We use our teeth constantly, and yet often take them for granted. What you choose to eat and drink, however, has a big impact on your oral health and can impact your teeth down the road. Certain foods and drinks can cause different problems, so here’s a few to watch out for.

Weaker Teeth

Despite their other healthy attributes, citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit actually have acids that can wear away your tooth enamel. Other low ph foods and drinks do the same, including tomato products, coffee, and alcohol. According to 123Dentist, once the tooth enamel was worn down, the process of demineralization begins, which often is the beginning of tooth decay. To combat this, make sure to drink water along with acidic food and, though it is smart to brush your teeth after every meal, to not do so immediately after eating something acidic so as to not brush away the enamel the acid has softened.

Discoloration

As Showtime Smiles points out, many foods such as coffee and tea or curry can cause your teeth to discolor. This is because some foods and many drinks have dyes, tannic acid, or chromogens that can stain tooth enamel. There are many examples of things with dark dyes in them, including wine, soda, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, beets, grape or cranberry juice, and even popsicles. Extrinsic staining is often the result. As mentioned earlier, brushing your teeth after every meal is always a good idea, but it is also a great way to lessen the effect of food stains on your enamel.

Gum Inflammation

Certain foods that are hard to remove from the teeth can contribute to inflammation of the gums. Sugary drinks, tobacco, alcohol, chips, seeds, and popcorn are a few examples of foods that for a variety of reasons cause swelling. Bacteria buildup in the mouth, a common side effect of eating a lot of sugar, can inflame gums, causing pain in the mouth and making it harder to floss. Flossing, however, is one of the best ways to avoid gum inflammation and pain if food particles such as these have become stuck. Consider taking these foods out of your regular diet for better dental health.

Good dental health too often doesn’t become a priority until people experience bad dental health. But being aware of your diet now—especially the sugary foods and tannic acids—can save you a lot of pain later. Especially if, no matter what you eat, you follow the tried and true advice to brush those teeth!

Read this next: How Healthcare May Change Forever Post COVID-19

Your health is important, but many people find themselves letting things slide and ignoring problems. This may not always be a bad thing in the short term, but over time it can lead to major issues. Making sure you take care of the following things will help you to stay happy and healthy as you go through your everyday life.

Social Needs

Many people do not consider their social needs to be an important part of their health. However, everyone needs a strong social circle to help them safely and healthily navigate their lives. According to BCcampus, you should take time regularly to assess your social needs and make sure they are being met. Sometimes it is as simple as taking time to call a friend or spend a little time with your family. Just because it is simple does not mean it isn’t an important part of your overall health. Everyone’s social needs are different, so make sure to correctly assess your own.

Mental Health

Mental health is another aspect of health that often falls to the wayside. That said, your mental health is especially important to your overall well-being. Therapy, medication, and other treatments can all help you to manage your mental health effectively. Sometimes people can get overwhelmed, but there are other solutions. According to TMS Clinics of Canada, if medication doesn’t work for you, alternative treatments like TMS have shown promise among patients. Finding a treatment plan that works for you is essential to maintaining a high level of mental health.

Your Physical Fitness

Physical fitness has a huge impact on your health overall, from your mental health to your physical health. By taking the time to take care of your physical fitness you can ensure can you feel good physically and mentally. Physical activity is most effective when you do an activity that you enjoy doing. According to RTOR, it is difficult to establish physical fitness habits if you are only participating in physical activity that you hate. Find a few activities that you enjoy and work on incorporating them into your life at least a few times a week. Doing this will help you to be more physically active and feel better. 

Sometimes it can be easy to ignore certain aspects of your health, but it’s not wise to do so. It’s important to take measures to help yourself stay healthy. By taking care of your overall health, you can ensure that you’re healthy and happy well into the future.

Read this next: How Healthcare May Change Forever Post COVID-19

With the COVID-19 pandemic, doctor’s visits aren’t what they used to be. The resulting restrictions have dramatically changed the way healthcare providers operate their businesses. This has prompted some very real changes in the healthcare industry that have the potential to change the course of healthcare going forward.

Increased Access

The pandemic has put a spotlight on how accessible healthcare services are to people. A lot of attention has been given to the disparities in accessibility regarding race and income levels. Given the attention it’s been getting, it’s reasonable to expect access to important healthcare services to increase. There’s an argument to be made for detaching healthcare from employment as a benefit and transitioning to health reimbursement arrangements instead. Businesses may be able to reduce some of their expenses that way while still supporting the health of their employees. That said, employees under that system may find that they have less support than they used to.

More Digital Experiences

A real part of why access to health care has increased overall is because of the advancements in digital healthcare and telehealth. Healthcare providers have increased their use of telemedicine and texting channels to reduce physical contact during the pandemic. This has also increased access to health care for people living in rural areas, which has been a sore spot for a long time now. Given the increased level of convenience and access that digital healthcare provides, you can expect to see these types of healthcare experiences continue long after the pandemic is over.

Less International Production

It’s no secret that, historically speaking, manufacturing all kinds of goods overseas (specifically in China) has been a financially sound decision. It’s been far more cost-effective than it was to produce it here. The pandemic disrupted and continues to disrupt supply chains in multiple industries across the world. It brings into sharp relief the benefits of manufacturing things domestically instead of internationally, especially in terms of medications, vaccinations, and various medical supplies. If there were to be a shift in that direction, away from international production, it wouldn’t be surprising in the least.

Healthcare has changed dramatically for many, thanks to the pandemic. The increased access to healthcare, the advancement in digital healthcare experiences, and a transition to nationally made drugs and medical supplies are just some examples of recent changes. It’s quite likely that we’ll still be seeing the effects of the most recent pandemic for years, if not decades, to come.

Read this next: Home Threats That Can Pose a Risk to Your Health

Oral health is an important part of overall health. Having strong, healthy teeth makes it easier to eat healthily and provides the foundation for a smile you can be proud of. Of course, that’s not something most children think of. As a parent, it’s up to you to help your child develop healthy teeth while they’re young.

Model Good Habits

Children are like little sponges. For better or for worse, they observe and absorb far more than many adults give them credit for. In the case of developing healthy teeth, that can be a good thing. By modeling good dental habits for your children with a good attitude, you show them how they should take care of their teeth. It will help them see oral hygiene as a normal part of their daily routine and something that will become a habit for them.

Take Them to the Dentist

As a parent, it’s up to you to make sure your kids see the dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist will give your childrens’ teeth a more thorough cleaning, keep an eye out for cavities, provide preventative care to help avoid tooth decay, and can help them get set up with braces if needed. Be aware that your child will need to take extra care if they end up with braces. Wearing braces means avoiding certain foods that are prone to get stuck. It also means taking more time to brush and floss properly so the teeth remain healthy and strong.

Help Them While They’re Young

Children aren’t usually ready to brush their teeth on their own until they are about seven years old. That may seem a little surprising, but children don’t tend to pay as much attention to their molars and the gumline. By helping them brush and floss their teeth while they are still young, you help them make sure their teeth are thoroughly cleaned. It can also help them get a better feel for how long they should be brushing. Two minutes is generally considered the appropriate amount of time to spend brushing teeth.

Making sure your child’s teeth are healthy can be a pretty big responsibility, especially when you think about how much of an impact that can have on their life. You can help by modeling good habits, taking them to the dentist regularly, and helping them while they’re young. The path to good oral health starts young. Help them get off on the right foot from the beginning.

What your kids eat will impact the health of their teeth. Check out these fun recipes that you can use to make your kids’ school lunches healthier without sacrificing taste.

Cannabis and CBD products have become increasingly popular within the last decade. If you live in the United States, it can be hard to keep track of the legality of the drug in different states. One growing metropolitan area is the state of Georgia. How has the Peach State adapted its marijuana laws to match its growing population?

Marijuana

Marijuana is still in a legal gray area in Georgia, but a lot of progress has been made. The current governor, Brian Kemp, has written about the positive impact medical marijuana has made on medical patients. Medical oils and substances are legal in the state of Georgia, so you don’t need to worry about that.

The weird thing about the state is that it is legal for people to possess the drug, but not to buy it. This is in part because of restrictive federal laws. Some steps are being made to allow for cultivation, but it is still up in the air for now.

Hemp

Hemp is also confusing under Georgia law. Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act states that it does not include hemp or hemp products. Technically, smoking hemp isn't illegal in Georgia. The 2018 Farm Bill protects the growth and commercialization of hemp by those with the appropriate permits.

In other words, as an average person you can possess raw hemp, but you can’t alter it in a way that would indicate you plan on selling it for drugs. Just to be safe, you should acquire the proper permits. That way you won’t get in trouble with the law in any way.

Edibles

Recreational marijuana is still frowned upon in many ways. For example, edibles are illegal in the state of Georgia because they are not drugs. Laws against edibles were in part put in place to protect minors from accidentally consuming the product. Possession of even one of these brownies (for example) is a felony in the state.

It is especially illegal to sell edibles in the state of Georgia. You can get in a lot of legal trouble and potentially go to jail on “Possession with Intent” charges. If you are moving to Georgia from a state that legally sells these, dispose of them before you move.

Laws are changing constantly in every state in America—especially regarding marijuana. Keep up with the current changes so you can keep yourself legally protected no matter where you are. If you are unhappy with the drug laws in your state, write your representatives to advance the change.

Read this next: Do You Know Enough About CBD?

Make Heart Health Part of Your Self-Care Routine

(Family Features) Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple self-care, such as taking a moment to de-stress, giving yourself time to move more, preparing healthier meals and not cheating on sleep, can all benefit your heart.

Because heart disease is largely preventable, focusing on improving your heart health is important. Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women and men in the United States, and many Americans remain at risk, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). People with poor cardiovascular health are also at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

“Studies show self-care routines, such as taking a daily walk and keeping doctor’s appointments, help us keep our blood pressure in the healthy range and reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke,” said David Goff, M.D., NHLBI’s director of cardiovascular sciences. 

It may be easier than you think to “put your heart” into your daily routine. Each Sunday, look at your week’s schedule and carve out 30 minutes for heart-healthy practices. Take an online yoga class, prepare a heart-healthy recipe, schedule your bedtime to get at least seven hours of sleep or make a medication checklist. Then seek out support from others to help you stick to your goals.

Consider these self-care tips to try each day to make your heart a priority:

Self-Care Sunday
Find a moment of serenity every Sunday. Spend some quality time on yourself.

Mindful Monday
Be mindful about your health and regularly monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar if needed. Keep an eye on your weight to make sure it stays within or moves toward a healthy range.

Tasty Tuesday
Choose how you want to approach eating healthier. Start small by pepping your meals with a fresh herb or spice as a salt substitute. Get adventurous and prepare a simple, new, heart-healthy recipe. Or go big by trying a different way of eating, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. DASH is flexible and balanced, and it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans, nuts, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.

Wellness Wednesday
Don’t waffle on your wellness. Move more, eat a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried, make a plan to quit smoking or vaping or learn the signs of a heart attack or stroke. You could be having a heart attack if you have chest and upper body pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness. You might be having a stroke if you experience numbness in the face, arm or leg; confusion; trouble talking or seeing; dizziness; or a severe headache.

Treat Yourself Thursday
Treats can be healthy. Try making a dessert with fresh fruit and yogurt. Then stretch your imagination beyond food. Host a family dance party, take a few minutes to sit and meditate, go for a long walk or watch a funny show. Whatever you do, find a way to spend some quality time on yourself.

Follow Friday
Follow inspiring people and pages on social media, or text a friend to help you stick to your self-care goals. Remember to take care of your mental health, too. Two of the main hurdles to self-care are depression and a lack of confidence, according to a study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association.” If your mental health is taking a toll, take action to show your heart some love. Reach out to family and friends for support, or talk to a qualified mental health provider.

Selfie Saturday
Inspire others to take care of their hearts. Talk about your self-care routine with loved ones or share a selfie on social media. Having social support and personal networks can make it easier to get regular physical activity, eat nutritious foods, reach a healthy weight and quit smoking.

Learn more about heart health and heart-healthy activities in your community, and see what others are doing for their heart health, at nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts or follow #OurHearts on social media.

6 top medicine safety reminders for your home

(BPT) - With families spending more time than ever working, playing and studying at home, it’s a good time to review best safety practices when it comes to using and storing medicines. This is especially true during the cold and flu season — while the nation is also in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic — when many families may have more over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in the home than usual.

It’s smart to keep your family safe from harm with these helpful easy-to-follow steps.

1. Read and follow Drug Facts labels. Don't take more than the recommended amount of medications, as dosage directions are created specifically to keep you and your family safe.

2. Don’t combine medications. Some medicines may duplicate active ingredients you're already taking. For example, cold medicines may also contain pain relievers and/or fever reducers, so if you’re already taking a pain reliever, adding a cold medicine could mean doubling your intake of an active ingredient, which could be harmful. Double check medication labels for the active ingredients and only take one at a time. When in doubt, contact your healthcare professional for advice.

3. Store medications up, away and out of sight from the reach of children. Make sure to buy only child-resistant containers, but remember — “child-resistant” does not mean “childproof.” Keeping them out of reach is also crucial for safety. Put them up and away, out of sight and out of reach, after every use.

4. Store other items safely. Any potentially toxic substances your kids could get into should also be kept well out of reach, including, but not limited to: hand sanitizer, vitamins, diaper rash cream and eye drops.

5. Keep medications in a cool, dry place. The bathroom medicine cabinet is actually not ideal for storing medicines, as heat and humidity can affect them.

6. Consult your healthcare professional if you or a family member feels ill. You can get advice on what kinds of OTC medicines (if any) are appropriate for the symptoms you or your family member are experiencing, and specific dosage recommendations.

If someone has a fever

It can be upsetting when someone has a fever, especially your child. A fever is actually the body’s natural defense against bacterial or viral infections. A person’s normal body temperature is approximately 98.6 degrees F, but it may fluctuate depending on different factors.

If you or a family member has an elevated temperature, it may signal the presence of a bacterial or viral infection. A fever is also one of the common symptoms of COVID-19, amongst many other conditions. If you are concerned about a fever, it’s best to contact your healthcare professional.

Your healthcare professional may recommend an OTC pain reliever/fever reducer to help you feel better, no matter what the cause. Common OTC pain relievers that can reduce fever and achiness include acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil or Motrin IB). These medications are safe and effective when used as directed. Always read Drug Facts labels carefully and follow their directions for dosage and timing.

For a fever, it also helps to:

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and help lower body temperature
• Rest as much as possible, so your body can help fight off the infection
• Eat light foods that are easy to digest, like crackers and soup
• Use a cool compress or damp washcloth on your forehead to help lower your temperature

A body temperature at or above 104 degrees F requires immediate care, so contact your healthcare professional right away, or call an urgent care or emergency provider if your regular healthcare professional is unavailable.

Be prepared for an emergency

Make sure you and any caregivers (including older children or babysitters) know how to contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential, expert medical and safety advice, 24/7. Program the number into phones and post it visibly at home.

To learn more about medicine safety, visit GetReliefResponsibly.com/covid-19-medicine-safety.