Merry Christmas from Boyett Health Services

Merry Christmas from Boyett Health Services!

December 2011

Merry Christmas, Friends!

It's December already! Whew! The year flew right past us, didn't it? Christmas is quickly approaching and the New Year will be here before we know it. The signs of Christmas are everywhere! Tis' the season for giving! You don't have to have a lot of money to give a gift that is meaningful. Many find it rewarding to give of their time. Volunteering can be a great way to pour out of who you are onto others in need. Giving hand-made or home baked gifts are great ideas, too. Simply, keep it simple!

The holidays can put a lot of undue stress on us, but we must take a moment to re-focus...to reflect on the important things and dismiss the things that are not. Often, we place unrealistic expectations on ourselves, and on those around us. This can cause disappointment and grief. Again, simply keep it simple! Try it!

May you have a wonderful, Christmas season! God bless us, every one! :)

Holiday Depression

Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests - stress and depression. And it's no wonder. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands - parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few.

But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

*Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings.

*Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits.

*Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well.

*Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations.

*Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget.

*Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities.

*Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity.

*Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.

*Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.

*Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.

Hidden Dangers of

Gum Disease

Did you know that a very large percentage of dental patients only see the dentist for an emergency case, such as an abscess, a toothache, or an extraction? It seems that all too many are not well informed about the dangers and health risks of poor oral health.

Need a good reason to make your next dental appointment? Let's look at what your gums say about your health.

Heart Attacks and Strokes: Dental plaque contains about 300 species of bacteria, and a severe infection contains billions of bacteria. Infections in the mouth may play havoc elsewhere in the body, leading to blood clots that can bring on heart attacks and strokes. When plaque is allowed to sit on your teeth and gums and isn't brushed away, your body reacts. Bacteria that are harmless in the mouth may eventually invade the bloodstream and can cause an inflammatory response. That is likely to occur in people with infected gums, a condition also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal Disease has been dubbed "the silent killer", because it is typically a painless disease. Gum disease develops when plaque deposits, which are a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth, grow and penetrate beneath the gumline. Bacteria begin to eat away the tissues around the teeth and to digest a pathway for themselves into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, a protein on the surface of the bacterial cells "tricks" your platelets into sticking to it as a substitute for collagen. This clotting process is linked to heart attacks and strokes through the blocking of arteries that feed the heart or brain. Even though most victims' arteries have already been narrowed by fatty deposits, the deposits alone are not usually enough to choke off the blood supply: the final blow is nearly always the formation of a clot.

Diabetes has many health risks of own, but when coupled with gum disease it can have serious effects.

Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways - periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection. Most will find that after addressing the gum disease, that their blood sugar is much easier to control.

Premature Births: In addition, women who are pregnant often get pregnancy gingivitis, which causes the gum to become more red, more inflamed, and bleed more. Pregnant women with gum disease have also been found to have a substantially increased risk of giving birth prematurely.

We've not covered ALL the bases regarding the correlation between your mouth and the rest of your body, but it's certainly something to think about. It's so simple to take a few steps to ensure a healthier mouth and a healthier you. Here are a few good guidelines to follow:

brush 2-3 times daily with a soft toothbrush
aim to floss once a day and rinse twice a day with a good mouthwash
see your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning, exam and oral cancer screening

Call us to schedule a cleaning and exam: (205) 921-0893

_______________

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The Meaning of Christmas

Enjoy this brief video clip from the old Charlie Brown Christmas story.

______________

Featured Staff Member

Carole Williams

Carole is our Licensed Practical Nurse. She was born in Winfield, AL. After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1988, she then attended Northwest Community College, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1990.

She has over 20 years experience in the medical field, 17 as a licensed nurse. She joined with Dr. Boyett in July 2001 and is a seasoned nurse, well trained in handling a wide variety of medical issues. She is also a member of the American Office Nurse Association.

Carole is married to Rodney Williams and together they have two sons. She enjoys scrapbooking and time with her family. Our patients are very fond of Carole. Her caring attitude has gained her a good rapport, and has built a foundation of trust in her nurse/patient relationships.

Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."