There are millions of patients in institutions who are incapable of attending to their own oral hygiene needs for one reason or another. The population includes the elderly, traumatic brain injury patients, Alzheimer's patients, stroke victims, those with limited mobility, and those with several other chronic and acute illnesses too numerous to name. The staff provides little to no oral care. There is a much greater chance of finding a hair salon in these facilities than a dental operatory. Considering that brushing twice daily and flossing once is the standard recommendation, this is a tragedy. Speech pathologist and Swallowing specialist Marta Marta Kazandjian Ranaldo has graciously taken time out of her busy schedule as a nationally recognized swallowing specialist to enlighten us more on the subject.
Read MoreThe literature is replete with the adverse health effects of incorrect sun exposure, and I don't dispute them. These include sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer and eye diseases. However, summer is in full swing, and I love the additional sunlight it brings in the northern hemisphere. I crave sun exposure and feel much better when I can get it regularly. Some people have noticed that I am very tan (at least for me) and warned me that I might be jeopardizing my health. My skin type allows me to spend up to two hours in the sun, which is not enough for me to burn, even though I don't use sunscreen. I want to explain why the risks are exaggerated and why it is essential to get regular non-burning sun exposure.
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