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National Nutrition Month
"National Nutrition Month is
a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. NNM also promotes the American Dietetic Association and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information."
This year's theme is "Eat Right with Color" so let's look at how you might apply this slogan to your life this National Nutrition Month and beyond.
So, what does it mean to "Eat Right with Color?" First, what does it even mean to "eat right?" To different people, eating right can have several different meanings. To eat right means to eat to your health. It means fueling your body with adequate calories and nutrients by selecting a variety of foods. While some people may have to be more carb-conscious, others may need to be more heart-friendly, and still others may simply choose to be eco-focused in their food selections. There is no such thing as "good" and "bad" foods, but there are simply foods that should be eaten in large quantities (think plants) and others that should be eaten in moderation. Some of the latest food trends help consumers to "eat right" by bringing them back to their local farmer. After all, to eat right means not only to do good for your body, but also for the environment. We should eat right forthe sake of others too! Eating right suggests a responsibility for parents to set a good example for their children - to introduce them to a variety of healthful eating habits, including a good relationship with food.
Now, on to this month's theme - to eat right with color suggests maintaining a colorful plate by choosing foods from the rainbow. Color implies variety that isn't just visual. Experience "eating colorfully" by tasting cuisines of other cultures, keep an open mind, and savor every flavor by being present in your eating occasions. |
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We are making a difference by teaming up to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
Many of us here at Boyett Health Services have seen the effects of cancer, whether it be a personal experience or out in the community at large. For us, supporting the Relay is a direct way to support advances in cancer research until a cure comes forth.
Cancer is a word no one wants to hear. It's mention brings to mind various thoughts and images that weigh heavy on the soul. Together we can make a difference, not only in areas of fundraising and research, but in lifting up and supporting those who've been affected by cancer in some way. Would you help us to help others?
At the event on May 6th, our team will take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
Saving lives from cancer starts one team, one participant, and one dollar at a time. Our team is doing our part to make sure that cancer never steals another year of anyone's life.
Please consider making a donation. The impact we can make together is much greater than what any of us could do alone!
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New Dental Assistant
Ericka Vargas
Please join us in welcoming our new dental assistant, Ericka Vargas. She is new to Hamilton, having moved from the state of Tennesee.
Ericka received her dental training from David Lipscom University and was a Dental Assistant in Tennesee for 6 years. She is also fluent in both English and Spanish.
She and her husband have 4 children, and they are actively involved in missions work throughout the year. They had been youth pastors before coming to Hamilton, and are now a part of the church community at the Ramp. |
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Try this Recipe!
Chicken Salsa Skillet
Ingredients
1 green sweet pepper, cut into julienne strips
1 red sweet pepper, cut into julienne strips
2 cups cubed cooked potatoes
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 15 1/2-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
1 15- or 16-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
Dairy sour cream (optional)
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook pepper strips in cooking oil for 2 minutes. Add potatoes, chicken, corn, black beans and salsa. Stir gently.
2. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or till mixture is heated through, stirring occasionally. If you like, serve with sour cream. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
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"May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go."
~Irish Blessing
Hello and Happy Spring to you from all of us at Boyett Health Services! March has arrived with warmer weather and flowers abloom! It brings a spirit of hope, as that which was dead is coming to new life again. You suddenly find a spring in your step and a whistle on your lips as you go about your daily tasks. It's amazing what a heaping dose of sunshine will do! So, as the sunshine beckons us outdoors, be sure to take a moment to survey the land and enjoy the miracles of Spring. God Bless each of you! |
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Allergies
Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, mostly in the nose and eyes, which occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, dander, or pollen.
Today we will focus on allergic rhinitis due to outdoor triggers, such as plant pollen. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever.
An allergen is something that triggers an allergy. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, the body releases chemicals, including histamine. This causes allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and mucus production.
Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen. (A similar reaction occurs with allergy to mold, animal dander, dust, and similar inhaled allergens.)
The pollens that cause hay fever vary from person to person and from region to region. Large, visible pollens are seldom responsible for hay fever. Tiny, hard to see pollens more often cause hay fever. Examples of plants commonly responsible for hay fever include:
Trees (deciduous and evergreen), Grasses, Ragweed
The amount of pollen in the air can play a role in whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air than cool, damp, rainy days when most pollen is washed to the ground.
Some disorders may be associated with allergies. These include eczema and asthma. Studies have shown a link betweenAllergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis.
Allergies are common. Your genes and environment may make you more prone to allergies.
Whether or not you are likely to develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both your parents have allergies, you are likely to have allergies. The chance is greater if your mother has allergies.
Symptoms
Symptoms that occur shortly after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to may include:
- Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
- Problems with smell
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Tearing eyes
Symptoms that may develop later include:
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Coughing
- Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
- Sore throat
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Fatigue and irritability
- Headache
- Memory problems and slowed thinking
Treatment
Avoidance of identified allergens is the most helpful factor in controlling allergy symptoms. Attempts to control the environment and avoidance measures often significantly aid in resolving symptoms. However, allergy avoidance is often not easy.
If avoidance is not possible or does not relieve symptoms, additional treatment is needed. Many patients respond to medications that combat the effects of histamine, known as antihistamines. Antihistamines do not stop the formation of histamine, nor do they stop the conflict between the IgE and antigen. Therefore, antihistamines do not stop the allergic reaction but rather protect tissues from the effects of the allergic response.
Decongestants help control allergy symptoms but not their causes. Decongestants shrink the swollen membranes in the nose and make it easier to breathe.
Some people with allergies need specialized prescription medications such as corticosteroids. Cortisone nasal sprays are very effective in reducing the inflammation which causes swelling, sneezing, and a runny nose. Cortisone can also stop the allergy "war" by halting the formation of the many allergy chemicals described above. Many cortisone nasal sprays are on the market through prescription only.
If antihistamines and nasal sprays are not effective or not tolerated by the patient, other modalities of therapy are available. Allergy desensitization or immuno-therapy may be needed. Allergy immunotherapy stimulates the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic. Since the patient is being exposed to the allergy-inducing substance, an allergic reaction can occur, and this treatment should be supervised by an allergy specialist.
The success rate of an allergy desensitization program in significantly reducing symptoms can be up to about 80%. The duration of the effect of allergy immunotherapy should last many years, if not a lifetime. Although rare (one in 2-5 million injections given), serious allergy reactions can occur while receiving allergy injections. One cannot predict who will have a severe reaction. Even after years of receiving allergy shots, a patient can experience a reaction.
In Closing
Allergy season will soon be upon us. We are eager to work together with our patients to make the season as comfortable as possible. If you need help with the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, please call our office to schedule an appointment (205) 921-5556.
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Dental Veneers
Look anywhere in media and advertising and you'll be graced with lots of shiny, bright white teeth. It sure looks like people have a lot to smile about these days, and many of them owe those perfect mouthfuls of pearly whites to dental veneers. Bleaching used to be one of the most common practices when it came to perfecting a smile, but now, veneers are all the rage.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, often alternatively termed dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin shells of porcelain which are bonded onto the front side of teeth to make a cosmetic improvement in their appearance. Porcelain veneers are routinely used to idealize teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. You might think of them as being like a false fingernail. They are typically made of porcelain and are extremely durable, stain resistant, and easy to maintain. Veneers are like new enamel placed over the teeth to result in a gorgeous new smile.
Are you a candidate for treatment?
To determine if veneers are right for you, we will schedule a preliminary consultation during which your oral health will be evaluated and all available treatment options discussed. Veneer treatment is irreversible, so it is important that your dentist discuss any alternatives that provide the same results, but with minimal, to no removal of tooth structure. If you decide that veneers are the best option, the next step would involve a thorough review of the details, including preparing your teeth for your specific veneer treatment and what will be necessary for them to look and fit correctly.
During your veneers consultation, you will actively participate in the "smile design process." By sharing your preferences about the shape, length, width and color of the veneers and the effect you want them to have on changing the appearance of your smile, you will help ensure that your veneer treatment will meet your expectations. It is important that you make sure dentist understands your objectives when undergoing a veneer procedure.
Veneers are durable and have been shown to last for many years before requiring replacement. Seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular examinations and dental cleanings is important for maintaining the health of your mouth and longevity of your veneers. If you are interested correcting your smile using porcelain veneers, you may contact our office for more details (205) 921-0893. |
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