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Show Aug. 18, 1994 13 Hilltop Times Certain foods cause tooth decay Cheese is safe; raisins are dangerous by A1 C Lisa Burger 649th Medical Group Minimized snacking helps to guard teeth against decay. When nibbling, however, be aware that some foods are "friendly" and can protect teeth while others such as sugary, starchy, sticky foods can harm them. The American Dental Association recommends, for those who snack, that raw vegetables,, nuts, popcorn and plain yogurt are good. They also recommend brushing after snacking. According to research, certain kinds of cheese are especially "tooth friendly." Cheese is one of the best sources of calcium, a nutrient essential for healthy bones and teeth. Aged Cheddar, Swiss and Monterey J ack buffer teeth against the acids that can cause decay. If cheese is one of the safest snack foods from a dental health standpoint, raisins and granola bars rank among the most dangerous. How could health foods like raisins and granola bars possibly do any harm? They stick to teeth. This .type of food that clings to teeth is just as important' in causing tooth decay as is a food's sugar content. Other harmful snacks include toffee, honey and dried fruits. A study of 22 commonly consumed snack foods found that those with a high fluoride, fat or protein content tend to cause fewer cavities. Fatty foods don't stick to your teeth long enough to trigger decay. According to the study, both high fat and high protein foods appear to coat tooth enamel, providing some protection against decay-causin- g acids. Foods high in fluoride (including canned fish) may help trigger the remineralization of tooth enamel, a process that repairs early lesions of decay before they can develop into n cavities. Snacks least likely to lead to decay are peanuts, sugarless gelatin deserts and plain yogurt. Foods toughest on teeth include bananas, cake, french fries, doughnuts, cupcakes and other treats containing confectioner's sugar. Of course people should consider total nutrition, not only dental health, when selecting snack foods. An understanding of the components that make certain foods than potentially less decay-causin- g others may eventually help save a person's teeth. For more information or questions regarding oral hygiene or nutrition contact the Dental Clinic, Ext. " 24 -- For persons who seldom burn but tan . e, nflX " profusely. For those SPF 6 who need extra protection from 4-- sunburn. SPF 8-- 1 5 -- For maximum protection, with little tanning resulting. SPF IS and over An "ultra" rating that permits no tanning; It's for people who never tan but always burn. - I v a D YiV i 11 S : . 1 '', , , r? i ft High temperature, humidity impede body's cooling system by Jenny McFarland 649th Medical Group above symptoms, drink plenty of water, rest periodically and try to stay in a cool environment. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! It occur'wheM the "body's cooking mechanisms are no longer effective, allowing the body temperature to rise into the 100's. If not treated promptly, death can occur. An employer can be cited by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration when employees bed in hot come some heat since environments, stress exposures may be life threatening. Good work practices ; include allowing workers to get accustomed to the hot environment gradually, providing sufficient breaks, and ensuring adequate fluid replacement. Acclimatization allows the body to gradually adjust to a hot environment over a period of a week to 10 days. Don't become a victim. Follow these suggestions to avoid heat stress or illnesses and associated disorders. Help make life more enjoyable and healthy. For more information contact the Public Health Office at Ext. . and the livin' is "Summertime " easy..." Before getting too comfortable with that iced tea, here's some facts to be aware of. During June and July, temperatures across the United States were higher than usual. Deaths from all causes increase during heat waves. Excessive heat is an important contributing factor, especially among . infants, the elderly and people who are physically active in the heat. It is important to understand and have a plan to prevent d illnesses. Bodies exchange heat in much the same way as a car engine. In the body, blood is the coolant, the brain is the thermostat, the heart is the pump and the skin is the radiator. As muscle activity produces heat, the temperature of the blood increases. The Central nervous system senses this increase in blood temperature and redirects more blood to the skin. The skin surface allows heat to be exchanged with the surrounding environment, lowering the temperature of the blood. The cool blood is then recirculated through the body. As the environment's temperature approaches or exceeds the body temperature, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain normal cooling. The evaporation of sweat on the skin greatly improves the cooling process. However, perspiring is effective only when sweat can evaporate. High humidity prevents evaporation. If physical labor continues in an area where there is high humidity and sweating continues, dehydration may occur and body heat may continue to rise. If this condition even illness persists, could result, depending on death the severity of exposure. Heat rashes, fatigue, cramps, exhaustion and collapse can be direct ly related to the heat. To avoid the heat-relate- d non't fiddle around too long in the sun . i heat-relate- and creams: SPF 2 full-blow- Have fun in the Sun, but know your SPF Sun Protection Factor, suggested by a panel of experts and found on many suntan lotions . over-expose- Ways to prevent , beat stress D Drink plenty of water. D Take breaks regularly. D Prevent sunburn by using shirts hats, wear and use sunscreen. long-sleev- ed Do Heavier work during the cooler parts of the day. Avoid the use of alcohol and certain drucs which may increase the risk for Klnes or death. D People who have hoart problems or are on urtks or diets should consuSt a physician. heat-relat- ed tow-sodk-m |