LAKEPORT – Did you know that a one key to a healthy pregnancy starts in the mouth? Pregnant women and those women considering becoming pregnant can significantly reduce their chances of premature labor and delivery by taking care of their oral health.
A 2006 American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology study found that 30 percent of women with moderate to severe periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums with bleeding and loss of tissue that holds the tooth in place) delivered small for their gestational age babies.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Web site, pregnant women with severe periodontal disease have an estimated seven-fold increase in their risk of delivering premature, low-birth weight babies.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital's Family Birth Center has named May the "Spring Clean" oral health promotion month.
"The nurses and physicians here in the Birth Center are focused on our patients' overall health and wellness," said Family Birth Center Nurse Manager Jody Dawson.
Dr. Jonathan Davies, director of OB/GYN Services at Sutter Lakeside, agrees. "Many patients take their oral health for granted, not realizing the impact this can have on their pregnancy.”
In an effort to help this information reach area residents, the Family Birth Center has purchased 500 dental kits that will be distributed throughout the county.
Staff Nurse Sasha Reynolds, RNC, the brains behind the initiation of this promotion, wants to remind everyone of the importance of taking care of their oral health.
"Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, limit foods containing sugar, avoid sodas, and see your dentist twice a year to improve your overall health,” Reynolds said. “Periodontal disease has also been linked to increased cardiovascular risks as well. Good oral hygiene is not just about a pretty smile.”
For information regarding dental kit distribution, or for pregnancy-related questions, please contact the Sutter Lakeside Hospital Family Birth Center at 262-5085, or visit them online at www.sutterlakeside.org.
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CLEARLAKE – Childhood obesity is a national epidemic. One in three children in California is overweight or at risk for being overweight. We can turn this around by coming together in community focus groups, called "World Cafés," to share ideas and make recommendations for programs throughout Lake County.
Sutter Lakeside Hospital and the Health Leadership Network (HLN) are inviting all interested community members to a series of "World Cafés" to do just that.
The Health Leadership Network, a network of Lake County service provider agencies, has received a grant from the California Endowment to develop countywide obesity prevention programs.
Partners in this project include our school systems, hospitals and clinics, physicians, public health, early childhood development agencies, food and agricultural programs, and concerned citizens.
The first World Café will be conducted in Clearlake at the Clearlake Senior Center on Wednesday, May 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. If you live in Clearlake, Clearlake Park or Lower Lake, please join us for a fun evening. Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited so please call and reserve your space.
For more information about the World Café call Leslie Lovejoy at Sutter Lakeside Hospital's Wellness Center at 263- 2998 or e-mail
For more information on Sutter Lakeside Hospital, visit our website at www.sutterlakeside.org.
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