Tips on Halloween sweets

Tips on Halloween sweets

LIBERTY

The Corydon Palmer Dental Society, which represents dentists in Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties, shared tips from the American Dental Association about Halloween sweets.

When the bacteria in a child’s mouth eats the sugar and leftover food in a mouth, a weak acid is produced that can contribute to cavities. It’s OK to splurge on candy on Halloween as long as the child is brushing twice a day and flossing once a day all year long, according to ADA.

The ADA offered this rundown on some common candies and their impact on teeth.

Chocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off teeth easier than other types of candy; and dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate. Sticky and gummy candies are some of the worst for teeth because they are harder to remove and may stay longer on teeth, giving that cavity-causing bacteria more time to work. Hard candy is one to watch because it may break teeth, and sour candy can be very acidic, and acidity can weaken and damage the hard outer shell of teeth, making them more vulnerable to cavities. Popcorn balls have kernels that can get stuck between teeth, so have some floss handy. They are also sticky, sugary and can be hard.

Flu-shot clinic and informative discussion

YOUNGSTOWN

The Jewish Community Center of Youngstown is offering a flu-shot clinic and an informative discussion about the importance of the flu shot Friday at JCC, 505 Gypsy Lane.

The Trumbull Health Department will provide the flu vaccine. Dr. Szymon Krzyzaniwski, M.D., will discuss the importance of receiving the shot and answer questions about the flu vaccine. Participants must bring their insurance card. For people without insurance, the cost is $25. A light lunch will be served.

Flu shots will be distributed from 10 a.m. to noon, and lunch and the speaker are from 11:30 a.m. to noon. To make a reservation, send an email to jcc-youngstown.org by Wednesday, or for information, call Shelia Cornell at 330-746-3250, ext. 182.

Extending health plan enrollment period

WASHINGTON, D.C.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently said it will extend both Medicare and the Affordable Care Act individual open enrollment periods for those impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. People who live in counties declared disaster areas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency can enroll in federal health plans until the end of the year.

“This action will allow the millions of individuals whose lives have been turned upside-down the extra time needed to secure health coverage during this difficult time. Many residents in these affected areas lost everything, and creating a special enrollment period for them is just one way to ease their burden,” said National Association of Health Underwriters Chief Executive Officer Janet Trautwein.

Safe sleep practices

BOARDMAN

Parents and caregivers of infants and public officials and first responders, recently attended a public forum to learn about and discuss safe sleep practices, including debunking common myths.

The event at the Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Howland was organized by Safe Kids Mahoning Valley, whose lead agency is Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley.

Stephanie Weigel, injury prevention coordinator for Akron Children’s, said a recent study shows that compliance on safe sleep practices is “staggeringly low. Parents and other caregivers of infants are increasingly more aware of the latest recommendations, but many do not follow through consistently.”