November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

As we prepare to gather with our friends and family in celebration of Thanksgiving, we must take time to educate ourselves on a disease that affects many young and old, Diabetes. This month is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce enough insulin causes high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. 

Nearly 30 million children and adults in the US have diabetes, while 86 million have pre-diabetes and are

at risk for Type 2 Diabetes. There are two forms of Diabetes Type 1 the severe form which people have to be insulin dependent. Type 2 is the common form and non-insulin dependent; it is often tied to people who are overweight.

Diabetes Facts

• Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.
• In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the world had diabetes (Williams textbook of endocrinology).
• Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
• Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.
• Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females during pregnancy.
• The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
• If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life.
• Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
• As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much higher for a diabetic, it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels are monitored regularly.
• As smoking might have a serious effect on cardiovascular health, diabetics should stop smoking.
• Hypoglycemia - low blood glucose - can have a bad effect on the patient. Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose is too high - can also have a bad effect on the patient.

Facts provided by http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/

To find more information on Diabetes and how you can support the cause for awareness, connect with the closest American Diabetes Association office to you. For Rhode Island residents this is the New England office located at 10 Speen Street 2nd Floor Framingham, Massachusetts, 01701. 

Diabetes Links:

http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/american-diabetes-month.html

http://ndep.nih.gov/index.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/features/livingwithdiabetes/

http://www.diabetesresearch.org/what-is-diabetes

2 Minutes + 2 Times a Day = A Healthy Smile

Via 2min2x.org

Orthodontic treatment is just one step in making sure you have great oral health. There are many different factors that affect the health status of your teeth, such as: brushing, flossing and eating habits. When we work on treating your teeth we want to be sure we are working with healthy teeth. Developing healthy habits start at a young age, so parents we must work together to teach children proper oral hygiene habits. 

The Ad Council, a non-profit organization that helps promote public service campaigns, has started the 2min2x Childrens Oral Health Campaign. 2min2x.org states: 

The Children’s Oral Health campaign encourages parents to reduce their children’s risk of oral disease by making sure they're brushing for two minutes, twice a day.

The PSAs (Public Service Advertisements) aim to show that if parents spend just 2 minutes, twice a day making sure they brush, it can help save their children from a lifetime of tooth pain. The campaign demonstrates what a short amount of time 2 minutes is to accomplish such an important piece of parenting. We do this by showing parents trying to squeeze other parenting moments into just 2 minutes - and struggling in such a short period of time.

This website is a great tool for parents to refer to when looking for more information about taking care of their kids’ teeth, and it also has fun, entertaining 2 minute videos that kids can watch while brushing their teeth.

Here a PSA video for the campaign

Visit 2min2x.org to find out more on how to teach children about the importance of oral health.

Dr. Kacewicz, Dr. M Kacewicz, Dr. Underhill and Dr. Turchetta, all care about the health of your children just as much as you do. For more tips on oral health visit Home Care (via RIortho.com), or schedule an appointment at one of out 7 offices today!

Fantastic Fall Foods

Your oral health is very important to your overall well-being. You must not only go to your regular dental visit, brush and floss, but you must also be weary of the food you putting in your mouth.

We have just entered November and what is this month all about?  Thanksgiving! We are in the fall season which not only brings about environmental changes, but also puts healthier foods into season. Once we get it into November it normal to think about Thanksgiving and automatically start drooling over the thought of turkey. But as we feast we should try and incorporate the healthiest foods. Here is a list of 5 healthy fall foods for you and your family.

Apples: 

Apples can be eaten alone as a snack or baked into your favorite dishes, such as apple pies. There’s a variety apples you can to choose from such as Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples.

Health Benefits: 
Full of Antioxidants
Provides Dietary Fiber
Harvest Season:
August - November 

Pumpkins:

Even though Halloween is over pumpkin are still a good choice. Pumpkins are great for pies, muffins and even its seeds eaten by themselves.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Potassium
Source of Fiber
Source of Vitamin B

Harvest Season: 

October - February

Squash:

Squash is a vegetable that is great as a side dish, paired with pasta or even cab be pureed and used as a dip. 

Health Benefits: 
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Source of Vitamin A

Harvest Season:

October - February

Pomegranates:

 This fruit can be eaten alone, but also its juices serve as a great marinade and its seeds are often tossed into salads.  

Health Benefits:
Great Antioxidant
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Folate

Harvest Season: 

August - December

Brussels Spouts: 

Brussels Sprouts are vegetables that are great for salads, pasta dishes and can also be paired as a side to main courses.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Vitamin K
Source of Folate
Source of Iron 

Harvest Season: 

September - March

Remember it is very important to your oral health that you eat right, especially when under orthodontic treatment. For more information on oral hygiene tips visit our website.