OFFICE OF THE HEALTH OFFICER
PRESS RELEASE
Charles County Department of Health Oral Health Program at 301-609-6886
February is Children’s Dental Health Month
Charles County, MD (February1, 2010) – Did you know that tooth decay (cavities) is the most common chronic disease found in children? It is five times as common as asthma and seven times as common as hay fever.
Each year, more than 51 million school hours are lost due to dental problems. Untreated, tooth decay causes pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating,speaking, playing, and learning. Fortunately, with good oral health care habits, tooth decay can be prevented.
“It is important for parents to teach their children good dental health care habits, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, eating nutritious foods, and having regular visits to the dentist,” said Dr. Devadason, the County Health Officer. Steps such as these will help ensure that children will have a healthy mouth, as well as a healthy body. Since children learn oral health care from their parents, it is important that parents serve as role models and practice good oral health care habits. Parents should supervise brushing until children are seven to eight years old.
Elementary school age children can discover the power of a healthy smile with MouthPower® Online, an entertaining and innovative Web site sponsored by the National Museum of Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Children can explore Mouthie’s interactive online laboratory to learn how to keep their smiles sparkling. They can learn how to brush and floss, make healthy food choices, and steer clear of the pitfalls of tobacco. After completing the program that entails “earning” teeth, children can download a personalized certificate. The program is available in English and Spanish at www.MouthPower.org. Children can also test their dental knowledge by playing the “Dental Jeopardy” game located on the Maryland Office of Oral Health website at http://fha.maryland.gov/oralhealth/.
For more information about oral health programs and services available in Maryland and in your local area, visit the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s, Office of Oral Health website a http://fha.maryland.gov/oralhealth/ or contact the Oral Health Program of the Charles County Department of Health for more information.
Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
ü Schedule a child’s first dental visit when his or her first tooth appears, or by the first birthday.
ü Provide children with healthy snacks such as fruits and vegetables. Give them water to drink between meals.
ü Have your child brush with toothpaste that has fluoride at least twice a day for minutes. Children need brushing supervision until seven to eight years of age.
ü Ask your children’s dentist about the need for fluoride treatment.
ü Check with your local health department or county government or have your water tested to determine the amount of fluoride in your water. If it is too low to prevent tooth decay, ask your dentist or physician about fluoride supplements.
ü Ask about dental sealants when your child’s permanent teeth come in.
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Women's Health Week May 9-15News Release
MARYLAND CELEBRATES NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK
White Plains, MD (May 10, 2010) – Did you know there are 2.9 million women in Maryland, making up 51.6% of the total population? In 2008, heart disease and cancer were the two most common causes of death and accounted for nearly half of all female deaths. In addition, 15% of new mothers in Maryland reported feeling depressed during the postpartum time period and 58% of Maryland women reported they were overweight.
The Charles County Department of Health is urging all women to take time for their health this week by taking the Checkup Day pledge and by scheduling at least one preventive health screening during May. The message is part of the 2010 observance of National Women’s Health Week, May 9 – 15 2010.
National Women’s Health Week is a nationwide initiative that calls attention to the importance of women’s health. The theme for National Women’s Health Week is “It’s Your Time.” Local health departments and community based organizations throughout the State are engaging in a variety of events to raise awareness about women’s health and the importance of women taking time for their own health.
National Women’s Health Week is important because it encourages women to take time for their health,” says (LOCAL HEALTH OFFICER). “It is important for women to make their health a priority and to make changes that will not only benefit them but all the people in their life.”
For more information about National Women’s Health Week, please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw.
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