We care about you as patients and as friends, too. Hopefully these suggestions will help you lead a healthier life for years to come.
1. 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!
2. Check your blood pressure and cholesterol.
See a physician annually; a blood pressure reading is part of the program. Ask for cholesterol testing, too.
3. Brush—and floss—after every meal.
Just remember to brush after your last meal and your dental hygiene level more than doubles.
4. 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!
5. 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!
6. 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.