Recognize and Act
Packed with nutritious ingredients and savory spices, these peppers are a wholesome meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare — perfect for any weeknight dinner. LEGENDARY STUFFED PEPPERS
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, it’s predicted that about 58,500 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2024. Oral cancer is a serious, sometimes life-threatening, condition that can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Just like many other forms of cancer, early detection is key for successful treatment and can significantly improve survival rates. Spotting Early Symptoms of Oral Cancer
• 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded • 1 lb ground beef • 1 onion, diced • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tsp chili powder INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
• 1 tsp cumin • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 cup cooked rice • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Here are some early symptoms to be on the lookout for:
PERSISTENT SORES One of the most common early signs of oral cancer is a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks. These sores are often painless initially but can become irritating as they grow. Pay attention to areas in your mouth where sores persist or recur frequently. RED OR WHITE PATCHES Red or white patches can appear on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining. While not all red or white patches are cancerous, one of our dental professionals should evaluate those that do not go away or become larger over time. UNEXPLAINED LUMPS OR SWELLING If you have lumps or random swelling in your mouth, throat, or neck that lasts longer than a few weeks, this may be a cause for concern. Even if these lumps are painless at first, they can potentially interfere with normal functions such as swallowing or speaking. PAIN OR DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING Some forms of oral cancer can cause difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, pain, or a burning sensation when chewing or swallowing. Some people may feel like food is stuck in their throat or experience a persistent sore throat. UNEXPLAINED BLEEDING If you ever start bleeding from the mouth without an explanation, such as injury, brushing, or flossing, it’s important to seek medical attention and advice, for this could be a warning sign of oral cancer. Remember: proactivity is better than reactivity! Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly improve outcomes, so do not ignore persistent or unusual changes in your oral health. If you notice any of these signs or are concerned about an area in your mouth, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to check it out! Give us a call right away.
2. Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat. 4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, rice, salt, and pepper. 5. Fill the 8 bell pepper halves with the beef mixture, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
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BACKPACK BEES MELON MOON MUSTARD OLYMPICS PEACH SANDCASTLE SCHOOL TWINS
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