“Level 6 Pandemic?”

Posted by drgracesun on June 14, 2009 under Current News Events, Hygiene, Information | Be the First to Comment

I canceled the trip to China – it’s just not worth the risk of being quarantined for a week! Swine Flu, also known as H1N1 Influenza, has been gaining interest in the news and at health organizations worldwide, and not for bad reason – at the moment, it is the Chinese government’s nightmare that an outsider will bring in swine flu,  and that the pandemic will spread just as quickly as bird flu in densely populated China. The World Health Organization (WHO) on May 11 upgraded H1N1 to a “level 6 pandemic,” the highest grade of pandemic and the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.

Countries affected by H1N1 influenza

Swine Flu is in fact a mutated form of the common flu, which behaves like a seasonal influenza- H1N1 influenza is made up of genetic elements of four rather common flu virus. H1N1 is a type A virus, the most virulent human pathogens known that cause the most severe disease among humans. Type A viruses are more prone to widespread outbreak (as H1N1 has spread to 74 countries now). It is no surprise that airports and hospitals around the world have set up screening areas and quarantine rooms for suspected influenza carriers, so be prepared if you are planning on traveling, especially to a densely populated country. It is natural that lesser developed, densely populated countries must take flu pandemics seriously as they often lack the technology, medical manpower and/or resources necessary to keep a potentially large outbreak under control.

Swine Flu spreads faster but is less fatal than Bird Flu.

Although H1N1 influenza is currently present and spreading in both pigs and humans, and can spread quickly and silently from human-to-human, it is not transferable by eating cooked pork – don’t panic over that BLT! The CDC advises using regular soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser frequently to clean your hands before touching your facial features (like the eyes, nose or mouth) to lower the risk of catching the flu.

“Normally the influenza virus is spread from person to person through droplets in the air — from a person with a cough for example,” said Dr. David Satcher, a professor at the Morehouse School of Medicine and former U.S. Surgeon General. Droplets in the air can be inhaled by another person, which is probably the most common way a virus spreads.

H1N1 Swine Influenza

Also posing a risk, he said, are items that have recently touched or handled by someone infected with the flu – a fork or a doorknob, for example. Some experts endorse occasionally disinfecting household surfaces and appliances with a diluted chlorine bleach solution.  You should also disinfected your toothbrushes by soaking them in an OTC strength hydrogen peroxide ( 3% H2O2) for 10 minutes – or get new tooth brushes.
Once infected with the flu, it’s difficult to know what actual strain of influenza you may have. H1N1 flu symptoms are similar to the common flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It can be difficult to distinguish between the common cold and influenza in the early stages of  infection, so if you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period, consider a visit to your primary health care physician for a check-up.

“Is Your Oral Health Declining?”

Posted by drgracesun on June 1, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

Has the global credit crunch put its vice grip on your life? Whether you are hurting in these tough financial times or not, stress is a factor many people have a hard time escaping, and with stress comes habits which can be potentially damaging to your oral health. Cleaning your teeth twice daily with floss and your tooth brush is no doubt important, especially after meals, but what else can you do to keep your mouth clean and healthy in a stressful climate?

Lower stress levels will benefit your oral health!

The global economic crisis has no doubt taken its toll on Americans and global citizens alike, whether that toll is financial stress, family burdens or career changes. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are among the most common de-stressers in popular American culture, and although these practices may temporarily relieve some of your mental tension, they can create serious problems in your mouth. I have previously discussed the dangers of alcohol in the mouth (and its tendency to increase one’s likelihood of developing oral cancer) as well as the respiratory , cardiovascular and general connective tissue problems associated with smoking cigarettes, but stress often leads to a combination of bad habits and bad oral hygiene.

The best way to avoid declining oral health, of course, is to limit or substitute activities which can damage your health, like smoking and drinking. However, if you find this to be too difficult to overcome (especially in a recession when no job is 100% secure), at least stay vigilant with your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss after every meal, and after drinking or smoking. The idea of brushing your teeth after having a drink may not be appetizing at first, but the acidity from the alcohol will erode your precious teeth away! Keeping up on your oral hygiene routine could also help de-stress your financial life as well: taking care of your mouth can lead to reduced cavity occurrences, less sensitivity, and fewer overall dental problems which will save you money in the long run.

Finally, besides having a healthier diet and an optimistic outlook, regular exercise will help keep yourself in good shape! Keep up your teeth cleanings and check-ups – these are crucial. If you are overdue on a dental cleaning, schedule a visit now!  Visiting your dental professional is key in identifying problem areas in your hygiene routine, possible cavities or severe night grinding (which causes excessive wear of your teeth (or other issues)) are usually undetectable without professional consultation. Early detection and preventive measures will prevent costly repair work down the line!