Health

Common Health Issues Floridians Face

Published

1 year ago

April 11, 2023

Headlines about the people in Florida range from marvelously bizarre to outright curious, highlighting sunny dispositions and extreme accidents. From people being washed away by flooding to a vehicle going through the office front of a dentist, Jacksonville, FL, and Tallahassee, FL, are homes to incidents that leave people injured—or worse—in their wake.

With other health-related headlines—fake nursing degrees and mold onset by hurricanes, for example—maintaining health and wellness in the Sunshine State is always a topic worthy of conversation. Here, we’ll explore some of the more common health issues the people of Florida deal with, as well as some ways to identify, treat, and prevent them without breaking the bank or inconveniencing themselves too greatly.

Accidental Injuries

Injuries resulting from accidents are so commonplace in Florida that it’s hard to believe some news stories from this state. For some reason, many would prefer to take their chances by wrangling in invasive species of animals, despite hurricane warnings, or even face-to-face with someone looking to start a problem. Of the nearly 80,000 deaths reported by Florida officials in the past year, over 32,000 were from poisoning, 16,000 were automotive-related, and 17,000 were due to falling. Preventable injuries and death seem to be Floridians’ most prominent health concerns. Many people can save themselves and their loved ones from accidents by paying slightly more attention.

Chronic Diseases

Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are all severe health problems with genetic and environmental influences. Tackling these diseases takes preventative measures and careful observation of an individual’s habits. Still, these measures and observations are not always easy to commit to when you have some of the best foods in the world available to you. Unfortunately, many foods that cause the onset of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can cause other health issues like gum disease and amputations, for example. Staying active and making healthier food choices will be your best defense against common chronic diseases suffered by Floridians.

Mental Health Endemics

Without access to many services or resources widely available in other states, mental health issues can be as prevalent—and dangerous—as physical health issues. Working together as a community to promote healthy lifestyles, supportive outlets, and safe environments for all citizens is the best way to tackle both mental and physical ailments. By doing so, Floridians can protect themselves from dangerous situations while improving their overall well-being.

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

2 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.