While everyone knows that it’s important to brush and floss your teeth daily—not that everyone does so perfectly—there are so many other parts of proper dental care that most people either don’t know about or have forgotten completely. But if you want to have good oral hygiene, which is important for the youngest babies in their cribs and the oldest grandparents in their assisted living communities, then you have to implement more than just the basics.

To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for caring for your teeth other than brushing and flossing. 

Start Consistently Using Mouthwash

Another great product you can use in your mouth in addition to toothpaste and dental floss is mouthwash. 

While you might think that mouthwash is only something that you use when you want to freshen your breath without brushing your teeth, mouthwash can actually have a lot of great benefits to your oral health. For example, mouthwash can reduce the amount of acid you have in your mouth, remineralize your teeth, and get into some of the places that a toothbrush and floss has a hard time reaching. So for people who might not have the dexterity to get their toothbrush and their floss into every nook and cranny in their mouth, using mouthwash should be a part of their normal dental hygiene. 

Visit Your Dentist Those Two Times A Year

We all know that life gets busy. So when you forget to schedule your dental visits, it’s easy to justify just pushing it off until the next six months rolls along. But the longer you do this, the worse off your dental health is likely to become. 

When you visit the dentist, he or she is able to notice issues in your mouth that you may not have noticed yourself. They can recommend changes to your oral hygiene practices and make sure your teeth, gums, and mouth are ready to take on whatever you’ll throw at them in the next six months. 

Consume Healthy Foods And Avoid The Wrong Things

It’s not just what you’re doing to your teeth specifically that can have an impact on your dental health. The foods, drinks, and other things that you consume can also either help or hurt your oral health. So if you’re doing things like constantly drinking sugary drinks, smoking or using other forms of tobacco, or allowing acidic foods and drinks to just sit on your teeth for extended periods of time, it’s time to start making some changes. 

If you want to take the best possible care of your teeth but are currently only doing the basics of brushing and flossing daily, consider how you can implement the tips mentioned above to help you go above and beyond here. 

Monday, June 6, 2022, 3:30 PM

FORT WAYNE, IN / JUNE 6, 2022 / Neil R. Sharma MD specializes in the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus and various cancers via minimally invasive endoscopic therapy. He recently offered information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this ailment which can raise the risk of rare esophageal cancer. 

Diagnosing Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus is usually diagnosed with a minimally invasive endoscopy. Endoscopy involves using a tiny camera attached to a lighted tube (endoscope) that enters the throat to examine esophageal tissue. 

Doctors examine the video to see if the esophagus tissue is glossy and pale (normal) or velvety and red, which can signal Barrett’s esophagus. During the endoscopy, the surgeon will remove tissue from the esophagus for the pathologist to biopsy and determine the severity of the change. 

Degrees of Tissue Change

Dr. Neil Sharma explained the various levels of tissue change help determine the course of treatment. The following are the three degrees of tissue change pathologists may classify the tissue as:

No Dysplasia

No dysplasia means Barrett’s esophagus is visible, but pathologists did not locate precancerous cells.

Low-Grade Dysplasia

Low-grade dysplasia means signs of precancerous changes are present.

High-Grade Dysplasia

The cells in high-grade dysplasia show a lot of changes. High-grade dysplasia is the last step before the cells become cancerous. Some also call this “pTis” or “carcinoma in situ.” The terms are interchangeable.

Neil Sharma and Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus

Dr. Neil R. Sharma explained that the treatment method a doctor chooses for Barrett’s esophagus relies on the severity of the dysplasia. 

No Dysplasia 

A patient with no dysplasia will return for regular monitoring of the esophagus every year or every other year. The doctor will recommend lifestyle changes and medication to help ease symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. 

Low-Grade Dysplasia

Doctors specializing in Barrett’s esophagus act more intensely when low-grade dysplasia is present. That’s because this is a precancerous stage. Options include closer observation versus eradication of Barrett’s tissue for those with low-grade dysplasia. Neil R. Sharma MD tailors these options to each patient based upon their personalized health plan and a collaborative discussion.

Popular treatment methods include endoscopically removing damaged cells, or radiofrequency ablation that removes damaged esophageal tissue with heat. Doctors will typically recommend endoscopic resection before radiofrequency ablation. Endoscopic resection allows for any raised tissue to be removed.

Cryotherapy is another option for treating low-grade dysplasia. It involves endoscopically applying a cold gas or liquid to the damaged cells, then allowing them to thaw and freezing them again. This method damages abnormal cells so they cannot spread. 

High-Grade Dysplasia

High-grade dysplasia is critical because it is often the final step before diagnosing esophageal cancer. The doctor will act quickly with radiofrequency ablation, an endoscopic resection, or cryotherapy. They may also recommend a more invasive surgery to remove the damaged area of the esophagus.

Dr. Neil Sharma expressed the importance of seeking treatment for signs of Barrett’s esophagus, so it does not advance from low-grade dysplasia to high-grade dysplasia and eventually esophageal cancer. 

Every race has a starting point. But Enitan Ekwotafia can help get you to the finish line.

As a licensed personal trainer, Enitan Ekwotafia is used to helping her clients achieve their fitness goals. But running a marathon is different. It’s not as easy as lacing up some sneakers and hitting the pavement. It requires focused commitment and detailed planning.

Yet Enitan Ekwotafia is up for the challenge. Even if you’ve never run a mile, the seasoned professional steps up to provide seven must-have strategies for any marathon training program.

Save the date

Make race day the goal. So, circle your calendar. After all, race day is the culmination of your hard work. Simply select a date to use as the endpoint. Then, build your schedule by working backwards. But, stick close to home too. For your initial race, it helps to choose something local so you can familiarize yourself with the route.

Log miles

Enitan Ekwotafia recommends building distance for about a year before entering a race. Aspiring runners should shoot for approximately 50 miles each. But this should be regular and consistent. Avoid dramatic increases. She cautions against increasing more than 10% in a given week. Progressing too quickly may cause fatigue, injury, or burnout.

Schedule a long run

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t push yourself. Test the limits by working in a longer run. Every couple of weeks, use a long run to evaluate your progress while still limiting major spikes in total mileage. These longer runs should only extend your normal route by a mile or two each time. You’ll want to adjust your pace too. As you extend your distance, start decreasing your speed to compensate.

Add speed

However, you shouldn’t go slow all the time. Mix up your runs. Speedwork boosts aerobic capacity. The most popular forms are interval and tempo training. For an interval workout, repeat sets of shorter distances at faster paces. Slow jog or walk between sets. Tempo training is usually longer.

Hit the gym

Running alone won’t cut it. Cross-training, lifting weights, and other strength exercises are the best ways to ensure your body is ready for the rigors of race day. And this might improve your overall health too. The repetitive movements of running produce a lot of wear and tear on the knees and joints. In addition to group fitness classes, Enitan Ekwotafia encourages her clients to try swimming or even yoga. These activities have a lower impact.

Eat healthy

Don’t leave the tank empty. To reach peak performance, you’ll need fuel. Replenish the nutrients lost during exercise. But you must be proactive. Focus on drinking and eating properly before, during, and after training. Although dietary needs are different for everyone, water is always essential. Enitan Ekwotafia advocates using a hydration belt on race day.

Rest

Just like adequate nutrition, recovery isn’t an option. Your muscles need an occasional day off. As Enitan Ekwotafia reminds her clients, the body builds muscle during these periods of rest. But recovery can also help fight fatigue and combat burnout. Listen to your body. If pains, aches, or other issues persist, take a little more time.

Many people have heard that music is good for the soul. Music enthusiast Michael Mullins explained that it’s not just a rumor. Numerous scientific studies prove that playing guitar and other musical instruments has a lot of health benefits.

“Anyone who plays guitar will tell you that it’s good for their health,” Michael Mullins of New Jersey said. “It improves the mood, releases stress, and helps create lifelong relationships. Playing guitar changed my life, and I know it can benefit so many others too.”

It’s a Mood-Booster

It’s common for people to feel better after listening to music or creating it themselves. However, many do not know why. Mullins explained that the vibrations and sounds of music are therapeutic and are even effective in treating pain. Being creative is also therapeutic, and mastering new skills provides confidence. All of these elements combine to make guitar playing a significant mood-booster.

It Improves Brain Function

One of the most significant health benefits of playing guitar is that it can improve brain function. Countless studies show playing music can improve childhood development and help prevent dementia. An otolaryngologist from Johns Hopkins Medicine explained that the brain performs a lot of work to make sense of playing and listening to music. It can improve creativity, hand-eye coordination, and long-term memory recall.

Playing Guitar Reduces Stress

Michael Mullins from New Jersey explained that music helps reduce his stress, and he’s not the only one. Studies show that playing guitar and other instruments decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, and diminishes stress. It can even be a deterrent for depression. 

Research from the American Psychological Association states that music may be more successful than prescription drugs in reducing stress and anxiety before surgery. Mullins described guitar playing as an effective stress-reducer when the pressures of life are overwhelming.

It Provides Connection

Social interaction is therapeutic. It helps individuals develop support systems for life’s most difficult experiences. Playing guitar leads individuals to meet fellow musicians and make lifelong connections. It can even take individuals out of their comfort zones to open mics or talent shows, building confidence and opening opportunities for even more personal connections.

Relationships among family members can also be built or repaired through playing guitar and other instruments. Strumming around the bonfire or singing along to favorite songs can reinforce connections within the family as easily as it can build them with outsiders.

Michael Mullins and Guitar

New Jersey’s Michael Mullins is a self-taught guitar player who has been practicing for more than 20 years. He finds that guitar playing has improved his mental and physical health, including stress reduction, improved mood, and a clearer state of mind. Mullins encourages kids and adults to consider taking a guitar lesson if they’re looking for a sizeable life transformation. 

Olive oil is one of the most popular edible oils. It is made by pressing the fresh olive fruits of the olive tree. Olive trees are grown in places like- Spain, Italy, Greece, and California. Olive oil is popular in Mediterranean and European dishes and also in the kitchen all over the world.

We find olive oil in a variety of styles in the market. These styles differ according to some conditions like- the process of oil is extracted, the type of olive is used and many more. Extra virgin olive oil is very popular as a cooking oil due to its health benefits. Especially Morocco gold olive oil becomes a very popular cooking oil due to its exclusive qualities. Olive oil can be considered a superfood.

Extra virgin olive oil is very flavorful and tasty. It is higher in cost because it is chemical-free means it is typically cold-pressed. It can enhance the taste of food. Here are some popular recipes using olive oil-

Crisp rosemary with olive oil flatbread-

• Preheat the oven to 220C/450F
• Make a mixture of flour, chopped rosemary, bicarbonate of soda, and salt. Add some water and oil.
• Stir it for 4-5 minutes until a dough forms.
• Divide the dough into 3 pieces
• Bake it for 8-10 minutes until it turns pale golden and browned.

Brussels sprouts with olive oil and pecorino-

• Rinse the sprouts
• Pat dry with kitchen roll
• Add olive oil and salt
• Toss it well
• Add lemon juice and black pepper to the mixture before serving.

Spaghetti with olive oil, chili, and garlic-

• Boil the spaghetti with plenty of water
• Add salt to it
• Add olive oil to the pan
• Add chili and chopped garlic
• Stir it for 2 minutes
• Add spaghetti
• Mix it well for 3 minutes
• Add sauce before serving.

Olive oil Biscuit-

• Make a dough with flour, sugar, and bicarbonate soda.
• Add egg and milk
• Add olive oil, vanilla, and lemon zest
• Let the dough rest for 24 hours
• Preheat the oven to 170C/340F gas mark
• Divide the dough into 3-4 balls
• Bake the balls for 8-10 minutes, until it turns golden brown.

Olive oil chicken-

• Marinate the chicken with crushed garlic, salt, lemon zest, juniper, and peppercorn.
• Preheat the oven to 150C/ 300F gas mark.
• Add olive oil to the casserole
• Add the chicken and cover it.
• Cook it for 2 hours until it is ready to serve.

Conclusion

So, there are lots of delicious dishes that can be made by using olive oil. Olive oil can be used in continental dishes. It can help to enhance the taste of food and the quality of food. We can make various types of delicious but low-calorie dishes by using olive oil. Olive oil can increase our daily life food value. It can protect us from various types of diseases like- heart disease, skin disease, hypertension, colon cancer, etc. Especially extra virgin olive oil helps us to maintain a healthy life. We should use olive oil for cooking to keep ourselves fit and healthy.

Keith D. Kosco is a single father of two who enjoys golfing, swimming, and physical exercise. Keith D. Kosco is also interested in keeping his mind as fit as his body and understands how important it is to keep a sharp mind.

Keith D. Kosco explains that while it is important to be physically fit to keep your body in a good working condition, not to mention it is necessary to chase after children. That the mind is equally important and needs to be fit. Below is a list of things you can do to keep your mind as fit as your body.

If you subscribe to a newspaper, complete the crossword puzzles on a daily basis. They normally become increasingly complex as the week progresses, ending in the most difficult puzzle being revealed on the final day. If you don’t subscribe to a newspaper, you may find numerous unlimited crossword puzzles on the internet instead.

Keith D. Kosco found that reading kept his mind fit. Many people would prefer to watch TV, which can also be good if the show or movie requires you to use your thinking skills. But there are a lot of things worth reading to reap the benefits. Keith D. Kosco said read whatever you can get your hands on, books, periodicals, on the backs of cereal boxes. Reading keeps your brain active while also providing opportunities to learn new things. It is, however, a distinct advantage when your reading has some substance to it.

Play games such as scrabble, sudoku, or online word games and puzzles, even a simple game will require you to use some critical thinking skills. Puzzles word puzzles are great and so are jigsaw puzzles. Keith D. Kosco suggests that any activity, even a new hobby, can improve your mental abilities.

There are several benefits of having a healthy, sharp mind. Keith D. Kosco explains it can reduce stress or even teach you the skills needed to work through stress or prevent it, which would mean you’re learning to compartmentalize. This is something few people can do, unfortunately, and everyone needs to be able to do. Keith D. Kosco said when you think about compartmentalizing, think about a doctor and all the horrific things they may see or do in one single day – if they can not compartmentalize and have a fit brain, that could be disastrous for them and their patients. So, think like a doctor!

Keith D. Kosco says the best and easiest way to keep your body and mind fit is to do something you enjoy, such as walking, riding a bike, hiking, things that do not require much physical or mental effort, and while you are exercising, your body spends some time daydreaming this will help keep your mind fit.

There are plenty of wonderful things about getting older—from wisdom to the accumulation of wonderful memories, to the experiences you’ll share with the people you love. However, one of the lousy parts of getting older is feeling your body get weaker. It can be frustrating to be young in your mind, yet your body is not what it used to be. It’s important that you stay active in your old age, whether you live in an assisted living community or at home. Take a look at some of the best ideas for staying active as a senior citizen. 

Go on a Daily Walk 

A daily walk is a great way to exercise your body and mind since it gets you out of the house and clears your thoughts. The pandemic has been especially trying on seniors, who aren’t able to leave their homes as much as they would like. A walk in nature is a great way to get into the outdoors and breathe fresh air. At the same time, you’ll strengthen your body, and burn plenty of calories. If you can manage to walk even just 20 minutes a day, you’ll be doing your body a world of good.  

If finding the motivation to walk is a challenge, particularly during the winter months when it’s cold, then consider getting a dog. Dogs need to be walked, and you won’t have much choice in the matter other than to get out and get moving! 

Follow a Class on Youtube 

Who says that you have to leave your house to take an exercise class? There are all sorts of classes streaming on YouTube, and many of them are free! Whether you want to try out yoga, or aerobics, YouTube is your all-in-one location for getting a great workout in the comfort of your own home.  There are all sorts of different difficulty levels to choose from, and some of them don’t require any equipment at all. Try a new class each week that piques your interest. Keep trying out different activities until you find one that you really love! Why not? 

Swim 

Swimming is a fantastic exercise for older folks because there is such little risk of injury. Even people with limited mobility can move freely in the water. It’s great for your cardiovascular health, and can also strengthen your muscles. Not to mention, swimming is great fun!  If you don’t live near a public swimming pool, then consider finding the nearest body of water during the warmer months. 

These are just a few ideas for seniors to stay active. Try out a few of them and see if they work for you. Above all, have fun!

There are all sorts of different reasons why people suffer from back pain. Whether it’s a genetic problem, a result of a car accident, or you slipped on your uneven flooring that needs to be replaced, anyone with back pain can agree that back pain is downright awful. Luckily, there are some pain-relieving techniques that can help soothe your discomfort, and pave the way towards healing.  Take a look at some of the most effective ways to relieve your back pain. 

Stretch 

Stretching is one of the best ways to ease your joints and muscles. If you’ve never tried yoga before, then it’s a great time to start. The best part is you don’t even have to sign up for a yoga class to enjoy the benefits that yoga has to offer. It’s as simple as going on YouTube, where you can find all sorts of free demonstrations, and even take a class.   Other than yoga, there are also traditional stretching methods that can help elongate your spine, and take the pressure off of the parts of your back that are aching. 

Apply Heat 

Applying heat to your aching body parts can effectively relieve your discomfort, and promote healing.  Whether you use a heat patch from the pharmacy or apply a heating pad, warming up your pain areas regularly can significantly reduce your suffering. 

Some heat patches can be worn under your clothing throughout the day, providing consistent relief no matter where you are.  Lastly, don’t forget the power of a hot bath at the end of the day. Laying in the bath after a long day at work can reduce pain and stiffness significantly. 

Take Anti-Inflammatories 

Ask your doctor to recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. In addition to over-the-counter medications, you may want to consider all-natural remedies such as turmeric milk, and even green tea. 

Sleep on Your Back 

If you notice that your back is stiff in the mornings, then you may be sleeping in an awkward position that is damaging your spine. Try to avoid sleeping on your side, and instead sleep on your back. If you wake up in the middle of the night and notice that you’re on your side, don’t worry. Simply roll over and try to train yourself to correct your position. After a time, your body will start to adapt and remember to sleep on its back. 

You should also consider using as few pillows as possible. Too many pillows can take their toll on your neck, and spine. 

Get Moving 

It may seem counterintuitive, however, sometimes a stationary lifestyle may be contributing to your back troubles. The next time your back starts to feel stiff, try going for a brisk walk. The more you can strengthen your back muscles, the less suceptible you will be to stiffness after long periods of inactivity.