What
do you remember about visiting the dentist when you were a child? Fishing for a
small toy out of the fish tank if you were good during your visit? Or a long
needle painfully inserted in your gum before filling a cavity?
However
you may feel about visiting a dentist, maintaining good oral health is
important at any age, because as older adults we still encounter cavities, gum
disease and dry mouth. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial
Research has published a fact sheet for older adults on these three oral health
issues which you can find by googling NIH Older adults and oral health. (And if
you’re wondering as I was, craniofacial is a medical term that relates to the
bones of the skull and face.)
But
you already know the basics to prevent cavities and gum disease because you’ve
heard them since you were a child: use a fluoride toothpaste; brush twice daily
and floss regularly; and see a dentist for regular check-ups.
But
one problem I only recently encountered is dry mouth: the feeling there is not
enough saliva in your mouth. In my case it is a side effect of one of my
medications, but it can also be caused by dehydration and disease. Since saliva
helps keep harmful germs in check, less saliva increases the risk of developing
tooth decay. If you think you have dry mouth and it feels uncomfortable, see a
dentist or physician to find relief.
A
challenge though is Medicare doesn’t pay for dental work - as if your mouth is
not a part of your body. You must purchase a separate Dental plan. (Several
dentists offer their own insurance plans.) But just as you take care of the
rest of your body, it is important to practice good dental hygiene as we grow
older.
And
as an addendum, I just learned from a friend that before his hip replacement he
had to have a dentist sign-off that there were no infections in his gums - and
it cost over $800! Another reason to see your dentist regularly.
Here's
a shout out to the local Elks. They have moved into the same building as the
Eagles but don’t get the idea they are going away – they are still doing good
things for the community. For example, they just donated $1500 to The Dalles
Meals-on-Wheals which provides home delivered meals as well as serving noon
meals at the Center. Because of limited federal funding, Meals-on-Wheels
appreciates any donations. And they are always looking for drivers!
On
November 5th at 1:00, Kerry Cobb will be discussing Art Masterpieces.
In her presentation you will learn about some of the most famous pieces of
western art and why they are so iconic and the stories behind their creation - from
Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to Van
Gogh’s Starry Night.
And on
Friday November 8th there will be a bus going from the Center to
Hood River to tour the Art Gallery at the Columbia Center for The Arts (CCA) and
see the live performance of An Evening of Poe - with dinner in
between. We’ll leave the Center at 3:15 and return to The Dalles around 9:30. The
show and transportation are free (thanks to CCA), so the only cost is your
dinner. Call the Center to sign up.
Now
that Gorge Happiness Month is almost over, don’t forget the 3 daily habits
proven to make us happier and healthier: gratitude, acts of kindness and a moment
of silence.
The game
show hosted by Allen Ludden where two teams attempt to convey mystery words to
each other using only single-word clues was Password. I received correct
answers from Rhonda Spies, Barbara Cadwell, Jess Birge, Cheri Brent and Alice
Mattox this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
Continuing
October’s theme of 60’s television shows, this week’s question is about the animated
television series The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show which aired from 1959
through 1964 and was known for its quality writing and wry humor. For this
week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of their main adversaries - the
Russian-like spies working to "catch Moose and Squirrel"? Email your
answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or mail it
with a picture of Fearless Leader.
Well,
it’s been another week, trying to keep my body’s engine light from coming on. Until
we meet again, keep living your life with courage, humor and gratitude.
.
“If
only my teeth were as white as my legs.” Unknown
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