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February American Heart Month
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month." (Note this is not "Heart Month" or "National Heart Month.")
The American Heart Association led initial efforts to develop Annual American Heart Month.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense - the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help.
Immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives - maybe your own. Don't wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Heart Attack Warning Signs *Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. *Discomfort in other areas of the body: Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. *Shortness of breath: with or without chest discomfort. *Other signs may include: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. Stroke Warning Signs *Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. *Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding *Trouble seeing in one or both eyes *Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination *Severe headache with no known cause Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies - every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! |
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Quick Links
Mushroom and Swiss Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves crushed garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Cajun-style seasoning
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Combine oil and garlic in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add chicken breasts and coat well with the oil and garlic. Sprinkle with the vinegar and Cajun seasoning.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oven and cover with green onion and mushrooms; then add a few more sprinkles of oil and vinegar and return dish to oven for 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove from oven and immediately place 1 slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast; cheese will melt. Serve immediately.
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 Greetings Friends!
Hope this finds you happy and healthy! February is here and love is in the air. We wanted to be sure we let you know how much we appreciate you. Our faithful patients are what keeps our practice alive and well.
We enjoy the time we spend with our patients. We've built wonderful relationships with many of you, and our hope is to build many more. It is our goal to treat each and every patient with the same kindness and respect that we would desire for ourselves. We are here to serve you to the best of our ability. So, on Valentine's Day, please know that we are grateful for your confidence in us and for your faithfulness to our medical and dental practices. You are what makes our world go round'. "Have a Happy Valentine's Day!" from all of us here at Boyett Health Services.
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 KEEP TABS ON YOUR CHOLESTEROL In our culture, many Americans have unhealthy eating habits and lead fairly sedentary lifestyles. Because of this, Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year about 785,000 Americans have their first heart attack. Another 470,000 who have already had one or more heart attacks will have another attack. Cholesterol checks are part of a healthy regimen to keep track of your heart health. Everyone over 20 years of age, regardless to previous high cholesterol history, should have a blood cholesterol test at least every 5 years. If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, and are controlling it with diet, you should be tested every year.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body. The body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat. Too much cholesterol in your bloodstream can lead to narrowing of arteries in the body that cause heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Cholesterol levels are checked by a simple blood test. This test measures total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Cholesterol Charts (What the Numbers Mean)
Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. Your risk for heart attack and stroke increases with higher cholesterol levels. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history of heart disease or stroke.
Total cholesterol
· Less than 200 mg/dL: desirable
· 200-239 mg/dL: borderline high risk
· 240 and over: high risk
HDL (high density lipoprotein) is considered the "good" cholesterol because it may help decrease the cholesterol buildup in the walls of arteries that causes narrowing of their openings.
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
· Less than 40 mg/dL (men), less than 50 mg/dL (women): increased risk of heart disease
· Greater than 60mg/dL: some protection against heart disease
LDL (low density lipoprotein) is considered "bad" cholesterol. The risk of heart disease goes up if you have a high level of LDL cholesterol in your blood because of increased potential for narrowing of blood vessels.
LDL (low density lipoprotein)
· Less than 100 mg/dL: optimal
· 100-129 mg/dL: near optimal/above optimal
· 130-159 mg/dL: borderline high
· 160- 189 mg/dL: high
· 190 mg/dL and above: very high
Triglycerides are another type of fat in the bloodstream. High levels are a risk factor for narrowing arteries in the body.
Triglycerides
· Less than n150 mg/dL: normal
· 150-199 mg/dL: borderline to high
· 200-499mg/dL: high
· Above 500 mg/dL: very high
What Should I Do if I Have High Cholesterol?
As described above, high total cholesterol blood levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Depending on the test results,lifelong treatment including healthy lifestyle changes and/or medications may be recommended.
If you have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, the main goal of a treatment program is to lower the numbers to decrease the potential risk of narrowed arteries and their complications.
· Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet low in unsaturated fats and cholesterol, exercise, weight control, and avoiding or quitting smoking.
· Medications may be prescribed in conjunction with lifestyle changes. The health care practitioner and patient decide together which medications may be required if lifestyle changes are not adequate to control cholesterol levels.
· Cholesterol control is often a lifelong commitment.
· Other risk factors associated with heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history.
If you'd like to have your cholesterol checked, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. (205) 921-5556
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 Gastric Conditions and You
Gastric conditions plague a large portion of our population. Many people experience heartburn, but chronic heartburn symptoms could mean you are suffering from something more. Often patients dismiss their symptoms as being "no big deal", but it is always important to alert your doctor of all your health concerns, no matter how small. Your doctor is often able to utilize his specific medical knowledge to properly diagnose and address your symptoms before they get out of control. The information below may help you to better understand the symptoms related to a few of these various gastric conditions.
HEARTBURN
Heartburn is the symptom of acid reflux and GERD; however, not everyone with acid reflux has heartburn and not everyone with heartburn has acid reflux. The symptom of heartburn can also be caused by other unusual things such as intestinal motility problems. Cardiac problems can also mimic heartburn and you should not confuse the two. Unexplained chest pain should be evaluated by an exercise stress test or EKG prior to an evaluation for gastrointestinal problems.
Many people have different acid reflux-related heartburn triggers, but most people have similar heartburn symptoms.
- A burning feeling in the chest just behind the breastbone that occurs after eating and lasts a few minutes to several hours.
- Chest pain, especially after bending over, lying down or eating.
- Burning in the throat -- or hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Feeling of food "sticking" in the middle of the chest or throat.
- Heartburn may cause chronic cough, sore throat, or chronic hoarseness.
Reporting these symptoms is usually all that is needed for your doctor to make the diagnosis of heartburn. However, your doctor may perform special tests to determine the severity of your problem or to monitor your treatment. Special tests may also be needed if you have unusual symptoms such as weight loss or suffer from the complications of GERD.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach). This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
When you eat, food passes from the throat to the stomach through the esophagus (also called the food pipe or swallowing tube). Once food is in the stomach, a ring of muscle fibers prevents food from moving backward into the esophagus. These muscle fibers are called the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES.
If this sphincter muscle doesn't close well, food, liquid, and stomach acid can leak back into the esophagus. This is called reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. This reflux may cause symptoms, or can even damage the esophagus.
The risk factors for reflux include hiatal hernia (a condition in which part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities), pregnancy, and scleroderma.
Obesity, cigarettes, and possibly alcohol also increase the chance of GERD.
BARRETT'S ESOPHAGUS
Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the color and composition of the cells lining your lower esophagus change, usually because of repeated exposure to stomach acid.
Barrett's esophagus is most often diagnosed in people who have long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - a chronic regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the lower esophagus. Only a small percentage of people with GERD will develop Barrett's esophagus.
A diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus can be concerning because it increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Although the risk of esophageal cancer is small, monitoring and treatment of Barrett's esophagus focuses on periodic exams to find precancerous esophagus cells. If precancerous cells are discovered, they can be treated to prevent esophageal cancer.
Barrett's esophagus signs and symptoms are usually related to acid reflux and may include:
- Frequent heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Chest pain
- Black, tarry stools
- Vomiting blood
- (Many people with Barrett's esophagus have no signs or symptoms.)
When to see a doctor
If you've had long-term trouble with heartburn and acid reflux, discuss this with your doctor and ask about your risk of Barrett's esophagus.
Seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Have chest pain
- Have difficulty swallowing
- Are vomiting red blood or blood that looks like coffee grounds
- Are passing black, tarry or bloody stools
ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus, and usually begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer can occur anywhere along the esophagus, but in people in the United States, it occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Esophageal cancer isn't common in the United States. This cancer is classified according to the type of cells that are involved. The type of esophageal cancer you have helps determine your treatment options. Types of esophageal cancer include: - Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the United States.
- Squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the middle of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.
- Other rare types. Rare forms of esophageal cancer include choriocarcinoma, lymphoma, melanoma, sarcoma and small cell cancer.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Losing weight without trying
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
Early esophageal cancer typically causes no signs or symptoms.
When to see a doctor:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you.
If you've been diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that increases your risk of esophageal cancer, ask your doctor what signs and symptoms to watch for that may signal that your condition is worsening. Also ask what screening tests you should consider.
In summary, be careful not to dismiss new symptoms and concerns in your body. You must take note of changes in your health. Keep a journal to log your health complaints, the date they surfaced and the symptoms that relate to your complaint. In doing this, you will benefit from a better overall picture of your health, and it will be a valuable tool for both you and your doctor, as well. If you have health concerns for which you'd like to receive medical treatment, please feel free to call our office for an appointment. (205) 921-5556
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 Neuromuscular Dentistry
To put it simply, neuromuscular dentistry places the jaw into its optimal position, relieving the symptoms associated with TMJ. While traditional dentistry evaluates primarily the teeth, bones, and gums, neuromuscular dentistry works with the hard tissues and the soft tissues, muscles and nerves. Neuromuscular dentists understand that your hard and soft tissues have a complex relationship and work to make that relationship a harmonious one. Neuromuscular dentists understand the necessity for including the power source (muscles) and the controls (nerves) which create the movement, pressures, and function of the mouth.
When the jaw is misaligned, both the hard and soft tissues are affected and many physiological problems can result, such as headaches, jaw pain, neck and shoulder pain, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, and clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint.
In a number of cases, these symptoms are the result of TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome), also referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) or MPD (myofascial pain dysfunction).
TMJ / TMD is a chronic degenerative disease that often takes years to develop. TMJ affects millions of people. People who suffer from TMJ have an imbalance in the jaw-to-skull relationship, which is caused by a bad bite (malocclusion).
Treatment
Neuromuscular Dentistry serves to correct the bite and realign the jaw.
First the dentist determines the optimal position of the jaw by measuring the relaxed position of the head and neck muscles, and then repositions the jaw to achieve those exact measurements.
Malocclusion is relatively easy to correct. Treatment options include adjusting the bite, orthotics, orthodontics, or restoring the teeth to their correct positions.
Benefits
Patients of neuromuscular dentistry experience a range of benefits from decreased or eliminated pain and discomfort to better overall health and longer-lasting dental restorations.
Dr. Boyett provides Neuromuscular Dentistry services in our clinic. We've had several patients who have enjoyed the benefits of neuromuscular treatment and pain relief. Call us to make an appointment if you are experiencing jaw pain or discomfort. Neuromuscular Dentistry may be just what the doctor ordered! (205) 921-0893 |
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