Everyone is familiar with the fundamentals of oral hygiene, such as frequent brushing, flossing, and dental examinations. However, you may have heard other oral health myths that sound familiar but are not true.
Baby Teeth Do Not Require Repair.
Although baby teeth are transitory, their health is still crucial. Primary teeth aid in eating and speaking. In addition, they maintain the correct spacing in a child's mouth and guide the emergence of permanent teeth. As with adults, healthy teeth and a healthy smile have a significant impact on a child's confidence and sense of self-worth.
Learn about some prevalent beliefs regarding dental health.
Although baby teeth are transitory, their health is still crucial. Primary teeth aid in eating and speaking. In addition, they maintain the correct spacing in a child's mouth and guide the emergence of permanent teeth. As with adults, healthy teeth and a healthy smile have a significant impact on a child's confidence and sense of self-worth.
Cavities are caused only by sugar.
Too much sugar can cause cavities, but it's not the only thing that can lead to tooth disease. In truth, the majority of cavities are caused by the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, cavities are the outcome of improper dental hygiene and the presence of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can be caused by sugar, along with bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Too much sugar can cause cavities, but it's not the only thing that can lead to tooth disease. In truth, the majority of cavities are caused by the acid produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, cavities are the outcome of improper dental hygiene and the presence of acid-producing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria can be caused by sugar, along with bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Depression in Older Adults May be Prevented by Insomnia Treatment.
Depression is very common among the elderly. According to some estimates, more than 10% of people over the age of 60 had experienced major depressive disorder (MDD) in the previous year. Depressed mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, difficulties concentrating, thoughts of worthlessness or guilt, thoughts of death or suicide, weariness, sleep disorders, unanticipated weight loss or gain, a change in appetite, and delayed or agitated movement are some of the symptoms of MDD.
What is the relationship between sleep and depression?
In someone with MDD, insomnia (difficulty getting asleep, remaining asleep, and/or waking up too early) and hypersomnia (sleeping excessively) are both common. Insomnia, in particular, doubles the risk of MDD. This is especially true for the elderly, as one study found that over 70% of those over the age of 65 suffer from at least one symptom of insomnia.
Why would scientists look into insomnia therapy as a means of preventing depression?
There is growing evidence that treating insomnia in patients with both insomnia and MDD can help them sleep better and feel better. In one trial done in Australia (CBT-I), participants with insomnia and MDD were treated with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. CBT-I is a set of tools meant to help patients treat only their insomnia, as opposed to other conditions where cognitive and behavioural methods are often utilized, such as depression. This indicates that the skills learned during CBT for depression will not help people suffering from sleeplessness. 61 per cent of research participants who underwent CBT-I from a behavioural sleep medicine expert felt better, and many symptoms of their depression improved—to the point where their MDD was declared to be in remission.
 |
| Pexel image |
A new follow-up study looked at death rates from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and all causes in later years, and the results for each group were surprising in various respects.
What are the benefits of slowing or preventing diabetes?
Diabetes type 2 is one of the most common long-term conditions in the world. It can lead to heart disease, nerve damage, eye issues, and renal problems over time, increasing the risk of disability and death. If a person's blood tests reveal that they have prediabetes, well-tested strategies can help them delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This could help individuals live longer and better lives.
What did the follow-up research reveal?
The findings of the original study suggest that both lifestyle changes and metformin medication can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes in people with prediabetes. The risk was reduced by 58% and 31%, respectively when compared to the control group.
The original DPP cohort of 3,234 people was invited to stay in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, a follow-up observation Study (DPPOS). Most of the people in the study have been followed for more than 20 years, giving researchers a unique chance to look at several important health outcomes.
After an average of 21 years, the researchers looked at participant fatalities from any cause, cancer, or cardiovascular disease. Researchers found no difference in death rates between the people in the intensive lifestyle arm of the study and the people in the metformin arm of the study compared to the people in the control group.
The last few months have been difficult for us. It appears that it is nearly impossible to turn on the news or scroll through social media without coming across a disturbing image. Whether it's seeing a photo of a child injured in a bombing in Ukraine, reading a gruesome description of assaults on innocent women and children, or hearing a survivor tell her story, the emotions evoked by the media can last all day.
War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a surprisingly common reaction to conflict-related news and images. The news from Ukraine appears to be hitting us especially hard, coming on the heels of a two-year pandemic. This could be linked to our already high levels of fatigue, anxiety, and a shaky sense of control. A poll by the American Psychological Association found that Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a lot of stress for 80% of the people who answered.
We are still learning about the long-term effects of mass violence fears. A Finnish study discovered that adolescents who were concerned about nuclear war were more likely to develop common mental disorders five years later. Anxious people are also more likely to seek out crisis coverage in the media, which can lead to a vicious cycle of distress.
War anxiety can creep up on you gradually or appear suddenly in response to a trigger. Symptoms can manifest in the mind, the body, or both. Anxiety can manifest physically as a racing heart, butterflies in your stomach, nausea, or dizziness. Some people experience full-fledged panic attacks. Others experience war anxiety as uncontrollable worries, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, or nightmares. Others may experience numbness. Remember that anxiety is a normal reaction to life's stresses and that a small amount of anxiety is adaptive — it tells your body to take a threat seriously.
Effective coping strategies.
When your mind is preoccupied with the war, or when you experience muscle tension or other physical symptoms, there are some strategies that can help you break the cycle of anxiety.
Reduce your media exposure. Emotionally compelling news sells, and news that negatively affects you is more likely to be addictive. Breaking the habit of regularly checking the news may be the most effective single change in combating war anxiety. You shouldn't be exposed to it for more than 30 minutes a day, and you shouldn't be exposed right before bed.
Make an effort to help others. Channelling your anxiety into meaningful connections may help you feel less helpless. Consider checking in to offer support if you have a friend or acquaintance from Ukraine. Consider volunteering or donating to one of these organizations.
Develop compassion. Anger can be triggered by war anxiety, which stems from a loss of control. Anger can be directed at populations or ethnic groups, or it can be directed at family members or friends who hold opposing views. Anger can be effectively challenged with compassion in addition to interventions such as mindfulness, physical activity, and breathing exercises. Begin by paying more attention to the kindness around you, attempting to limit your judgments and attempting to appreciate different points of view.
Alter your routine. Limiting your exposure to the media, news updates, and political debates will increase your free time during the day. Unfortunately, as our brains are hard-wired to do, unstructured time usually results in more worrying. Instead, try incorporating the following anxiety-relieving activities: Take a walk in the woods. According to research, spending as little as 15 minutes in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Increase the amount of time you spend exercising. Any aerobic activity can help you feel less anxious, but the more intense the activity, the more it helps.
Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises are recommended. Try to practice every day to reap the benefits. Guided mindfulness can be practiced in person or at home using CDs or mobile apps. Breathe2Relax is a free and scientifically proven mobile app that teaches deep breathing exercises.
For the vast majority of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms will peak and then gradually fade. Severe anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, may necessitate additional attention, especially because conflict can trigger memories of past traumatic experiences. If your work, sleep, or general sense of well-being is being disrupted by war anxiety, consult with your primary care clinician to see if therapy or medications are necessary. This pamphlet can be useful when discussing the war with children. The Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for crisis counseling and referrals to local resources.
What exactly is war anxiety?
War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a surprisingly common reaction to conflict-related news and images. The news from Ukraine appears to be hitting us especially hard, coming on the heels of a two-year pandemic. This could be linked to our already high levels of fatigue, anxiety, and a shaky sense of control. A poll by the American Psychological Association found that Russia's invasion of Ukraine caused a lot of stress for 80% of the people who answered.
What does the research indicate?
We are still learning about the long-term effects of mass violence fears. A Finnish study discovered that adolescents who were concerned about nuclear war were more likely to develop common mental disorders five years later. Anxious people are also more likely to seek out crisis coverage in the media, which can lead to a vicious cycle of distress.
War anxiety symptoms
War anxiety can creep up on you gradually or appear suddenly in response to a trigger. Symptoms can manifest in the mind, the body, or both. Anxiety can manifest physically as a racing heart, butterflies in your stomach, nausea, or dizziness. Some people experience full-fledged panic attacks. Others experience war anxiety as uncontrollable worries, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, or nightmares. Others may experience numbness. Remember that anxiety is a normal reaction to life's stresses and that a small amount of anxiety is adaptive — it tells your body to take a threat seriously.
Effective coping strategies.
When your mind is preoccupied with the war, or when you experience muscle tension or other physical symptoms, there are some strategies that can help you break the cycle of anxiety.
Reduce your media exposure. Emotionally compelling news sells, and news that negatively affects you is more likely to be addictive. Breaking the habit of regularly checking the news may be the most effective single change in combating war anxiety. You shouldn't be exposed to it for more than 30 minutes a day, and you shouldn't be exposed right before bed.
Make an effort to help others. Channelling your anxiety into meaningful connections may help you feel less helpless. Consider checking in to offer support if you have a friend or acquaintance from Ukraine. Consider volunteering or donating to one of these organizations.
Develop compassion. Anger can be triggered by war anxiety, which stems from a loss of control. Anger can be directed at populations or ethnic groups, or it can be directed at family members or friends who hold opposing views. Anger can be effectively challenged with compassion in addition to interventions such as mindfulness, physical activity, and breathing exercises. Begin by paying more attention to the kindness around you, attempting to limit your judgments and attempting to appreciate different points of view.
Alter your routine. Limiting your exposure to the media, news updates, and political debates will increase your free time during the day. Unfortunately, as our brains are hard-wired to do, unstructured time usually results in more worrying. Instead, try incorporating the following anxiety-relieving activities: Take a walk in the woods. According to research, spending as little as 15 minutes in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Increase the amount of time you spend exercising. Any aerobic activity can help you feel less anxious, but the more intense the activity, the more it helps.
Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises are recommended. Try to practice every day to reap the benefits. Guided mindfulness can be practiced in person or at home using CDs or mobile apps. Breathe2Relax is a free and scientifically proven mobile app that teaches deep breathing exercises.
Obtaining additional assistance
For the vast majority of people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms will peak and then gradually fade. Severe anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, may necessitate additional attention, especially because conflict can trigger memories of past traumatic experiences. If your work, sleep, or general sense of well-being is being disrupted by war anxiety, consult with your primary care clinician to see if therapy or medications are necessary. This pamphlet can be useful when discussing the war with children. The Disaster Distress Helpline (800) 985-5990) is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for crisis counseling and referrals to local resources.
 |
| Pexel photo |
Here's everything you need to know about this treatment option.
Men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer have several options for their next step. Many men with slow-growing, low-risk cancer choose active surveillance, a wait-and-see approach that tracks cancer's progress.
Other treatments are recommended if the cancer is at a higher risk (a Gleason score of 7 or higher) or has already spread. (On a scale of 6 to 10, a Gleason score classifies prostate tumour cells.) The greater the number, the more likely it is that cancer will spread. There are two options: surgery to remove the prostate (known as a prostatectomy) or radiation to kill cancer cells.
Studies comparing these two approaches show that neither has an advantage in terms of cancer control. Your path will be determined by factors such as your current state of health, the specifics of your cancer, and your personal preferences. However, for many men, radiation therapy may be the better option.
"It's much more precise than traditional radiation used for other types of cancer," says Dr. Anthony D'Amico, a radiation oncologist at the Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Other treatments are recommended if the cancer is at a higher risk (a Gleason score of 7 or higher) or has already spread. (On a scale of 6 to 10, a Gleason score classifies prostate tumour cells.) The greater the number, the more likely it is that cancer will spread. There are two options: surgery to remove the prostate (known as a prostatectomy) or radiation to kill cancer cells.
Studies comparing these two approaches show that neither has an advantage in terms of cancer control. Your path will be determined by factors such as your current state of health, the specifics of your cancer, and your personal preferences. However, for many men, radiation therapy may be the better option.
"It's much more precise than traditional radiation used for other types of cancer," says Dr. Anthony D'Amico, a radiation oncologist at the Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)