fbpx

posts

Brush Three Times A Day To Mitigate The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes 

Posted on April 24th, 2020 by Paul Williams

diabetes

We all know what a significant role good oral hygiene can play in living an overall healthy life. You probably must have heard a saying “Two minutes. Two times a day. Two simple rules for a healthier Life!”.

Though brushing your teeth twice a day can effectively protect one from a large number of health problems, new studies are suggesting that brushing 3 times or more in a day can lower the likelihood of developing diabetes.

In a study conducted by the Ewha Woman’s University College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea and Asian Medical Centre, Seoul, it was found that brushing 3 times or more per day can decrease the chances of type 2 diabetes by around 8%. The researchers in Korea studied the records of almost 190,000 people, who were tested for oral hygiene between the years 2003 and 2006. In this 10 years follow-up time, they found that around 16% of people developed type 2 diabetes and 17.5% were diagnosed with gum diseases.


It is of no surprise that a person with periodontal diseases has a higher probability of developing diabetes. These periodontal (gum) diseases are mainly caused due to bacteria from stored plaque. The body sometimes overreacts to this bacteria causing excess inflammation which in turn affects bloodstreams, causing gradual damage to blood vessels in the brain and heart. Following a routine brushing a few times a day, and flossing properly will not only reduce the risk of heart problems but significantly will improve your overall health.


Apart from frequent brushing, age and sex of a person, also are an important factor. In the same study, it was found that people aged 51 or younger, who brushes more than usual recommend (2 times per day), have a 14 % lower risk while the people aged 52 or more, showed no difference in diabetes risk.


Similarly, women showed a stronger link between reduced diabetes and increased brushing, than men.

A detailed report of this study was later published in the journal Diabetologia. The report concluded that “the frequent tooth brushing most likely is an eventuating factor whereas the presence of gum diseases and the growing number of missing teeth could also be augmenting factors for the prevalence of new-onset diabetes.” The researchers further added that improvement in oral hygiene can be related to a notable risk reduction of new-onset diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common in the USA than type 1. According to the center for disease control and prevention (CDC), more than 34 million American citizens suffer from diabetes. Out of which 90-95% has type 2 diabetes.


While type 1 is an autoimmune disorder, type 2 occurs when insulin produced by the pancreas is not enough to reduce blood sugar levels in the body. Though the former is caused by naturally present substances in the body, later could occur due to various factors like genetics, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, as well as bad oral hygiene.

The results of this study and many similar other reports in the past clearly indicate that there its a direct influence of oral health on a person’s overall health. And taking care of dental hygiene can greatly mitigate the risk of diabetes and heart attacks.

» Comments Off on Brush Three Times A Day To Mitigate The Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes 

Can Over The Counter Pain Relievers Treat Emotional Pain?

Posted on April 14th, 2020 by Paul Williams

Make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel:

It might sound outlandish, but over the counter pain killers have a fascinating research history with emotional pain. In the past, many studies suggest that drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol) not only helps in reducing physical pain but can effectively dull the emotional pain. Results from a recent study further affirm this claim, with new findings that finally might give an explanation of what’s been going on.

What is the scope and findings of the latest research?

A study was conducted by the researchers of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where they studied the pattern in 42 participants for 3 weeks. Each participant took either a placebo, paracetamol or no treatment, 2 times every day. At the end of the day, they were given a questionnaire to answer about their feelings, more specifically about their level of forgiveness.

The results clearly showed that compared to placebo or no treatment, acetaminophen dampens emotional pain more strongly. But the person with a combination of the drug and greater level of forgiveness has the highest impact. These participants who took acetaminophen (or known as paracetamol) who also showed a higher level of forgiveness experienced an 18.5% reduction in emotional pain.

Although the findings from this latest study do align with the results from similar past studies, there are many loopholes to it. First, the sample size is not large enough. Second, the level of forgiveness in each Individual could be very different. And third, there was no clarity on the ‘kind of social pain’, these participants were reporting about.

However, it supports the idea that nonprescription painkillers, can temporarily alter emotions like reasoning, emotional pain, forgiveness, etc. as similar brain circularity occurs when an individual experiences physical pain.

What were the findings of similar studies in the past?

Women who took a dose of ibuprofen, reportedly had lesser hurt feelings from an emotionally painful experience than the ones who took the placebo. Interestingly, men showed the opposite pattern.

Some studies also suggest that individuals on a dose of acetaminophen showed less empathy with the pain of others while people on placebo, comparatively empathized more.

Similarly, an individual on a dose of placebo recorded a stronger reaction to emotional objects than people who took acetaminophen. Moreover, these people also showed better ability in recording information than individuals on acetaminophen.

So what should we conclude from these studies?

The results from all these researches do provide conclusive support to the theory that a non-prescription drug can influence the emotional intelligence of a person. But to what extent? Before policymakers decide on imposing new laws and regulations on over the counter pain relievers, it is significant to determine the scope of this influence.

Regardless of these discoveries, I feel it is important to realize that we all are humans. Medicine can mitigate emotional pain to an extent but feeling these emotions is what makes us human beings.

» Comments Off on Can Over The Counter Pain Relievers Treat Emotional Pain?

Tags: ,

Will Small Businesses Survive the Coronavirus?

Posted on March 25th, 2020 by Paul Williams

store closed sign

Updated March 26th 2020

Here in the United States, we are only on week 2 of the Coronavirus Shelter-in-Place Order. People are being asked to stay at home as much as possible and only leave the house if necessary. Such necessities include food, gas, medical appointments, shared custody drop-offs and pick-ups, and going outside for exercise. The goal of the Shelter-in-Place order is to “flatten the curve.” This means to stagger the number of new cases over a longer period so that people have better access to care. While this method is perfect for decreasing the spread of a pandemic, small businesses quickly become collateral damage.

Almost every business is being affected by the ‘Coronapocalypse’, but it’s small businesses that are hurting the most. It started back in January as manufacturing in China came to a halt, which stemmed the product flow for merchandisers attempting to get their goods to consumers. Most of the world’s goods are manufactured in China; when production started to slow, businesses didn’t have the materials or products they needed to sell to consumers. Then, in February, the virus arrived on our shores. It’s all been downhill since then. Businesses have either closed or are operating in a limited capacity.

The moment the Shelter-in-Place Order was enacted, businesses began to financially hemorrhage. With limited or no income and continual expenses, the coronavirus has caused many businesses to permanently close their doors. So, what can businesses do to stop the bleeding? How can they hold on for the next few weeks? Let’s dive in and discuss.


Breaking Down Expenses



 

Payroll

First, we need to review the major expenses for small businesses. The first major expense for many businesses is payroll. During the last few weeks, many companies have had to lay off a considerable number of their staff. Economists project that the unemployment rate in the United States will jump up at least 10% from February’s 3.5%. Although this was unavoidable for some businesses, letting go of your staff should be the absolute last resort. With the recent stimulus package that has passed through the senate, small businesses are able to apply for a small business grant. This money business wouldn’t have to pay back unless they layoff their employees then it becomes a loan.

When the Shelter-in-Place Order lifts, you will still end up working with a diminished capacity; now you have limited staff or need to train new hires. Additionally, as unemployment levels rise people will spend less, thus decreasing the demand for the goods and services of many of these businesses.

The advice for businesses considered essential services? Keep your staff part-time. Give staff the opportunity to maintain some form of income so they can continue to support themselves and/or their families. Use this as an opportunity to cross-train staff! That way, everyone is able to take on hours and you have the future flexibility of being to reorganize staff, since everyone is trained in all necessary aspects of the business.

If you’re unable to operate during this Shelter-in-Place Order, see whether you can pivot your business model to incorporate a delivery/pick-up method. All restaurants should register themselves on DoorDash, Grub Hub, Uber Eats, etc. and start doing take-out, if they haven’t already. If you’re a small clothing store, sign up for Shopify and start selling your items online. Using Shopify, you can also sell your goods on Facebook and Instagram, reaching a much larger audience. Use this time while stuck at home to reflect on your business plan and model; figure out a way to pivot. Brainstorm with your staff! After all, running a business is a team effort; their experiences can provide the ideas needed to survive.

If you’re in a business that has absolutely no way to operate during this Shelter-in-Place Order, then consider furlough or temporary leave of absence for your staff. Let them know that they have job security and that, when things resume, they’ll be right back at work. In times of chaos and panic, people are looking for some form of stability. The last thing people want to envision is being stuck at home for a month because of the Coronavirus, then being stuck at home for another 3 months because they have no job to go back to. Let your staff know that they should file for unemployment if they’re unable to make ends meet. They can receive up to $600 per week for the next 4 months, as per the stimulus package. Additionally, every American that makes less than $99,000 per year will receive a $1200 check ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly) and then an additional $500 for each child. Check in on your staff regularly, inform them about the stimulus benefits. If they’re struggling even with the stimulus check and the unemployment check, consider giving them a small advance from their next paycheck. Compassion goes a long way. If you want your employees to care about your business, you should make them feel that their presence in your organization is essential.

Taxes

The other big payroll expense is taxes. There’s good news there, though! Right now the Senate is drafting a Coronavirus relief bill which would give businesses with under 50 employees new tax credits and federal payroll tax relief. Employers must pay the 1.45% Medicare tax component of the federal payroll tax, but they can claim a credit for that outlay. So, keep your ear to the business news channels (Bloomberg Television, CNBC, Fox Business Network, Sky News Business Channel, etc.), as they’ll give you more of an economic focus and less sensationalized coverage of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Loans

The next largest expense for most businesses are loans/credit cards. Whether it’s business loans, student loans, or credit cards, creditors are the biggest nuisance when you’re financially strapped. You want to make a list of every single loan agency and creditor; look through your monthly statements and highlight the recurrent payments. Once you’ve created your list, call each of them and request a forbearance. Thankfully, many creditors are granting a forbearance if you state that your hardship is related to the Coronavirus. Some credit cards are allowing their customers 60 days, interest- and penalty-free, to pay outstanding balances. Just give them a call or message them through their secure online portal and ask what they’re able to do for you during this time of crisis.

Rent

The next major monthly expense for many businesses is rent/mortgage. This is the tough one. If you’re a business and you own the property, then you’re in luck – neither the banks nor the government will be pursuing action for people unable to pay their mortgage or property taxes during this pandemic. Rent, however, is a different ballgame. Rent is up to the discretion of either the corporation or individual that owns your space. Contact your landlord immediately. The more notice you can give your landlord about your financial struggles, the better the outcome will be. Contact them as soon as you think there might be a problem making rent and ask what options they can offer you. Can you pause payments for a month or two? Are they willing to accept a lower rate for the time being? Hopefully, they’re rational and willing to negotiate with you. After all, it’s to their benefit that they keep you as a tenant since it’ll be almost impossible to find a new tenant during this pandemic. Additionally, with a recession looming over us, there’s no guarantee that they’ll even be able to fill the vacant space once this is over.

Marketing

Another big expense for many small businesses is marketing/advertising. You want to cut your marketing, but not eliminate it altogether. Use your free time to learn how much you can do yourself; find and engage your audience. If you’re now offering delivery services, you want to let your customers know. If you’ve set up an online store, you want to direct them to it. Keep your customers informed and engaged. When the Shelter-in-Place Order is over, you want an easy way to let them know that you’re back in business. Build your social media presence and use newsletter services, like MailChimp and Constant Contact, so that your customers can sign up for updates. If you completely eliminate your marketing, you’ll still be stuck with decreased revenue when things resume because your customers won’t be aware when you open again. Alternatively, without being reminded of your presence, they may simply forget about you!

Stay Optimistic

It’s going to be a rough few months, but use this free time to be productive. Dissect your expenses, take advantage of every coronavirus relief aide, and build relationships with your staff and customers. Use this time to improve your business by coming up with new strategies or finding ways to reduce overhead. Remain optimistic. To quote Winston Churchill, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” You’ll get through this. We all will.

» Comments Off on Will Small Businesses Survive the Coronavirus?

Product Review: Equate’s Bamboo Toothbrush With Charcoal Bristles

Posted on March 16th, 2020 by Paul Williams

toothbrush

As a dentist, we’re often given products by manufacturers to try out before recommending them to our patients. However, this isn’t one of those cases. This situation arose out of necessity. In a frantic hurry and while in a sleepless daze, I was scrambling to catch a flight out of the John F. Kennedy International Airport and I boarded the plane with my carry-on, but completely forgot my backpack at the terminal. Under normal circumstances, I would have noticed how light my back felt or how I now had tons of legroom from not having to shove a backpack under the seat in front of me. Instead, I got on the plane and immediately passed out from fatigue. After landing and noticing my mistake, I sorted the baggage situation with the airline employees and then started looking into replacing the toiletries that were in the bag.

Since I was now in the South (Louisiana), this naturally meant a trek to Walmart. After all, you can find everything from fish bait to lawn chairs. While pacing back and forth down the toothpaste aisle and reading the packaging for all the non-electric toothbrushes, I settled on the Equate Bamboo Toothbrush with Charcoal Bristles. The packaging mentioned that although it had charcoal bristles, it was still considered a soft toothbrush. It mentioned that the bamboo contained natural antibacterial properties preventing the buildup of bacteria. Plus, the handle will never splinter, it’s water-resistant, and it has a comfortable grip.

equate bamboo charcoal toothbrush

I was intrigued to see how charcoal, which is very abrasive and can erode tooth enamel, could be used as a “soft” toothbrush. From the start, I loved the packaging; they used cardboard instead of the usual plastic. The toothbrush handle was soft to the touch and the package came with two toothbrushes. This means that just one purchase could serve as a ‘his and hers’ set (the toothbrushes were labeled #1 and #2) or this one purchase would cover an individual for 6 months. A friendly reminder that you’re supposed to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or once the bristles are beginning to fray!

I popped some toothpaste on #1 and went to work. My preferred method of brushing is the modified bass technique. The key to this technique is preventing and controlling gum disease by brushing around and under the gumline, where bacteria and plaque tend to accumulate. You start by placing the toothbrush parallel to your teeth with the bristles toward the gums. You tilt the brush to a 45-degree angle and move the bristles slightly under the gumline. With a firm but gentle pressure, and while maintaining the bristles under the gum tissue, you use a small circular motion 15 to 20 times before moving on to the next area. The brush should cover two to three teeth at a time. You brush the entire outer surface of the teeth and then continue the same technique on the tongue side. To brush the insides of the front teeth, hold the toothbrush in a vertical position and use the bristles on the toe of the brush, but make sure they get under the gum tissue. You then brush the chewing surface of the molar teeth and finish off by brushing your tongue.

Halfway through my 2 minutes of brushing, the toothbrush bristles caught my gums in such a way that I felt like I just got stabbed. It felt as if a needle had just pricked my gums. I was stunned. I was bleeding. I gingerly continued through the rest of my brushing, trying to avoid recreating that feeling. As the days progressed, I continued to brush ever-so-softly, but I began to notice increased irritation and sensitivity. After a week, my backpack had arrived in the mail and I was able to switch back to my electric toothbrush.

Although the toothbrush claimed to be soft, my gums ruled otherwise. I don’t know if it was due to the addition of the charcoal or the toothbrush being mislabeled as soft. Either way, I would have to recommend against purchasing this toothbrush. The risk of gingival recession and enamel erosion is too high. Although I really liked the aesthetics and eco-friendly approach, I value my teeth more. So, save yourself the headache and the dental bill – avoid this toothbrush as well.

» Comments Off on Product Review: Equate’s Bamboo Toothbrush With Charcoal Bristles

The Do’s and Don’t of Coronavirus

Posted on March 11th, 2020 by Paul Williams

Make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel:

Isn’t it startling, how one virus can change the entire world? Every day we hear events and conferences getting canceled not just in Asia but also in Europe and America. It is a nightmare that keeps ongoing. Public officials all around the world are urging people to take precautions, as being prepared is the only seemingly possible solution for the deadly coronavirus. There is so much more than it meets the eyes. So what can one do? How can one be prepared to avoid getting infected by Covid-19? Here is everything you possibly need to know: 

 

What is Coronavirus?

 

Coronavirus is a family of viruses falling in the range from cold to MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). Now, not all viruses are deadly. Some cause disease. Covid-19 is one of those. It spawned a recent outbreak of respiratory illness. First identified in December 2019, in a town called Wuhan, in China. Today, it has been detected in over 100 countries, including the United States of America.  

 

What are the Symptoms of Covid-19?

 

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Sore Throat
  • Body Aches
  • Shortness Of Breath 

 

In some cases, it can also lead to severe respiratory problems like kidney failure and death. 

 

What Should One ‘Do and Don’t Do’ To Avoid Getting Infected By Covid-19?

 

Coronavirus is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The range of inhalation of such respiratory droplets is six feet. Another way of getting infected is by coming in contact with the virus particles through the outside surface. Now it is unclear how long can these particles survive outside the body. So how can you prevent Coronavirus? Here is what you need to do to protect yourself.

 

Do’s for preventing Covid-19 

 

  • Wash Your Hands: One should at least wash hands for 20 seconds, a couple of times a day. Do it repeatedly before cooking, eating, coughing, sneezing, using a bathroom, etc. You can use a disinfectant soap or a sanitizer but it must be at least 60% alcohol. 

 

  • Avoid Public Places: It is advisable to take extra precautions and avoid going to mass gatherings. Especially if you are a senior citizen or a person already suffering from preexisting conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, etc. As people who are 60 years or over are more likely to get infected by Covid-19.

 

  • Reconsider Your Travel Plans: At least for time being, it is sensible to abstain from going to highly infected nations like China, Iran, South Korea, and Japan. The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) also advises against all nonessential travels to these nations.  

 

  • Be Prepared: It is far more important to be prepared than to wait for the unfortunate to happen. Keep supplies at home, in case someone is infected and needs to be quarantined immediately. This includes things like prescription medications, disinfectants to clean the house later, pain relievers, etc. It is also suggested to keep at least 2 weeks’ supply of food and water, in case things go out of hand. 

 

  • Seek Help: Don’t take fever and coughing lightly. Check with your doctor and seek help as early as possible. 

 

  • Cover Up While Sneezing Or Coughing: Always cover your nose and a mouth while sneezing or coughing. Use a tissue and immediately dispose of it in a covered bin. 

 

  • Wear A Mask: Do wear a mask properly, if you suspect you are infected by Covid-19. It will mitigate the risk of giving the virus to others. 

 

Don’t ’s for preventing Covid-19

 

  • Don’t touch your face: Somehow if you come in contact with coronavirus particles, they can enter your body via mouth, eyes, and nose. Thus, it is suggested not to touch them. 

 

  • Don’t wear a mask unless you are sick: Although wearing a mask will help others from getting effected if you are infected by the virus, but won’t really help you a lot if you are healthy. With growing panic, the demand for protective masks has gone so high that it has created a sort of shortage in the market. Thus it is advised to leave it for people who actually need it. 

 

  • Don’t Panic: With growing news, and wide social media coverage, people are worrying far more than they really need to. In fact, public health officials are still saying that the risk of getting infected with coronavirus is low. The best one can do is to stay calm, take precautions and be prepared. 

 

  • Don’t Travel: If you suspect you have a virus, isolate yourself. Contact your doctor. Make an appointment but avoid using any form of public transportation.

 

  • Isolate Yourself: Avoid all types of contacts with family, friends, animals, and people in general if you think you are infected. It is highly recommended to stay away from your pets in such cases. You should stay in a separate room, use a separate bathroom, etc. 

 

  • Don’t Use Antibiotics: We have a tendency to go for antibiotics when we feel sick. But by nature antibiotics are only effective on disease caused by bacteria. Which obviously is not useful here. Coronavirus is a virus after-all.  

 

Though the proper cure to this epidemic is still to be found, I can only say that the most important thing in the current scenario is to Stay Calm. Don’t Panic! Take the above precautions. Wash your hands regularly and be prepared. 

» Comments Off on The Do’s and Don’t of Coronavirus

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Could this plaque identifying toothpaste prevent a heart attack?

Posted on March 9th, 2020 by Paul Williams

I know you must be shocked by reading the title, but it isn’t as surprising as it may sound. In-fact for decades, researchers have suggested that there is a direct association between oral health and inflammatory diseases, that affects our whole body. The inflammation is greatly related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which is measured by hs-CRP (high sensitivity C-reactive protein), a sensitive indicator of potential heart attacks and strokes in a person.

In a recent collaboration between the researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine, and the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, it was tested whether a toothpaste called Plaque HD® reduces hs-CRP?

Plaque HD® toothpaste highlighting the areas of food build up.

The randomized pilot trial was conducted using toothpaste containing either Plaque HD® or an identical non-plaque identifying placebo toothpaste. All the subjects were explored with the same brushing protocols for 30 days.

Results of the trial as published first in the American Journal of Medicine, clearly showed a remarkable reduction in hs-CRP, attributing it to Plaque HD®. If the results of findings are true, it will be safe to infer that Plaque HD® is the first toothpaste that identifies plaque and helps in removing it directly by brushing.

According to Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., Sir Richard Doll Professor, a senior advisor in FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine, and Dr.P.H., senior author, “the current findings are very similar to those from their previous pilot trial. To confirm if this plaque-identifying toothpaste decreases heart attacks or not, it requires a large-scale randomized trial with sufficient size and duration”, said the group. “However, the results still provide a stronger rationale for conducting such trials and if it corroborates with the findings, it’ll have significant potential clinical and public health implications”, they further added.

Based on these discoveries, Hennekens and his colleagues from FAU and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, are drafting a detailed investigatory proposal to NIH, to further explore whether Plaque HD® reduces progression of atherosclerosis.

A report from the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention further supports this claim. It was found that 47.2% of American adults, aged 30 years and older are reported to have some periodontal disease. Research in the past also suggests that periodontal disease may be connected to a variety of other diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Establishing another crucial link between periodontal and inflammatory diseases.

To mitigate the risk of strokes, and other inflammatory diseases, it is obviously extremely important to take care of your oral hygiene, as your mouth is the doorway to all other areas of your body like digestive and respiratory tracts. Investment in oral health is an investment in your complete health.

» Comments Off on Could this plaque identifying toothpaste prevent a heart attack?

What Do Doctors Mean By A “Soft Food Diet” ?

Posted on February 19th, 2020 by Paul Williams

 

Many of us have been there before; when a doctor tells you to stick to soft food for the next few days. You might ask yourself does that mean baby food? Smoothies? What exactly are you supposed to eat? What we are suggesting can have more substance than just blended peas and beef.

A soft food diet consists of foods that are easy to chew and gentle on your stomach. Doctors usually recommend it short-term after surgery or certain medical procedures.

Some of the most common reason that a soft food diet may be suggested include:

Dental Work

If you recently had a tooth extraction, your braces adjusted, or a root canal, you may have been told to avoid any sticky, chewy, or hard foods and focusing on soft foods during your healing stages. Or maybe you recently had a dental crown or bridge completed and you want your temporary to last until your next visit.

Intestinal Surgery

Colon surgery comes with a post-op recovery period. During this time you have to watch out for certain foods that can wreak havoc on your bowels.

Gastric Bypass

Similarly to colon surgery, gastric bypass temporarily interrupts digestion. A common side effect of this surgery is that food moves too quickly from your stomach into your small intestine. A strict soft food diet can help with digestion and allow for more food to be absorbed by the stomach and not the small intestine.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy often leads to nausea, a sore mouth and throat, trouble swallowing, and a general loss of appetite. Easy-to-swallow foods help with discomfort while allowing for adequate nutrition.

Difficulty Swallowing

If you’re having trouble swallowing from a sore throat or trauma, softer textured foods can prevent choking and are less irritating to your esophagus.

 

So what exactly can you eat?

Your goal is to incorporate foods that are soft in texture but still provide lots of nutrients.

Low fiber carbohydrates

  • moist white rice
  • mashed potatoes
  • polenta
  • macaroni and cheese
  • pancakes
  • hummus
  • oatmeal or cream of wheat
  • pasta and noodles
  • soft white bread

Soft proteins

  • canned fish and poultry
  • poached, scrambled, or boiled eggs
  • tofu
  • meatloaf
  • chicken or tuna salad
  • soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat

Calcium enriched foods

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • blended fruit like applesauce and smoothies
  • avocado
  • soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups
  • fruit and/or vegetable juices
  • canned vegetables and fruits
  • baked fruits and vegetables
  • soft fruit without skin

Sweets

  • gelatin-based foods like jello, pudding, mousse, or custards
  • cheesecake
  • ice cream, sorbet or gelato
  • soft, moist cakes

 

Here are some foods that you should AVOID as per the American Dental Association:

  • popcorn
  • whole-grain bread, multigrain crackers
  • cereal containing nuts or dried fruit
  • granola
  • bagels
  • dried fruit
  • nuts and seeds
  • potato chips
  • hot dogs (or any meat with casings)
  • steak
  • bacon
  • beef jerky
  • stringy fruits like mango and pineapple
  • uncooked veggies and fruits
  • corn on the cob
  • berries
  • carbonated drinks
  • spicy foods
  • jams/jellies with seeds
  • whole spices such as peppercorns

 

You might not feel as hungry as usual when recovering or maybe you’re just too sore to notice, but obtaining proper nutrients is vital to the recovery period.

You can even supplement your diet with nutrient-rich fortified drinks like Ensure or Boost when you’re not eating enough due to loss of appetite or these dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the labels for sugar content.

If you’re losing weight due to a recent treatment or loss of appetite aim to incorporate fattier foods help increase your calorie intake. Healthy fats like avocados. If you’re still experiencing significant weight loss be sure to let your doctor know.

 

» Comments Off on What Do Doctors Mean By A “Soft Food Diet” ?

1st Female Case Of Excessive Hair Growth In Gums

Posted on February 17th, 2020 by Paul Williams

Make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel:

 

Hairy gums, I am guessing that isn’t something that you would have thought possible. The term is called “oral hirsutism” and although this can actually happen, it usually just affects males. This was until a 25-year-old woman reported with numerous eyelash-like hairs growing out of her maxillary and mandibular gums.

 

How it began

When the woman was 19, she initially visited doctors at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy, complaining that she had tiny hairs growing out of her gums directly behind her front upper teeth. An extra-oral examination revealed a large amount of hair on the chin and neck. An intra-oral examination showed some brown hair, similar to eyelashes, growing in between some of her teeth. These were removed and sent to a lab to study. One year later, the patient came back with even more hair present and more widespread on the gums of both arches.

Doctors diagnosed the patient with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that results in abnormally high levels of male hormones. Women with this condition often experience unwanted hair growth, usually on the chin and chest. The patient was prescribed birth control pills to regulate her hormone levels and after four months of continuing with the oral contraceptives, the oral growth was gone, according to the authors.

The woman returned to doctors almost 6 years later, when the hair had returned after she had stopped the birth control pills. These hairs were removed during that visit:

Hair in the Gums A, B, Hairs by facial surfaces of teeth #4 and #5. C, Removed hairs. D, Hairs in the zone of the palatal surface of teeth #12 and #13. E, Palatal surface of #14. F, Hairs in the zone of the facial surface of teeth #26.

 

Previous cases of Oral Hirsutism

The occurrence of oral hirsutism is an exceedingly rare event, with an unknown origin. An article published in the February 2020 edition of Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, said there have been only five known cases in the past and most of them had a single hair localized in various sites of the oral cavity. The first documented case of oral hirsutism dated back to the 1960s to a 57-year-old man from the UK. Then there was a 13-year-old Polish boy who had been suffering from alopecia, reported to the Pedodontic Department of the Institute of Stomatology, Medical Academy in Lublin in 1986, with the growth of hair in his mouth. Another case mentioned is a 45-year-old white man who was examined at the Gainesville Veteran’s Administration Hospital Dental Clinic during a regular dental check-up in 2005. A single brown hair was found growing out of his gum, which the patient claimed existed since he was a teenager. Then there was an 11-year-old boy from Iran examined by doctors from the Department of Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2007 with a case very similar to the Polish boy. The most recent case, before the woman mentioned earlier, was a 30-year-old French man who was discovered to have and eyelash hair growing in the middle of his tongue in 2016.

» Comments Off on 1st Female Case Of Excessive Hair Growth In Gums

First Peanut Allergy Drug Gets Approved

Posted on February 14th, 2020 by Paul Williams

Peanut

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first drug for the treatment of peanut allergies in children aged four and older. Although children will still have to avoid peanuts while taking this medication. The drug aids in the case of accidental peanut exposure by decreasing the chances of a deadly allergic reaction.

Peanut allergy affects approximately 1 million children in the U.S. and only 1 out of 5 of these children will grow out of their allergy. Since there is no cure, people allergic to peanuts avoid products with peanuts to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. Allergic reactions to peanut are unpredictable in when and how they appear. Physical symptoms can develop within seconds of exposure and may include, hives, redness or swelling of the skin, digestive discomfort, constriction of the throat and airways, and loss of adequate blood flow to vital organs of the body. Antihistamines and epinephrine can be used to treat allergic reactions, but severe reactions can be fatal.

The drug, Palforzia, was approved for use in individuals aged 4 through 17 who have a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. Its effectiveness is supported by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in the U.S., Canada, and Europe in approximately 500 peanut-allergic individuals. The most commonly reported side effects of Palforzia were abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, tingling in the mouth, itching, cough, runny nose, throat irritation and tightness, hives, wheezing and shortness of breath and anaphylaxis. To mitigate the risk of anaphylaxis associated with Palforzia, the FDA is requiring a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) with this approval, which includes elements to assure safe use. Palforzia should not be administered to those with uncontrolled asthma and will only be available through specially certified healthcare providers, health care settings, and pharmacies. Patients or their parents or caregivers must also be counseled on the need for the patients to have injectable epinephrine available for immediate use at all times and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

» Comments Off on First Peanut Allergy Drug Gets Approved

Please STOP Buying Coronavirus Masks

Posted on February 13th, 2020 by Paul Williams

Surgical masks

When there is an outbreak of a disease, there are important things that uninfected people need to know and do, like washing your hands regularly for instance. There are also things not to do because they have little to no effect or can interfere with proper care for people who need them. For most people, face masks fall into the second category.

Surgical-style face masks can slightly reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory infections. When you breathe in, the mask helps to filter air and particles large enough that cannot get through. Surgical masks aren’t designed to block very small particles like a virus. They aren’t tight-fitting so air can easily get in between the mask and your skin, so you’re still breathing some amount of unfiltered air. Therefore, they have limited usefulness in protecting you from the coronavirus. Surgical masks do provide a little bit of protection against droplets of bodily fluids, however.

The proper use of a surgical mask is not to protect yourself from other people, but to protect other people from your germs. When you cough or sneeze, all those droplets will end up on the inside of your mask. Which reduces the spread of droplets that people around you are exposed to. That’s why surgeons wear masks during surgery or dentists wear masks during dental procedures. You wouldn’t want somebody breathing into your open wounds or mouth, even if they’re relatively healthy. Now when people are running out to buy these surgical masks, they create a shortage for doctors that actually need them. There are only so many face masks manufactured every year, and a lot of them are actually made in China. So they aren’t being exported. The World Health Organization states that the demand for surgical masks is up 100-fold for masks and related supplies, and prices are now up to 20 times higher than usual. The WHO is working to get supplies to the places that need them most, but stockpiles are already low.

Respirator masks are a bit more effective than surgical masks, but unless you’re in a hospital or in a high-risk area it’s overkill. The CDC has this handy chart on the difference between surgical masks and respirators, but the CDC doesn’t actually recommend either one for everyday protection from other people’s germs. The CDC recommends other measures, like washing your hands often and avoiding unnecessary travel to China.

So please, stop buying masks you don’t need. It is just making life harder for doctors, and for people with medical needs like your neighbor with asthma and a dust allergy who wears a respirator when she cleans her house. If you do have a medical reason for wearing masks, do what you need to do to stay safe. Remember, you far more likely to contract a cold or the flu than coronavirus.

» Comments Off on Please STOP Buying Coronavirus Masks

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
©2025 copyright all rights reserved
Paul Williams, Inc.