Go Green
GET OUT THERE WITH THESE ECO-TOURISM TIPS
A study conducted by the University of Adelaide recently found that orthodontic care has no direct impact on a person’s long- term dental health. In other words, just because you had braces or some other form of orthodontic treatment does not mean you can be lax about dental hygiene or regular checkups and still avoid tooth decay. Braces may leave your smile looking picturesque, but the fight for healthy teeth is fought daily. Here are a few tips for practicing proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Aim the brush at an angle to reach the area where the teeth and gums connect. Brush with short, back-and-forth strokes across the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Brushes with soft bristles that can get between your molars are ideal. You should try to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or whenever the bristles start to fray. Store your toothbrush in a dry place where it can remain upright until your next use. When you floss, use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the ends around each of your middle fingers. Pinch the remaining string between your pointer fingers and thumbs. Run the floss back and forth and up and down between two teeth at a time, being gentle around your gums. Use a different part of the floss every couple of teeth to avoid spreading bacteria. Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel- efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world
committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world.
DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian
pyramids and Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.
Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.
BRUSHING UP ON DENTAL CARE Tips for Better Oral Hygiene
In addition to proper brushing and flossing techniques, there are other ways you can protect your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your plaque-fighting arsenal can remove more hard-to-reach bacteria. You should also try to avoid snacking (without brushing after) before going to bed since this will give bacteria time to feed and multiply overnight. Avoid all tobacco products and, of course, remember to schedule a dental cleaning and exam twice a year.
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