We care about you as patients and as friends, too. Hopefully these suggestions will help you lead a healthier life for years to come.
- Make the New Year tobacco-free! Do whatever you need to quit smoking—seek out a program, a patch, a support group. Half a million North Americans die annually from disease caused by cigarette smoking. It doesn’t have to be!
- Check your blood pressure and cholesterol. See a physician annually; a blood pressure reading is part of the program. Ask for cholesterol testing, too.
- Brush—and floss—after every meal. Just remember to brush after your last meal and your dental hygiene level more than doubles.
- Cut the fat—and the sugar. Too much fat and too little fiber are hard on the entire body. Watch for low-fat and sugar-free foods. And avoid food containing High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), which piles on empty calories and extra weight!
- Guard against gum disease with regular dental checkups. Periodontal disease has been revealed as a key risk factor for potential heart attack and stroke. It’s not just a dental thing—it can benefit your overall state of health!
- Get a mammogram or a prostate exam. If you’re 40 or over, these exams— one for him, one for her—are essential cancer screens.
