Q. My kids are almost old enough to start learning how to care of their own dental hygiene. Do you have any advice for teaching kids healthy dental habits?
A. Everyone should brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. A fun way to get children excited about brushing their teeth could be to play their favorite two-minute song while they brush. Also, it’s important to model proper oral hygiene to kids, so they see how important it is for them to take on that responsibility. Parents: brush and floss your teeth with them. Make it a family affair! The more enjoyable you make the process, the better off they will be. It is so important to create a strong foundation for their oral hygiene because their second set of teeth, their adult set, will be more challenging to keep clean – which is why it’s important to practice proper techniques early. Brittany Patmon, DMD
Brittany Patmon, DMD
Lead Dentist, Cempa Dental Clinic
Q. This holiday season, what can I do to keep stress to a minimum and support my family’s mental health?
A. There are a number of helpful ways to ready yourself and your family for a happy holiday season. First, plan. It is important to decide ahead of time what activities you will and won’t be attending. It is perfectly acceptable to skip events that historically create undue stress. Next, prepare. It may be helpful to have an idea of the location of activities and where you could step out to take a break if the need arises. Lastly, preserve. Have conversations with your family regarding social expectations for participation in holiday events. For example, if someone in your family does not feel comfortable hugging others you can discuss your and their response if the situation arises. Kristin Smith, LPC-MHSP, MHA
Kristin Smith, LPC-MHSP, MHA
Licensed Counselor & Behavioral Health Representative, Parkridge Health System
Q. I am currently struggling with an eating disorder. Is this something I can overcome with willpower, or what treatment options are available to me?
A. Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing about your struggle. Unfortunately, recovery from an eating disorder takes more than some willpower. Since eating disorders are a mental health condition, they affect your physical and emotional health and can be life-threatening. Treatment options for eating disorders include nutrition therapy, medical treatment, psychotherapy, and medication management. There are also different levels of care for treatment, and this depends on where you are in your eating disorder recovery journey. Levels of care include outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential, and inpatient. The eating disorder recovery process is different for everyone. Once you make the decision to seek help and begin treatment, you will need to look for an eating disorder registered dietitian and therapist to help get you started. Resources are also available through NEDA (The National Eating Disorders Association) and The National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Addie Bramlett, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C
Addie Bramlett, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C
Director of Eating Disorder Programs, Focus Treatment Centers
Q. What type of exercise will keep me in the best shape for aging?
A. The best type of exercise for aging is to keep moving in general with activities that you personally enjoy doing. However, weight bearing activities such as walking and weightlifting are the absolute best. This keeps your bones and muscles healthy by using key functional movements to keep balance, strength, stability, and flexibility at the forefront for injury prevention. Focusing on weightlifting 2-3 days a week for 30 minutes and walking for the other 2-3 days would be highly beneficial and keep you in the best shape as you age. Callie Lance, DC, MS, CCSP, ART
Callie Lance, DC, MS, CCSP, ART
Owner & Chiropractic Physician, Chattanooga Sports Chiropractic Institute, PLLC
Q. During the colder months, I always struggle with dry, cracking skin on my hands. What can I do to treat and prevent this?
A. To combat dry, cracked hands during the colder months, consider these tips: To treat your hands, moisturize frequently. Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer multiple times a day, especially after washing your hands. Look for beneficial ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. Wearing gloves when outdoors will also help by protecting your hands from cold, dry air. Avoid harsh soaps. Instead, opt for gentle, moisturizing cleansers to minimize skin irritation. Hot water can strip away natural oils, so stick to lukewarm temperatures for handwashing and bathing. Additionally, a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help soothe dry, itchy skin. By following these steps, you can help keep your hands soft, smooth, and healthy all winter long. If your skin condition worsens or persists, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice. Jonathan Miller, MD, FACMS, FAAD
Jonathan Miller, MD, FACMS, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist & Mohs Surgeon, Uderm
