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March 17, 2013
Are you looking to improve your health and support your immune system? Adding Chlorophyll into your diet could be just the thing you need.
Chlorophyll is a natural chemical that is found in green vegetables and even in algae.
Many health food stores carry chlorophyll and it is becoming more popular as a dietary supplement.
People who eat and consume chlorophyll every day will see benefits ranging from an improved immune system, improved oxygen to the blood and even a detoxed to body.
Chlorophyll is the green pigment that is found in all plant cells. It absorbs natural light and it will use energy to generate photosynthesis, this is the process that can help carbohydrates pull from carbon dioxide.
Chlorophyll can cleanse a fatty liver as well. Some health practitioners will prescribe chlorophyll because it can increase oxygen flow in the bloodstream.
Chlorophyll will wash out toxins in the body and help you detox your liver, your bowels, your intestinal tract and even your bones.
Some dentists are looking at chlorophyll as a way to improve oral health. Many toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mint manufactures will add chlorophyll into their products.
Since this wonder ingredient has been linked to improving bone structure it can actually help improve the strength of your teeth.
Chlorophyll can help kill bad breath as well. The molecule structure of chlorophyll can help reduce foul smells, because it has magnesium and iron and he can fight off bad breath.
Chlorophyll has vitamin K in it, which can help prevent blood clotting food that has vitamin K and it is most often found in leafy green vegetables.
Dr. Marostica, a dentist in Tigard Oregon suggests adding chlorophyll into your water to help you strengthen your teeth.
February 13, 2013
White teeth and a beautiful smile can be deceiving. Even if you have no cavities, the symptoms in your mouth could be a deeper reflection of troubled areas of your health.
Dentists sometimes say that your mouth is the gateway into your health. Your mouth is connected to your entire body.
What you put in your mouth affects your entire health and the areas in your mouth. Visit your dentist regularly and never ignore an oral health problem.
Your mouth can reveal some key things about your health:
Bleeding gums can reveal a hormonal imbalance:
Hormone receptors are in your mouth and are embedded into your gum tissue. Many women who are pregnant will experience bleeding gums, because their hormones go out of whack. The same is true for Women going through their menstrual cycles.
Fat tongue can be a symptom of nutritional deficiency:
If you see that the corners of someone’s mouth are red or inflamed, that can be a symptom of a B-6 vitamin deficiency. People with a swollen tongue could have an iron deficiency. Similarly, a pale tongue can indicate anemia. If your tongue is discolored bring it to the attention of your dentist.
Cracked, crumbling teeth can be a symptom of reflux:
Do you have cracked teeth? Many people think this is because of teeth grinding, but dentists will observe the teeth and see the melting away of teeth is actually caused to stomach acid that moves into the mouth when the person is a sleep. Gastroesphogeal reflux disease happens when stomach acid comes up through the esophagus into the mouth.
Bad breath can be a symptom of stomach issues: Even if you brush and floss daily, and have good dental checkups, bad breath can be related to stomach issues.
It could be an indication of a liver or kidney problem. Get any bad breath not related to oral health checked out.
Gum disease and inflammation can be a symptom of heart problems: You may know that the type of the bacteria in the mouth can be transferred down into our blood vessels and cause plaque, and that plaque has a type of bacteria that lives in the mouth. Dr. Andrew Thompson, a dentist in Portland, OR, says brushing and flossing your teeth is the best way to prevent other disease from happening
February 7, 2013
Do you ever look at others and secretly wish you were in their shoes? Whether the person is doing a better yoga position than you in class, or your coworker just got the promotion you so thought you deserved, comparing yourself to others is the number one way we stop ourselves form reaching our full potential.
Maybe you feel like you are stuck on the outside, trying to get in. The majority of people strive for happiness but actually do things that stop them from reaching their full potential. The first step is to remove the barriers that are keeping you from feeling happy. There may be habits you do without even realizing that they hurt you.
These obstacles could be holding you back.
1. How loud is your inner critic?
Most people walk around and criticize themselves and others, often without even realizing it. Most of the thoughts we have are unconscious thoughts that come in and out of our brain. We have the ability to train our brain to think more positive thoughts.
The first step is to pay attention to how you speak to yourself. Start to witness and recognize your inner mean voice and let it speak, then practice combating the thoughts with more positive ones.
As it has been said, would you speak to a small child the way you speak to yourself? Let your own thoughts guide you to happiness and peace. Positive thoughts have a powerful way of transforming your outlook on life. The more positive you are, often the more you will smile. People who smile feel good about themselves and attract great opportunities to them.
2. Do you bend over backwards for people?
Do you spend your time being there for everyone only to find you are exhausted at the end of the day? People pleasers are great friends, they are always there for you, they are the most supportive and trusted companions but they tend to get sick often, feel run down or avoid taking care of themselves. If you relate you may have the case of the people pleasers. People pleasers can find balance in taking time daily to do what they love. Look at your life and see where you feel imbalanced. People who take time out for them feel better and are happier.
3. Are you playing it safe?
Many people allow fear to paralyze them. But to make your dreams come true you need to push through the fear and uncomfortable aspects of life. Sometimes we avoid fear by staying in our comfort zone to long.
Fear can hinder your health. For example, many people fear going to the dentist, and Dr. Andrew Thompson, a Dentist in Banks, OR says that people can let their fear stop them from getting what they want.
January 23, 2013
On March 11, 2011, I woke up excited because it was my birthday. I welcomed in the beautiful, fresh, new day. The TV was on, and as I walked downstairs I saw that a giant tsunami had hit the coast of Japan and wiped out cities and towns leaving thousands missing. My birthday happiness changed from a euphoric rush to devastation in an instant. All I could think was about having to help. I listened to the strained screams of victims; I saw dogs drowning and homes turned upside down. Suddenly my having a day all about me because it was my birthday became unimportant.
Many people experienced the same horror by watching the events unfold on television and also felt helpless. The situation seemed so far removed from us in our cozy homes in America that many felt numb to the tragedy. I spoke to many people who said, “I feel helpless; there is nothing I can do.” Trust there is always something we can do. I recognized that I could make a difference, so I started a fundraising campaign to help raise money to help the victims. I went to Mercy Corps and created my own fundraising page. I asked people to donate to my campaign rather than buying me birthday presents. I took action and did something. Even though my efforts were small, I could make a difference and I did. Together we raised more than $100 dollars. While $100 may not seem like a lot of money to some, to the people who lost everything, it meant everything.
Over the past few years, it seems more natural disasters, shootings and political upheaval have taken place. It can be easy to get caught up in the drama of life’s circumstances, but you don’t have to fall victim to the situations, I have managed to maintain a centered calm and inner happiness and I do this by helping. I believe part of our frustration and inner turmoil is because we fell helpless. Consider that there is always something you can do. There is always something you can do, and it starts with asking yourself how you can help.
When we serve others we recognize that we are part of a greater plan. Every single thing you do affects another person. We are all one. Sometimes it takes world tragedies to bring us together. Instead of looking at the world as a negative dark place, you can step into the light by responding with love, compassion and hope.
Sometimes the little things are all that matter. The little things we do for another person are often bigger and better than the things we do on a grand scale. Here are easy things you can do to make a big difference.
• Opening a door for a stranger
• Buy your friend lunch unexpectedly
• Taking out the garbage when your significant other is tired from the day.
• Buy Coffee for a stranger in line
• Tell your boss, dentist, doctor that you are thankful for them
Truth be told your boss and health care professionals don’t hear thank you often. Dr. Derek Conklin, a dentist in Portland OR, said he is thrilled when his patients tell him thank you. “It makes my day.” Bing thankful and sharing your gratitude will help improve your happiness.
January 16, 2013
Food is supposed to energize your body, it is not supposed to weigh you down or cause disease, discomfort or stress. Many people don’t realize that the foods they are eating or causing their health problems. From cavities to obesity you can take your health back into control with these ingredients and power foods.
Parsley
When in doubt just add more green food. Green food such as parsley, which is high in vitamins C, A and K. Parsley like other leafy green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli also contains antioxidants that will keep your body oxygenated and can help keep your internal organs and immune system healthy and strong.
Best of all, eating it will help reduce inflammation of your body. Parsley is great to add to salsas, hummus, vegetables, soups and salads.
Ginger
Ginger is really good for detoxing the body and it can help spice up any dish. Ginger will reduce swelling in your muscles and your body as well. It helps reduce inflammation. Ginger is also been known to alleviate stomach cramps, pain in the body and help soothe digestive issues. Plus this little guy fights cancer. Add ginger to fish dishes, vegetables, or even fruit smoothies.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been known to help lower blood sugar and it helps keep your body’s metabolism stabilized. Cinnamon is in many foods but you can add a dash into most prepared meals. You can add it into coffee, fruit, and oatmeal or even curry sauces.
Cinnamon also helps freshen the breath. This is why many dentists recommend adding it and many toothpaste-manufacturing companies use it as a flavor for their main ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. Doctor Robert Thompson a dentist in NW Portland recommends cooking with cinnamon to help improve your digestion and smile.
January 13, 2013
Happy New Year. It is the start of the new year, which means that it is time to take care of your health. Many people have resolutions that focus on their health. What about having a brighter smile? Some people want to have more confidence and your smile is the key to helping you get what you want. People who smile often report feeling better and being happier than those who do not smile often. Sometimes people are insecure about their smiles. If you want to improve your smile and be happier and healthier these tips can help.
Add Flavor to Your Water
Chances are you are not drinking enough water. Water is one of the best ingredients to help make a beautiful smile. It helps cleanse the system and can help remove food particles on your teeth, which can prevent cavities.
If you don’t like drinking water you are probably not drinking enough water. You can flavor your water with many syrups, sugar free flavors or even natural ingredients.
Take inspiration from health spas, popular ingredients include lavender, peppermint, lemon or lime. You can even add sliced cucumbers.
Change Your Toothbrush
If you haven’t changed your toothbrush in a while it’s time to get a new toothbrush. Having a clean brush with fresh new bristles will help improve your smile and improve your outlook on life. People who brush often report feeling better and having lower cavities and oral health issues than those who do not brush regularly.
Visit Your Dentist and Ask Questions
Many people go to the dentist’s office once or twice a year for regular checkup and cleaning, but they don’t actually use their time wisely. Ask many questions, because your dentist can be a resource to help you reach your health goals. Justin Marostica, a dentist in Tigard, at TenderCare Dental, encourages his patients to reach out and talk to him. “We are here as a resource to help you. We want to help you feel confident in your own body let us help you reach your health goals.”
-Written by Shannon Kaiser
August 27, 2012
How do you feel in the morning? Experts say the way you start your day is a result of how you spend your night? Do you have a mattress that is old and frumpy? If so it might be time to buy a new mattress.
But how do you know when it is time to upgrade your sleeping pad? Here are things to look for when buying a new mattress. Before you go to the mattress store you want to ask yourself these key questions.
How well do you currently sleep?
Do you go to bed with back pain, neck pain and deep aches? When you wake up in the morning do you feel the same way as the night before? Do you have aches and pains all over your body? If this is the case then you most likely need a new mattress. When we sleep we are suppose to rest and restore our body. If you mattress is a good mattress you will wake up feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. However, if you are waking up in more pain, then this is a good indicator that your mattress needs a replacement.
Where is Your Bed?
In general there is no standard for how long you will have your mattress. The type of fabric, the material, the location, environment etc. will all play into how long you can keep your mattress. In general around 6-8 years is a good indicator of when it might be a good time to look at purchasing a new one.
Look at your mattress if there are holes, wear and tear etc. This is also an indicator that you might want to upgrade. Other things to consider are where the bed is located. Is it a guest bed for the guesthouse or guest room? Is it at your beach house, or in the basement for the children who have sleepovers? The more use the bed gets the more it will wear down. Think about the location and how often it is used when choosing to purchase a new mattress.
Sometimes aches and pains are not the only thing keeping you up and night. The number one reason couples sleep in other rooms is not because of an uncountable bed but because of snoring. If you snore it may be a deeper health issue that you might not be aware of. Some snoring cases have been linked to a dental oral health issue. If you snore or have a hard time sleeping at night you may want to visit your dentist they can help. Doctor Andrew Thompson, a Dentist in Banks, OR can help with poor sleep patterns.
~ Shannon Kaiser
August 22, 2012
We have heard the saying, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it all,” or how about, “sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me” these tall tail adages ring true across many cultures and instill into our brains at a very young age. What they are really teaching us is, “it’s okay to lie and be blunt.”
As we get older we learn when it is appropriate to say something and when it is time to keep our trap shut. But what really happens when we bite our tongue?
If a friend asks you what you think of her new boyfriend, is it really appropriate to say you think he is creepy and you think she deserves better. After all she is in the honeymoon stage. Or what if your boss asks you how their presentation went? Do you tell them the truth? Or spit out a white lie? Will your job be on the line if you say his presentation was unimaginative and stale.
When is honesty important?
Many children know how to fib by age 3, and experts say by the age 6, most children lie at least a few times a day. Children will learn how to lie by observing us “role model” adults. Parents often explicitly will encourage children to tell lie. Don’t tell Grandma that her gift smells like mouth balls, type of fibs.
Are we really protecting the others persons feelings by hiding our truth?
How come it is easier to say something behind someone else’s back then it is to their face? If we don’t like something about someone, or a family member does something to us and we feel wronged. Rather then bringing it to their attention we often complain to others. Needless to say the person we have the issue with is completely in the dark.
Think about in romantic relationships. It is easier to break up by saying, “I just don’t want to date right now,” then it is to tell that person, “You are egotistical, and selfish.”
When it comes to protecting the other person’s feelings, like with Grandma or your romantic partner, it is good to practice compassion first. There is no need to be brutally honest and tell someone you hate their outfit. After all it is just your opinion.
However, when it comes to your health, you should never lie. When you visit the doctor, or dentist, lying about the last time you flossed will only make your appointment more tedious. Be honest with your health professionals, they will be able to know when you are lieing anyway.
Doctor Wong, at TenderCare Dental, a dentist in Beaverton Oregon, says that he can tell when patients lie to him. It is best to be honest when it comes to your body. Health professionals are there to help you feel and look your best. When you fib the truth you are not helping anything.
-Written by Shannon Kaiser
- Photo by schoolofdisney.com
June 5, 2012
There is a new epidemic brushing across American Women, its called the “Fraud Syndrome.” Professional, powerful, smart, and sexy women who secretly think they are not good enough, does this ring a bell? The majority of people, no matter how successful they are privately have insecurity issues about not feeling good enough or worthy to be doing what they are doing, whether it is work, home or their relationship life. Many people feel like an imposter in their own life. Can you relate? If so read on for tips to Kung-Fu that nasty little voice and became a superheroine in your own life.
Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
So many of us grow up thinking that we are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough etc. because of cultural icons, media and even family situations. When we look outside of ourselves to fill the void we will never have enough. Allow yourself to see the unique you, and celebrate the perfection in yourself. No one has the same genetic makeup, background, thoughts or style as you. When we recognize this we learn to see that there is no fraud or fake, because we are unique. Learn to let go of the outside comparisons and you will soon feel supercharged.
Smile with Confidence
People who smile are more approachable and usually more successful then people who pick frowning as a way of life. You know that coworker who is always laughing; everyone is always gathered intently around her desk? She seems to have it so tougher. What about your neighbor who has perfect pretty white teeth, and seems to balance that gorgeous smile with two perfect kids hanging off her right hip? Effortless! Their smiles make life look effortless. Rather then think life isn’t fair, and only some are graced with perfection, try to adopt their secret weapon and smile more yourself. Doctor Randy Morgan, a dentist in Newberg Oregon, explains that a smile is the first thing people see and remember when the meet you. Smiling more will give you the confidence you need to overcome any situation.
When you smile the muscles in your face get pulled, even if the smile is fake, and this muscular activity triggers something in the brain that releases endorphins into your bloodstream, These endorphins are natural pain killer. Yes you read that right, smiling is a natural painkiller.
So smile on sweet sisters, and celebrate the awesome you.
Photo http://exquisiteessence.blogspot.com/
~ Written by Shannon Kaiser
May 6, 2012
Did you know that going to the Dentist can be as relaxing as a spa treatment?
We all know how fresh and luxurious the smell of lavender is but do we ever consider the mega health benefits? Spas all around the world use lavender infused products to help heal the body, mind and soul, so why don’t other professions pick up on this?
Well now they have, you may be able to get the same healing benefits you would going to a spa when you go and visit your friendly dentist. That’s right, a recent study done at the Medical University of Vienna reveled that using Ambient odors such as lavender reduce anxiety and improve overall mood in a dental office.
In fact, some dentist’s across the nation are adding lavender to their offices for a more pleasant experience. Lavender is a popular sent because it can reduce anxiety and improve mood in patients waiting for dental treatment.
We all know that odors are capable of altering emotional states so it was only a matter of time before the health industry picked up on this. There are many health benefits to lavender that extend beyond the instant relaxation.
Lavender is the most popular essential oil, due to its ability to release tension, disinfect skin and the ability to successfully treat various respiratory problems. The major benefits are
• Helps improve sleep patterns
• Helps breathing problems
• Helps skin disorders
• Aids Digestion and Enhances Appetite
• Lowers pain levels
There are many lavender products that can help you improve your health. One of our favorites is Doctor Burts Lavender Mint Toothpaste.
Regular use of Doctor Burt’s Lavender Mint aids in the prevention of dental decay and is so natural it’s actually edible!
Unlike most commercial brand toothpaste, Doctor Burt’s boasts no artificial colors, flavors, binders or sodium lauryl sulfate. It’s enhanced with the soothing and cleansing essential oils of peppermint, spearmint, and lavender – renowned for its healing and cell regenerating properties. For a little more oh-la-la in your mouth this toothpaste also contains anise, clove and cranberry to purify and refresh the gums while calcium carbonate and bentonite clay.
Who knows, next time you go visit your dentist for a cleaning you may feel even more pampered and rejuvenated then you do when you leave a spa.
For more dental advice and health tips visit, Dr. Pari Samani, D.M.D. at Tualatin Dental Care, a Dentist in Tigard Oregon.
~ By Shannon Kaiser
~ photo by herbcompanion.com
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