EHP FYI
Newsletter from Employee Health Promotions
February 2020
Important Information from Employee Health Promotions
Recently, Mankato Area Public Schools received a surprising report from Delta Dental about our district’s dental plan usage. 21% of the members on our district dental plan did not visit the dentist - not even for their preventative exams or cleanings.
Dental exams don’t just treat tooth and gum problems (tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, etc.). Regular exams can identify more serious health concerns such as diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure. Early detection of these can save your health and save you money. Perhaps even more eye opening is the fact that regular cleanings may actually prevent certain diseases. A visit to the dentist may just help prevent you and your family from the high cost, pain and anguish of disease and surgery.
Don’t wait. Make your health a priority and schedule a dental appointment today!
Have you visited the dentist for a preventive visit in the last 6 months? If so, complete this form BY FEBRUARY 28, 2020 for a chance to win an electric toothbrush!
To celebrate National Dental Month, grab yourself a free toothbrush and toothpaste from your Employee Health Promotions Representative today!
Congratulations to Jeanne Anderson, Art Teacher at Roosevelt. One of Several Who Won MAPS Gear in the November Challenge! Proof that Participation Matters!
10K-A-Day is Coming in March!
8 Reasons Why You Should be Brushing Your Teeth Twice a Day
There are many reasons why it’s important that you brush your teeth twice a day, some of the reasons are obvious while others are less commonly known. Here are eight reasons why you should be brushing your teeth everyday:
Maintaining fresh breath: When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, bacteria build up occurs in the mouth which can cause a variety of problems. To prevent bacteria building up, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day as well as chewing sugar free gum after each meal.
Prevents gum disease: You are at risk of plaque build-up on the teeth when you don’t brush often. Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria and food that occurs in everyone’s mouth. However, this plaque can lead to gingivitis, a yellow lining on the base of the tooth that meets the gum. This is often the first stage of gum disease which causes inflammation of the gums and bleeds when you brush them.
Removes teeth stains: Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that removes debris and surface stains such as calcium carbonate, aluminium oxides dehydrated silica gels, phosphate salts hydrated and silicates.
Reduces your chances of getting a heart attack or stroke: The bacteria build-up from your mouth can travel down into the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of cholesterol build up in the arteries. This can therefore elevate the chances of getting a stroke or heart attack.
Be kissable: Let’s face it, who wants to kiss someone who has smelly breath or food in their teeth?
Saves you money: Curing is always more expensive than prevention, and is usually a lot more hard work! Brushing your teeth twice a day will not only improve the your gum and teeth health, but it will help in preventing problems in the future, ultimately leaving you with reduced dental bills.
Have a healthy baby: Gum disease has been shown to increase the chance of premature birth and low birth weight. If you are pregnant, keep in mind that the bacteria build-up in your mouth from not brushing your teeth can get into the bloodstream of your baby, putting them in risk. It can also be one of the many causes of delayed conception and impotence.
Prevent Dementia: Some studies have shown that poor gum health increases your risk of developing dementia by as much as 30% to 40%.
Posted January 2015 by Covent Garden Dental Clinic
Vital Worklife Employee Assistance Program
Examples of services available:
Phone Coaching
Online Seminars
Chemical Dependency Assessment
Face to Face counseling
Legal and Financial discounts
Click HERE for a complete list of services offered by this provider.
Phone number is: 1-800-383-1908.
Website is: http://vitalworklife.com username-mankatoschools, password -member
Other Resources For Your Wellness
- MAPS Community Education and Recreation classes and events are advertised in the seasonal brochure each Fall, Winter and Summer. Employees are eligible for a $10 fee reduction for a class in each brochure. Each individual must register and provide their employee email address and work site. Contact the CER office at 507-387-5501 for more information.
- READY! for Kindergarten. At the time of a requested paternity/maternity leave, an employee is entitled to two (2) years of READY! for Kindergarten Classes advertised in the seasonal Early Childhood Brochure. Registration is conducted through the Early Learning Office by calling 507-625-4620 or stopping by the Family Learning Center, 820 Hubbell in Mankato and completing the paperwork process.
- 2020 MAPS Employee and Dependent Flu Shot Clinic - August 2020