Issue No. 6
July 2014
Children's Oral Health
  

How do I ensure my child's oral health?

 

It is important for guardians and primary care providers to have a child's oral health assessed in infancy by a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists receive two to three additional years of specialty residency training beyond dental school. Pediatric dentists are the "pediatricians of dentistry" and focus on meeting the behavioral and developmental needs of infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs, when they arrive for their orofacial well checks.

 

At Bon Secours Pediatric Dental Associates, we support the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation that the first dental visit should be by the eruption of the first tooth or no later than 12 months of age. This allows the pediatric dental team to carefully evaluate the development of the child's mouth, identify abnormal structures, provide or recommend special preventive care for the child, and introduce guardians to the concept of decay as a transmissible disease and proper oral hygiene for a child's teeth and gums. Oral conditions can interfere with feeding, speaking, self-esteem and daily activities. Severe decay can affect growth and development. We often get asked, "at what age will my baby get their first tooth?" Children usually get their first tooth on the lower jaw sometime between 6-9 months of age, although some children have been known to go beyond this time frame. Preventive dentistry begins with the eruption of the first tooth.

  

Find out more

 

By John H. Unkel, DDS, MD, MPA

Bon Secours Pediatric Dental Associates

6900 Forest Avenue, Suite 110
Richmond, VA 23230

804-893-8715 

Keep Your Kids Movin'
 

 

Now that summer is here and school is out, it is important to make sure that your kids are staying physically active. While it is easy for children to spend the day leisurely watching TV or playing video games, research shows that regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence can improve strength, build healthy bones, help control weight, and reduce stress and anxiety. For these reasons, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that kids spend at least 60 minutes a day being active.

 

Movin' Mania is an interactive online program for parents and children aimed to provide educational content that can be easily and enjoyably applied into their everyday lives in order encourage healthy lifestyle habits. Kids can log their food consumption and physical activity on the website in order to win prizes, in addition to playing online games that promote physical activity and education. With the program's mascots, Broc, Vore, Hydro, Leche and Vie, children learn about the food groups and necessary components to fuel their body. Movin' Mania aspires to help the future generation of Virginians form healthy, life-long habits.

 

Ideas to Keep Kids Active this Summer

Indoor:

- Turn up your favorite summer music and bust out some dance moves.

- Practice your listening skills while being active with a fast-paced game of Simon Says.

- Lastly, the classic game of Hide and Seek is always a great way to run around the house.

 

Outdoor:

- With the 2014 FIFA World Cup taking place in Brazil this summer, lace up your cleats and try your hand at soccer.     

- Use everyday items to make your own obstacle course! Things around the house such as garden hoses and hula-hoops can serve as a balance beam or landing spot.

- Cool down from the heat by running through the sprinkler or plunging down a slip n' slide.

 

Hydration Hints

With the summertime heat kicking up, it is extremely important to stay hydrated. During hot weather, you and your children will need to drink more liquid, even if you don't feel thirsty. You should also increase your fluid intake, no matter how active you are. During heavy play and exercise, make sure everyone stays hydrated by:

 

- Consuming between 16 to 20 ounces of fluids two to three hours before activities.

- Taking hydration breaks every 20 minutes during activities in hot weather.
- Enjoying healthy beverages after playing or working out, especially ones without added sugar (and, for adults, those without alcohol) which can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

 

Don't wait until you're thirsty!

Thirst is a sign that your body is becoming dehydrated. Throughout the day, make sure you and your family consume beverages and foods that contain water like fruits, vegetables, 100% juices, low-fat milk and water.

 

So get your kids movin' today!

 

 

Exercise Video

 

 

 

 

Fitness Blender Kids Workout - 25 Minute Fun Workout for Kids at Home
Fitness Blender Kids Workout - 25 Minute Fun Workout for Kids at Home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physician Spotlight
 

William P. Piscitelli, DDS 

Bon Secours Pediatric Dental Associates 

6900 Forest Avenue, Suite 110
Richmond, VA 23230
804-893-8715 

Education:

Dr. Piscitelli received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. He completed a pediatric dental residency at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry.

 

Board certification: 

Board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

A member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Virginia Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Education Association.

 

What do you enjoy most about being a pediatric dental provider? 

"Teaching residents."

 

Why did you choose Bon Secours Health System? 

"I have a former colleague here who recruited me."

 

What do you enjoy outside of your work? 

"Playing golf and cycling.".

 

 

Read More

 

Recipe

 

 

Watermelon Salad

 

Ingredients 

▪ 1/2 small watermelon, seeded
▪ 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
▪ 1 (4-oz.) container of feta cheese, crumbled
▪ Optional: fresh mint or spinach
 

Directions

Cut watermelon into bite-sized chunks and place in large serving bowl
 
Add crumbled feta cheese and sunflower seeds (and mint or spinach if you choose)
 
Toss ingrediants together
 
Serve immediately
 
Source: Allrecipes
Submitted by: Tunstall Bagley Willis, Program Coordinator, Movin' Mania
 
Stay Active: 
Check out these upcoming fun events!
  
Redskins Training Camp
Thurs. July 24 - Mon. Aug 11
Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center
2401 West Leigh St Richmond, VA 23220
Free admission. Watch the Redskins train or take part in special events, giveaways, interactive tents, and other unique fan experiences.
 
Be the Match Walk/Run 5K

Saturday, July 26

Brown's Island

Join a community transplanting hope to raise critical funds to help patients with blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, and take the next step toward a life-saving marrow transplant.

Register Here

  

The Graffiti Run 5K

Saturday, July 26

Colonial Downs

10515 Colonial Downs Parkway, New Kent

Throughout the course, you will encounter "Graffiti Zones" where our diabolical team of volunteers, staff, sponsors and leprechauns will douse you with COLOR. 

Register here

 

Electric Foam 5K

Saturday, July 26

Richmond International Raceway

Participants run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of absolute fun! Participants will run through Electric Music Foam stations, where there are heart-pounding jams and enough foam to cover you from head to toe!

Register here

 
 
Pony Pasture 5K

Sunday, July 27

7200 Riverside Drive Richmond, VA 23225

This race is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Peter Still and benefits the Richmond Road Runners Club Scholarship Fund. 

Register here

 

 

Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival

Saturday, August 2

Rocketts Landing

5000 Old Osborne Turnpike

Richmond, VA

Dragon boat racing brings social groups and businesses alike down to the water to bond and compete, building a stronger sense of "team" with every stroke.

Register here

 

 

Big Muddy Challenge Saturday, August 2

Ashland Berry Farm

Parents and children join to complete a two-mile obstacle course with fun, high fives and cheers to celebrate positive attitudes, positive lifestyles and setting the right example.

Register here

 

 

PJ Jamboree: Ladies' Night Out

Friday, August 8 from 6-10 pm

Salisbury Country Club 13620 Salisbury Road Midlothian, VA 23113

Enjoy music, photo booth, chair massages, and silent auction. Enter to win the best PJ contest. All proceeds go towards benefitting cancer patients.

Register here

 

 

Moonlight 4 Miler

Friday, August 8

Virginia Farm Bureau

(12580 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238)

Richmond Road Runners' annual 4-mile race along West Creek Parkway

Register here

 

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