American Heart Association Says Sugar Is Bad News

The American Heart Association explains how sugar drinks and heart disease go together. A study compared men who did and did not consume sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of coronary heart disease.

Researchers followed 42,883 health professionals for a period of 22 years.  They adjusted for age, smoking, physical activity, alcohol, multivitamins, family history, diet quality, energy intake, BMI, pre-enrollment weight change and dieting.

They found that intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (and not artificially sweetened beverages) was significantly associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and adverse changes in lipids, inflammatory factors and leptin.

circ.ahajournals.org


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Cholesterol? What You Need To Know

Lipoproteins

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body and in foods and is carried in the bloodstream by proteins called lipoproteins.  Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), "bad cholesterol," carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells in the body, and too much leads to a buildup in the artery walls.  High-density lipoprotein (HDL), "good cholesterol," carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver to be broken down or passed from the body as waste.

Balance LDL And HDL Levels

Too much bad cholesterol and low levels of good cholesterol can cause increased risk of coronary heart disease and artery diseases, as well as strokes. The trick, then, is to lower the quantity of saturated fat intake to reduce LDL as well as use more monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber to increase HDL cholesterol.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Lupus and Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

A systematic review of 28 different studies by researchers from Harvard Medical School assessed two things:  the risk of heart disease and stroke among patients with lupus compared to those without the disease, and which factors can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke for those with lupus.

The findings:

• those with lupus had at lease a two to threefold increased risk of heart disease and stroke compared to those without lupus
• if those with lupus had added risk factors (smoking, increased age, high blood pressure and high cholesterol) there was even a higher risk

For those with lupus, the above facts underscore the importance of prevention:  regular exercise, not smoking, eating a healthy dies to control cholesterol, and controlling blood pressure.  Those with lupus must work with their physicians to monitor their health status and potential risk factors.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Your Appearance and Getting a Job

In America, most people--including employers--make instant judgments based on appearance, including someone's smile and teeth.  We associate how one presents their oral health with all kinds of biases that reflect some of the social biases we have.  Those views can prevent potential employers from recognizing potential assets.  If a job requires social interaction with the public, a customer service job or good entry-level job may only be available to those who can smile, function or chew properly.

The problem is partly based on appearance, but also on the health effects of poor dental care, which have been linked to heart disease, diabetes and stroke.  Employers do not like those working for them to miss work, and when employees don't feel good, their performance suffers also. The problem is also embarrassing.  Studies show that when people have good dental health, chances of employment increase.  Your local Board Certified Prosthodontist is best able to offer you the alternatives you need to have a healthy smile.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Smokeless Tobacco and Cancer

Smokeless tobacco is tobacco that is not burned.  It is available in different forms: chewing tobacco is loose leaves or bricks, and snuff is finely cut or powdered and either loose or in pouches.

Risk of Cancer

Smokeless tobacco contains at least 28 chemicals that have been found to cause cancer.  The level of tobacco-specific nitrosamines, formed during the growing, curing, fermenting and aging of the tobacco, is directly related to the risk of cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has reported that smokeless tobacco causes oral cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer.  Furthermore, it is associated with and may cause heart disease, gum disease and oral lesions other than cancer.

Smokeless Tobacco Is Additive

Smokeless tobacco is also considered addictive because of the amount of nicotine absorbed by the lining of the mouth.  When absorbed through mouth tissues, the nicotine goes directly into the bloodstream and is transported to the brain.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Why Is Dental Care Important?

An attractive smile is a sign of happiness, confidence and self esteem. A healthy mouth is also an indicator of overall well-being.

Scientific research has shown the relationship between oral health and heart disease, diabetes, premature birth, Alzheimer's disease, infertility and even erectile dysfunction. www.prevention.com has tips for oral care and protecting your teeth, as well as remedies for the prevention of gum disease, necessary vitamin intake, and foods that are best for protecting your healthy smile.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Reverse Pre-Diabetes

Nearly 25% of Americans are thought to have pre-diabetes--a condition of slightly elevated blood sugar levels that often develops into diabetes within 10 years-- but only 4% are aware of it.  Diabetes can mean a lifetime of drugs and blood sugar monitoring, an increased risk of heart disease, periodontal disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other health threats.  Prevention.com offered the following healthy habits to reverse pre-diabetes:  

• Lose weight:  a  5% weight loss equals a 70% reduction in risk.  

• Walk:  worldwide studies show the increased activity gotten from walking daily helps the body utilize insulin to move blood sugar into cells that provide energy and nutrition whole grain cereals:  

• Indulge coffee:  the Harvard School of Public Health studied 126,210 men and women over 18 years and found four cups or more of coffee with caffeine offered protection.  

• Skip fast food:  University of Minnesota scientists followed 3,000 people, ages 18 to 30, for 15 years, and found those who ate fast food more than twice per week gained 10 more pounds and developed twice the rate of insulin resistance, the two major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  

• Eat vegetables more often:  by eating vegetables and reducing the amount of red meat and processed meat, risk is significantly lowered, according to a 37,000 women study at Bringham and Women's Hospital.     

• Cinnamon:  German researchers studied adults with type 2 diabetes who then took a capsule containing the equivalent of 1 g. cinnamon powder 3 times a day for 4 months and reduced their blood sugar by 10%.     

• Daily relaxation:  simple relaxation exercises and other stress management techniques reduce blood sugar levels, according to a study conducted at Duke University.  Get 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night: Yale University found less than 6 hours of sleep doubled diabetes risk, and more than 8 hours tripled risk.     

• Be social:  women who live alone are 2.5 times more likely to develop diabetes.     

• Have a blood test:  a simple blood test measures sugar levels.  People with pre-diabetes--slightly elevated sugar levels, between 100 and 125 mg/dl--often develop a full blown case within 10 years. Knowing you are at risk can put you on a course of simple diet and exercise changes.    

Source:  Women's Health Magazine/Prevention.com 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

The Battle of the Bulge in Men

There is the tendency for men to gain belly fat as they age.  With age, less physical activity and loss of muscle mass make maintaining a healthy weight a challenge.  The problem, physiologically, is that belly fat is both just below the skin (subcutaneous) and inside the abdomen (visceral) surrounding internal organs.  Regardless of weight, a large amount of belly fat is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, diabetes and colorectal cancer.  For men, a true waist measurement of greater than 40 inches is indicative of too much belly fat.  While exercise can strengthen abdominal muscles, the only way to reduce visceral fat is to eat a diet higher in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low saturated fat.  With age, portion sizes should be reduced also.  And, as we have referenced in this blog many times, moderate aerobic activity of at least two and a half hours per week can be included in your daily routine.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Get Off Your Duff!

Whether you're at work or at home, sitting can be hazardous to your health.  Studies show an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity and metabolic syndrome for those who sit for long periods of time.  In addition, these studies also point out that moderate exercise does not offset the increased risk.

The solution seems to be less sitting and more movement overall.  So, find the ways that you can accomplish that objective by making changes in your daily choices.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Did You Hear The One About Breakfast?

As reported in the journal Circulation, researchers calculated that men who skipped breakfast had a 27% greater risk of heart disease than men who ate breakfast.  The Harvard University Health Professionals Follow-up Study records statistics on over 51,000 men, mostly white, who are questioned every two years about their health and habits.  Researchers also found that those individuals who ate late at night had a 55% greater risk of heart disease.  The group that skipped breakfast or were late-night snackers also shared other characteristics:  more often younger, single, and more likely to smoke and exercise less, and sleep less than seven hours a night.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Regular Tooth Scaling = Less Heart Disease

Recent study results showed an association between regular tooth scaling and a decreased risk of future cardiovascular events.  Using a nationwide, population-based study and a prospective cohort design, participants aged at least 50 years were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.  Authors of the study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, used 10,887 subjects who had received full-mouth or localized tooth scaling and compared them to 10,989 subjects who had not received any tooth scaling.

Tooth Scaling and Heart Disease  

After following the subjects for an average period of seven years, the group that had undergone tooth scaling had a lower incidence of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and total cardiovascular events.  "Furthermore, when compared with the nonexposed group, increasing frequency of tooth scaling correlated with a higher risk reduction of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and total cardiovascular events," the authors wrote. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Are You Having A Stroke? Signs, Types & Symptoms

What is a Stroke?

Can you tell if you're having a stroke?  A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and food.  Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.  A stroke is a medical emergency and therefore prompt treatment is crucial.  Early action can minimize damage and complications.  The good news is that they can be treated and prevented.

Stroke Signs

How do you know if you or someone else may be having a stroke?  You may have trouble walking, stumble, feel dizzy or lose balance or coordination.  You may have trouble with speaking and understanding, slurring or an inability to find the right words to explain what you feel.  You may experience sudden paralysis or numbness on one side of your body or face.  See if you can raise and hold both arms above your head.  You may have sudden blurred or blackened vision or may see double.  You may have a sudden very severe headache.  

Types of Strokes

The most common (90%) type of stroke is the ischemic stroke--caused by blockage in an artery.  A ministroke--a transient ischemic attack (TIA)--is a brief episode of symptoms caused by a temporary blockage, and requires medical attention also.  Strokes are more prevalent with a personal or family history of heart disease, being age 55 or older, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight or obese, binge drinking or cocaine and methamphetamine use.  Emergency treatment is directed at restoring blood flow to the brain.  Further measures can be undertaken to reduce the risk of further strokes.  After that, care focuses on helping you regain your strength, recover as much function as possible and return to independent living.  

Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor's recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Heart Disease and Women--Symptoms, Risks

Heart disease affect more women than men

Heart disease kills more women every year than any other health condition.  The Journal of the American Medical Association reports that younger women (under age 55) without chest pain during a heart attack are more likely to die than men, because the diagnosis of heart attack is often delayed.  

Men reported chest pain more often than women

In a study of data on more than 1 million people, nearly 70% of men reported chest pain, compared to 58% of women.  When chest pain occurs, it feels like a ton of weight on the center or left side of the chest that usually last for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.  It can be a squeezing, fullness, pain, or heartburn or indigestion.  There may be sharp pain in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw or upper (above belly button) part of the stomach.  There may be sudden and severe shortness of breath at rest or with minimal physical activity.  There may be unexplained or excessive sweating that you know is not menopause.  The most common symptom is sudden or unusual tiredness or lack of energy that may last for days, including muscle weakness or tiredness that is not related to exercise.  This symptom is the easiest to ignore.  There may be sudden dizziness or light-headedness. There may be nausea, vomiting or indigestion, especially in combination with other symptoms. 

Risk factors for heart disease

Risk factors for women include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and a family history of heart disease.  Since crushing chest pain doesn't always occur, awareness of these other symptoms leads to earlier treatment. If any of the severe symptoms occur and lasts for more than five minutes, emergency medical care is recommended. 

The earliest treatment may be the key to survival!  

The existence of periodontal (gum) disease has been correlated with a higher incidence of heart disease. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Salt Consumption and Your Heart

Pass the Salt?

We have all met someone who puts salt on every food, "whether it needs it or not!"  Why?--because it is one of those spices that gets our juices flowing.  Unfortunately, too much of a good thing is bad for us.
In a Manhattan study of over 2,500 people for almost a ten year period, only one-third of those studied were within the recommended U.S. Dietary Guidelines for daily sodium intake, which is 2,300 mg, or about a teaspoon of salt.  Only 12% of those studied met the American Heart Association's recommendation of 1,500mg per day.
After researchers adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, alcohol use, exercise, daily caloric intake, smoking status, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and previous heart disease, they found that stroke risk increased 16% for every 500 mg of sodium consumed a day.
Sources: American Heart Association, NOMAS

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Heart Attack Cause and Prevention

What you need to control

There are major risk factors for a heart attack that you can control:

• Smoking:  quit or cut back
• High blood pressure:  your doctor can prescribe medicine to
  keep it under control
• High cholesterol:  medication, a diet low in saturated fats,
  trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars
• Overweight or obesity:  lose unwanted pounds
• Diabetes:  control blood sugar with medication and diet
• Lack of physical activity:  become as active as possible

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (map)

February Is American Heart Month

American Heart Month.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.  If you are a man over age 45, a woman over age 55, or have parents or siblings who have had heart disease, you are at greater risk.

Fortunately, heart disease is largely preventable!  By eating healthy, staying active, watching your weight, not smoking, controlling your cholesterol, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding type 2 diabetes and managing stress, you can prolong your life!

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (map)

How to Lower the Risk of Repeat Heart Attacks

The diet's role in heart disease

There was a terrific article by Jennifer Corbett Dooren in the Wall Street Journal about this subject. She correctly states that patients with heart disease frequently assume that medication is enough to reduce the risk of a repeat heart attack of stroke, but details a large new  five-year study of 32,000 people in 40 countries that shows the preventive power of a healthy diet.

How a healthy diet leads to a healthy heart

That study found that people with the healthiest diets--fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish-- were 35% less likely to die from a repeat heart attack or stroke.  They were also 28% less likely to develop congestive heart failure, 14% less likely to have an additional heart attack and 19% less likely to have a stroke. Since heart disease is the top killer of Americans, according to the American Heart Association, the article details of the diet recommendations of the researchers.

The complete article is available at online.wsj.com/ health and wellness, Dec. 3, 2012.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

More Bad News About Sugar from the American Heart Association!

How sugar drinks and heart disease go together

A study published by the American Heart Association, circ.ahajournals.org, compared men who did and did not consume sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of coronary heart disease. Researchers followed 42,883 health professionals for a period of 22 years. They adjusted for age, smoking, physical activity, alcohol, multivitamins, family history, diet quality, energy intake, BMI, pre-enrollment weight change and dieting.

They found that intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (and not artificially sweetened beverages) was significantly associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and adverse changes in lipids, inflammatory factors and leptin.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., 
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Why Is Dental Care Important?

An attractive smile is a sign of happiness, confidence and 

self esteem. A healthy mouth is also an indicator of overall 

well-being.

What researchers have found about oral health

Scientific research has shown the relationship between oral health and heart disease, diabetes, premature birth, Alzheimer's disease, infertility and even erectile dysfunction. www.prevention.com has tips for oral care and protecting your teeth, as well as remedies for the prevention of gum disease, necessary vitamin intake, and foods that are best for protecting your healthy smile.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
 Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309