Yeah, We Think So Too
We’re not done being thankful yet. Right before the holiday, the White House announced a new initiative for women’s health. Led by First Lady Jill Biden who said “Every woman I know has a story about leaving her doctor’s office with more questions than answers. Not because our doctors are withholding information, but because there’s just not enough research yet on how to best manage and treat even common women’s health conditions. In 2023, that is unacceptable.”
We couldn’t agree more.
You can read more through a link in The Latest this week.
- Maggie Ruvoldt & Stephanie Majercik
The Tasting Menu
Nurturing Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships
Keeping Up Outdoor Exercise in Winter Safely
When Is It Time for a Periodontist?
Nurturing Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships
In the initial stages of a relationship, passion and intimacy often flow effortlessly. However, as time goes by, maintaining that deep connection can require intentional effort. To keep the flames of intimacy alive in a long-term relationship, here are some tips for you.
It’s not all talk but it starts there. Good communication forms the foundation of any lasting relationship. Take the time to express your feelings, desires, and concerns openly with your partner. Create a safe space for both of you to share, and actively listen to each other. This not only fosters understanding but also strengthens the emotional bond between you. We loved these 40 questions to build intimacy from VeryWell Mind.
Connections happen outside the bedroom. Amidst the demands of daily life, it's crucial to carve out quality time for each other. Whether it's a cozy dinner at home, a weekend getaway, or even a simple stroll in the park, these moments of togetherness help fortify your connection. Quality time allows you to rediscover each other and create lasting memories. There is more to intimacy than the physical act of sex.
Embrace spontaneity. While routines provide stability, introducing an element of surprise and spontaneity can reignite the spark. Plan unexpected date nights, leave love notes, or surprise your partner with a gesture that reflects your appreciation. These small acts of spontaneity keep the relationship fresh and exciting.
Don’t wait for the mood to strike you. Life can get hectic, and sometimes, the busy-ness of daily routines can interfere with intimacy. Consider scheduling regular intimate moments with your partner especially if you feel it’s been too long. Yes, intimacy is a habit. This intentional approach helps create a habit, ensuring that you prioritize and maintain a healthy physical connection.
Prioritize self-care. Maintaining intimacy begins with taking care of yourself and feeling good about yourself. When you prioritize self-care, you bring your best self into the relationship. This not only boosts your confidence but also contributes to a healthier, more vibrant connection with your partner.
Safely Exercising Outside in the Winter
This article is timely as Stephanie’s year-round training group had their first long run in the snow this past Sunday. Coming from someone who generally avoids most outdoor activities in the winter, keeping up with some outdoor activity can be really refreshing but it’s something you want to prepare for.
If you’re going to be working out outside in colder temperatures, you’ll want to stick with activities that will keep your heart rate up/keep you warm. This lends itself more to cardio – think walking, running, hiking. And if you’re new to keeping up with these outdoor activities there’s a few other things you need to keep in mind.
Temperature and windchill. You can likely get away with running, walking, or hiking outside (with the right gear) in temperatures a lot colder than you might think. While everyone will have their own thresholds, when you start to get to about 18 degrees Fahrenheit – or if the windchill takes you to that temperature or below – you probably want to consider moving indoors.
Get the right gear. Layers are critical in the cold, but also making sure you avoid moisture absorbing fabrics (i.e. cotton) and layer up with moisture wicking fabric. We personally can’t think of anything worse than being cold AND wet, and even though you might not feel it, you still sweat in the cold.
Consider the outside conditions. Temperature and gear are one thing but if the roads, paths, and streets aren’t going to be safe, you’ll still want to consider alternatives. While you can get gear to improve traction or make sure you have gear (like hiking boots) that will help you keep from slipping on icy and slippery terrain, safety is of utmost importance. If you know the weather’s been warming up and then refreezing for example, there’s a good chance there’s more ice on the ground than you might think – and no amount of exercise is worth a broken bone (or even bruised tailbone).
There is something beautiful about being outside in the snow, getting in a run in the winter, despite the effort it might take to convince yourself to get out in the cold and dark. If you get the chance, we definitely recommend giving it a shot. A local running or sporting goods store should have the gear you need and be able to help answer any other questions you might have to give it a shot safely!
When Is It Time for a Periodontist?
During a routine examination, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for specialized care. This might be a short term need for an isolated issue or more likely, you’ll see the periodontist regularly to keep your gums as healthy as possible.
So who are these people and what do they do?
Periodontists are dental specialists who focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. They play a crucial role in preserving oral health by addressing issues such as gum disease, bone loss, and the placement of dental implants.
One of the primary reasons to see a periodontist is if you notice signs of gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and changes in the positioning of your teeth. Early detection and intervention can help prevent the progression of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to more severe conditions such as periodontitis. Periodontitis can result in irreversible damage to the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
Here are common reasons you might be referred to a periodontist:
Gum Disease Management: Periodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases. If your general dentist observes signs of gingivitis or periodontitis during a routine examination, they may refer you to a periodontist for specialized care and management of the condition.
Deep Gum Pockets: Periodontists measure the depth of the gum pockets surrounding each tooth. If these pockets are unusually deep, it could indicate a more advanced stage of gum disease. Managing and treating deep gum pockets promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to the supporting structures of the teeth.
Bone Loss Around Teeth: Progressive gum diseases can lead to the loss of bone tissue around the teeth. A periodontist can assess the extent of bone loss and recommend appropriate treatments or procedures to preserve the remaining bone structure and prevent tooth loss.
Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis) Chronic bad breath can be a sign of underlying gum issues or infections. If regular oral hygiene measures and visits to a general dentist do not resolve the problem, a periodontist can investigate and address any gum-related causes contributing to persistent bad breath.
Keeping your smile looking good includes your gums. And gum health impacts your overall health so don’t ignore it.
Medical Term of the Week
Have you ever noticed illnesses or conditions that end in “itis” and wonder what it means?
Periodontitis got us thinking about it. So did, colitis, bronchitis and gastritis.
When a medical condition ends with letters it is because the condition is an inflammation of the organ or body part.
The Latest
As the US continues to be an aging population the fees for assisted living are a huge concern. (From NY Times)
We are headed into the season - not the holiday season - the Seasonal Affective Disorder season. There are ways to ease that. (From HealthWomen)
New White House Initiative on Women’s Health (From The Hill)