National Children’s Dental Health Month

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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

  • 17% of America’s Kids don’t get the dental health care they need.
  • About 1 in 5 children ages 5-11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth
  • Children need help brushing and flossing until they can clearly write their own name.
  • 44% of Kids will suffer from a pediatric dental disease
  • Parents should have their child see a dentist by their 1st birthday
  • Healthy Kid’s Teeth 2-2-2 Rule Visit your dentist TWO times a year, and brush and floss TWO times a day for TWO whole minutes.

Children's Dental Health Month

We’ve collected 4 of our best dental tips for kids that every parent needs to know.

Tip #1: KIDS SHOULD SEE THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME BY AGE 1. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics ALL recommend that every child see a dentist by age 1. When does 1+1 = 0? One tooth + One visit to the dentist = No cavities. We chose this tip as the first one because it is the most commonly asked question of dentists by new parents. In our opinion, it’s never too early to bring your child in and let them begin getting comfortable. The more they come with you and see what you’re doing the more comfortable they will be! There is no such thing as a child too young to deserve good oral health.

Tip #2: KIDS SHOULD BRUSH INDEPENDENTLY BY 6 AND FLOSS BY 10. An appropriate target age for brushing independently is around age 6. A good indicator for this is around the same time a child learns to tie their shoes or are finishing kindergarten. Flossing takes a little longer. Most kids shouldn’t floss without the help of a parent until around age 10. It’s important to teach kids how to brush and floss independently, but it’s just as important that, as parents, we make sure they are doing what it takes to adequately clean their teeth and gums.

Tip #3: SEALANTS FOR KIDS HELP PREVENT CAVITIES IN THE PITS OF MOLARS. We frequently seal first (6-year) and second (12-year) molars to prevent the often-deep pits and fissures from harboring cavity-causing bacteria. We typically roughen the surface of the pits and grooves and paint a thin layer of sealer into the groove to protect the tooth. This won’t stop a cavity, but it does a lot to prevent one from forming! This is a quick and easy procedure and kids won’t even know the sealant is there! “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Tip #4: YOUR CHILD’S DIET CAN DETERMINE THE HEALTH OF HIS/HER TEETH. Calcium is very important in the formation of strong teeth. Most 8-14-year-olds don’t get enough of it in their diet! Milk and cheeses are the easy way, but if your young ones don’t consume dairy, consider almonds, white/red beans or even oranges. A daily multivitamin, which you choose with the help of your child’s pediatrician, may also be beneficial. In addition to creating a strong foundation for your children’s teeth, it’s also important to avoid food and drinks that are acidic or full of sugar. Remember, your kids will learn their eating habits from you! Set a good example by eating a healthy, varied diet and always brush and floss your own teeth. It’s good for your kids and good for your own journey toward whole body wellness!

 

 

 

February Celebrates American Health Month

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In honor of American Heart Month, Unique Healthcare encourages heart-healthy habits and to learn more about heart disease. Heart Disease is also called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common type of heart disease. When someone has CHD, the coronary arteries (tubes) that take blood to the heart are narrow or blocked. This happens when cholesterol and fatty material, called plaque build up inside the arteries. Plaque is caused by:

• Too much fat and cholesterol in the blood

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Too much sugar in the blood (usually because of diabetes)

When plaque blocks an artery, it’s hard for blood to flow to the heart. A blocked artery can cause chest pain or a heart attack. Learn more about CHD.

Take steps today to lower your risk of heart disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. To help prevent heart disease:

 

1. Don’t smoke or use tobacco Smoking or using tobacco of any kind is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading to narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack.

2. Exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week Getting some regular, daily exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease. Physical activity can help you control your weight and reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

3. Eat a heart-healthy diet Eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help protect your heart. Aim to eat beans, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, lean meats, and fish as part of a healthy diet.

4. Maintain a healthy weight Being overweight — especially if you carry excess weight around your middle — increases your risk of heart disease. Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase your chances of heart disease — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. One way to see if your weight is healthy is to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which considers your height and weight in determining whether you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat. BMI numbers 25 and higher are generally associated with higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

5. Get enough quality sleep Sleep deprivation can harm your health. People who don’t get enough sleep have a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, and depression. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

7. Get regular health screenings High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing for them, you probably won’t know whether you have these conditions. Regular screening can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.

• Blood pressure. Regular blood pressure screenings usually start in childhood. You should have a blood pressure test performed at least once every two years to screen for high blood pressure as a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, starting at age 18. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

• Cholesterol levels. Adults should generally have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years starting at age 18. Earlier testing may be recommended if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of early-onset heart disease.

• Diabetes screening. Since diabetes is a risk factor for developing heart disease, you may want to consider being screened for diabetes. Talk to your doctor about when you should have a fasting blood sugar test or hemoglobin A1C test to check for diabetes.

 

 

Healthcare Plan Terms Explained

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We understand that choosing the right healthcare plan for you, your family, or your business can be a stressful process. In order to relieve some headaches. Here are some healthcare terms definitions and how they affect your health plan decision.

Co-Pay: the payment for visiting your primary care physician that is additional to the services performed. Some health plan’s have a set co-pay while others require you to reach your deductible for a lower copay.

Deductible: a certain amount of money that you have to pay before the health plan benefits begin, for example, a lower deductible.

Premium: the monthly payment for your health plan. In addition to your premium, you may also have to pay a copay, tests or for health services.

Minimum Essential Coverage: an Affordable Care Act-compliant health plan that qualifies for provided essential health coverage

Claim: A request for payment submitted to your health insurer when you get services that are covered.

When deciding on a healthplan, finding one that fits your lifestyle and needs is the best option. Unique Healthcare offers a low premium with no copay or deductible, visit your doctor as many times as needed while only paying for services performed. Visit any Mt West Family Health Clinic in El Paso, TX or find out if your current doctor is in our network click here. For any questions about Unique Healthcare call (915)317-5700.