Repeat 5 times with each hand.

– Turn your wrists in a circle, palms up and then palms down. Relax your fingers and keep your elbows still. Repeat 5 times.

For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

* Lose weight. CTS is linked to obesity.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine to reduce the pain and swelling as directed.

* Use a wrist splint. Many drug and medical supply stores carry splints that keep the wrist angled slightly back with the thumb parallel to the forearm. This position helps to keep the carpal tunnel open.

Other Tips

* Keep your head upright and your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line.

* Keep your work within reach without having to stretch or strain your arms, shoulders, or back. Don’t stretch to reach items on an assembly line. Wait for the items to reach you.

* Change positions or tasks often. This avoids repeated stress on a single body part.

* Use the proper tools for the job. Use tools made to reduce vibration and/or pressure, if needed.

Resources

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

877.22.NIAMS (226.4267)

www.niams.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Signs Of Reye’s Syndrome

Children’s Health

Be on the lookout for Reye’s Syndrome after the flu or chickenpox. Reye’s Syndrome does not happen very often. But you should know about it. Look for these signs:

* Vomiting over and over again. Or vomiting that does not stop.

* Loss of pep and energy.

* Acting very, very sleepy.

* Acting very, very cranky.

* Striking out at others.

* Acting strange.

* Convulsions.

(Note: If your child shows signs of Reye’s Syndrome, get medical care fast!)

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Right Way To Use Mouthwash

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Be it red, green, blue, or amber, consumers spend millions of dollars a year on mouthwash. Many mouthwashes are strictly cosmetic-they leave your mouth smelling fresh and feeling tingly for a few minutes but don’t appreciably affect oral health. If you want to fight plaque, look for mouthwash containing cetylpridinium chloride or domiphen bromide, ingredients that dissolve this troublesome film of bacterial goo. If you want to fight cavities (especially cavities that form between teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach), look for an anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis mouthrinse. Fluoride mouthrinses help prevent tooth decay, too, but should not be given to children age six and younger because they may swallow the mouthrinse.

To get the best results from your mouthwash, follow this routine.

* Brush first, then rinse (unless the product label instructs otherwise).

* Swish mouthwash or mouthrinse around in your mouth as directed on the label, then spit it out. (Don’t swallow it.)

* Rinse with mouthwash or mouthrinse once a day, preferably at bedtime.

* Don’t eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after rinsing.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safety Tips For Your Teeth

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Your teeth are vulnerable to nicks, chips, stains, and strains. To protect your teeth from damage and injury, take these precautions.

* Don’t chew ice, pens, or pencils.

* Don’t use your teeth to open paper clips or otherwise function as tools.

* If you smoke a pipe, don’t bite down on the stem.

* If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist if you should be fitted for a bite plate to prevent tooth grinding.

* If you play contact sports like football or hockey, wear a protective mouth guard.

* Always wear a seat belt when riding in a car.

* Avoid sucking on lemons or chewing aspirin or vitamin C tablets. The acid wears away tooth enamel.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sars – Severe Acuterespiratory Syndrome

Respiratory conditions

SARS is a viral respiratory illness. It began in Asia in February 2003 and spread to other countries.

Signs & Symptoms

* Fever higher than 100.4ºF.

* Headache. The body aches all over. Diarrhea may occur.

* Dry cough after 2 to 7 days.

* A hard time breathing and/or shortness of breath. Most persons develop pneumonia.

Causes

SARS is thought to be caused by a certain virus. It is spread by close contact with someone who has the virus. Most likely, this is through coughs and sneezes or from touching objects that have infectious droplets on them.

Treatment

Medical treatment is needed for SARS. Persons suspected of having SARS should be quarantined in a hospital.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Before you travel, check the CDCs Travelers’ Health Web site atwww.cdc.gov/travelfor updates on SARS.

* If you will be in close contact with a person infected with SARS, follow infection control measures. Wash your hands often or use alcohol-based hand rubs. If you can, wear a surgical mask. Don’t share eating utensils, towels, etc. For a more complete list of guidelines, accesswww.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ic-closecontacts.htm.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars

World Health Organization (WHO)

www.who.int/topics/sars/en/

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Scoliosis

Bone & Muscle Problems

A Simple Solution to a Common Problem

Coping with the normal physical changes that come with adolescence is trying enough. When out-of-the-ordinary physical changes occur, the problem is doubly discouraging. Such is the case with scoliosis. It generally shows up between the ages of 10 and 15, and affects girls seven to nine times more often than boys. In most cases, no one knows the cause.

At first, scoliosis isn’t painful. But it slowly twists the upper portion of the spine. One shoulder may curve one way while the lower back twists another, so that the chest and back are distorted. The spine begins to rotate, and one side of the rib cage becomes more prominent. This is more obvious if the person bends forward at the waist, with the arms hanging freely. In fact, a doctor can detect scoliosis by asking the patient to assume that position during a routine physical or screening for scoliosis.

Adults with scoliosis should watch for signs of it in their children.

Scoliosis doesn’t always need treatment. In some cases, though, treatment is necessary to prevent heart and lung problems or back pain later in life.

There are several treatment options.

* Wearing a molded body brace, hidden by clothing, is the most conservative approach. This brace is typically worn most of the day and night for several years. Because the spine grows rapidly during adolescence, wearing a brace at this time can arrest further abnormal curving.

* A special form of mild electrical stimulation to the spine.

* Surgery to straighten the spine. A thin steel rod is implanted alongside the spine.

In most instances, scoliosis can be sufficiently treated so that the adolescent doesn’t suffer any complications as an adult.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
See The Light In Healthy Ways

Eye Conditions

* Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) uses 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, but contain tiny amounts of mercury. Recycle them according to your state’s guidelines. To safely dispose of a broken CFL, follow EPA guidelines fromepa.gov/hg.

* Wear eyewear that protects your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light when it is sunny and even on cloudy days. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

* Wear a wide-brimmed hat during outdoor activities.

* Open blinds and curtains to let daylight fill rooms during the day.

* Install a skylight or solar panels for light and warmth and to save on cooling, heating, and lighting costs.

* Turn off lights when not in use. Install motion sensors, timers, and task lighting to save on light usage. One to two hours before bedtime, dim the lights.

* Wear protective eyewear during sporting events. Before mowing the lawn, look for and remove debris.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Seizures 2

First Aid

A seizure is a sudden “episode” caused by an electrical problem in the brain. With a seizure, a person has change in awareness, body movements, or sensation.

Signs & Symptoms

There are many types of seizures. Common types are:

A Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure

This is also called a grand mal seizure. A convulsion occurs with this type. Signs of a convulsion include:

* Brief loss of consciousness. Falling down.

* The arms and legs stiffen, jerk, and twitch.

* This type usually lasts 1 to 2 minutes. When it ends, the person’s muscles relax. He or she may lose bladder control, be confused, have a headache, and fall asleep. This is the type most people think of with the word “seizure.”

An Absence Seizure

This is also called a petit mal seizure. A convulsion does not occur with this type. Signs of an absence seizure include:

* Blank stares. It looks like the person is daydreaming or not paying attention.

* Lip smacking. Repeated blinking, chewing or hand movements.

* This type of seizure usually lasts only a few seconds, but can occur many times a day. When the seizure ends, the person is not confused, but is not aware that the seizure occurred.

* Absence seizures are common in children and can result in learning problems.

A Fever (Febrile) Seizure

This type is brought on by a high fever in infants and small children. High fevers cause most seizures in children aged 6 months to 5 years. Signs are ones of a convulsion listed in the left column. Most febrile seizures last 1 to 2 minutes, but can last longer. Seeing a child have a febrile seizure causes alarm. In general, these seizures are harmless.

Causes

Causes include epilepsy (a brain disorder), infections that cause a high fever, heat stroke, and electric shock. Head injury, stroke, and toxic substances can also cause a seizure. Sometimes the cause of a seizure is not known.

Treatment

Seizure disorders are treated with medication. Other medical treatments may be needed.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / First Aid

For Seizures with Convulsions

* Stay calm. Protect the person from injury. Cushion the head with a pillow, a coat, etc. Move sharp objects out of the way.

* Loosen tight clothes, especially around the neck.

* If the person vomits, clear the mouth of it.

* Do not hold the person down or throw water on the face. Don’t put anything into the mouth. (A spoon in the mouth does not prevent tongue biting.)

* If the seizure in a child is due to a fever, start bringing the child’s temperature down as soon as the seizure stops. Sponge the child’s body with room temperature water. Do not put the child in a bathtub. Do not use ice. Do not use rubbing alcohol.

* Report how long the seizure lasts and the symptoms that occur.

* After the seizure, lay the person on his or her side. Let the person sleep. Check for a medical alert tag. Respond as needed. Do not embarrass the person.

* Call 9-1-1 (except for a febrile seizure or a seizure in a person you know has a seizure disorder).

Febrile Seizure Prevention

For a child who has had a febrile seizure in the past, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen at the first sign of a fever. Give the right kind and dose for his or her weight. Insert suppositories that lower fevers, instead, if prescribed by the child’s doctor. {Note: Don’t give aspirin to anyone less than 19 years old.}

* Dress the child in light, loose clothes.

* Apply washcloths rinsed in lukewarm (not cold) water to your child’s forehead and neck. Sponge the child’s arms, legs, and trunk with lukewarm water. Don’t use cold water, ice, or rubbing alcohol.

* Keep trying to bring the fever down until it is 101ºF or less.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Self-Care Medicines & Supplies For Children

Children’s Health

Here is a list of medicines and other things you should keep at home.

* Store items in a handy, dry place, but out of children’s reach.

* Check the expiration dates often. Throw away and replace outdated items.

* Find out what kind and how much of each medicine you can give your child. Ask your child’s doctor. Ask the pharmacist. Read and understand the medicine’s label. Brand names are often listed. Store brands are just as good.

Over-the-Counter Medicines

* Acetaminophen. An example is Children’s Tylenol®. Or have ibuprofen. Examples are Children’s Advil® and Children’s Motrin®. Stock the right kind for your child’s weight.

* Antihistamine tablets or syrup. An example is Benadryl®.

* Cough medicine. Ask your child’s doctor which one(s) you should stock.

* Decongestant tablets or liquid. Do not give to children under 2 years old. An example is Dimetapp®.

Basic Supplies

* Antibiotic ointment.

* Antiseptic ointment or wipes.

* Bandages of different sizes.

* Eye dropper.

* Medicine spoon & dropper.

* Cold pack.

* Cotton-tipped swabs.

* Elastic wrap and closures.

* Flashlight.

* Roll of adhesive tape.

* Rubbing alcohol.

* Sterile gauze pads and a roll of gauze.

* Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

* Thermometer (digital or ear).

* Tongue depressor.

* Toothache medicine. An example is Anbesol®.

* Tweezers.

* Vaporizer (cool mist).

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026