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Individuals who have diabetes are at higher risk for mouth health problems such as gingivitis (early stage of gum disease), periodontitis (serious gum disease), thrush (infection caused by fungus growing in the mouth), dry mouth (soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities). Gingivitis is a concern because the germs (plaque) work to destroy your gums and bone around your teeth. Cleaning the plaque and tartar away, helps to prevent gingivitis. Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease and more likely to develop because of high blood glucose...
Every day we are faced with making decisions. They range from minor to major decisions. Some people can make decisions quickly while other people need time and information to make a decision. I recently attended a training which included a simple method to use when making a decision. I hope you find it as a useful tool if you are faced with a decision in the near future. It really helps to write it out and include the individuals who the decision will impact, such as family members, including kids. Here are the steps: 1. Identify the options....
April is National Stress Awareness Month With life’s demands, we all experience stress. Stress is how our body and brain responds to those demands. How each one of us deals with stress is different. Some people deal with stress effectively and/or may recover more quickly than other people, even if they have experienced the same stressful event. Even though it is healthy to have some amounts of stress in our lives, such as motivation to getting tasks accomplished or as a survival response to a dangerous situation, chronic stress puts our p...
RECYCLING BONANZA – E-waste collection is back! April 27, 2019, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Dedman Foundation Parking Lot, 1410 24th St, Fort Benton It is that time of year for the annual Recycling Bonanza. This year we will be able to collect electronic equipment including computers and computer accessories, phones and tablets, entertainment equipment, office equipment, televisions and monitors and more. Most of the electronic items will be collected for free, however, fees may apply for large items and others, such as the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) units...
Been wondering what the chia seed craze is about? Who remembers the catchy tune – “cha, cha, cha, chia”? These are indeed the same seeds that grew into the green “fur” of the popular Chia Pets and other characters. Now, chia seeds have gained a new attention related to our diets. They can be a healthy addition to foods we eat. But why? Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica L. which is a member of the mint family. They are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids*. In addition, chia seeds are high in fiber, protein,...
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT WEIGHT AND OBESITY Weight is a sensitive subject for many, especially for children and teens. Concerns about body image and gaining weight are affecting kids at a very young age. Careful attention in deciding how to talk to your child about weight is important because it can have serious and lifelong implications. The following are some tips taken from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, eatright.org. 1. Encourage open dialogue by talking with your children about weight and encourage them to share their...
While in the midst of tax season, it can be stressful finding the necessary records to get your taxes done. Have you sworn to yourself every year during this time you will keep better records for next year? But, it never really ends up the way you hoped? There are also the questions of “How much and how long do I keep the records?” or “Why do I need to have a record keeping system?” Just like other important records, keeping financial records are also a vital part of your life. They are a key to your credit standing, justification on your ta...
At the time I am writing this, the forecast for the next couple weeks has us nowhere near at or above freezing. With the cold we have already experienced and will continue to experience, it brings with it concerns of safety. Hypothermia and frostbite are definitely something you want to avoid but there also other concerns that come with the cold such as loss of coordination and impairment of judgment that may lead to accidents or other types of injuries. Wind and moisture have a huge impact on our body’s ability to regulate temperature. A...
One of the traits I admire about people are those who can make other people laugh. Some of the most memorable times I recall have been with people who have made me laugh. With the many things we are responsible for and worry about on a daily basis, laughter is a great stress buster. Laughter has short-term and long-term benefits. Mentally, laughter lightens your load and it also has a positive impact physically. Laughter increases your intake of oxygen, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles and increases the endorphins released by your...
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, deadly gas. This is why it is so dangerous. High concentrations can cause death within just a few minutes of breathing it while lower levels can make you sick. When appliances are properly installed and maintained, they produce only small amounts of carbon monoxide. Anything that disrupts the burning process or results in a shortage of oxygen can increase carbon monoxide production. Wood, coal and charcoal fires always produce carbon monoxide, as do gasoline engines. It is important to check...
We all know we should do more of this but we do not seem to do it. It is to drink more water. Although there are many people who do drink water as their beverage of choice, many of us others could definitely increase our water intake. But why? You have heard all of these before but here they are again as a reminder. Water: - Fuels muscles by transporting oxygen, fat and glucose to keep them working. Muscles contain 75 percent water so a lot of water is required to maintain that level or even more to gain muscle. - Maintains good blood volume...
It seems this time of year brings forth the anxiousness of re-evaluating our finances and looking to cut costs. For most families, food is one of the highest monthly expenses. How about making a “game plan” before going shopping? Having a “game plan” will help in making fewer trips to the grocery store and buying only the things you need, thus saving you money. Before going shopping, your “game plan” will include planning your meals for a determined amount of time. First, check your cupboards, freezer, and refrigerator and make a note of wha...
With the new year upon us, resolutions may be on your mind. Have you found how easy they are to make but not as easy to keep? Those who make new year’s resolutions are 10 times more likely to accomplish the changes than those who do not formally make resolutions. By making a resolution, you are taking the first step. Here are some pointers in following through with it successfully. 1. Plan the resolution out in steps, small increments. Rather than say you are going to save money, review your budget and designate a realistic amount of how m...
Do not let the fun and joy of friends and family gatherings be ruined by being sick from eating foods which were improperly cooked, cooled and/or held at improper temperatures. Here are reminders about preparing and keeping food safe: • Clean hands – wash with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling any food. This is important because viruses are not killed by heating food. The key to not spreading viruses is by washing your hands!! • Shopping and storing food – transport cold food in cooler with ice and place immediately i...
As we say goodbye to November and move into December, for some people, the thought of the holiday season brings heightened anxiety and pressure. For others, it is like floating on a cloud, they have anticipated it the whole year. For those who are already wore out by the thought of navigating the crowds and the never ending list of to-dos, here are some ways to possibly lessen the pressure and anxiety. 1. Simplify – You likely already have a busy life so adding anything more brings chaos. Simplify by setting a specific intention – what do you...
Open a Montana Medical Savings Account before Dec. 31 and save about $242 on your 2018 Montana Income Taxes Have you had any medical expenses so far this this year that weren’t covered by your health insurance policy, a flexible spending account (FSA) or your Federal Health Care Savings Account (HSA)? If so, you can still open a Montana Medical Care Savings Account (MSA) by Dec. 31 and cover those expenses. If you deposit up to $3,500, (the maximum in 2018) you can reduce your Montana adjusted gross income by that amount. Doing so will r...
Meal Planning November 27, 2018 Big Sandy Library Stop by anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm and work on developing a personalized meal plan. Leave with a printed menu, recipes, grocery list and daily nutrient intake values to meet your dietary needs. Why plan out your meals? By having a plan for your meals, you will save money, prepare and eat more healthy meals and reduce your stress. By sticking to a grocery list for the meals planned, you will not overbuy and you will have less waste due to using the ingredients needed for the planned meals....
In keeping with National Diabetes Month in November, I wanted to share a free diabetes cooking and meal planning resource. It is called Diabetes Food Hub™ and is available at www.diabetesfoodhub.org. The American Diabetes Association just released the Diabetes Food Hub™. I have played around with it a little and, so far, I think it has some great potential to address questions that I hear regarding diabetes. What can I eat? As with any chronic disease or medical condition that is dependent on an individual’s diet, people with diabetes feel rest...
One type of diabetes you may not see a lot about is gestational diabetes. With November being National Diabetes Month, this year the educational efforts are being focused on promoting health after gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes typically goes away after the baby is born, however, the mother and the baby are at a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life. The statistics show that half of all women who had gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2...
Do you feel bombarded by health information and not sure whether to believe it or not? It comes at us from all directions—written, electronic and verbally. But how do we know the good from the bad? Take into consideration the source—who wrote it, when did they say it and how did they know. Is it a health organization, hospital, government branch, a university or a business? Quality is also important such as if the source has an editorial board or if it is reviewed before it is published or posted? According to trustortrash.org, if you do not...
According to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) article from October 2, 2018, influenza (flu) cases are showing up early this season in Montana. Influenza is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by different strains of influenza viruses. While many people use the imprecise term “flu” to describe 24 or 48 hour bouts of illness, real influenza can interfere with normal daily activities for as long as a week. Montana had 10,000 flu cases, 979 hospitalizations and 79 deaths related to influenza during the las...
Does anyone recall being told as a kid eating too much sugar would rot your teeth? Or, perhaps you have caught yourself telling a child the same thing? Have you ever wondered if it was true and, if so, why? As we find out the older we get, many of the things we were told as children end up being true. In this case with sugar and rotting teeth, it is also true. Here is why: Plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria covering our teeth, turns the simple carbohydrates (sugars and starches) from the foods and drinks we consume into acid. The acid...
National 4-H Week, October 7-13, 2018 For the 76th consecutive year, millions of youth, families, volunteers and alumni across the country having engaged in many different activities celebrating National 4-H Week this week (October 7-13). This year’s theme, Inspire Kids to Do, is a campaign that will give kids more opportunities to do, empowering them with the skills they need to succeed in life and career. 4-H was found on the belief that when kids are given the opportunity to pursue their passions and steer they own course, their unique skill...
Getting Your Home Ready for Winter With snow being seen around the state lately, it is a reminder that we need to make some preparations for the winter season that is upon us. Here are some ideas to get you started. 1. Check seals around doors and windows: It is surprising how small cracks and spaces can let heat out during the winter but also lets pests into your home as the weather cools. On the outside, look for cracks around window and door frames and apply caulk. Check your electrical outlets and switch plates for air leakage and install i...
The fastest growing segment of the population in the United States are older adults. This group is uniquely vulnerable to financial scams. Con artists find them as attractive prey because older adults are thought to have a “nest egg,” have excellent credit, won’t say “no” because they were raised to be polite and trusting, are less likely to report the fraud for fear of appearing to have a weakened mental capacity because they were taken advantage or they do not know how to report it. Older adults need to be aware and prepared to protect themse...
