By: Robert Remler
Until now, dentists and most every doctor ignored this aspect of the patient because there was no easy, simple and accurate way to address it.Now there is. The "New-Eyes" dental examination, developed by Dr. Jan Wade Gilbert, a general practitioner dentist in Lawrence, can be used to accurately and scientifically determine the patient's nutritional status. No lab tests are required.This examination is so named because it virtually gives the dentist a new pair of eyes through which he can see obvious signs of the nutritional state of the body to which he was previously blind. By using this examination, the dentist can detect problems in the patient's biological systems before they show up in lab tests and before they are seen in routine medical examinationThe examination is also helpful to surgeons. By knowing the patient's nutritional status before a stressful operation (hysterectomy, liposuction, cardiovascular surgery, joint replacement, etc.), the surgeon will know if the patient is a high or low risk on the operating table. The stress of an operation can sometimes cause heart attacks, strokes, system shutdowns and even death. Nutritional status is the summation of the body's ability to fend off the negative effects of such stress. Now, a pre-operative visit to the dentist can give the surgeon that vital information. According to Dr. Gilbert, federal studies have shown that people in America are severely overweight, undernourished (not the same as underfed) and suffering from multitudes of illnesses that are caused by poor nutrition. Currently, Gilbert has been speaking to doctors throughout the country about the relationship between dentistry and nutrition.Dr. Gilbert can be reached at 176 Broadway in Lawrence, or by calling (516) 239-3333.
Ladies Day of Sports
The Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre will sponsor and celebrate its 25th Annual "Ladies Day of Sports" Golf and Tennis outing on Monday, August 12 at the Woodcrest Club in Syosset. This year's outing marks the 25th anniversary of the event. Proceeds from the outing will go towards the expansion and renovation of the hospital's Newborn Nursery, which will feature state-of-the-art equipment and furnishings. For more information, call Mercy Medical Center's Community Relations Department at 705-1021.
West Nile Virus Safety Tips
The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in New York State for the first time this year, and according to State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. P.H, "New Yorkers must continue to be diligent about reducing places around their property where mosquitoes breed." The New York City Department of Health reported that West Nile virus was identified in a mosquito pool collected from the Saw Mill Marsh last month. Coupled with previous findings of 16 infected birds from seven counties across the State (Albany, Erie, Monroe, 'Nassau, Niagara, Ontario, and Rockland), the new finding suggests that West Nile virus is circulating widely in New York, increasing the potential for human illness."Our past experience suggests that the risk of human cases of West Nile virus increases during July and August in our State," Dr. Novello said.Dead birds continue to be an excellent indicator of the presence of West Nile virus. Persons who notice dead birds, especially dead crows, are encouraged to report the sighting, including details about where the bird is located, to their local health department or at 1-866-537-BIRD. Even if the bird is not collected and tested, the report itself will provide vital information.The following strategies are recommended to reduce mosquito breeding sites:Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots and similar water-holding containers. Remove all discarded tires on your property. Used tires have become the most common mosquito breeding ground in the country.Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoorsMake sure gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall. Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.Change the water in bird baths.Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.Drain water from pool covers.Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property; clean up leaf litter and similar organic debris.For more information on the West Nile virus go to the New York State Department of Health's informational webpage at www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/westnile/index.htm
Urgent need for blood
Long Island Blood Services and the New York Blood Center both need blood donations from local residents now more than ever. New FDA regulations have prohibited the two organizations from continuing to import units of blood from Europe -which currently account for 25% of the local supply. The NY blood supply also reports that there is a severe shortage of Type O Negative blood lately.Those interested in making a blood donation can attend the drive at the Rockville Center Donor Center on Tuesday, September 3, from 12:45 - 8:45pm, or contact the New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566 to find information on other drives. Donors must be at least 17 years old, 110 pounds, and in good general health. All donors receive a free mini medical exam and refreshments.
