FOR YOUR HEALTH: How to Overcome Anxiety at the Dentist

Keeping your mind at ease while your teeth get cleaned may be easier than you realize.

(NAPSI)—If you experience anxiety and stress while visiting your dentist, you’re not alone. For many people, the idea of going to the dentist stirs up anxiety; however, it’s so important to combat those thoughts to keep your smile strong and healthy. To help, here are four tips so you can remain calm while your teeth receive care:

Talk to your dentist – Be open about your anxieties and stress before the appointment so the dentist can ease your mind. If you want to know what’s happening during the appointment, they can explain the procedure to you. If you would rather not know, your dentist can tell you when to close your eyes or distract yourself. Work on a signal with your dentist – for instance, if you raise your hand during your appointment, it could mean you need a break, or something hurts. Don’t be afraid to communicate what you need for a successful trip to the dentist’s chair.

Use tools to distract yourself – If the tools or sounds of the dental machines cause you anxiety, find ways to busy yourself. You can bring headphones to listen to your favorite music or podcast while you lounge in the dentist’s chair. Objects such as stress balls or fidget spinners are also a great way to keep busy.

Practice mindfulness – To keep your mind off your dentist’s appointment, you can practice mindfulness both before and during. Focus on breathing while you’re in the waiting room or in the dentist’s chair with slow, deep breaths. Relax all the muscles you can, one at a time, with a body scan. Start from your feet all the way up to your neck and shoulders while you’re reclined for your appointment.

Bring a friend – Do not feel embarrassed or shy to ask for support! If you have a trusted friend or family member who makes you feel safe, see if they can help you in facing your fear of the dentist.

While these tips may not get rid of dental anxiety completely, they are a great place to start so any patient can conquer any dentist appointment.

Learn More

For more information on your oral health, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s blog at www.deltadentalwa.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Lip Care is an Important Part of Your Oral Health Routine

Don’t kiss off your lips. Protect them from damage and neglect.

(NAPSI)—Lips are one of the most sensitive organs in the body, composed of more than a million nerves, yet they are often neglected and not treated properly. Without healthy, fully functioning lips, your everyday life would look very different­—which is why it’s so important to take the necessary steps to protect them.  

Why protect your lips  

Lips are the body’s thinnest and most fragile layer of skin, and lack the sweat glands—or sebaceous oil glands—necessary to provide strong protection. This combination of thin skin and lack of natural moisturizing leads to dryness and susceptibility to becoming chapped, especially in drastic weather conditions. Over time, untreated chapped lips could lead to severe oral deterioration and susceptibility to wounds.  

As seasons and temperatures change, your lips can be greatly affected if not properly cared for. During the hot summer months, it’s important to protect your lips with lip balm and SPF lip care. Continuous and unprotected sun exposure can cause breakage to the skin barrier and lead them to look aged and discolored, and in some cases, even to oral cancer.  

No matter the weather—or your age—it’s important to pay close attention to your lips, and to develop a regular lip care routine to help keep your lips soft, smooth and healthy.  

“The lips are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, and ongoing neglect can lead to serious consequences including mouth cancer,” warns Kyle Dosch, DDS, who serves as Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director. “It is important to schedule your twice annual check-ups with your dentist where they perform oral inspections to detect any urgent mouth issues.”

How can I protect my lips?  

Many think that licking your lips provides them with sufficient moisture but, in reality, this actually dries them out even more. To keep your lips hydrated, use a moisturizing lip balm, which can be applied as often as you feel your lips need a hydration boost.  

When looking for a good lip balm, check the ingredients for shea butter, which is a great source of moisturization. Also, when choosing a lip balm, check for SPF 30 or SPF 40. Even if it’s not sunny out, there are still strong UVA and UVB rays that can cause more damage to your lips, according to Healthline experts.  

Another way to protect your lips is by exfoliating at least once a week using sugar or salt mixed with your preferred nourishing oil, then follow up with a lip balm. Make sure, when exfoliating, you’re not applying too much pressure because you don’t want to break the skin barrier any further.  

Your body works in wonderful ways to communicate what it needs, so make sure to listen and look at what it is saying. Following these simple and easy steps will let your lips be full and healthy, which contributes to your overall well-being.  

Learn More

For further information on lip care visit www.deltadentalwa.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: An Rx Label That Speaks for Itself

People who have trouble reading prescription bottle labels can get an app that will recite the information for them.

(NAPSI)—There is good news for many in the visually impaired community, and for anyone who has trouble reading standard print labels. 

Prescription management and medication adherence can be particularly difficult when it’s difficult to see the label. 

However, there’s CVS Pharmacy’s Spoken Rx®, a digital solution that makes managing prescriptions easier and more accessible by reading important prescription information aloud. It also serves as an important tool for people experiencing literacy or language difficulties, or dyslexia.

With Spoken Rx, patients can hear their prescription information read aloud by scanning an RFID (radio frequency identification) sticker on the bottom of their prescription bottle or package. It is available for free to all patients at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. As the first in-app prescription reader application developed by a national retail pharmacy, Spoken Rx is an extension of other helpful tools offered by CVS Pharmacy like large-print accessible prescription labels.

“I lost the majority of my vision at 14 due to Retinitis Pigmentosa and I can tell you, when you’re blind, every bit of independence matters. I know first-hand how much of a difference it makes being able to manage my prescriptions on my own without having to ask for help,” said Molly Burke, social media influencer and advocate. “Spoken Rx has been a game-changer for me and others in my community. It’s so easy to use and allows me to keep my own medical information private, which is so important. I appreciate that CVS Pharmacy is prioritizing innovations that help all its customers, including people like me, and I’m looking forward to seeing the ways in which CVS continues to grow its accessibility and digital offerings.” 

How Spoken Rx works

To use Spoken Rx, patients or companions must download the CVS Pharmacy app from the iOS App Store or Google Play, then:

• Open the CVS Pharmacy app using Siri or Google Assistant, select the “Pharmacy” tile on the homepage. 

• Navigate to the “tools & settings” section and select “Spoken Rx”. 

• The device prompts users to scan the bottle, bring the RFID tag on the bottom of the prescription vial near the device’s camera. 

• If the RFID tag is read correctly, the prescription information will display on the screen and the app will speak prescription information out loud. 

What prescription information can be read aloud? 

Information that can be read aloud by Spoken Rx in either English or Spanish includes: 

• Patient name 

• Medication name 

• Dosage and directions

• Pharmacy address

• Pharmacy phone number

• Prescription number

• Dispensed quantity

• Refills remaining

• Prescriber name

• Fill date

• Discard after date

 The development and continued enhancement of Spoken Rx illustrates CVS Pharmacy’s role in serving people’s unique needs by delivering them innovative solutions no matter where they are on their health journey. 

How to Sign up

You can enroll for free either over-the-phone or in-store, where a pharmacist can ensure the patient’s app is appropriately set up for the service. To find a CVS Pharmacy near you or to learn more about Spoken Rx, please visit www.CVS.com/SpokenRx. 

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Which Dental Floss is Right for You?

No matter what your age, schedule or dental condition, it’s important to floss your teeth.

(NAPSI) — What simple action serves as a one-stop shop for protecting your oral health while helping prevent gum disease and tooth decay? Flossing, and at least once a day at that. While brushing is a great place to start, there are many small crevices your toothbrush can’t reach on its own.

“While it only takes a couple minutes, flossing is integral to your dental health,” said Kyle Dosch, DDS, a licensed dentist who serves as Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director. “Taking the time for that extra step will have you thanking yourself later on.”

Flossing may seem like a chore but adding it to your household’s daily routine could save you hassle and expense of dental treatments down the road. The good news is that there are a variety of flosses made to fit your needs and preferences.

Easiest-to-Use Floss: An electric air or water flosser is a great option if you struggle to floss regularly. Although it can be an upfront investment, an electric flosser requires very little effort, spraying water or air in pulses to effectively remove debris from between your teeth.  

Smoothest Floss: Look for floss which has a light coating of wax if you prefer a smooth touch while flossing. Waxed floss often has a silky texture and comes in many flavors.  

Toughest Floss: If you want floss that won’t break or shred when you clean your teeth, go for polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE). It’s made from the same material used in waterproof sportswear, so it’s extremely strong and durable.  

Most Natural Floss: Rather than containing PTFE or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), all-natural types of flosses use biodegradable materials such as natural silk instead of nylon with a beeswax coating.  

Most Affordable Floss: Unwaxed dental floss is the most affordable option available. Made from nylon like most flosses, unwaxed dental floss simply doesn’t have a slick waxed coating.  

Best Floss for Kids: It can be hard enough to get kids to reach for floss, but an ergonomic dental floss pick with a long handle can help ease the struggle. Selecting one made especially for children so little hands can grip it is even better.  

Best Flavored Floss: Waxed floss comes in a variety of flavors to suit people of all ages. For children, that may mean fun, fruity flavors, while floss for adults is typically mint- or cinnamon-flavored.

Best Floss for Teeth with Spacing: If you have wide spacing between your teeth, traditional floss may not be best for you. Dental tape is slightly thicker and flatter than floss and can help clean around individually spaced teeth.  

Best Floss for Braces: Braces pose quite the obstacle for flossers. Some dentists recommend investing in Super Floss, made from materials which resemble yarn. Super Floss also contains stiff pieces on each end to help navigate the floss under braces and dental bridges for the most effective cleaning.

Best Floss for Gingivitis: Flossing plays an important role in preventing gum disease, which is treatable and reversible in its early stages. For sensitive gums, floss that is soft and free of potential irritants is best. A woven floss which expands slightly can be more efficient at grabbing plaque if you’re prone to debris buildup throughout the day.  

For more information about your oral health, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s blog at www.deltadentalwa.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: What to Know About Pneumonia

Doctor In Surgery Giving Male Patient Injection

Vaccine protection can substantially reduce your risk of contracting pneumococcal pneumonia.

(NAPSI)—Many people think of pneumonia as a disease to worry about only in the fall and winter, but the truth is, pneumonia can reach you any time during the year.

The Problem

Contracting pneumonia can be especially concerning for older adults whose immune systems have begun to wane. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every week at least 1,000 Americans die from pneumonia.

There are several risk factors that can make you more susceptible to contracting pneumonia including age (being 65 and older or 5 years and younger), behavioral factors such as smoking cigarettes and the presence of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

An Answer

The good news is there are recommended vaccines that can help build your immune system and protect you from pneumococcal pneumonia, a common type of the disease caused by bacteria. This is important because having pneumococcal pneumonia even once increases your chances of contracting it again.

In 2021, the FDA approved new pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines that cover more forms of the disease than previous versions. Even if you are 65 years and older and have already received a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine, you are now eligible for one of these new pneumococcal pneumonia vaccines.

Unlike the flu vaccine, you do not have to wait until the fall to be vaccinated. Just as you can be infected at any time during the year, you can also receive a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine at any time, regardless of the season. Medicare and most insurances now cover the full cost of a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine for seniors and at-risk populations.

Learn More

The National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, in partnership with USA Boxing and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), created a document outlining the five things to know about pneumonia to help spread the word about this important opportunity to protect the health of older Americans. English and Spanish versions can be found at: https://www.nanasp.org/vaccines.

Talk to your doctor to determine whether you are eligible for a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: How Functional Fitness Can Help You Keep Up with the Grandkids

Grandfather and his grandson enjoying and playing together on basketball court.

Fun with your grandkids is just one good reason to get physically fit.

(NAPSI)—One of the greatest joys—but potentially biggest challenges—for many grandparents is time spent with the grandkids. Whether yours are toddlers or teens, keeping them entertained requires a level of fitness that might include everything from lifting a child to chasing them at the playground to competing in a round of golf. For grandparents seeking an enriching and active experience with their grandkids, it’s important to engage in everyday fitness routines that can help:

  • maintain muscle mass,
  • preserve cardiovascular health,
  • fortify flexibility, and
  • bolster balance.

Functional fitness training can help with these goals.

What is Functional Fitness?

“Functional fitness uses multiple muscle groups and movements to help train muscles, joints, limbs, and nerves to all work better together for everyday tasks, like lifting groceries from the car, or outmaneuvering the grandkids,” says Jaynie Bjornaraa PhD, MPH, PT, who is vice president of rehabilitation services and fitness solutions at American Specialty Health Fitness.

Examples of functional fitness exercises include lunges, squats, and planks. “Lunges help improve balance and make the legs stronger,” says Dr. Bjornaraa. “Squats help strengthen the muscles used in sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects safely. Core training, like planks, helps strengthen the lower back, hips, and abdominal muscles. A strong core provides a stable base when lifting, standing, or performing the chores of everyday life.”

There are many ways to incorporate functional fitness into an everyday fitness routine. For example, online workout classes such as Pilates, yoga, or strength training can provide easy access to beginner, intermediate, or advanced exercise routines. Gyms offer in-person classes plus access to most any kind of fitness equipment you may need to practice functional fitness, from mats and free weights to fitness balls and exercise bands.

If cost is a factor in joining a gym or fitness classes, programs such as the Silver&Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program, which is available through certain Medicare Advantage plans, offer no-cost or subsidized low-cost access to thousands of standard name-brand gyms and YMCAs, in addition to premium boutique studios around the country. These programs may also include online access to fitness video classes such as dance, cardio, tai chi, Pilates, strength training, yoga, and others that teach proper form and technique. Nearly five million participants use the Silver&Fit program to help them stay fit.

“Functional fitness offers terrific health benefits for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level,” added Dr. Bjornaraa. “I encourage my friends, family, and clients to engage in some kind of functional fitness exercise every day to maximize the benefits.”

If you’re ready to try some functional fitness exercises but aren’t sure where to begin, you may care to check out a functional fitness exercise video called “3 Functional Exercises Using Only Body Weight.”

Learn More

For information about the Silver&Fit program, visit www.silverandfit.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Finding relief from painful varicose veins is possible

Angie King

Angie King, of Detroit, has been in healthcare for more than 20 years, currently as a medical assistant. She loves her job and helping people. But being on her feet all day caused her varicose veins to swell, causing pain and heaviness in her legs. “Some days I was in real pain and it’s hard not to show it. I had to sit down frequently just to get off my legs for a minute, walking got painful.”

Angie heard about a treatment that could help her being performed by Mark Bolduc, MD, a physician with vascular expertise, at Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield. The procedure is called Radio Frequency Ablation or RFA for short. It’s an in-office procedure that eases the common symptoms of varicose veins, which can include pain, swelling, achiness and irritation. RFA can help sufferers avoid a more involved surgical procedure.

Dr. Bolduc has more than 20 years of experience with the procedure. He sees patients of all ages, many of whom who work on their feet all day such as teachers, and those in retail and healthcare – like Angie King. “It’s a procedure that lasts about 60 minutes using local anesthesia, the patient stays awake the whole time,” says Dr. Bolduc.

Dr. Mark Bolduc

Dr. Bolduc explains that varicose veins can appear because of damaged vein walls and valves. RFA works by sending a thermal heat source to an affected vein and closes it off, which helps reduce pain to the leg. “Patients will find relief from the nagging ache and itchiness in five to seven days. I’ve seen it make a big difference in a person’s daily life.”

It’s been five months since Angie had RFA. “I am so happy I did it. I’m more active now, and I’m not in pain after standing at my job for long periods of time. I can keep up with my younger colleagues at work!” she said with a smile. “It’s really changed my life and I hope I can encourage others to check it out.”

RFA is covered by most insurances if a medical necessity. Contact your primary care provider for a referral. Dr. Bolduc performs RFA at Sebasticook Valley Hospital and also sees patients for consultations at Northern Light Vascular Care in Waterville.

Visit Northernlight.org/SVHveins or call 207.487.4040 for more information.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Finding Health Insurance Coverage For Your New College Graduate

Many families may be surprised at how much young adults need health insurance—and how easy it can be for them to get it.

(NAPSI)—As you and your child look to the future, many questions may arise. One often lost in these planning discussions is what are the graduate’s health insurance needs.

While it might be the last thing you ask yourself, it can be one of the most significant. Adults ages 19 to 34 have the highest uninsured rates of any age group in the United States—and that may put them at risk. One unexpected accident or illness could have long-lasting health and financial impacts.

“Choosing the right health coverage may seem difficult to young people, as many have never shopped for their own health insurance,” said Dan Garrison, president of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. “Fortunately, there is a wide range of coverage options available to a family working to meet a graduate’s unique care needs and financial situation.”

And now is the time to start. While some graduates may have secured jobs that offer health benefits, some may not have access to these benefits immediately, while others may need to look at other options.

Here are some tips for getting started:

Know where to go for support. You and your graduate can find helpful information through healthcare marketplaces, insurance carriers, insurance brokers and other licensed agents. For example, GetCovered, powered by HealthMarkets, is a free service that provides guidance for graduates in need of healthcare coverage—by phone at 877-270-0029 or online at getcovered.com/graduate.

Have answers to these kick-off questions.

•When does the graduate’s current coverage end, if it is through the university or college?
•Is coverage possible under the family’s plan? Under the “Age 26 Rule,” parents or guardians may maintain or add children to their health plans until the young person’s 26th birthday or later, depending on the state.
•What benefits does the graduate need or want?
•What portion of the graduate’s monthly budget can go to health insurance?

Understand your options

If coverage under the “Age 26” rule is not an option, consider:

Medicaid/Medicare—While Medicare coverage is primarily available to individuals over age 65, Medicaid eligibility is based on income, disability, and other circumstances.

•Individual exchange/marketplace plans—These ACA plans are available through federal or state enrollment sites. Based on income, your graduate may be eligible for plan subsidies—making one of these plans more affordable. Graduation would be a “qualifying life event” to enroll in an ACA plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period.

•Short-term plans—Short-term limited duration insurance plans offer different levels of coverage than ACA plans. These plans provide temporary coverage to bridge the gap between longer-term insurance coverage, such as health benefits offered by an employer.

“Health coverage decisions can be made simpler—and there are resources to help,” Garrison said. “Whether your family chooses to do its own research and enrollment, or engage outside services, determining what your graduate may need and can afford will help you find health coverage that ensures your child has access to care now.”

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Make the Most of Summer with Tips for a Healthy Season

(NAPSI)—The summer months are here, signaling that it’s time to soak up the warm weather, enjoy time outside, and make the most of the longer days. The hotter months can also bring additional risk for outdoor activities, so follow these safety tips to prepare for a fun and healthy summer.

Use sun protection. Always take protective steps when enjoying time in the sun. Make use of the shade on a sunny day to keep cool and reduce the risk of sunburn. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection from damaging UV rays. Best of all is broad-spectrum sunscreen, which should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors. Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Prepare for bugs. When planning a day outside, be sure to pack insect repellent. Warmer weather means more insects, which can be more than noisy nuisances. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks can also carry disease. If the day calls for spending time in tall grass or heavily wooded areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent bites. Remember to check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks upon returning indoors.

Stay active. Staying active is also important to good health, and summer is a great time to jumpstart an active lifestyle. Try to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, whether that’s swimming, playing catch, or just going for a walk around the neighborhood. Many people break up the 150 minutes a week into 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But do whatever works for your schedule and lifestyle. Physical activity doesn’t just help you stay in shape: moving more can also improve stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep.

Drink enough water. Staying on top of fluid intake is key to staying healthy and hydrated in the heat, and it can be easy to become dehydrated without noticing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. Sports drinks can help replenish vital electrolytes after time in the hot sun but should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Update your COVID protection. Winter may be known as the cold and flu season, but COVID remains a threat year-round. If you are already vaccinated but don’t yet have an updated vaccine, consider getting one—especially if you are planning to travel, attend crowded events, or spend time with older adults. Updated COVID vaccines offer protection against two strains of the COVID virus. And if you’re 65 or older, or you are immunocompromised, you can get a second dose of an updated vaccine because you’re at high risk for COVID complications.

“With the official public health emergency ending, people may be tempted to dismiss COVID as something they don’t need to worry about when they make plans for the summer,” said Sima Ladjevardian, Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The truth is, COVID is still part of our lives, and staying up to date on vaccines will help keep COVID from disrupting the things you want to do.”

For more information and to find a free vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Prevent Pain And Problems

Dr. Louis F. McIntyre says seeing an orthopaedic surgeon can help you live a more pain-free life.

(NAPSI)—If you or someone you care about is a weekend warrior, maturing man or exercise enthusiast, you might want to bone up on these facts about health and safety.

The Problem

As men get older, over-exercise or make sudden changes in activity, they may experience injuries, stiffness, discomfort or pain in their bones, joints and muscles. Instead of ignoring these symptoms which can lead to more issues, it’s a good idea to see an orthopaedic surgeon who can prevent, diagnose and treat such problems.

Some Answers

To help you understand how much orthopaedists can do for you, Dr. Louis F. McIntyre, Chief Quality Officer for U.S. Orthopaedic Partners (USOP), a platform of over 250 orthopedic providers across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisi­ana, offers four tips:

• As the weather gets warmer, people are more inclined to get out and start exercising. However, if you have a previous injury, you can do more damage.
• Many people don’t realize you don’t need to have an injury to visit an orthopaedist. As people age, they experience more aches and pains and joint damage.
• Orthopaedists can prescribe treatments, assist with rehabilitation, and help develop long-term strategies to deal with specific injuries.
• In addition to injuries, orthopaedic surgeons can assist with arthritis and sciatica, knee, back or shoulder pain, reduced range of motion, and numbness in limbs.

No one wants to live with long-lasting pain or be limited in their daily activities. Orthopaedists can help address the issue and get you back to living a pain-free active life.

Learn More

For more facts on orthopaedics and how it can help you, visit www.us-orthopartners.com.