Taking good care of your teeth and gums isn’t just an essential part of any healthy lifestyle. It’s also the best way to preserve your beautiful smile so you can always look and feel your best. The following tips can take some of the guesswork out of the process.

1. Brush and Floss Diligently

It’s really not possible to overemphasize how important it is to brush and floss your teeth every day. For best results. brush your teeth and gums gently but thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily and/or after meals. Make sure you’re also flossing at least once a day. Rinsing your mouth out with water or mouthwash after eating is also helpful if you can’t manage to brush after each meal.

2. Keep Up With Dental Appointments

If you’re not already checking in with your dentist every six months, it’s time to start. Your dentist will monitor your mouth for signs of potential issues, as well as treat your mouth to a thorough professional cleaning. The right Park Slope cosmetic dentist can advise you in regards to options like teeth whitening treatments that can help you keep your smile looking its very best as well.

3. Eat Healthfully

Your diet affects every aspect of your health, up to and including your oral health, so it’s important to maintain a balanced, healthful diet. Make sure you’re reaching for healthy fruits or vegetables daily, especially when you feel the need to snack or enjoy a nibble between meals. Sugary snacks or drinks should only be enjoyed as very occasional treats, as well as followed immediately by a brushing session.

The better you treat your smile from a health standpoint, the more likely it will be to remain one of your best features for many years to come. How do you like to take care of your smile?

If you have elderly family members who enjoy having independent lives, you may be interested in finding ways to help keep them safe without changing their living situations or leisure activities. There are plenty of ways you can help create a safe environment for senior loved ones without taking away their independence.

Make Medical History Accessible

Make sure that your loved one has his or her medical history readily available in case something happens. In addition to including a card in his or her wallet that lists medical history and emergency contact numbers, you can have your family member wear a medical information bracelet that will help keep emergency medical responders informed of your loved one’s medical history even if you are not present. Encourage your loved one to wear it at all times.

Improve Home Safety

Go out of your way to go through your loved one’s home and make sure it is a safe environment. Incorporate the use of non-slip surfaces in areas that can otherwise be hazardous, such as the shower and bath, the tile beneath the kitchen sink and the entryway. Install railings in areas where he or she may need assistance getting up as well.

Get a Landline

While many prefer to use cell phones, you may want to set up a landline telephone for your loved one. By having a landline present, your family member will always be able to contact someone for help even if he or she cannot locate a cell phone. Go out of your way to have multiple phones available throughout the household in case he or she is injured and has difficulty moving.

Provide an Alert System

Make sure your loved one has a way of requesting help if he or she has fallen and can’t get up to call for assistance. Popular options are necklaces and other forms of jewelry that provide a button-activated alert system to summon aid.…

Your skin is the largest organ. It’s exposed to so much daily in Norfolk: sun, wind, heat, cold, pollution. All of these factors can cause your skin to look dull and aged. Improve the look of your skin, giving it back its healthy, youthful glow, with these tips.

Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun’s rays. While the sunshine might feel good and does offer health benefits, it can also lead to premature aging and other serious issues. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. SPF protection is crucial year-round.

Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat can affect the quality of your skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals essential for skin health. Make sure that you drink plenty of water as well to keep your skin hydrated.

Take Care of Your Skin at Home

A good skincare routine can aid in healthy, radiant skin. Exfoliating your face a couple of times a week helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal newer, fresher skin underneath. Products with retinoids can aid in cell turnover, easing fine lines and other signs of aging. Remove makeup nightly. Wash using cool or lukewarm water. Moisturize daily.

Treat Yourself to a Facial

For more dramatic results, treat yourself to a facial norfolk va. Today, many spas offer minimally and noninvasive treatments to improve the overall appearance of your skin. These treatments include such things as medical-grade chemical peels and dermaplaning. Treatments don’t take long and downtime is minimal.

Exercise

Exercise is excellent for your body as well as your skin. When you exercise, you get your blood pumping. You also stimulate your body’s natural cleansing process.

Don’t let the Norfolk elements take their toll on your skin. Taking care of it will help to ensure that your skin remains healthy and beautiful.…

Does your dog whine often for no apparent reason? Do they often experience loose stools, bad gas or bloating? Do they vomit easily? Can you hear their stomach gurgling or churning every so often? If your dog experiences some or all of these symptoms, they could have digestive issues that are causing them irritation and discomfort. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help your dog feel better by simply making a few easy changes at home.

Supplement With Vitamins or Probiotics

If your dog suffers from a digestive imbalance, they may benefit from taking dog probiotics or vitamin supplements that are specifically designed for canines. These products are typically easy to administer in the form of a tasty snack, and are full of the nutrients your dog needs to put their digestive system back in working order. As an added bonus, some formulas can help improve their immune system and reduce joint pain.

Start a Grain-Free Diet

Dogs are carnivores, so their bodies aren’t equipped to digest many grains well. Unfortunately, some dog foods contain high amounts of grain. Even rice and oat can still be irritating to a dog’s stomach, so switch to a grain-free diet to help your dog feel their best. Be sure to switch not only their food, but treats as well, and don’t offer any table food or scraps made with grains.

Reduce Stress as Much as Possible

Stressful situations can worsen an already irritated stomach, so take steps to make sure your dog feels safe and relaxed at all times. Place their bed and food in locations where they feel comfortable letting their guard down. Give them plenty of attention and affection and ensure they’re receiving enough exercise. Avoid stressors that may trigger nerves in your dog, such as certain public settings, too many new people or unnecessary trips away from home. You may even want to invest in an anxiety wrap if your dog exhibits signs of consistent fear or anxiety.

If these simple modifications don’t improve your dog’s digestive health, be sure to see your vet promptly.…

If you have an elderly family member that lives alone, chances are you want to make the home as safe as possible for your loved one. Here are some ways you can try to keep your beloved family member safe while you are not with them.

Repairs

Making sure the home is in good repair is very important to ensuring elderly loved ones are safe at home. You can also add extra safety features such as railings, ramps, seating (especially in the shower). If your loved one lives in a multi-story home, it would be helpful to make sure that all essential items are on the first floor to avoid climbing stairs . For example, you may want to make sure that the laundry machines are not in the second floor of the home.

Devices

Be sure that there are working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the house, and check them regularly. There are special necklaces that elderly people can wear which can get them the help they need if an emergency arises and they cannot reach a phone. An engraved medical ID is also a good idea. These come in the form of a bracelet, necklace or even a USB drive that can be plugged in at the doctor’s office. It’s possible to list contact information, allergies and medications on these pieces of jewelry.

Helpers

If you or your loved one can afford the cost, consider hiring someone to help out to reduce alone time and to get some of the chores done around the house. It is very important to do your research on these people and agencies before hiring someone to spend time alone with your elderly family member. Even when you think you have found the perfect help, be sure to stop by or check in at times when they are not expecting you.

Even under perfect conditions, someone who is aging could potentially fall or hurt themselves. It is important to regularly check in and visit your loved one to make sure that they are well.…