Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. The American Diabetes Association cites genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise as common factors in the diagnosis of this disease. While the exact cause is still unknown, maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and good diet are ways the help prevent the onset of Diabetes. In the United States, 23.6 million children and adults suffer from Diabetes, and according to the American Diabetes Association:

• 11.8% of non-Hispanic blacks aged 20 or older have been diagnosed with Diabetes
• 10.4% of Hispanics aged 20 or older have been diagnosed with Diabetes
• 6.6% of non-Hispanic Whites aged 20 or older have been diagnosed with Diabetes

For more information visit the American Diabetes Association website.

According to the American Heart Association Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition that affects one in three U.S. adults, and nearly one third of people with hypertension are unaware they have it. Hypertension that is left untreated can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. African Americans and Hispanics develop hypertension more often and earlier in life than white Americans. Other risk factors for hypertension include obesity, a high salt diet, high alcohol consumption, stress, heredity and age. To learn more about hypertension, other heart diseases and prevention visit the American Heart Association web site.

Asthma is a disease that affects nearly 15 million Americans; according to the American Lung Association this means nearly one in five households include one or more family members with asthma. The American Lung Association has also conducted surveys that found the severity of Asthma is greater among African-American and Hispanic patients than non-Hispanic whites. Common Asthma triggers include smoking, allergies, air pollution, certain medications and even stress. For more information on asthma including treatment, causes and prevention visit the American Lung Association website.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA) only half of all patients diagnosed with Oral Cancer survive more than five years.  Early detection is important and your dentist is the best resource for identifying early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. Oral Cancer can start as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot anywhere in the mouth including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate. Those who use any form of tobacco are at risk for Oral Cancer and alcohol use combined with smoking increases the risk even more. The ADA cites diets high in fruits and vegetables as ways to prevent the development of Oral Cancer.   For additional information on this subject visit the Oral Cancer section of the ADA website.

Periodontal Disease is an infection of the gum tissues that support your teeth that can lead to the loss of teeth if left untreated. According to the ADA, warning signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Loose permanent teeth
• Any change in bite or the fit of partial dentures

Diabetes reduces an individual’s ability to fight infection, and the gums are among the tissues most likely to be affected. This reduced ability to fight off infection can lead to periodontal disease in people with diabetes. However, those patients who are able to effectively manage their diabetes are less likely to develop periodontal disease.   For more information on Periodontal Disease visit the ADA website or this section on Diabetes and Your Oral Health.

The American Dental Association (ADA) defines Early Childhood Caries (sometimes referred to as baby bottle tooth decay) as the decay and damage of baby teeth often caused by sweetened liquids including milk, formula and fruit juice. Strong, healthy baby teeth are important for the proper development and eruption of permanent teeth. If baby teeth are lost too early as a result of baby bottle tooth decay, permanent teeth can come in crooked or look crowded. A proper diet is important for preventing Early Childhood Caries; parents should refrain from filling a child’s bottle with soft drinks or sugared water and avoid allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle containing milk, formula, fruit juice or other sweet liquids. Visit the ADA Web site for more information on Early Childhood Caries.

To ensure proper Oral Hygiene the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every three or four months. In addition to brushing twice a day, the ADA recommends you floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.  To learn more visit the ADA - Oral Hygiene web site.

Sealants are a barrier that protect the teeth against bacteria and are applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (also known as premolars and molars) where decay is most likely to occur. The plastic resin of a sealant bonds to the grooves (also called pits and fissures) of the back teeth and prevent decay. Because the likelihood of developing decay in molars and premolars is more likely early on in life, children and teenagers are ideal candidates for sealants. For more information on Sealants visit the American Dental Association website.

Pregnancy is a time when proper nutrition and oral hygiene are of special importance for both mother and child. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) your baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth month of pregnancy, so it’s important to receive plenty of nutrients including calcium, protein, phosphorous and vitamins A, C and D. During pregnancy it is important to treat all dental emergencies as those that are left untreated can harm the fetus. The ADA also states that pregnant women who have periodontitis may be at increased risk for delivering pre-term and having babies with low birth weight. The ADA Web site has more information on Pregnancy and Oral Health.

The most common conditions that the Behavioral Health Staff at CommuniCare Health Centers treat include Depression, Anxiety and ADHD.

Depression is a serious disorder that can impair a person’s ability to function and enjoy life. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide and any individual with suicidal thoughts should seek help immediately. Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, sleep changes, loss of energy and concentration problems. For more information on depression visit Help Guide - Depression.

Anxiety often occurs in everyday life, but when worries and fears impact your everyday life and prevent you from doing the things you want to do, you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder.  Some symptoms of anxiety disorders include feelings of apprehension or dread, irritability, trouble concentrating and feeling like your mind has gone blank.  For more information on treatment, diagnosis and self help strategies, visit Help Guide - Anxiety.

Symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of 7 and can include trouble concentrating when things are going on around them, fidgeting or squirming or impulsive behavior such as interrupting during class, moodiness or overreacting emotionally.  For more information on ADHD visit Help Guide - ADHD.