Understanding Gum Disease

Your risk of developing gum (periodontal) disease increases as you age. Over time, your gums may begin to detach from your teeth.
Left untreated, the supporting bone may dissolve, and when this happens, your teeth may become loose and fall out.
So if you notice that your gums are swollen, red, tender or bleed easily, or that your teeth feel loose, see your dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, don't forget to floss and brush your teeth after every meal using a fluoride toothpaste.

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies

Since childhood, lots of people have heard the parental plea to eat their fruits and vegetables.

For Disease Control and Prevention offers this insight on why eating fruits and veggies is so important:
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help prevent chronic diseases, including cancer, research indicates.
Most fruits and vegetables offer great nutritional benefit while contributing little to your daily fat and calorie intake.
At the same time, they help you stay full, helping you to maintain a healthy body weight and prevent excessive weight gain.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in the minerals, vitamins and fiber your body needs.

Help Prevent Medical Errors

As many as 98,000 people die every year because of medical errors, an Institute of Medicine report estimates, but there are steps you can take to protect your health.
Suggestions:
Give your doctors as much information as you can about the medications, supplements and herbs you are taking.
Tell your doctors about any known allergies or reactions you have to medications.
Keep your doctors informed about your health. Don't assume they already know this.
Make sure you are fully informed about any medicine your doctor prescribes, including what it's for, instructions for taking it, safety and side effects.
If your doctor writes a prescription, make sure you can read what's written. Illegible prescriptions may cause problems at the pharmacy.

Keep Mold Out of Your Home

Mold exposure can lead to respiratory, eye and skin irritation, or much more serious reactions.
Suggestions to minimize mold growth in your home:
Make sure indoor humidity levels are kept between 40 percent and 60 percent.
During very humid weather, run the air conditioner, a dehumidifier or both.
Ensure that your home is well-ventilated, including exhaust fans where needed.
Before painting a room, add a mold-inhibiting agent to the paint.
Scrub bathrooms regularly with cleaning products designed to kill mold.
Avoid carpet in moist areas, such as in bathrooms and the basement.
Promptly get rid of any carpets or upholstered items that have been soaked.

Help Prevent Yeast Infections

While yeast infections usually can be treated easily with medication, there are steps you can take to prevent them altogether.
These suggestions to reduce your risk of a yeast infection:
Avoid tight-fitting pants and underwear in favor of loose-fitting clothes. Always choose natural materials, instead of synthetic.
Use cotton underwear. And avoid wearing pantyhose or leotards every single day.
After you shower, make sure the genitals are completely dry. Consider using a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
If you're wearing wet clothing, change as soon as possible.
Avoid douching, feminine hygiene sprays, fragranced and colored toilet paper, or deodorant tampons and pads.

When Dementia Is Treatable

While dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or brain damage from stroke are thought to be irreversible, some forms of memory loss may respond to treatment.
The list of treatable causes of dementia:
Brain tumor.
Infection.
Low levels of vitamin B12.
A condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus, when a build-up of fluid presses on the brain.
Certain thyroid problems.

Eating Fish and Shellfish

Mercury is an element found in the environment, from natural sources and as a byproduct of man-made pollution.
Mercury seeps into the soil and water, contaminating some of the foods people eat.
Almost all types of shellfish and fish contain some mercury. Larger predator fish -- such as shark, king mackerel, tilefish and swordfish -- can harbor higher levels.
Pregnant women, women who are nursing, young children and women who might become pregnant should avoid consuming large amounts of mercury, which can harm the developing nervous systems of unborn and young children.

Taking a Childbirth Class

With all of necessary tasks to prepare for a new baby, you might wonder about the merits of going back to school.
These potential benefits from taking a childbirth class:
Learn about baby's development and a healthy pregnancy.
Learn about warning signs of a potential problem.
Learn how to help make pregnancy, labor and delivery as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Learn techniques to help you breathe and relax.
Learn how to create a birth plan.
Learn signs that you're in labor.
Learn your pain relief options during labor and birth.
Learn how your partner or birth coach can help.