A few weeks ago I jotted down the intuitive nudge I received on this month’s column. Today, as I sit down to write and edit, I’m realizing the irony of this December headline. December for many is a season of gift giving, and I’m being guided to show how embracing discomfort is indeed a wonderful
If you are a person who maintains a healthy body weight, exercises aerobically for at least 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) a week, eats a healthy diet consisting of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, low in saturated fats and devoid of refined carbs and sugar, and if you are a
Tis the season to be jolly and show off those pearly whites! As the snowflakes fall and the holiday spirit fills the air, there’s no better time to celebrate not only the joys of the season but also the joys of a healthy, radiant smile. From all of us in dentistry, we’re embracing the holiday
The Jefferson Center for Mental Health will receive $400,000 from the city for mental health services This winter, expanded mental health resources are coming to town. Wheat Ridge has elected to dedicate $400,000 of its federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, a local non-profit providing mental health
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, dentistry is no exception to rapid advancements in technology. There are remarkable technologies that are revolutionizing how we approach oral health care: CBCT 3D x-ray digital imaging, zirconia ceramic implants, and advanced laser dentistry with the Fotona Lightwalker Laser. These technical enhancements facilitate some of the best care available
As I was walking my dog this morning I was struck by how beautiful the fallen leaves were, as if each was placed by hand. These ones were various shades of purple. Trees seem to innately know that when we let go of what no longer serves us others can enjoy the beauty. They also
Although lung cancer is responsible for most cancer deaths within the U.S., early detection significantly improves the chances of survival. The likelihood of surviving lung cancer is based on the clinical stage at diagnosis. The stages are I-IV, with stage IV lung cancer having the lowest five-year survival rate. Fortunately, there are ways to detect
I was blessed to live my early years without a lot of technology. We ran amok in the neighborhood without cell phones, an antenna brought local stations to our television, the library was the best Google machine, and we were always surprised to find out who was on the other line when we answered the
We all have feelings of sadness at some point in life. When those feelings last for more than two weeks and interfere with our daily lives, perhaps something more is going on. National Depression Screening Day is Oct. 12. Depression is common, affecting about 18 percent of Americans, and it is treatable. If you recognize yourself or someone you
As Christopher Walken said in a famous Saturday Night Live skit, “I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell.” In medicine, of course we know better. We have all been sick at some point in our lives. But when will getting a good night’s rest help us feel better and when is a visit to
Have you ever had the awareness that a way you’ve always been may not actually get you to where you want to go next in life? Yes, that way got you here, but if you continue to cling to that you’ll likely always be stuck and not get to your next desired destination. Sometimes you
It has been over 50 years since there has been a case of smallpox anywhere in the world. It remains the only human disease to be eradicated worldwide thus far. Through surveillance, contact tracing, education and vaccination, a disease that has killed and maimed hundreds of millions of people for over 3,000 years is no more. Three out of
A few days ago my boyfriend, his mom and I dove into the adventure of laying hexagon tile sheets in his fixer-upper house’s gutted kitchen. Before adhering them to the floor, it was critical to ensure we all felt good with the placement. His house is circa 1920s and most things were either built unevenly
Many consider Lutheran Medical Center to be the fabric of Wheat Ridge. With humble beginnings as a tuberculosis sanitarium in 1905, Lutheran has experienced over a century of growth and expansion to meet the community’s healthcare needs. It is the only hospital in Jefferson County that cares for patients from their first breath to their
Most of us are aware of the poor air quality along the Front Range, which has continued to decline since 2015. Warnings that the air quality index (AQI) is elevated and unhealthy for sensitive groups are common. People with chronic lung disease are among this group of sensitive individuals. The recommendation is to minimize time spent
Clichés are often clichés for a reason. They ring so true they are stated over and over again. What you appreciate, recognize the full worth of and be grateful for, appreciates, rises in value. I grew up in a home that was appreciation-less. There was no expressed or shown appreciation, just expectation, competition, nit-picking on
Working from home and being a solopreneur has many advantages, snuggling with my dog and connecting with my boyfriend on his way home from work are just two of the many freedoms I enjoy. This life I’ve chosen also has many disadvantages. I miss collaborating with my cubicle mates when I’m stuck on an idea
This month, in honor of Men’s Health Month, let’s talk about testosterone supplementation in the aging male. Testosterone (T) is the primary male sex hormone. It makes boys into men, and some believe it is the key to the fountain of youth. There are both benefits and risks to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) as we age. You may
Dentistry has entered a new paradigm, seeing and treating the mouth as integral to the whole body. Many have known this for years as we treat infections, inflammation and toxins within the mouth. Now our profession has entered a new era, with a profound understanding of how jaw growth and teeth positioning affects our airway
Recently I had a powerful conversation with my boyfriend that inspired this month’s article. He’s the type of man that goes all in. If a project at work needs finishing, he will work 15-hour days until he’s satisfied it’s complete. He also makes time for me, my doggo, and the kitchen reno he’s knee deep
Most of us have experienced the apprehension of getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time, or the nervousness of a social engagement. What if you experienced heart palpitations, restlessness, fear or worry, with daily activities? Fear and anxiety are normal emotions in certain circumstances and can even be beneficial. But when
In last month’s column, I talked about the power of trusting in the magic of winter. But what happens after you practice diligent faith, allow stillness, and do all the hard work needed to get through winter? Yes, being still is hard, especially in a society wired to go go go. What if your spring
Is it me or is it hot in here? Hot flashes are the most common symptom that women experience during the menopausal transition. Slowing egg production in the ovaries and the subsequent decline and fluctuating levels of female hormones are responsible for menopause symptoms. If you are a woman in your 40s or 50s, your coworkers probably are not playing an April Fool’s joke on you by changing
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what earth does in the winter. If all goes to plan, it makes us amazing snow to frolic in, but it often seems to drag on. This period of stillness has so much going on under the surface. How do I know this? Trees bud, tulips pop, and
