In Defense of Relaxation
WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR VACATION DAYS
If you’re one of the 50% of Americans who would prefer a higher salary over paid vacation days, then the thought of relaxing by the pool probably makes your skin crawl. According to a 2019 Allianz Global Assistance survey, most Americans would only give up their vacation days for a 48% raise, but as Forbes reports, about 1 in 5 workers would only need a 24% raise to willingly fork over their vacation days. The rise of what experts are calling “performative workaholism” is evident in the hustle-and-grind culture of working long hours, skipping lunches, working throughout the weekend, and taking very few breaks. But medical and psychological experts caution that addiction to the hustle comes at a price. Recent evidence suggests that working long hours over extended periods of time actually makes you a worse employee. As exhaustion creeps in, your ability to complete even the most mundane or simple task decreases. In those moments, it’s important to take a short break, but it’s also vital to recognize when your body needs an extended refresher. This could make you better at your job. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Luxembourg, Ireland, and Norway have some of the world’s most productive workers. Coincidentally, they also provide many vacation days.
So, what’s great about taking a vacation? Experts at a Midwestern hospital system, Allina Health, report that stepping away from work for a short period of time can decrease your risk of heart disease, improve your quality of sleep, create a better mood, and boost your relationships. Researchers in the Netherlands even found that simply planning for and anticipating a vacation can improve your happiness level! If you can’t stand the thought of taking time off, you’re not alone. More than 40% of respondents in a 2016 survey said they felt they couldn’t take a vacation because there wasn’t anyone to cover them. Communicate your concerns with your employer to find a compromise. Start slow, too. Schedule a long weekend and pack your days with activities, like getting a massage, hiking, or traveling to a local destination. Look to travel sites like Expedia, Airbnb, and Travelocity for local deals and tips on the best vacation methods. Soon, you’ll be the biggest advocate for taking time off.
Soda: That’s What Keeps Us In Business
Most people know soda is not good for them, but many people don’t realize just how bad it is! In fact, there is a major link between soda consumption and tooth decay as well as other health complications including diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. Over the past 30 years, soda and juice intake has increased dramatically. It’s become a daily habit for a growing number of people, especially kids, teens, and young adults. This steady consumption of soft drinks is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. When you drink soda, the sugars interact with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth. But those who drink sugar-free sodas aren’t in the clear either. Both regular and sugar-free sodas also contain their own acids that will attack the teeth. With each swig of soda, you start a damaging reaction that lasts for about 20 minutes. If you sip all day, your teeth are under constant attack.
protective layer on your teeth. This damage can invite cavities, which develop over time in people who drink soft drinks regularly. Add in poor oral hygiene, and a lot of damage can occur to the teeth. On top of tooth decay, drinking sugary soda also causes your blood sugar to spike. It sends your pancreas into overdrive producing insulin to metabolize all that sugar. A study in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda, was linked to the onset of type 2 diabetes — and this correlation was independent of obesity’s impact on developing type 2 diabetes. The ultimate solution is to remove soda (and other sugary drinks) from your diet. But let’s take it one step at a time. Here are some tips to help you to reduce and kick the habit. Do: • Drink soda in moderation (not daily). • Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth.
• Swish your mouth out with water after drinking to dilute the acid and sugar. • Drink plenty of water (eight glasses a day). Don’t: • Sip for extended periods of time. • Drink soda shortly before bedtime. • Brush after meals (wait at least an hour after your last drink or meal before brushing). • Substitute soft drinks, sports drinks, or fruit juice for a meal. Other tips for maintaining a healthy smile: • Chew sugar free gum sweetened with xylitol. • Visit your dentist regularly. • Brush and floss daily. • Drink fluoridated water and use a fluoride toothpaste. • Read the labels for sugar content. • If you have dry mouth, discuss with your dentist or hygienist.
–Therese Bleiweiss, RDH
Erosion begins when the acids in soft drinks encounter tooth enamel, the outermost
2 — SignatureSmilesOH.com
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