An Ounce of Prevention...

How many times have you wished, If only I'd done something sooner!

Some estimates say that the American health care crisis would be reduced, if not averted, if attention and money were spent on preventative health care rather than managing the diseases and conditions that result, many of them from bad lifestyle choices. 

What is today's example?  Dental care. 

Growing up, I rarely flossed.  I brushed twice a day.  That was about it.  I complained about flossing.  It's a hassle to get my stubby fingers into my mouth.  And the tools that you can use, such as a flosser, were just too awkward.  Soooo, flossing,...not so much.

Then, a few years ago, my dentist got mad at me.  I mean, I was chastised.  And deservedly so.  I had really messed up my gums.  Inflamed tissue, receding, the whole nine yards.  He didn't want to do surgery, at least not right away.  So I got a root planing.  I had the pleasure of having my dentist's hands in my mouth, for two hours, while he meticulously forced back my gums and scraped my teeth clean down to the roots.  It was as fun as it sounds.

Today's visit to the dentist for my cleaning, I was a little nervous.  At my last visit, the hygienist had warned me that if those "4's" didn't clear up (the measurement, in millimeters, at various points along the gumline, smaller is better), they would have to  consider aggressive treatments once again.  But, today, it was great.  She was really impressed with my progress.  There were only two spots that were still a little inflamed, but those were along either of my crowns, so she wasn't worried. Image courtesy of compujeramy via flickr.

So What??

This is my simple request.  Eat and drink as if you'll live to be 100, exercise a lot, get plenty of sleep, play with your kids, your pets, or yourselves.  Have a few glasses of wine or beer a week.  Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Cut out the stress, the debt, the excess sugar and fat.

<=1/20/2009