Dental Hygiene- Is Your Mouth Getting Proper Care?

I am finally back after a few very busy weeks! Terribly sorry for the delay.

Today I realized that with drainage caused by my inevitable seasonal allergies I had very unpleasant smelling breath. I am in the habit of brushing my teeth in the morning and at night, as well as using mouthwash. Since this wasn't working I decided to look up some ways to help prevent halitosis(bad breath) which is caused by a build up of germs and bacteria.

This is what I found:

• Gargle with warm(as warm as you can handle, the warmer the better) salt water
• Hydrogen Peroxide rinse does wonders for killing germ. Just dilute the hydrogen peroxide you get from the store to a half and half ratio and swish around your mouth. The same as with mouth wash-don't swallow.
• Unwanted germs and bacteria live on your toothbrush, so its important to clean it by more than just rinsing with water. You can clean it BEFORE you use it by dunking it in a Dixie cup of your handy dandy hydrogen peroxide, then rinse with water.

A few everyday tips for a clean mouth:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly TWICE a day
• Make flossing part of your DAILY routine as bacteria and food particles get stuck between your teeth even if you cant feel it.
• Don't forget to brush your Tongue
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 MONTHS

For more information, you can check out the American Dental Association for their suggestions on toothpaste and other products.

Brush your teeth, and floss for a beautiful smile. If your breath needs to be spiced up, try some mouthwash or gargling with salt water to keep unwanted bacteria at bay.

Smiles,

Eliza

Are you washing your hands enough?

Hello, how are you today?

How many times did you wash your hands today? Let me see... I've washed mine about 7 times maybe. Washing your hands is a very simple but important way to help keep you well. You should be washing your hands when:

• you are preparing food


• after you use the bathroom


• before you clean a cut or wound


• after you blow your nose or sneeze


• before putting in or taking out contacts (if you wear them)


• after taking out the trash or changing a babys diper


• after taking care of someone whose sick

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you wash your hands for 20 seconds, making sure to scrub your wrists, plams, tops of your hands and the fingernails. I know this is gonna sound bad but I used be a little lax on washing my hands all the times I should have. Recently though I bought some new apple cider scented soap, and not I cannot wait to wash my hands because it smells so good.

Next time you're about to cook dinner, or after your sneeze make sure you wash your hands!

Peace and Wellness. Thank you for reading,

Eliza

Keep Healthy With Vitamin C

Welcome to Prevention week. As many are worried about getting sick or catching the dreaded Swine Flu I am going to offer a tip each day this week about how to stay well.

Every day with my breakfast, I like to have a glass of (not from concentrate) grapefruit juice. Not only does my glass of juice wake me up with its slightly bitter taste, but it gives me a dose of vitamin C. I'm sure that you heard or seen the commercials for Emergen-C, and heard about how vitamin C will help to keep you from getting sick. A study done in 2007 showed that people who get their daily recommendation of vitamin C would be sick for shorter duration of time than would people who didn't.

Although there is not a lot of proof that vitamin C will help with the common cold, it is an important antioxidant that helps keep your body strong and healthy. It helps to iron to be absorbed by the body, as well as forming collagen. Vitamin C helps to reduce and protect against free radical damage in your body. Research also shows that vitamin C is involved in the metabolizing of cholesterol, which can help prevent gallstones and high blood cholesterol levels!

Where's Vitamin C Hiding?

*Oranges*Orange Juice*Grapefruit*Grapefruit Juice*Strawberries*Tomatoes*Sweet Red Bell Peppers*Broccoli*Potatoes*Garlic*Apricots*Carrots*Blueberries*Onions*Raw Green Beans*Cranberries * Summer Squash *Watermelon *Pineapple *Celery * Asparagus* Spinach* Kiwi*Cantaloupe*Romaine Lettuce* Kale*Brussel Sprouts*Papaya* Parsley* Lemon Juice*

Just to name a few

Depending on your age and circumstance there is an average amount of recommended vitamin C you should be getting. Take a look at this chart to see what your vitamin C intake should be.

0- 6 mo: 40 mg M 9-13 yr: 45 mg F 9-13 yr: 45 mg Pregnant 18 yr 80 mg
6-12 mo: 50 mg M 14-18 yr: 75 mg F 14-18 yr: 65 mg Pregnant 19 yr+ 85mg
1-3 yr: 15 mg M 19 yr+: 90 mg F 19 yr+: 75mg Breastfeeding 18 yr 115 mg
4-8 yr: 25 mg Breastfeeding 19 yr+ 120 mg


Thanks,Peace and Wellness,
Eliza

Disease Prevention

I had an idea for this week. It seems that everyone is worried about swine flu, as it continues to spread. So this week, all my posts will be about little things you can do to stay healthy and keep from getting sick. Whatcha think?