Healthy Teeth, Healthy Heart

More and more research shows that oral health is linked to heart health.
Around 700 different types of bacteria can be found in the mouth.  If you fail to use your toothbrush and floss enough you may suffer from poor dental hygiene.  If you have bad dental hygiene, you could end up with bleeding gums, gingivitis and other oral diseases which are caused by the bacteria in your mouth. 

Plaque that is not removed causes an increase in bacterial count in your mouth.  That bacteria then goes into the blood stream and contributes to heart disease.

People that regularly visit their dentist and take good care of their teeth are less likely to have heart problems like cardiovascular disease.

Until a cure is found, it is recommended you take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing them regularly.

FAQ about my Uganda trip (part 1)

So, only 5 weeks left before I leave for Uganda, Africa. The purpose - to provide missionary dentistry to people in the African bush.

How long is the flight?  Total time in the airplanes will be about 19 hours.

How long will you be gone?  2 weeks

Where is Uganda?! It is in Africa, on the eastern side (click here to see a map) Africa Map

Where in Uganda will you be going? We are flying into Entebbe which is near the capital city of Kampala. From there, we will be going away from the city into the bush areas.  Uganda Map

What will the weather be like? Entebbe is on the equator so I'm expecting it to be hot! Although, from what I've read, temperatures during Feb / March will be on average around 78 degrees but will have at least 80% humidity.  So it will be nice and sticky. Just what a curly haired girl wants to hear....

Stay tuned for more info.

The 3 R's of Expiring Medication

Two-thirds of American's medicine cabinets contain medications that have expired or are nearly empty, according to a recent study.  The survey found that while 80% of respondents clean out their refrigerators when the seasons change, and 55% clean out their closets, only 42% give their medicine cabinets the same treatment.

Take time to prepare for the season by stocking up on pharmaceuticals to combat colds and allergies, as well as chucking out old medications that may have lost their effectiveness.

1.) Read labels and expiration dates
2.) Remove what's past its usefulness of effectiveness
3.) Restock with appropriate preparations

Medications, generally, should be stored in a dry place away from sunlight.  Bathrooms are often too damp and humid, which can break down, degrade or decrease the potency.

Excitement Mounts!

I can't believe our trip is just around the corner! I have had 4 of my 6 required shots. 2 more to go!

The fundraising was a success! Thanks to generous donations from personal friends and professional colleagues, I was able to reach my goal by December 1st!

Now, I have to work on my supply list. I will be doing mainly extractions and incision and drainage of abcesses...without suction...should be interesting! So I'm going to be bringing a lot of gauze!!!

You know, as I type this, I realize how I really need to outline how amazingly this trip has come together. I see now that I have being prepared my whole life for this trip.

Stay tuned for more blogs as I go back in time to show you how I got to this place! It is something else!

Merry Christmas!

Invention of the Toothbrush

The first toothbrush was invented in China in 1000 AD. It was an ivory-handled toothbrush with bristles made from a horse's mane.

Toothbrushes became popluar in the 19th century among the Victorian affluent. Mass markerting and the advent on nylon bristles in the 20th century made toothbrushes inexpensive and available to everyone.

Woah! I'm Offically a Blogger!

Hello!
I never thought I'd be a blogger but what a great way to keep you posted on my upcoming dental missions trip!

Stay tuned as I update you on my trip to Uganda, Africa in February 2010.

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