YOUR TEETH MAY HOLD AN AGING SECRET If your eyes are the windows to your soul, then your mouth is the window to the rest of your body — really! Poor oral health can impact your heart, blood sugar, nutrition, and other areas. As such, an important component to aging is keeping your mouth in mind. Let’s start with oral health habits. By now, you know it’s vitally important that you brush twice each day and floss daily to fight cavities and gum disease, but as you age, there are certain habits or situations that can impact this. For instance, many seniors are on medications that may reduce salivation or saliva production. This can create an uncomfortably dry mouth, but it also fosters an environment that’s perfect for bacteria to grow. Saliva acts as nature’s toothbrush, wiping away plaque and regularly rinsing your teeth. So, when you don’t produce it, bacteria can linger longer and have greater opportunities to eat away at your teeth. That’s why your breath stinks when your mouth is dry! Improve Your Oral Health as You Age
r Pets
3 STEPS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
owners are the same, so you must find someone who will make your pet as comfortable as possible. No. 2: Figure Out Finances Depending on where your pet will live, their health, and any extra expenses, you need to consider how much money you will leave to cover all of those costs. If your pet is relocating, you’ll need compensation for the caregiver. Emergencies can happen at any time as well, so it’s best to leave enough money as a cushion if any situation arises. No. 3: Create a Pet Trust When developing a trust, you want to select a trustee who will be responsible for ensuring your wishes are granted. Your trustee will also be responsible for distributing your money, as you’ve stated in your trust. It’s recommended that your trustee and pet caregiver are not the same person because it can create a conflict of interest. An important note to mention is that y ou cannot leave money or property for your pet if you create a will. You can, however, use your will or living trust to leave money to care for your pet that a caretaker will use for the pet’s lifetime. Have any questions about pet planning? Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning has a Four-Legged Family Member plan that we can help you with! Call us at 724.256.8850, and we will be happy to assist you.
To combat a chronically dry mouth, try the following tips:
• Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing can stimulate saliva production, and opting for sugar-free gum helps you avoid tooth-decaying sugar. Plus, most sugar-free gum contains Xylitol, a compound that has great benefits for your teeth! • Rinse with water after eating. Limit the effects of a dry mouth by swishing with water after you eat. This can release and remove some of the caked-on bacteria in your mouth. If that’s too gross for you, munch on a couple carrots instead. Carrots are hard but gentle enough to lightly brush your teeth and stimulate saliva production. Poor oral health in older adults can also be a sign of a larger issue. This is a symptom of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and osteoporosis — each for varying reasons. For instance, those with Alzheimer’s tend to ignore personal hygiene and care routines as the disease progresses, while those with diabetes are at greater risk for gum infections because the disease lowers the gums’ defenses. If you notice unusual poor oral health on your older loved one, talk to them about seeking professional guidance. Trinity Elder Law’s Julie Anderson recommends ‘My Dentist,’ Dr. Karen Shulman. Julie says Dr. Shulman is fantastic, and she serves a wide variety of patients and their needs. You can learn more by calling Dr. Shulman’s office at 724.444.8100.
ONE-PAN BAKED SALMON AND VEGGIES
Ingredients
• • •
1 lb spring potatoes, halved 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved
• • • •
2 handfuls cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 5-oz salmon fillets 1 handful fresh basil
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In an oven-proof dish, combine the potatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the dish from the oven and add the asparagus. Toss, and bake for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic, then nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 10–15 minutes. 5. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with basil leaves, and serve!
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
724.256.8850
3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator