Dentists Wearing Red

February is American Heart Month.  The White House Proclamation starts off

Heart disease is a staggering health problem and a leading cause of death for American women and men.  Thankfully, there are steps each of us can take to prevent this chronic disease.  In a time when one in three adults in the United States is living with some form of cardiovascular disease, American Heart Month provides an important reminder that it is never too early to take action to improve our heart health.

The American Heart Association urges people to Wear Red on Friday to raise awareness of cardiovascular diseases in women.  For too long, people have always thought of heart disease as a disease of older men.  Many members of CHC will wear red on Friday. 

Friday is also National Children’s Dental Health Month.  “The American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health”.  On Friday, the Community Health Center of New Britain, in partnership with the New Britain Dental Society and New Britain Oral Health Collaborative will be offering free cleanings, exams, sealants, fillings, fluoride treatments and dental education to children with HUSKY insurance or no dental insurance as part of Give Kids a Smile Day. 

There is more of a connection between healthy teeth and healthy hearts than the fact that Wear Red Day occurs on the same day as Give Kids a Smile Day as illustrated by the article Periodontitis as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: The role of anti-phosphorylcholine and anti-cardiolipin antibodies.

There are many ways that good health care connects the dots.   Perhaps some of the dentists will also wear red that day.