Some 28 years ago, I purchased a book “Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist” written by Dr. Esther Wilkins.
I was honored to have met Esther earlier this year at Yankee Dental Congress. Esther recently celebrated her 100th birthday, completed the 12th edition to our clinical book and still found the time to be open to new ideas for discussing how we … as a collective group can continually & successfully create a culture of prevention for our patients.
The fact she participated in a new informational format … the inauguration of Coffee Chat with Anastasia still humbles me.
Thank you Esther … for your vision, passion, boldness, leadership, entrepreneurship & quick wit! You will be missed by all of us.
Thank you to Crest Oral-B for Dental Professionals!
Enjoy this tribute!
Category: Uncategorized
Hand Washing Song | Revised For Fun
Anastasia’s Hump Day Happenings: Hand Washing Song
Remember when your mom would ask you “did you wash your hands”? It felt like such a chore! I admit, getting into the healthcare profession + having my dad battle leukemia, my hand washing may be overkill or OCD to some … there are worse habits … like not doing it at all! So Gross!
Truth is; our hands touch so many surfaces from keyboards, smart phones, pens, door knobs, mail, money, shopping carts, gas nozzles, ATM machines, etc. Bacteria simply hitch a ride from that surface to your hand, fingertips, under your finger nails.
Yep! All good until you shake hands, fist pump then BAM! You are spreading disease! Ewwww!
All it takes is soap & water! It doesn’t matter if the water is cold or hot … just wash the front + back of your hand + each finger … it will take you at least 20 seconds!
You can also use 60% alcohol hand sanitizer the same way.
It is for your own protection … and for those around you! Give the gift of health & wash your hands!
Anastasia
www.AnastasiaTurchetta.com
Take What You Learn & Make A Difference With It
Halloween Safety Tips For Pets
Halloween Candy Isn’t The Only Dangerous Thing For Your Pets!
1. Candy isn’t a Treat!
Chocolate is toxic!
Depending up on the size of your pet and the amount ingested it could be deadly!
Symptoms: Muscle tremors, loss of bladder control, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, heavy breathing
Xylitol is toxic!
This sugar substitute is ONLY for humans! It is found in candy, gum, mints. The amount ingested can lead to liver failure, drop in blood sugar and pancreatitis.
2. Pet ID
Having a tag on your pets collar or microchip will help others in getting your pet safely home. You can also give your pets information on the apps mentioned below.
3. Put Away Glow Sticks
Cats more than dogs will play with these. They can chew them until the stick opens. Most are labeled non-toxic yet will taste bitter, causing a lot of salivation, plus possible ingestion of the plastic pieces may cause obstruction.
Additional items that will cause bowel obstruction are party favors that are small, costume accessories and even decorations.
4. Calm Is Best
It’s best to have your pets in a room that will not be so loud with sounds, screams or basically chaos. Have music or TV for background sound and give them a new treat/toy to focus on.
5. Emergency Number for Vet
Download Pet First Aid (American Red Cross) or ASPCA mobile pet safety app.
Keep your vet number in emergency contacts on your phone or on your refrigerator in the event you need it.
Anastasia
Take What You Learn & Make A Difference With It
You Can Win An Oral B Genius | National Dental Hygiene Month
Many dentist’s social media pages do NOT mention that it is National Dental Hygiene Month! No wonder YOU, our patients, continue to perceive your dental visit as a “cleaning” instead of a health & wellness visit!
So, I decided to celebrate our dental hygiene profession and YOU! View and WIN!!
Offer ends 11-01-16
Coffee Clink to a Great Day!
Anastasia
www.AnastasiaTurchetta.com
Take What You Learn & Make A Difference With it
Water Fluoridation | What Parents Can Do
A viewer asked me what he can do for his kids regarding fluoride because their community does not have fluoride in their water. I applaud parents who understand the importance of prevention and how fluoride can prevent tooth decay.
For any parent who may read this; I’ve got 5 options for you to consider regarding your kid’s teeth & dental care.
1) Check into your state to see if you have water fluoridation. It will then lead you to a list of counties. Click your county to discover water fluoridation.
2) Schedule your child’s dental visit. ADA recommends by their first birthday. I’ve personally seen children in my career by age 2. This is important to establish their risk for tooth decay ranging from low to high. We are also able to provide your child with a fluoride varnish that will contribute to strengthening tooth enamel.
3) What toothpaste or mouth rinse is your child using. If under age 6, it should be fluoride – free. Young children must be monitored because they can swallow toothpaste and mouth rinses much easier than spitting them out.
4) Fluoride can be in supplements dispensed by your pediatrician. Your child may also receive a fluoride varnish treatment at your pediatrician’s office. The awesome thing about fluoride varnish is that kids can’t swallow it! Yay!
5) Be aware of what you eat. Fluoride can be in pesticides, mechanically de-boned meat and some bottled water or teas.
For the enthusiast reader … Click here for American Dental Association’s 71 page guide on water fluoridation
Tooth decay is an epidemic for our children in the USA. It hurts my heart to witness young kids in pain, be made fun of because their teeth are rotting or breath is bad from decay, know that they miss millions of hours of school every year because of tooth pain, lose focus in school, get lower grades and in some extreme cases it is life threatening.
Tooth decay IS preventable. This chronic, active bacterial infection can be prevented! Parents must be pro-active and choose to guide their child onto the pathway to health.
Join me every week! Subscribe to my YouTube channel!
#AskAnastasia #AmericasDentalHygienist #TheHighwayToHealth
Anastasia
Take What You Learn & Make A Difference With It
Motivational Speaker | Health Empowerment 