Do you roll your eyes when your dentist tells you to floss? You may want to give it a whirl. “Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, leading to inflammation of the gums [gingivitis], which if left untreated can lead to a chronic infection called periodontitis,” says Hara. A 2022 study found that poor periodontal health and tooth loss appear to increase the risk of both cognitive decline and dementia. “Bacteria and the inflammatory mediators can make their way from the mouth into the bloodstream and into the brain,” says Hara. Additional research found that people missing many teeth have a 48 percent higher risk of cognitive impairment and a 28 percent higher risk of dementia. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes per session, flossing daily, limiting sugary beverages and snacks, and keeping up with dentist appointments.

Faith in Action of Marathon County provides transportation to medical appointments. Call us at 715-848-8783 or download an Application from our website: https://faithinactionmarathoncounty.org/receive-services/ to get set up as a Care-Receiver or Volunteer for our transportation services – today. 

Faith in Action of Marathon County, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides supportive services, at NO CHARGE, to Marathon County residents age 60 and over, regardless of income, religious belief, race, or ethnic background.

We want to thank the Wausau Outlet store as they donated a portion of their proceeds from February to Faith in Action of Marathon County. Please take a look at what Wausau Outlet offers and support their business. Businesses like Wausau Outlet Store and many others in our community help Faith in Action continue serving our seniors in Marathon County.

Are you 60 or older and need rides to the doctor or grocery store? Are you lonely and want to chat or play cards with someone? You can call us at 715-848-8783 to get connected with our NO CHARGE services. 

Even if genetics put you at risk for a stroke, maintaining a few healthy lifestyle choices can significantly lower your chances of experiencing one. That’s the finding of a recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

People who have maintained good cardiovascular health “could potentially slash that risk [of stroke] by a significant amount,” says Myriam Fornage, an author of the paper and a professor at the Center for Human Genetics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.

Specifically, the study looked at the effect of following life’s simple 7, the American Heart Association’s (AHA) prescription for heart health:

1. Stop smoking
2. Eat better
3. Get active
4. Lose weight
5. Manage blood pressure
6. Control cholesterol
7. Reduce Blood Sugar

Did you know Faith in Action of Marathon County provides  NO CHARGE RIDES to those who qualify? Give our office a call at 715-848-8783. 

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual information from your eye to your brain and is vital for good vision. Damage to the optic nerve is often related to high pressure in your eye. But glaucoma can happen even with normal eye pressure. You’re considered at high risk if at least one of these conditions applies to you:

• You have diabetes
• You have a family history of glaucoma
• You’re African American and age 50 or older
• You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older

Symptoms may include:

• Gradually, patchy blind spots in your side vision. Side vision also is known as peripheral vision
• Blurred vision

For more information or questions, please contact your eye care provider.