On Thursday, Feb 10, 2022 the Mayor of Franklin, Eugene Foulcard, proclaims February as National Heart Month and National Children’s Dental Health Month at Teche Action Clinics, Louisiana’s First Community Health Center, with CEO Dr. Gary M. Wiltz, M.D. and Dr. Kalisha Hanely, DDS, Director of Dentistry.
Dr. Wiltz states, “Every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. It’s the number one cause of death for most groups.” Additionally, he includes ways to prevent heart disease, by having a healthy diet, physical activity, tracking your cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Dr. Hanely discussed the importance of children’s dental health and its correlation to the heart. “The same bacteria that goes in the mouth, that dentists find, can travel to the heart.”
Several health-related issues children suffer from within the mouth can be prevented.
She adds, “There are three main things: speech; how clear they can speak all that goes with their teeth. Secondly, how they chew and eat their food, and get nutrition from their diet, or how well they can digest and ingest food goes back to their teeth. Lastly, their self-esteem and self-confidence are rampant with little children and how they see themselves when they look in the mirror at their teeth.”
Teche Action Clinic is committed to serving our existing patients and providing information to the general public about our services, locations and availability. You may call (337)828-2550 or visit tabhealth.org to get information about how Teche Action Clinic may serve you.
