Finding ways to “zen” with Diabetes

zen-gardenDiabetes patients may reduce depression and emotional problems through mindfulness based cognitive therapy!

For many patients, living with diabetes is no easy task. The day-to-day struggle of controlling the disease can take a toll on one’s mood. Being mindful of the moment may help diabetes patients boost their mental health.

Diabetes patients dealing with emotional problems may benefit from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, according to a recent study.  In mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, patients learn to pay attention to their feelings of stress and depression while developing a new relationship with those feelings.

The idea is to help patients understand their negative feelings, to discover what makes them vulnerable to those feelings and to become aware of the factors that lead to those feelings.

Find out more about finding a “zen” in diabetes here!

Holiday Hours

The Designs for Dental Health office will be open the week between Christmas and New Years on Thursday, December 27th: 9am-7pm and Friday, December 28th: 7:30am-3pm.  Please feel free to contact us at 908-359-6655!  Happy Holidays!

Sleep Apnea May Cause More Brain Damage in Women

“…Women are more affected by sleep apnea than are men and women with obstructive sleep apnea have more severe brain damage than men suffering from a similar condition.” Paul Macey

Researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles looked at patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and compared the nerve fibers, or white matter, in the patients’ brains to fibers of individuals without sleep disorders.Sleep problems affect your sleep partner too!

Researchers also focused on understanding the difference in brain damage between men and women with sleep apnea, according to the study published in the journal Sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder than occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. Every time breathing is interrupted, the oxygen level in the blood drops, which could eventually lead to damage to many cells in the body.

Read the entire article here!

Many Americans Think Sleep is Optional

For December, we are extending our special for a FREE Sleep Apnea Screening!  It’s so important not only to get the right amount of sleep, but for that sleep to be restful as well.

A proliferation of ads for energy drinks and prescription sleep aids reveal an American culture that is tense and tired. Nearly a third of working adults get less than six hours of sleep a night, according to a recent CDC report.

Fatigue management consultants now work with more than half of the Fortune 500 companies, law-enforcement groups, and even football teams, to ensure that they have energetic and safe workers.

Fortunately, there really are steps you can take to adapt sleep to your modern life. And while it’s not as easy as popping a pill, these suggestions can help you live a longer and healthier.Sleep Apnea and Sleep Deprivation

* Start by going to bed at the same time every night. Make it eight hours before you have to get up in the a.m.

* Don’t use your smartphone, computer or close-to-you television for an hour before going to bed. They emit blue light that the body treats as sunlight. It deters the onset of sleep by encouraging the brain to stay alert. Never sleep with your smartphone or tablet.

* Studies show using yoga or mind-relaxing techniques before bed will increase sleep quality and quantity.

* By developing better sleep habits, you’ll know when you actually went to sleep or whether you just spent the night tossing and turning.

* Consumer devices like headbands that measure brain waves and pedometer-like devices that measure movement are available. They track the real effects of each day’s choices on that night’s sleep and give answers similar to those you would get at a sleep lab.  Getting a good night’s sleep takes a certain amount of planning before bedtime, but it’s well worth it.

* Health, mental sharpness, sex, relationships, creativity and memories are parts of what makes you who you are. All of these things depend on how many hours of sleep you get each night.

Holiday Smiles Contest

Holiday Smiles Contest

Share your BEST Holiday Smiles with us and win ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­a $10 gift card of your choice to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Amazon, or iTunes!

Holiday pic w/ frame

Dr. Nadler and the team at Designs for Dental Health want you to share your Holiday Smile with us!

It’s easy to enter and win. You have until January 5th to post your BEST Holiday Smiles picture to our Facebook wall.  The winners will be announced on January 15th!  Simply upload your picture to our Designs for Dental Health Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nadlersmiledentist and you’re registered to win!!!for Dental Health invite you to participate in our “Holiday Smiles Contest” a fun contest where you can win a $10 gift card, just for sharing your stunning smiles!

How to Enter:

Step 1: “Like” the Designs for Dental Health Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nadlersmiledentist.

Step 2: Upload/Post your picture on our Facebook wall.

Step 3: Share the Contest with your Facebook friends.

**Please note: each person can only post one picture per day throughout the contest.**

Contest Details:

Contest begins on Monday, December 10, 2012, and continues until Saturday, January 5, 2013.  Each participant is allowed to submit one picture per day and there will be 3 (three) winners at the end of the contest.  If necessary, we will contact the winner via Facebook message to request your email and mailing address and to arrange for you to receive your prize.

Designs for Dental Health Holiday Smiles Contest Rules

1. No purchase necessary to enter the Designs for Dental Health Holiday Smiles Contest.
2. We reserve the right to reject any entries which we, in our sole and absolute discretion, deem offensive, violate any laws or are unsuitable in any other manner.  Designs for Dental Health is not required to provide any explanation for the rejection.
3. Three participants (winners) will be appointed on January 15, 2013 by the representatives of Designs for Dental Health, based on the pictures given. The winners will be notified via Facebook message.  All decisions of the contest will be final and binding.
4. The Designs for Dental Health Holiday Smiles Contest begins on Monday, December 10, 2012 and ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013. Entries must be submitted before the end of day on Saturday, January 5, 2013.                                                                                                                                                5. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to enter the Contest. Entrants must also be legal residents of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or the U.S. territories and possessions. Employees of Designs for Dental Health and its affiliates, and their immediate family members, are not eligible.
6. In entering the contest you subject yourself to both the Contest Rules and Legal Terms and Conditions.

 

Legal Terms and Conditions

General: Your entry into the Designs for Dental Health Holiday Smile Contest (the “Contest”) is subject to the Contest Rules, the following Legal Terms and Conditions, and all other guidelines, terms and conditions stated elsewhere on this site and all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, including but not limited to all laws respecting intellectual property, trademarks, copyrights, rights of privacy, pornography and defamation. By entering the Contest, you accept and agree to be bound by the Contest Rules and these Legal Terms and Conditions. Designs for Dental Health shall be the administrator of the Contest and shall sometimes be referred to as the “Administrator”.  By entering this contest, you agree to receive communications and updates from Designs for Dental Health.  Contest Period: The Designs for Dental Holiday Smile Contest begins at 12:00:00 a.m. (EST) on Monday, December 10, 2012 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 5, 2013.  Entries submitted before or after the contest period will not be eligible for consideration.

Prize: ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­$10 gift card of your choice to Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Amazon, or iTunes

There will be three winners of the contest. All decisions of the contest will be final and binding. Designs for Dental Health is responsible only for prize delivery it is not responsible for prize utility, quality or otherwise. Taxes and fees, if any, are the sole responsibility of winners. Winners shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Designs for Dental Health, its affiliates, subsidiaries, parents, directors, offices, and employees from and against any liabilities arising from or regarding taxes owed on the prize.

Verification of Winners and Delivery of Prizes: The Designs for Dental Health prize will only be awarded to the participants who respond to the message requesting their mailing address and email address. Designs for Dental Health is not responsible if prize is returned as undeliverable or if entrant does not respond to prize notification message within 7 days after the date sent. Winners agree to the use by Designs for Dental Health of their name, likeness, images submitted and/or prize information for promotional purposes in any medium without additional compensation to the extent permitted by law.
Contest void where prohibited.

Warning. Any attempt by an entrant to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of this sweepstakes is a violation of criminal and civil laws. Should such an attempt be made, sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such individual to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Change your diet, Protect your teeth!

Change Your Diet, Protect Your Teeth

Food and Oral Health

Every few months, we remind our blog readers about the basic formula that leads to tooth decay and poor oral health:

Bacteria + Food + Time = CAVITIES or GUM DISEASE or BOTH

You probably already know that the foods that put you at the greatest risk for tooth decay and gum disease are those high in sugar, any kind of sugar.   An easy way to address this is to opt for snacks that are lower in sugar and higher in nutritional content.  This not only reduces the risk of cavities, but also helps to strengthen overall health by nourishing the body.

For “mouth healthy eating”, the ADA mouthhealthy website makes the following recommendations:

“For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups, including:
  •  whole grains
  •  fruits
  • vegetables
  • lean sources of protein such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish; dry beans, peas and other legumes
  • low-fat and fat-free dairy foods”

    Are there foods that can protect my teeth?

Beyond controlling sugar intake to make a positive impact on your oral health, there are also some foods that are known to help protect and strengthen the teeth.

Cheese: Cheese, especially cheddar cheese can help balance the pH levels in your mouth, neutralizing the natural acids found in foods.  Neutralizing these acids can help protect the enamel on your teeth, which erodes when exposed to acids.

Crunchy Vegetables: Crunchy veggies actually help clean your teeth while you eat, helping to remove food particles as you chew, limiting the build-up of plaque.  Also, chewing crunchy vegetables can help increase saliva production in the mouth, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize cavity-causing acids.  And they are extremely nutritious!

Sesame Seeds: These flavorful little seeds are abrasive enough to help remove plaque from your teeth while they are being chewed.  In addition, they are high in calcium and can help promote strong teeth in children.

 Are there supplements that can help support my oral health? 

There are certain supplements that can help keep your gums healthy, which in turn can help promote your overall oral health.  Check out the answers provided by Dr. De Vizio DMD and Dr. Gerry Curatola on the Colgate Oral Health Sharecare website:

Yes, supplements such as Vitamin B and iron can help keep your gums healthy. Vitamin B is essential for growth and iron for healthy blood, which in turn contributes to healthy gum tissue. Vitamin C keeps gums healthy by producing healthy connective tissue that holds teeth in their sockets. The antioxidant nutrient, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) provides energy needed for gum cell growth and healing of gum tissue. Other nutrients important for gum health include vitamin A and beta carotene, zinc, vitamin E, selenium, and flavonoids. ~Dr. De Vizio DMD

Japanese researchers in the 1970’s biopsied diseased gums and discovered that there were deficiencies of key antioxidants necessary for proper cell function. Since then, ongoing research has identified the most important are Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q-10, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, B-12, Vitamin D, and Essential Fatty Acids- Omega 3, 6, 9. ~Dr. Gerry Curatola

 Promoting Your Health with Food

As you can see, not only can eating certain foods CAUSE cavities, but eating others can actually help PREVENT them.  This won’t replace the need to brush and floss regularly and get regular dental check-ups and cleanings, but it can help to promote and protect your oral and overall health.

To learn more about maintaining your oral health, schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard M. Nadler by calling our Hillsborough NJ dentist office at (908) 359-6655. Remember to visit our website at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com for more information about our office and services.

Don’t just take OUR word for it…

“I’ve been thinking about improving my smile, but I’m just not sure…”

 “It’s just so hard to find the right dentist for me…”

Have you had THESE THOUGHTS about wanting to fix your smile, but never finding the “right fit” with a dentist?  We would love to be able to help you find the “right fit” – the “Nadler fit”!

We know it can be overwhelming doing the research and deciding what works best for you and your family – please remember that the Designs for Dental Health Team is ALWAYS here to answer any questions you may have along your dental research journey.

But, don’t just take OUR word for it – Listen to the voices of our clients’ lives that were transformed by Dr. Nadler and the Designs by Dental Health Team:

“By far the best dentist I’ve ever had or hope to have!”, Daniel’s Story

Dr. Nadler took all the time I needed to answer my questions and to explain everything that would happen.  He was very reassuring and alleviated my fears and worked with care and took the time to do things the right way.  Dr. Nadler and the Designs by Dental Health Team work toward a single focus – making your patients the BEST they can be, one smile at a time.

 “Always a comfortable and relaxing experience for me at Designs for Dental Health” – Brian’s Story

I am glad I made it back to the chair to be able to realize that it was my previous Dentist, not the general idea of Dentistry that kept me from taking care of my teeth.  I thank Dr. Nadler for helping me get back on track.  My smile is no longer held back when I feel the urge to do so and that feels great!

 “Our FAMILY has been going to Dr. Nadler for over 5 years and they have always acted in a friendly and courteous manner.” – Sylvia’s Story

The office, exam areas and waiting room are very modern and clean.  The staff work very hard to make you feel at home and relaxed.  Great job!

“Aside from the visit experience itself and the overall excellent service and venue, I feel the quality and the outcome of the work I am having done is exceptional!” – Lucy’s Story

“I do not believe there is any other Dentist that provides the kind of knowledge and service that Dr. Nadler’s office provides.  Truly professional.  He makes you feel at home.” – Dave’s Story

Make an appointment today to make your smile shine brightly with Dr. Nadler and the Designs for Dental Health Team!

Dr. Nadler is writing a BOOK! Put your “2 Cents” in!

Have you always wanted to put your “2 cents” in on a book that was being written?  Well, Dr. Nadler would love your help!

He is writing a book for dental patients with the working title of:

Transform Your Life With A Smile, The Book on Designing Life-Changing Smiles

Please use the comment space below to:

  • What topics you would you think would be of interest in such a book?
  • Are there any specific questions which you would like to see addressed?
  • And, Finally, how do you feel that a healthy and beautiful smile can impact your life?

To thank you for your invaluable input, Dr. Nadler will give each person who puts in their “2 Cents” with an autographed copy of the book!

Giving Thanks with FREE Sleep Apnea Screenings in November

Free Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screenings in November 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious condition with potentially severe side effects.  People are very often unaware that they have a problem, or that they are at risk for or have conditions which are the result of  OSA. 

Conditions include:

  • Adult onset diabetes
  • High blood pressure, especially when resistant to treatment
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If you have any the these conditions or have been told that you snore or stop breathing while asleep or you just sleep poorly perhaps finding out if sleep apnea is the problem may be the smart thing to do. We are excited about all that we have been learning about Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the potential to actually help save lives. So, since November is the month of Thanksgiving, we are offering free OSA screenings to you as our way of giving THANKS for all our blessings.

Please take advantage of this service!  The first step is to determine if you are at risk for OSA.  Once a diagnosis is established, there are various ways to control OSA and allow you to sleep better, live healthier and feel great!

This offer is open to all of our community members and their family, friends and coworkers.  Call us at 908.359.6655 or visit our website at www.DesignsForDentalHealth.com to schedule your free screening.  Live healthy and happy!

 

Our Office Has Reopened!

Power has been restored to the office!

We will be in the office tomorrow, Friday, November 2, from 7:30am-5:00pm.

As of now, our telephone and Internet is still down.  You may reach us by calling Dr. Nadler’s cell phone at 609-468-6764.

And most importantly stay safe and sound!

Yours,

Dr. Richard M. Nadler and the
Designs for Dental Health Team