This document provides information about the importance of good oral hygiene and going to the dentist, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder. It notes that going to the dentist can be scary for children and provides resources for parents. It also outlines additional dental benefits for children with developmental disabilities through Apple Health Dental Services, including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and stainless steel crowns with documentation.
This document provides information about the importance of good oral hygiene and going to the dentist, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder. It notes that going to the dentist can be scary for children and provides resources for parents. It also outlines additional dental benefits for children with developmental disabilities through Apple Health Dental Services, including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and stainless steel crowns with documentation.
This document provides information about the importance of good oral hygiene and going to the dentist, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder. It notes that going to the dentist can be scary for children and provides resources for parents. It also outlines additional dental benefits for children with developmental disabilities through Apple Health Dental Services, including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and stainless steel crowns with documentation.
This document provides information about the importance of good oral hygiene and going to the dentist, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder. It notes that going to the dentist can be scary for children and provides resources for parents. It also outlines additional dental benefits for children with developmental disabilities through Apple Health Dental Services, including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and stainless steel crowns with documentation.
Good oral hygiene is important for good health and wellness. In addition to routine But sometimes, going to the dentist can be scary. dental cleanings every 6 months, DDA eligible A resource for parents with children on the Autism Spectrum children qualify for: Disorder can be found at CSHCN.org. Search: “Healthy Smiles for Autism: Dental Guide and Tips for Children with Autism • One additional exam Spectrum Disorder.” Another great resource is available per year through AutismSpeaks.org (search “Dental Tool Kit”). • One additional cleaning per year Children and adults who are Developmental Disabilities • Fluoride treatments up to 3 times per year Administration (DDA) eligible receive additional dental • Sealants for posterior teeth benefits through Apple Health Dental Services. • Stainless steel crowns with additional documentation.
Routine covered dental services include: Please see Health Care Authority’s website for additional specific information: www.hca.wa.gov/dental-services. 4 Exams 4 Fillings A link to help find a dental provider is at the bottom of 4 Cleaning 4 Nitrous Oxide that webpage. 4 X-rays DSHS: Developmental Disabilities Administration WAMC0456 Health Effects Not enough sleep Sleep is important for overall health. Lack of sleep can affect Research shows that not getting enough sleep, or your performance. If you are tired you may not think clearly, getting poor-quality sleep, increases your risk of: react quickly, and form memories. This may cause you to • High blood pressure • Kidney disease make bad decisions and take more risks. People with sleep deprivation are more likely to get into accidents. • Heart disease • Obesity Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood, leading • Stroke • Type 2 diabetes to irritability, problems with relationships, depression, Lack of sleep increases the effect of alcohol. A tired person and anxiety. It also affects your physical health. who drinks too much alcohol will be more impaired than a well-rested person. You can take steps to improve your sleep habits. First, make sure that you allow yourself enough time to sleep. With enough sleep each night, you may find that you’re happier and more productive during the day.
MedlinePlus WAMC0457 What is Sleep? And why good sleep is important While you sleep, your brain and body functions are still The daily sleep recommendation active. Sleep helps you process new information, stay for all adults is 7-8 hours. Some healthy, and feel rested. people think older adults need less sleep. There is no evidence During sleep, your brain cycles through five stages. Different this is true. things happen during each stage. You need all of the stages to have good sleep. To know if you are getting Certain phases of sleep help you: enough sleep, ask yourself if you: • Feel rested and energetic. 4 Have trouble getting up in the morning? • Learn, get insight, and form memories. 4 Have trouble focusing during the day? • Give your heart and vascular system a rest. 4 Doze off during the day? • Release growth hormone. This boosts muscle mass and the repair of cells and tissues. If you answered yes to these questions, you should work on • Release sex hormones. improving your sleep.
• Avoid getting sick or helps you heal when you are sick. MedlinePlus WAMC0458 Improve Your Sleep Tips for better sleep habits You can take steps to improve your sleep. Make sure that you allow yourself enough time to sleep. With enough sleep, you may find that you are happier and more productive. To improve your sleep habits, try to: • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. • Avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening. • Avoid nicotine. • Get rid of distractions, like noises and bright lights. Don’t • Exercise regularly, but not too late in the day. have a TV or computer in the bedroom. Also, don’t use • Avoid alcoholic drinks before bed. your phone or tablet just before bed. • Avoid large meals and beverages late at night. • Get enough sunlight exposure during the day. • Don’t nap after 3 p.m. • Don’t lie in bed awake. If you can’t sleep for 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing. • Relax before bed. Try taking a bath, reading, or listening to relaxing music. See a doctor if you have continued trouble sleeping. • Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool. MedlinePlus WAMC0459 Protecting Your Brain Health Choose healthy habits It’s common to experience some decline in brain function as you get older. That may mean occasionally losing things, forgetting words, or briefly forgetting what day it is. Or you may notice that it takes longer to learn new things. Such symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you’re developing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. Good overall health can help you maintain your brain health. These tips can help you stay active and healthier, physically and mentally: • Choose healthy foods whenever possible. • Make physical activity part of your routine. • Drink enough fluid. • Stay connected with loved ones, friends, and your • Limit your use of alcohol. community. • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. • Manage chronic health problems like diabetes, high • Get enough sleep. blood pressure, and high cholesterol. • Keep your mind active with learning, teaching, and • Talk with your healthcare professional about the over- volunteering. the-counter, herbal, and prescribed medication you use. Talk about your alcohol use. NIH News in Health WAMC0460 Add Seafood to the Menu Eat a variety of seafood to add important nutrients to your diet Make fish and shellfish the main protein food on your Remember: plate twice a week. Seafood contains a range of nutrients, 4 Eat a variety of different seafood. including healthy omega-3 fats. For adults, eating 8 ounces 4 Try grilling, broiling, roasting, or baking. Avoid breading of a variety of seafood per week can help prevent heart or frying seafood. Cook fish to 145°F or until it flakes disease. A drained can of tuna is 3 to 4 ounces, a salmon with a fork. steak is about 5 ounces, and 1 small trout is about 3 ounces. 4 Don’t use creamy sauces. Using spices or herbs can add flavor without adding salt. 4 Canned salmon, tuna, or sardines are less expensive and easy to use. 4 If shellfish don’t clamp shut when you tap them, throw them away before cooking. Cook shellfish until they are milky white. Toss any that didn’t open after cooking. 4 Try salmon patties, shrimp stir-fry, grilled fish tacos, or clams with whole-wheat pasta. Top a salad with seafood. ChooseMyPlate.gov WAMC0461 What about Grains? Learn the differences Grains are divided into 2 subgroups, whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel. Examples of whole grains include whole-wheat flour, bulgur (cracked wheat), oatmeal, whole cornmeal, quinoa, and brown rice. Refined grains have been milled. Milling removes the bran and germ. This gives grains a finer texture and improves their shelf life. It also removes fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Examples of refined grain products are white bread and white rice. Most women need 5-6 ounces of grains a day. Men need 6-8 Most refined grains are enriched. This means some ounces per day. One slice of bread counts as 1 ounce. A half B vitamins and iron are added back in after processing. cup of cooked rice, oatmeal, and bulger count as 1 ounce. Check the ingredients on refined grain products to make At least half of all the grains eaten should be whole grains. sure that the word “enriched” is included. Fiber is not added back to enriched grains. ChooseMyPlate.gov WAMC0462 Sexually Transmitted Diseases And how to prevent them Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are an estimated 20 million new STD infections in the United States every year. To prevent STDs: • Practice abstinence: this means not having anal, vaginal, or oral sex. • Talk with your partner(s) about STDs and staying safe before having sex. • Using a latex condom correctly every time you have sex can help you avoid STDs. • Many STDs don’t have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems. The only way to know for sure if • Agree to only have sex with one person who agrees to you have an STD is to get tested. only have sex with you. • The most common STD is HPV, which can be prevented Many STDs are curable and all are treatable. Speak with by a vaccine. Get vaccinated if you meet the guidelines. your healthcare team if you have concerns about STDs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WAMC0463 Adults and Apple Health’s Dental Benefit Good oral hygiene is important for your health and wellness With adults living longer, it is important to take care of your In addition to routine dental cleanings every teeth so they last longer! 6 months, DDA eligible adults qualify for: Individuals who are Developmental Disabilities Adminis • One additional exam per year tration (DDA) eligible receive additional dental benefits • One additional cleaning per year through Apple Health Dental Services. • Fluoride treatments up to 3 times per year • Sealants for posterior teeth • Stainless steel crowns with additional documentation Please see Health Care Authority’s website for additional specific information: www.hca.wa.gov/dental-services. A link to help find a dental provider is at the bottom of Routine covered dental services include: that webpage. 4 Exams 4 Fillings 4 Cleanings 4 Nitrous Oxide 4 X-rays DSHS: Developmental Disabilities Administration WAMC0464 Beat the Winter Blues Tips to help when you are feeling sad As the days get shorter, many people find themselves These self-care tips might help: feeling sad. You might feel blue around the winter holidays • Go to a movie, take a walk, or do other activities you or get into a slump after the fun and festivities have ended. normally enjoy. Maybe you feel down because the holidays are a reminder • Get out in the sunlight or brightly lit spaces, especially of absent loved ones. Some people have more serious mood early in the day. changes lasting throughout the fall and winter when there’s • Try to spend time with other people. Confide in a trusted less natural sunlight. friend or relative. • Eat nutritious foods and avoid overloading on carbohydrates, like cookies and candies. • Be patient. Your mood will improve gradually. • If you have thoughts of suicide, get help right away. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. See your healthcare professional if sadness doesn’t go away or interferes with your daily life. NIH News in Health WAMD0044
