Delaying School Start for Adolescents has Positive Impact

Delaying an adolescent’s school start time by one hour has a positive effect on his or her cognitive performance according to a new study. The study, authored by Orna Tzischinsky, PhD, of Emek Yezreel College in Israel, focused on 47 eighth graders from two classes, who were divided into experimental and control groups for a two-week period. On week one, the experimental class began their school day one hour later than usual (at 8:30 a.m.), while the control class began at the regular time (7:30 a.m.). On week two, both classes began at 7:30 a.m. The subjects were asked to maintain their habitual sleep-wake pattern. Actigraphs were worn to monitor sleep-wake patterns. On the fifth day of each week, the students performed a cognitive test. According to the results, during the first week, the experimental class woke up 51 minutes … Read more

Brush Teeth to Reduce Heart Disease

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the world. Even so, numerous people with cardiovascular disease have none of the common risk factors such as smoking, obesity and high cholesterol.  Researchers have now discovered a new link between gum disease and heart disease that may help find ways to save lives. In recent years chronic infections have been associated with a disease that causes “furring” of the arteries, called atherosclerosis, which is the main cause of heart attacks. “A number of theories have been put forward to explain the link between oral infection and heart disease,” said Professor Greg Seymour from the University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand. “One of these is that certain proteins from bacteria initiate atherosclerosis and help it progress. We wanted to see if this is the case, so we looked at the role … Read more

Healthy Gums by Cheese, Yogurt, and Milk

Consumers have long known that including dairy in their diets can help maintain healthy bones and even help promote weight loss. However, a recent study published in the January issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), demonstrated that routine intake of dairy products may also help promote periodontal health. “Research has suggested that periodontal disease may affect overall systemic health,” said study author Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. “This study reinforces what much of the public already knows – the importance of dairy in helping achieve a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy mouth.” Study participants aged 40 through 79 were examined on two periodontal parameters that can indicate gum disease, periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue. Researchers observed that subjects that … Read more

World Oral Health Day

Today, September 12th, 2008 has been declared as the First World Oral Health Day. The American Dental Assocation (ADA) and the FDI World Dental Federation want to use the day to “boost awareness of oral health and its impact on general health and well-being.” The date marks the anniversary of the FDI World Dental Federation and their groundbreaking International Conference on Primary Health Care, which was held on September 12, 1978. In addition the date honors Dr. Charles Godon, the FDI founder, who was born Sept. 12, 1854. “We hope that awareness of the importance of oral health can be elevated through the worldwide recognition of this day,” said Dr. Burton Conrod, FDI president. “The dentists of the world are committed to helping each and everyone in achieving optimal oral health through prevention and the highest possible standard of care.” … Read more

Healthcare Consumer Empowerment

Consumer empowerment, a growing method of healthcare management for employers and healthcare organizations, involves empowering yourselves by learning how to become wiser healthcare consumers. The following are 10 ways to achieve healthcare consumer empowerment. 1. Establish a relationship with a primary physician — before you need one. Discuss your health and family with your doctor. If you don’t have a primary physician find one. 2. Ask questions. In fact, I think it is a great idea to bring questions with you on a piece of paper, so you do not forget to ask them. 3. Learn about your illness. Research and ask your physician questions. There is a lot of information available to you. 4. Learn how to practice self-care. In times of emergency or injury remember to follow RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) 5. Review bills carefully. Sometimes errors … Read more