Fun fact:
There are almost 800 different brands of bottled water for sale in the United States.
WOW!
That makes me wonder how many bottles of water are sold in a year, and at what cost?
Oh wait, it's a fun fact day - I can answer those questions. According to the NY state department of Environmental Conservation:
•Single-serve bottled water is the fastest growing beverage of choice in the United States.
• Americans purchased nearly 31 billion bottles of water in 2006 and spend $11 billion on bottled water every year.
• Nearly 2.5 billion bottles of water a year are sold in New York alone—stacked up end to end, they’d reach the moon.
Now, I'll grant you, there are places in this country that you do not want to drink the water. But seriously, I think this is crazy. What a waste of resources, both in terms of garbage produced and money wasted.
In honor of Earth day this week, I am going to make a pledge to buy as little bottled water as I can. I will carry my Nalgene bottle with me at all times, and in the event I do buy bottled water, I will be certain to recycle the bottle.
**report for yesterday.
Well, I guess yesterday has to be marked as my first failure. It's not that I didn't get nine glasses of water in, it's that I don't know if I got nine glasses in. It's actually going to be harder to keep track of my glasses of water than it is going to be to actually drink them. I need a strategy...I will have to think of one. Any suggestions?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Hydration: Day 4
How do I teach myself not to ignore thirst?
I don't think there is a simple answer to that. The first thing I am going to do is make myself get a glass when I do notice I'm thirsty. Immediately.
How I make myself notice thirst is another question. If I'm serious about this though, I have to come up with something. Starting today I will try something. Every half an hour (at 00 and 30 past the hour) I will 'remind myself' to check if I'm thirsty. If I can't figure this out today, tomorrow I will set an alarm for every half hour.
Of course, that might get old fast.
It's like potty training a child. They don't think to 'check' if they have to pee, so mom or dad tends to ask every 15 minutes, do you have to pee? Until they learn on their own what it 'feels like' to have to pee.
I just have to train myself.
As for having room temperature water, what I've been doing the last few days has been working really well. Every time I drain my glass, I refill it. Then it has a chance to sit for a few minutes (or hours) before I need to drink it.
It's silly, but it works for me.
**daily report for yesterday
Tough day, but I got all 9 glasses, and even close to where they were supposed to be. I didn't count the three glasses I drank while doing yard work (it was 80 here today) but I still made it.
Dinner water wound up being drunk closer to bedtime, since I had a big glass of milk with dinner. The water from the afternoon (the yard work) made me push it back.
So far, so good.
I don't think there is a simple answer to that. The first thing I am going to do is make myself get a glass when I do notice I'm thirsty. Immediately.
How I make myself notice thirst is another question. If I'm serious about this though, I have to come up with something. Starting today I will try something. Every half an hour (at 00 and 30 past the hour) I will 'remind myself' to check if I'm thirsty. If I can't figure this out today, tomorrow I will set an alarm for every half hour.
Of course, that might get old fast.
It's like potty training a child. They don't think to 'check' if they have to pee, so mom or dad tends to ask every 15 minutes, do you have to pee? Until they learn on their own what it 'feels like' to have to pee.
I just have to train myself.
As for having room temperature water, what I've been doing the last few days has been working really well. Every time I drain my glass, I refill it. Then it has a chance to sit for a few minutes (or hours) before I need to drink it.
It's silly, but it works for me.
**daily report for yesterday
Tough day, but I got all 9 glasses, and even close to where they were supposed to be. I didn't count the three glasses I drank while doing yard work (it was 80 here today) but I still made it.
Dinner water wound up being drunk closer to bedtime, since I had a big glass of milk with dinner. The water from the afternoon (the yard work) made me push it back.
So far, so good.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hydration: Day 3
Obstacles.
My primary obstacle to getting enough water is a strange one.
I tend to ignore thirst.
I don't know why. When I am hungry, I will almost always respond to that immediately and go get something to eat. When I am thirsty, it can wait. For a very. long. time. It seems odd really, since I know in my head that thirst is a biological function that says: "you need more water now". You'd think that would be the sort of thing that there isn't any benefit to ignoring. But no.
Actually, I am thirsty right now typing this and I am ignoring it. Hold on...
...there we go. (my mid-morning glass) It's not unlike a small child who will be so busy playing that they fight sleep. Sleep which is obviously a good thing. Of course, I am guilty of this too, it's late, I'm playing a video game and I just want to beat one more level...before you know it, it's 2am. You've lost several hours of sleep.. Yeah. Like that. Only, I ignore being thirsty.
My other significant obstacle to drinking enough water, is that I hate drinking water that's too cold. So, if I do heed the thirst, I will go fill a glass of water, take a sip, and then put the glass down 'for a few minutes' because it's too cold. The next thing I know, my house is littered with water glasses all half full and I still haven't drunk a sip.
My universe is strange.
**Daily report for yesterday
Going well. I wasn't precisely according to schedule, but I had another day where I had extra, so it's working out. Water with meals seems to be the hard part. That glass (or two) before each meal is going to help me out tremendously, weight wise, so I just have to get better at it.
My primary obstacle to getting enough water is a strange one.
I tend to ignore thirst.
I don't know why. When I am hungry, I will almost always respond to that immediately and go get something to eat. When I am thirsty, it can wait. For a very. long. time. It seems odd really, since I know in my head that thirst is a biological function that says: "you need more water now". You'd think that would be the sort of thing that there isn't any benefit to ignoring. But no.
Actually, I am thirsty right now typing this and I am ignoring it. Hold on...
...there we go. (my mid-morning glass) It's not unlike a small child who will be so busy playing that they fight sleep. Sleep which is obviously a good thing. Of course, I am guilty of this too, it's late, I'm playing a video game and I just want to beat one more level...before you know it, it's 2am. You've lost several hours of sleep.. Yeah. Like that. Only, I ignore being thirsty.
My other significant obstacle to drinking enough water, is that I hate drinking water that's too cold. So, if I do heed the thirst, I will go fill a glass of water, take a sip, and then put the glass down 'for a few minutes' because it's too cold. The next thing I know, my house is littered with water glasses all half full and I still haven't drunk a sip.
My universe is strange.
**Daily report for yesterday
Going well. I wasn't precisely according to schedule, but I had another day where I had extra, so it's working out. Water with meals seems to be the hard part. That glass (or two) before each meal is going to help me out tremendously, weight wise, so I just have to get better at it.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Hydration: Day 2
Why Water?
Water consumption is important for 100 reasons. I'm only going to list the 10 that matter most to me.
10) Reduce my risk of heart attack
Research has shown that drinking a proper amount of water could lower your risk of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the May 1, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that those who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses.
Now, the science:
When you have too little water in your body, it tries to adjust for the loss of water by constricting blood vessels so that the rate of loss of water (due to sweating and respiration) is reduced. This, in turn, is one of the causes of a higher blood pressure. Increased blood pressure is a sign of a heart that’s working harder than it should. Making your heart work harder than it should is never a good idea.
9) Cushion my joints and make running more comfortable.
Water makes up a large part of the fluid that lubricates and cushions your joints and muscles. And although not the only element associated with muscle cramps, athletes have long recognized that even mild dehydration can produce cramps. So drinking water before, during and after exercise can also help reduce muscle cramping and premature fatigue.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, adequate fluid replacement helps to maintain hydration therefore optimizing and enhancing performance of those participating in regular exercise.
8) My skin will improve.
Water removes impurities in the skin and cleanses it, through sweat, leaving you with a healthy and younger looking skin. Dehydrated skin cells lose their elasticity and 'plumpness' and can cause your skin to appear wrinkled or sagging.
7) Drinking enough water improves digestion.
The human digestive system needs plenty of water to digest food properly. If you are getting adequate amounts of fiber in your diet, adding more water may help prevent gassiness.
6) I will be more alert and have more energy
Even mild dehydration can sap your energy and make you feel tired. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and other symptoms. If you're thirsty, it's your body's way of telling you you're already a little dehydrated and you should do something about it.
5) I will better be able to regulate my body temperature, which is fairly vital here in the desert in the summer.
Water is the single most important factor in the highly critical function of regulating your body temperature. On sunny days, we sweat (in other words - excrete water) more and the evaporation of the sweat has a cooling effect on the body. In the absence of sufficient water (when dehydration occurs) in your body, this temperature regulation breaks down and body temperature increases - and this leads to sunstroke. Severe sunstroke has the potential to damage your vital organs.
I've had sunstroke before. Not doing it again.
4) If I don't get enough water, my milk production falls, and my Little One doesn't get enough to eat.
During nursing, a mother needs to drink much more liquid to replace the water provided in the breast milk. A woman who nurses her child should drink 5-6 pints (40 - 48 oz) per day; preferably mineral water, fruit or vegetable juices, herbal tea and milk. healthandage.com
What does the nursing mother have to do to go on a healthy diet? She has to increase her water consumption by one quart per day, so that she is drinking a total of 2.5 to 3 quarts. Nursing women tend to be thirstier, especially during feeding sessions, because part of their water consumption goes directly to producing milk for their infants. pregnancy-period.com
3) I will be less likely to get sick.
Water helps carry metabolic wastes away from the body through urine and sweat. This is one of the most important functions of water in our body. In addition, sufficient water helps our nasal passages work the way they should, snot is mostly water, and serves an actual purpose. It captures the stuff in the air we don't want in our lungs, and then leaves our body. Therefore, we get sick less.
2) I will lose weight
Water is one of the best tools for weight loss for two reasons It often replaces high-calorie drinks like soda and juice and alcohol with a drink that doesn't have any calories. And it's also a great appetite suppressant, and often when we think we're hungry, we're actually just thirsty.
Water has no fat, no calories, no carbs, no sugar. It fills your belly and makes you feel full sooner, which in turn decreases your appetite.
1) Every organ in my body needs water to function properly.
The human body is made up of about 43% to 75% of water - depending on age, body fat, etc. You could probably survive for 4 to 8 weeks without food (though no happily), but it is estimated that lack of water could cause death in about 10 days, at room temperature.
This is clearly a very important habit for my health in general, as well as the health of my Little One.
**DAILY REPORT FOR YESTERDAY
First day of focusing on water went well, though not as expected. I did get my nine glasses of water, and in fact I figure I drank about 13 before the day was out. After by 'obligatory' water, I didn't bother to count the extras. I was thirsty all day, which is odd for me, so either I was dehydrated to begin with (which is likely the case) or actually being close to the right amount of water made my thirst response kick back in.
It's worth noting that other than water, I only had 2 glasses of milk all day.
Overall, I consider yesterday a success. If I continue like yesterday though, I may up the amount of fluid I require per day.
Water consumption is important for 100 reasons. I'm only going to list the 10 that matter most to me.
10) Reduce my risk of heart attack
Research has shown that drinking a proper amount of water could lower your risk of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the May 1, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that those who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses.
Now, the science:
When you have too little water in your body, it tries to adjust for the loss of water by constricting blood vessels so that the rate of loss of water (due to sweating and respiration) is reduced. This, in turn, is one of the causes of a higher blood pressure. Increased blood pressure is a sign of a heart that’s working harder than it should. Making your heart work harder than it should is never a good idea.
9) Cushion my joints and make running more comfortable.
Water makes up a large part of the fluid that lubricates and cushions your joints and muscles. And although not the only element associated with muscle cramps, athletes have long recognized that even mild dehydration can produce cramps. So drinking water before, during and after exercise can also help reduce muscle cramping and premature fatigue.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, adequate fluid replacement helps to maintain hydration therefore optimizing and enhancing performance of those participating in regular exercise.
8) My skin will improve.
Water removes impurities in the skin and cleanses it, through sweat, leaving you with a healthy and younger looking skin. Dehydrated skin cells lose their elasticity and 'plumpness' and can cause your skin to appear wrinkled or sagging.
7) Drinking enough water improves digestion.
The human digestive system needs plenty of water to digest food properly. If you are getting adequate amounts of fiber in your diet, adding more water may help prevent gassiness.
6) I will be more alert and have more energy
Even mild dehydration can sap your energy and make you feel tired. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and other symptoms. If you're thirsty, it's your body's way of telling you you're already a little dehydrated and you should do something about it.
5) I will better be able to regulate my body temperature, which is fairly vital here in the desert in the summer.
Water is the single most important factor in the highly critical function of regulating your body temperature. On sunny days, we sweat (in other words - excrete water) more and the evaporation of the sweat has a cooling effect on the body. In the absence of sufficient water (when dehydration occurs) in your body, this temperature regulation breaks down and body temperature increases - and this leads to sunstroke. Severe sunstroke has the potential to damage your vital organs.
I've had sunstroke before. Not doing it again.
4) If I don't get enough water, my milk production falls, and my Little One doesn't get enough to eat.
During nursing, a mother needs to drink much more liquid to replace the water provided in the breast milk. A woman who nurses her child should drink 5-6 pints (40 - 48 oz) per day; preferably mineral water, fruit or vegetable juices, herbal tea and milk. healthandage.com
What does the nursing mother have to do to go on a healthy diet? She has to increase her water consumption by one quart per day, so that she is drinking a total of 2.5 to 3 quarts. Nursing women tend to be thirstier, especially during feeding sessions, because part of their water consumption goes directly to producing milk for their infants. pregnancy-period.com
3) I will be less likely to get sick.
Water helps carry metabolic wastes away from the body through urine and sweat. This is one of the most important functions of water in our body. In addition, sufficient water helps our nasal passages work the way they should, snot is mostly water, and serves an actual purpose. It captures the stuff in the air we don't want in our lungs, and then leaves our body. Therefore, we get sick less.
2) I will lose weight
Water is one of the best tools for weight loss for two reasons It often replaces high-calorie drinks like soda and juice and alcohol with a drink that doesn't have any calories. And it's also a great appetite suppressant, and often when we think we're hungry, we're actually just thirsty.
Water has no fat, no calories, no carbs, no sugar. It fills your belly and makes you feel full sooner, which in turn decreases your appetite.
1) Every organ in my body needs water to function properly.
The human body is made up of about 43% to 75% of water - depending on age, body fat, etc. You could probably survive for 4 to 8 weeks without food (though no happily), but it is estimated that lack of water could cause death in about 10 days, at room temperature.
This is clearly a very important habit for my health in general, as well as the health of my Little One.
**DAILY REPORT FOR YESTERDAY
First day of focusing on water went well, though not as expected. I did get my nine glasses of water, and in fact I figure I drank about 13 before the day was out. After by 'obligatory' water, I didn't bother to count the extras. I was thirsty all day, which is odd for me, so either I was dehydrated to begin with (which is likely the case) or actually being close to the right amount of water made my thirst response kick back in.
It's worth noting that other than water, I only had 2 glasses of milk all day.
Overall, I consider yesterday a success. If I continue like yesterday though, I may up the amount of fluid I require per day.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hydration: Day 1
Starting again with a new goal. I love beginnings.
I need to drink enough water. But how much water do I need to drink in a day?
The answer to that far less straight forward than I had expected, or hoped. You can search the web all you want for 'how much water should I drink' or variations on that, and you will find 100 different answers. Two of the most common are:
Eight, 8oz glasses in a day (or 64 oz)
or
Take your weight (in lbs) and divide by 2, that's the number of ounces you should drink in a day.
Since I weigh 138 pounds (right now, many of these habits are going to be designed to improve that number) that's 69 ounces.
Those two numbers are really close. How convenient.
The last common answer that abounds the internet over is, 'enough water that your urine is light colored'. While this answer appeals to me because it it clearly the most physiologically relevant, it makes goal setting hard, AND requires that the next 22 days is spent in a discussion of my urine color. I'll spare us both.
There are a few complicating factors.
Now, I live in the desert. It's only April, and it is already 80 here most days. The humidity is ridiculously low. As a result, I probably need more water than the 'average' person. But I have no idea how much.
PLUS (I told you this wasn't straight forward) I run three days a week. I love to go out for hikes. This will mean I need more water too.
And oh yeah, I'm still nursing my Little One. More water.
Taking all this into account, I have decided to set this goal as follows:
Nine, 8 oz glasses of water a day, or a total of 72 ounces.
And since I learned from my last habit that I need to be as specific as possible, I am going to break that up as follows:
2 glasses before/with breakfast
1 glass midmorning
2 glasses before/with lunch
1 glass midafternoon
2 glasses before/with dinner
1 glass before bed
Voila! 9 glasses, minimum.
If I go for a run, water consumed during the run doesn't count. It will be 'extra'.
Now, I reserve the right to alter this as I go, in case it seems like I am getting too much or not enough along the way. The above mentioned urine color may come into play, as well as thirst. I'll tweak as I go.
For now, I have already gotten started this morning. This habit will be much harder than the last, so here's to working hard and getting those glasses down. Bottoms up!
**report for yesterday
Yesterday I finished my perfect streak for brushing and flossing. Hopefully these little daily reports become more interesting now, because this habit is more involved. Let's see.
I need to drink enough water. But how much water do I need to drink in a day?
The answer to that far less straight forward than I had expected, or hoped. You can search the web all you want for 'how much water should I drink' or variations on that, and you will find 100 different answers. Two of the most common are:
Eight, 8oz glasses in a day (or 64 oz)
or
Take your weight (in lbs) and divide by 2, that's the number of ounces you should drink in a day.
Since I weigh 138 pounds (right now, many of these habits are going to be designed to improve that number) that's 69 ounces.
Those two numbers are really close. How convenient.
The last common answer that abounds the internet over is, 'enough water that your urine is light colored'. While this answer appeals to me because it it clearly the most physiologically relevant, it makes goal setting hard, AND requires that the next 22 days is spent in a discussion of my urine color. I'll spare us both.
There are a few complicating factors.
Now, I live in the desert. It's only April, and it is already 80 here most days. The humidity is ridiculously low. As a result, I probably need more water than the 'average' person. But I have no idea how much.
PLUS (I told you this wasn't straight forward) I run three days a week. I love to go out for hikes. This will mean I need more water too.
And oh yeah, I'm still nursing my Little One. More water.
Taking all this into account, I have decided to set this goal as follows:
Nine, 8 oz glasses of water a day, or a total of 72 ounces.
And since I learned from my last habit that I need to be as specific as possible, I am going to break that up as follows:
2 glasses before/with breakfast
1 glass midmorning
2 glasses before/with lunch
1 glass midafternoon
2 glasses before/with dinner
1 glass before bed
Voila! 9 glasses, minimum.
If I go for a run, water consumed during the run doesn't count. It will be 'extra'.
Now, I reserve the right to alter this as I go, in case it seems like I am getting too much or not enough along the way. The above mentioned urine color may come into play, as well as thirst. I'll tweak as I go.
For now, I have already gotten started this morning. This habit will be much harder than the last, so here's to working hard and getting those glasses down. Bottoms up!
**report for yesterday
Yesterday I finished my perfect streak for brushing and flossing. Hopefully these little daily reports become more interesting now, because this habit is more involved. Let's see.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dental Hygiene: Day 22
I am so very excited that I get to celebrate my first attempt at starting a habit! It's like winning on opening day, it just sets the tone for the rest of the endeavor.
Twenty Two Days! Ta da!
My first habit has successfully made it to 22 days. Hopefully, this is habit formed! 'They' say it takes 21 days to form a habit (whoever 'they' are) and I have done one better than 21 days.
Starting tomorrow, we see if it can actually be called a 'habit', and move on to the next challenge: water.
So far, raging success.
**report for yesterday:
Indeed another successful day. Looking forward to the next challenge.
Twenty Two Days! Ta da!
My first habit has successfully made it to 22 days. Hopefully, this is habit formed! 'They' say it takes 21 days to form a habit (whoever 'they' are) and I have done one better than 21 days.
Starting tomorrow, we see if it can actually be called a 'habit', and move on to the next challenge: water.
So far, raging success.
**report for yesterday:
Indeed another successful day. Looking forward to the next challenge.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dental Hygiene: Day 21
Week in review.
I learned a lot this week, actually. For one, I learned that while I did keep my perfect streak alive, I also need to be aware that I will almost always push the definition of success at least once.
For instance, on Friday, while I did in fact get my teeth brushed and flossed twice in the day, the first was pushed back all the way until almost noon. Now, because I didn't set any time constraints on when I was going to brush and floss my teeth, this is all good. But it also means that technically I could have brushed and flossed my teeth at 7:30 pm and again at 8:00 pm and by the goals I had set out for myself that would have counted. Although, I certainly would have considered that extreme case a fail, how late in the day is still success? Thankfully, I never pushed it into that gray area.
So, common sense ruled this month, but I may need to be more specific for myself along the way. Good to know.
Other than that, it was all good. I had one day where I almost jumped into bed without doing it, and a couple of mornings where babies and business pushed it a little late, but I did brush and floss every day. So, good for me.
**report for yesterday
Yup.
I learned a lot this week, actually. For one, I learned that while I did keep my perfect streak alive, I also need to be aware that I will almost always push the definition of success at least once.
For instance, on Friday, while I did in fact get my teeth brushed and flossed twice in the day, the first was pushed back all the way until almost noon. Now, because I didn't set any time constraints on when I was going to brush and floss my teeth, this is all good. But it also means that technically I could have brushed and flossed my teeth at 7:30 pm and again at 8:00 pm and by the goals I had set out for myself that would have counted. Although, I certainly would have considered that extreme case a fail, how late in the day is still success? Thankfully, I never pushed it into that gray area.
So, common sense ruled this month, but I may need to be more specific for myself along the way. Good to know.
Other than that, it was all good. I had one day where I almost jumped into bed without doing it, and a couple of mornings where babies and business pushed it a little late, but I did brush and floss every day. So, good for me.
**report for yesterday
Yup.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dental Hygiene: Day 20
Fun facts on the fives!
My last chance at amusing factoids about dental hygiene
#1 Each person's set of teeth is unique - much like their fingerprints - even in identical twins.
- this is why dental records can be used to identify bodies when all other identifying marks are missing.
#2 If you're right handed, you will chew your food on your right side. If you're left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.
- this is going to make me crazy for a few days.
and this one deserved more research:
#3 Some cheeses are have been found to protect teeth from decay.
- so I went on a google hunt. I found this article about it. So it appears that the acid that causes your teeth to become susceptible to cavities can be counteracted (to a degree) by dairy.
I think this was my favorite line though:
Seriously, I love the things lawyers make you do.
**report for yesterday
Getting close to a perfect start. Yesterday was easy, since I was up reasonably early and out and about for the holiday. I have to not get lazy though, yesterday I caught myself nearly missing a few teeth, it doesn't count unless I floss them all. Can't let the lazy sneak in...maybe keeping the momentum won't be as easy as I thought. I will keep my eye on it.
My last chance at amusing factoids about dental hygiene
#1 Each person's set of teeth is unique - much like their fingerprints - even in identical twins.
- this is why dental records can be used to identify bodies when all other identifying marks are missing.
#2 If you're right handed, you will chew your food on your right side. If you're left handed, you will tend to chew your food on your left side.
- this is going to make me crazy for a few days.
and this one deserved more research:
#3 Some cheeses are have been found to protect teeth from decay.
- so I went on a google hunt. I found this article about it. So it appears that the acid that causes your teeth to become susceptible to cavities can be counteracted (to a degree) by dairy.
I think this was my favorite line though:
And, they emphasize, eating cheese should not replace regular brushing and flossing, which removes food particles and plaque, thus inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria on teeth and gums.
Seriously, I love the things lawyers make you do.
**report for yesterday
Getting close to a perfect start. Yesterday was easy, since I was up reasonably early and out and about for the holiday. I have to not get lazy though, yesterday I caught myself nearly missing a few teeth, it doesn't count unless I floss them all. Can't let the lazy sneak in...maybe keeping the momentum won't be as easy as I thought. I will keep my eye on it.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Dental Hygiene: Day 19
Keeping the momentum. That's the hard part, isn't it. Assuming that, in just a few days, my perfect 22 days are complete, how do I keep it going as I move forward and focus on a new habit?
Normally, the answer is: plan ahead. But since, at this point, I am actually brushing and flossing twice a day without even thinking about it, I feel like it's pretty well ingrained. With my toothbrush and toothpaste out in sight with the dental floss by their side, I just do it now.
It's like remembering to go to sleep at night. (Hmmm, I had a few days in college where that analogy breaks down...) It's just become part of my day now. My mouth tastes funny when I don't.
I guess with this one, my only real strategy going forward is going to be to make sure I always have toothpaste, floss and Listerine. So long as I don't run out, I don't suspect I will forget.
**Report for yesterday**
For something like teeth brushing, lazy, rainy days are always the hardest. You know, the kind where PJs are warm, and getting off of your rump to do anything is hard to do...
But, never fear, I actually did get both an am and a pm tooth brushing in. I just did not want to, and had a baby to play with, and ... and ... and ... the good news is I didn't give in to all the excuses and just did it. Perfect streak alive.
Normally, the answer is: plan ahead. But since, at this point, I am actually brushing and flossing twice a day without even thinking about it, I feel like it's pretty well ingrained. With my toothbrush and toothpaste out in sight with the dental floss by their side, I just do it now.
It's like remembering to go to sleep at night. (Hmmm, I had a few days in college where that analogy breaks down...) It's just become part of my day now. My mouth tastes funny when I don't.
I guess with this one, my only real strategy going forward is going to be to make sure I always have toothpaste, floss and Listerine. So long as I don't run out, I don't suspect I will forget.
**Report for yesterday**
For something like teeth brushing, lazy, rainy days are always the hardest. You know, the kind where PJs are warm, and getting off of your rump to do anything is hard to do...
But, never fear, I actually did get both an am and a pm tooth brushing in. I just did not want to, and had a baby to play with, and ... and ... and ... the good news is I didn't give in to all the excuses and just did it. Perfect streak alive.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 18
I need to make an appointment for a cleaning. I do. But how do I find a good dentist, to ensure the best possible outcome. I found a few resources online, here and here that gave me a pretty good idea what I needed to do.
I started by deciding that what I wanted was a family dentist that was good with kids first. I wanted this for two reasons. First, I won't send my kid to a dentist that I won't go to myself. And second, because if the dentist is good with kids (i.e. gentle) then he is probably as good with adults. And I am a chicken. So, I am focusing my search on a dentist that is good with kids.
All of the resources I have found said to get references. Well, I know very few people here (we have just moved) and none who both live near me and have kids,so checking with people I know is a little troublesome. I have decided that I will ask my daycare provider if they have any recommendations for dentists for kids. I will also call my pediatrician to see if they have any dentists they refer kids to.
Then, with any luck, I will have a couple of names. At that point, I believe it comes down to a geography game. Which is closest? Starting there, I will find out if they are taking new patients.
We'll see what happens. I will have an appointment before day 22.
**Report for yesterday**
So far, so good. Although, to be fair, it almost wasn't so good. I had an early business call, so I spent longer than usual in my PJs, and almost forgot to brush my teeth...thankfully, all was saved.
I started by deciding that what I wanted was a family dentist that was good with kids first. I wanted this for two reasons. First, I won't send my kid to a dentist that I won't go to myself. And second, because if the dentist is good with kids (i.e. gentle) then he is probably as good with adults. And I am a chicken. So, I am focusing my search on a dentist that is good with kids.
All of the resources I have found said to get references. Well, I know very few people here (we have just moved) and none who both live near me and have kids,so checking with people I know is a little troublesome. I have decided that I will ask my daycare provider if they have any recommendations for dentists for kids. I will also call my pediatrician to see if they have any dentists they refer kids to.
Then, with any luck, I will have a couple of names. At that point, I believe it comes down to a geography game. Which is closest? Starting there, I will find out if they are taking new patients.
We'll see what happens. I will have an appointment before day 22.
**Report for yesterday**
So far, so good. Although, to be fair, it almost wasn't so good. I had an early business call, so I spent longer than usual in my PJs, and almost forgot to brush my teeth...thankfully, all was saved.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 17
Well, I'm getting close to the end of habit #1, and I think I am doing really well, if I must say so myself.
So what's next?
I have given this a great deal of thought. Like dental hygiene, it should be something that is fundamental to a number of different issues. Something that will make me feel better, look better, and make other habits easier.
It should also be something I have struggled with in the past.
I believe the answer is clearly (no pun intended) water. I need to get more water into my body as the summer months approach. I will start to formulate what exactly this means, but I do believe that fending off dehydration will be the next habit I tackle.
**Day 16 report**
I actually had to think really hard as I started typing this to figure out if I actually had brushed and flossed yesterday. I did. But that's a really good sign.
When it becomes such a habit that you don't remember doing it, then you know it's all good.
So what's next?
I have given this a great deal of thought. Like dental hygiene, it should be something that is fundamental to a number of different issues. Something that will make me feel better, look better, and make other habits easier.
It should also be something I have struggled with in the past.
I believe the answer is clearly (no pun intended) water. I need to get more water into my body as the summer months approach. I will start to formulate what exactly this means, but I do believe that fending off dehydration will be the next habit I tackle.
**Day 16 report**
I actually had to think really hard as I started typing this to figure out if I actually had brushed and flossed yesterday. I did. But that's a really good sign.
When it becomes such a habit that you don't remember doing it, then you know it's all good.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 16
**Day 15 report.
Looking good for the good guys. I am actually shooting for a perfect 22 days now. It seems within reach, and it would be fantastic to actually start off with a perfect score!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 15
Fun facts on the fives!
Today I looked into some amusing dental floss facts. This is actually pretty enlightening (and funny).
Year commercial floss was first manufactured: 1882
Material it was first made of: silk
Newest material: Gore-tex
Amount bought per person: 18 yards
Amount that should be bought per person: 122 yards (figuring one foot a day)
Percent who say they floss daily: 28% (some are fibbing, according to the sales data above)
Apparently I am not the only one who struggles with this habit. From all the stuff I've learned in the last two weeks though, everyone would benefit greatly from it.
The most fun fact I found about dental floss though:
In 1994 a prison inmate in West Virginia braided floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped.
I guess, for this one guy, NOT flossing (and saving the floss) was far more beneficial than flossing. I wonder if the prison systems let prisoners floss after that. I wonder how you find such a thing out.
**Daily report for yesterday.
Yup, more goodness.
On the one hand, it's getting really dull to simply report every day on successes, at least for you, dear reader. For me, it's cool to see that I can string together two solid weeks of 'perfect behavior'. In fact, the way the whole concept of this blog is set up, each change is so small, I should not ever fail. (Don't worry, once I get out of this tooth brushing thing, I am certain I will find a way to screw something up.) So if you like to see people screw up...just stay tuned.
Today I looked into some amusing dental floss facts. This is actually pretty enlightening (and funny).
Year commercial floss was first manufactured: 1882
Material it was first made of: silk
Newest material: Gore-tex
Amount bought per person: 18 yards
Amount that should be bought per person: 122 yards (figuring one foot a day)
Percent who say they floss daily: 28% (some are fibbing, according to the sales data above)
Apparently I am not the only one who struggles with this habit. From all the stuff I've learned in the last two weeks though, everyone would benefit greatly from it.
The most fun fact I found about dental floss though:
In 1994 a prison inmate in West Virginia braided floss into a rope, scaled the wall and escaped.
I guess, for this one guy, NOT flossing (and saving the floss) was far more beneficial than flossing. I wonder if the prison systems let prisoners floss after that. I wonder how you find such a thing out.
**Daily report for yesterday.
Yup, more goodness.
On the one hand, it's getting really dull to simply report every day on successes, at least for you, dear reader. For me, it's cool to see that I can string together two solid weeks of 'perfect behavior'. In fact, the way the whole concept of this blog is set up, each change is so small, I should not ever fail. (Don't worry, once I get out of this tooth brushing thing, I am certain I will find a way to screw something up.) So if you like to see people screw up...just stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 14
Week 2 round up.
Turns out it's harder to remember to blog every day than it is to remember to floss every day...who knew?
All joking aside...The ease with which this habit has come makes me very optimistic about all of the habits I would like to develop. After only 14 days, I have had a perfect streak of twice a day brushing and flossing, even when it's been iffy whether or not I'd manage.
So, I move on to the final week of my 21 days both thankful that this has been so easy, and hopeful that the next habit(s) are as easy.
**Daily report for yesterday
As I said above, perfect streak. I am starting to really notice if I haven't brushed my teeth. My mouth tastes all...funny. It's like learning to recognize thirst (see my next habit) once you learn what it feels like, it's a built in reminder to go brush your teeth.
Turns out it's harder to remember to blog every day than it is to remember to floss every day...who knew?
All joking aside...The ease with which this habit has come makes me very optimistic about all of the habits I would like to develop. After only 14 days, I have had a perfect streak of twice a day brushing and flossing, even when it's been iffy whether or not I'd manage.
So, I move on to the final week of my 21 days both thankful that this has been so easy, and hopeful that the next habit(s) are as easy.
**Daily report for yesterday
As I said above, perfect streak. I am starting to really notice if I haven't brushed my teeth. My mouth tastes all...funny. It's like learning to recognize thirst (see my next habit) once you learn what it feels like, it's a built in reminder to go brush your teeth.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 13
I have been avoiding this topic. But somehow day 13 seems the day to tackle it.
I am afraid of the dentist.
I have no good reason to be, as I have had no terrible dentist experiences in my lifetime. (My DH has horror stories from his childhoodmasochist dentist.) But I am.
It is a three part problem:
Part one is that I have lost the comfort of my childhood dentist, Dr. Ed. Ed was his first name, and we all called him such. The man was gentle and friendly, and never once hurt me that I recall. I mean, I am sure dental work occasionally hurt, but it wasn't anything extraordinary. Since I left my childhood home, I have had a half dozen dentists, none of which were nearly so good, painless, or pleasant. With each successive dentist that is not very good, my belief that I can find a truly talented dentist like Dr. Ed dwindles.
Part two is that I have a particular fear of oral pain. I don't know why, since other pain I can withstand without any difficulty, but oral pain. Heck. No. Whenever my teeth even slightly hurt I become a whiny baby.
Finally, and most significantly, part three is that I am mortified of needles. And a needle in my mouth is the most terrible idea ever. So even if Novocaine could lessen my oral pain (see part two) the cure is worse than the original problem for me.
So, my reasoning has been, if I don't go to the dentist, they can't find the problems that need to be fixed, and therefore they don't need to inject me with painkillers to fix them.
Right?
I know, I know, if I go to the dentist regularly, the problems won't crop up, and there will be nothing painful to find and therefore nothing painful to fix. In theory. But what if?
I do understand that I need to start seeing a dentist regularly. I also understand that I need to set a good example for the little one. Because when he asks me why he has to go to the dentist if mommy doesn't, I will have no good answer.
So mommy needs to go to the dentist. Blast. So how do I find a good one? This, is another one of those things that I will have to keep you posted on.
**Daily report for yesterday**
Keeping the streak alive! No bleeding, yay!
I am afraid of the dentist.
I have no good reason to be, as I have had no terrible dentist experiences in my lifetime. (My DH has horror stories from his childhood
It is a three part problem:
Part one is that I have lost the comfort of my childhood dentist, Dr. Ed. Ed was his first name, and we all called him such. The man was gentle and friendly, and never once hurt me that I recall. I mean, I am sure dental work occasionally hurt, but it wasn't anything extraordinary. Since I left my childhood home, I have had a half dozen dentists, none of which were nearly so good, painless, or pleasant. With each successive dentist that is not very good, my belief that I can find a truly talented dentist like Dr. Ed dwindles.
Part two is that I have a particular fear of oral pain. I don't know why, since other pain I can withstand without any difficulty, but oral pain. Heck. No. Whenever my teeth even slightly hurt I become a whiny baby.
Finally, and most significantly, part three is that I am mortified of needles. And a needle in my mouth is the most terrible idea ever. So even if Novocaine could lessen my oral pain (see part two) the cure is worse than the original problem for me.
So, my reasoning has been, if I don't go to the dentist, they can't find the problems that need to be fixed, and therefore they don't need to inject me with painkillers to fix them.
Right?
I know, I know, if I go to the dentist regularly, the problems won't crop up, and there will be nothing painful to find and therefore nothing painful to fix. In theory. But what if?
I do understand that I need to start seeing a dentist regularly. I also understand that I need to set a good example for the little one. Because when he asks me why he has to go to the dentist if mommy doesn't, I will have no good answer.
So mommy needs to go to the dentist. Blast. So how do I find a good one? This, is another one of those things that I will have to keep you posted on.
**Daily report for yesterday**
Keeping the streak alive! No bleeding, yay!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 12
I try not to be a vain person. I can't be bothered with makeup. I keep myself clean and smelling good, but it doesn't seem necessary to fit in with the modern American standard of beauty.
Then why am I considering teeth whitening?
The fact is, since I've been at this almost two weeks, my teeth do look a lot better. Add to that the fact that I don't smoke, I don't drink coffee or soda, and I already have a reasonably stain free smile.
But, years of being hard on my teeth show. I have one chip in the front from an accident in high school. One of my other front teeth has been chronically plagued with a deterioration that no-one knows the origin of, and therefore I have a cap there now which is slightly off-color from the rest of my teeth, and just slightly the wrong shape. (Although the dentist that put it in did a reasonably good job with it).
I would like for my teeth to look better. Particularly now that I am being so good to them.
I am not willing to shell out too much though. I guess it's time to look into inexpensive whitening methods. I will keep you informed as this idea kicks around in my head. It'll be interesting to see where it goes.
** Daily Report for yesterday **
All good. No bleeding yesterday, so I think at this point bleeding is more a factor of how I floss, not that I floss.
Then why am I considering teeth whitening?
The fact is, since I've been at this almost two weeks, my teeth do look a lot better. Add to that the fact that I don't smoke, I don't drink coffee or soda, and I already have a reasonably stain free smile.
But, years of being hard on my teeth show. I have one chip in the front from an accident in high school. One of my other front teeth has been chronically plagued with a deterioration that no-one knows the origin of, and therefore I have a cap there now which is slightly off-color from the rest of my teeth, and just slightly the wrong shape. (Although the dentist that put it in did a reasonably good job with it).
I would like for my teeth to look better. Particularly now that I am being so good to them.
I am not willing to shell out too much though. I guess it's time to look into inexpensive whitening methods. I will keep you informed as this idea kicks around in my head. It'll be interesting to see where it goes.
** Daily Report for yesterday **
All good. No bleeding yesterday, so I think at this point bleeding is more a factor of how I floss, not that I floss.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 11
Halfway.
How am I doing? Pretty darned good, if I do say so myself. If only all of my habits can come this easily.
I have not only managed to maintain twice a day of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with Listerine, but since I have been healthy I have done it at reasonable times of day even.
My teeth feel good (no fuzziness - ick!) My breath is good. There is no discomfort from brushing, flossing, or rinsing. I think I've started to get the hang of this.
I am even feeling good enough about the state of my teeth that I am considering getting a dentist appointment! It's been about 2 years since I've seen a dentist, and I think it's time to fix that.
The danger here is that I will get complacent. Can't let that happen. So...halfway there, halfway to go.
***Daily Report: day 10
yep - another good day yesterday. Although I did notice the slightest bit of blood when I flossed last night. I suspect I jammed it against my gums awfully hard. As I have gotten a little more accustomed to flossing I have started to be less gentle. Maybe I should be a little more careful.
How am I doing? Pretty darned good, if I do say so myself. If only all of my habits can come this easily.
I have not only managed to maintain twice a day of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with Listerine, but since I have been healthy I have done it at reasonable times of day even.
My teeth feel good (no fuzziness - ick!) My breath is good. There is no discomfort from brushing, flossing, or rinsing. I think I've started to get the hang of this.
I am even feeling good enough about the state of my teeth that I am considering getting a dentist appointment! It's been about 2 years since I've seen a dentist, and I think it's time to fix that.
The danger here is that I will get complacent. Can't let that happen. So...halfway there, halfway to go.
***Daily Report: day 10
yep - another good day yesterday. Although I did notice the slightest bit of blood when I flossed last night. I suspect I jammed it against my gums awfully hard. As I have gotten a little more accustomed to flossing I have started to be less gentle. Maybe I should be a little more careful.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Dental Hygiene: Day 10
More fun facts: OK today isn't so fun. But...
Harvard Medical School researchers in November 2002 studied longevity and found one of the most important contributing factors was daily flossing. Because it removes bacteria from the teeth and gums, flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Another study found that men with periodontitis had a whopping 72% greater risk of developing coronary disease. Gingivitis was associated with a 42% increased risk for men.
So, if I want to live longer, I should brush and floss every day. Check. As I've said before, this habit is much more important than even I realized going into it. Glad it's #1.
**Daily report for yesterday, day 9**
Going strong. Still an unbroken streak.
Harvard Medical School researchers in November 2002 studied longevity and found one of the most important contributing factors was daily flossing. Because it removes bacteria from the teeth and gums, flossing helps to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis. Another study found that men with periodontitis had a whopping 72% greater risk of developing coronary disease. Gingivitis was associated with a 42% increased risk for men.
So, if I want to live longer, I should brush and floss every day. Check. As I've said before, this habit is much more important than even I realized going into it. Glad it's #1.
**Daily report for yesterday, day 9**
Going strong. Still an unbroken streak.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Dental Hygiene: Day 9
Normally, day nine would be where I look back at previous habits and see what has happened to them. Since this is my first habit, this is impossible. So, I thought I'd think more about something that's been in my head.
I had mentioned a few days ago that I wasn't sure what effect the antibiotic would have on all of this, so I did a little sleuthing.
I found out that the American Heart Association (AHA) used to recommend antibiotic treatment for having dental work done in order to prevent flooding the bloodstream with bacteria. They were trying to prevent cardiovascular infection. Now, these recommendations have changed (see the the October 2007 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter) and they only recommend antibiotics before dental work for a small subset of the population. It still seems only fitting that I started my little endeavor here the week I was on antibiotics.
When I started, there was some bleeding. Bleeding meant that a) my gums were in bad shape and b) bacteria could get into my bloodstream from the open 'holes' in my mouth. Being on antibiotics has prevented this. So, unintentionally, I did myself a large favor by starting all this the week I was sick.
I love it when I make a good decision unintentionally.
For most people, however, this isn't an option. Going on antibiotics 'unnecessarily' is not a good idea. Antibiotic resistant strains of all sorts of diseases are cropping up because of it, and that is a BAD thing. But, if you happen to be on antibiotics for another reason...hey, why not really kick your dental maintenance into high gear and get your oral health going? Can't hurt.
**two technical notes**
I seem to have had a problem with the date stamp for some of my posts. So far I have actually hit the 'publish' button once a day, so each of my posts should have come up in the right order...I think I have it licked, but no promises.
and
I just realized that for the last 8 days I have been spelling hygiene wrong in my post titles...oops. I know, I know, "I before E, except after C". Simple english...
**Daily report for yesterday
Day 8: all is good. Two brushings, flossings, and rinsings. Good clean teeth. I am already starting to think about my next habit, because this one is coming so easily.
I had mentioned a few days ago that I wasn't sure what effect the antibiotic would have on all of this, so I did a little sleuthing.
I found out that the American Heart Association (AHA) used to recommend antibiotic treatment for having dental work done in order to prevent flooding the bloodstream with bacteria. They were trying to prevent cardiovascular infection. Now, these recommendations have changed (see the the October 2007 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter) and they only recommend antibiotics before dental work for a small subset of the population. It still seems only fitting that I started my little endeavor here the week I was on antibiotics.
When I started, there was some bleeding. Bleeding meant that a) my gums were in bad shape and b) bacteria could get into my bloodstream from the open 'holes' in my mouth. Being on antibiotics has prevented this. So, unintentionally, I did myself a large favor by starting all this the week I was sick.
I love it when I make a good decision unintentionally.
For most people, however, this isn't an option. Going on antibiotics 'unnecessarily' is not a good idea. Antibiotic resistant strains of all sorts of diseases are cropping up because of it, and that is a BAD thing. But, if you happen to be on antibiotics for another reason...hey, why not really kick your dental maintenance into high gear and get your oral health going? Can't hurt.
**two technical notes**
I seem to have had a problem with the date stamp for some of my posts. So far I have actually hit the 'publish' button once a day, so each of my posts should have come up in the right order...I think I have it licked, but no promises.
and
I just realized that for the last 8 days I have been spelling hygiene wrong in my post titles...oops. I know, I know, "I before E, except after C". Simple english...
**Daily report for yesterday
Day 8: all is good. Two brushings, flossings, and rinsings. Good clean teeth. I am already starting to think about my next habit, because this one is coming so easily.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 8
Today, since there isn't that much ruminating one can do on brushing and flossing, I thought I'd scour the web for dentist jokes. Here are the Eight I found funniest. (OK, here are the eight CLEAN dentist jokes I found funniest...)
"Happiness is your dentist telling you it won't hurt and then having him catch his hand in the drill." -- Johnny Carson
***
Toothaches always start on Friday night right before the weekend when the Dental Office will be closed.
***
A little boy was taken to the dentist. It was discovered that he had a cavity that would have to be filled.
"Now, young man," asked the dentist, "what kind of filling would you like for that tooth?"
"Chocolate, please," replied the youngster.
***
A woman phoned her dentist when she received a huge bill. "I'm shocked!" she complained.
"This is three times what you normally charge."
"Yes, I know," said the dentist. "But you yelled so loud, you scared away two other patients."
***
When a new dentist set up in a small town he quickly acquired a reputation of being the latest kind of "Painless" dentist.
But a local lad quicky disputed this. "He's a fake ! " he told his mates. "He's not painless at all. When he stuck his finger in my mouth I bit him - and he yelled like anyone else."
***
"Pardon me for a moment, please," said the dentist to the victim, "but before beginning this work I must have my drill."
"Good heavens, man!" exclaimed the patient irritably. "Can't you pull a tooth without a rehearsal?"
***
Patient:Do you extract teeth painlessly?
Dentist: "Not always, the other day I nearly dislocated my wrist!"
***
A husband and wife entered the dentist's office. The husband said, "I want a tooth pulled. I don't want gas
or Novocain because I'm in a terrible hurry. Just pull the tooth as quickly as possible."
"You're a brave man," said the dentist. "Now, show me which tooth it is."
The husband turns to his wife and says, "Open your mouth and show the dentist which tooth it is, dear."
***Daily report, Day 7***
Another good day! Forgive me for being brief - but how many times can I say, yeah, I did that thing? Honestly, as it gets to be more of a habit, there is less and less to report...
"Happiness is your dentist telling you it won't hurt and then having him catch his hand in the drill." -- Johnny Carson
***
Toothaches always start on Friday night right before the weekend when the Dental Office will be closed.
***
A little boy was taken to the dentist. It was discovered that he had a cavity that would have to be filled.
"Now, young man," asked the dentist, "what kind of filling would you like for that tooth?"
"Chocolate, please," replied the youngster.
***
A woman phoned her dentist when she received a huge bill. "I'm shocked!" she complained.
"This is three times what you normally charge."
"Yes, I know," said the dentist. "But you yelled so loud, you scared away two other patients."
***
When a new dentist set up in a small town he quickly acquired a reputation of being the latest kind of "Painless" dentist.
But a local lad quicky disputed this. "He's a fake ! " he told his mates. "He's not painless at all. When he stuck his finger in my mouth I bit him - and he yelled like anyone else."
***
"Pardon me for a moment, please," said the dentist to the victim, "but before beginning this work I must have my drill."
"Good heavens, man!" exclaimed the patient irritably. "Can't you pull a tooth without a rehearsal?"
***
Patient:Do you extract teeth painlessly?
Dentist: "Not always, the other day I nearly dislocated my wrist!"
***
A husband and wife entered the dentist's office. The husband said, "I want a tooth pulled. I don't want gas
or Novocain because I'm in a terrible hurry. Just pull the tooth as quickly as possible."
"You're a brave man," said the dentist. "Now, show me which tooth it is."
The husband turns to his wife and says, "Open your mouth and show the dentist which tooth it is, dear."
***Daily report, Day 7***
Another good day! Forgive me for being brief - but how many times can I say, yeah, I did that thing? Honestly, as it gets to be more of a habit, there is less and less to report...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 7
Week 1 in review!
This, I have to admit, may not have been the most interesting habit to start with, but with everything I have learned about it to date, may be one of the most important.
This first week has really highlighted the reasons I have previously been so bad about brushing and flossing, I have no real schedule many days, and I get tired, stay up too late goofing off, and then rush to get to bed when I realize that it's 11pm, the LO is gonna need to be nursed (and maybe again at 2, and maybe again at 5) and if I don't get to bed RIGHT NOW, I am not gonna get enough sleep.
The cold hasn't helped the crazy lack-of-schedule, as I have done way more sleeping than usual, and my sickest days have been spent entirely in my PJs. I am happy to report that the antibiotics seem to be doing their job, and I feel a great deal better.
But, despite all that I have 6 days with twice a day brushing and flossing to be proud of. My teeth feel better, my gums don't bleed when I floss, and I think I am making real progress. Funny how really focusing on something can make a difference.
**Daily report, day 6***
Yep - another successful day yesterday! These daily reports are gonna get boring if I don't screw up soon. :)
My teeth feel REALLY Good.
This, I have to admit, may not have been the most interesting habit to start with, but with everything I have learned about it to date, may be one of the most important.
This first week has really highlighted the reasons I have previously been so bad about brushing and flossing, I have no real schedule many days, and I get tired, stay up too late goofing off, and then rush to get to bed when I realize that it's 11pm, the LO is gonna need to be nursed (and maybe again at 2, and maybe again at 5) and if I don't get to bed RIGHT NOW, I am not gonna get enough sleep.
The cold hasn't helped the crazy lack-of-schedule, as I have done way more sleeping than usual, and my sickest days have been spent entirely in my PJs. I am happy to report that the antibiotics seem to be doing their job, and I feel a great deal better.
But, despite all that I have 6 days with twice a day brushing and flossing to be proud of. My teeth feel better, my gums don't bleed when I floss, and I think I am making real progress. Funny how really focusing on something can make a difference.
**Daily report, day 6***
Yep - another successful day yesterday! These daily reports are gonna get boring if I don't screw up soon. :)
My teeth feel REALLY Good.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 6
That's a lot of teeth!
**Daily Report for Yesterday**
Day 5:
Another pajama/sleeping/wonky schedule day. I cannot wait to get healthy. But despite all that, another successful day of twice a day brushing and flossing. Finished off the old Listerine.
I can't help but wonder if starting this habit while I am on antibiotic is a good or a bad thing. A curious thought
**Daily Report for Yesterday**
Day 5:
Another pajama/sleeping/wonky schedule day. I cannot wait to get healthy. But despite all that, another successful day of twice a day brushing and flossing. Finished off the old Listerine.
I can't help but wonder if starting this habit while I am on antibiotic is a good or a bad thing. A curious thought
Dental Hygeine: Day 5
Fun facts on the fives:
So I found results from an AAP (American Academy of Periodontology) survey. Some interesting results:
**50% consider the smile the first facial feature they notice
- probably true for me, although it would depend on whether or not they considered hair a facial feature.
**80% are not happy with their smile
- I am probably in this group. I am not happy with my 'smile for the camera' smile. But my spontaneous laughter smile is beautiful. Big difference there.
**32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers.
-not me, BO is the worst, the absolute worst.
** 60% of people who don't know that a sore jaw, when combined with chest pain, can signal a heart attack-especially in women
- I did know this, but I would expect that most do not.
AND MOST AMUSING
**73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.
- Now, I LOVE grocery shopping, so this is a no-brainer. But you wonder why it is that flossing is so universally unloved? It's not hard. It's not painful (usually) and it only takes five minutes. Why is it such an unpleasant experience for so many?
This was really entertaining. I wonder what else I can find between now and day 10?
**Daily report for yesterday**
Day 4
I managed to get myself into the bathroom to brush and floss twice yesterday. So my 'morning' stint was more like 11:30 am, but I did it. I really need an honest to goodness job, or at least to be not sick and therefore maybe, just maybe, get dressed before noon.
I need to be careful, I am starting to see the signs of brushing 'too hard' and therefore pushing back the gums on the left side. Gentle is still effective. This is usually the sign that it's time to replace my toothbrush. I will add it to the agenda.
So I found results from an AAP (American Academy of Periodontology) survey. Some interesting results:
**50% consider the smile the first facial feature they notice
- probably true for me, although it would depend on whether or not they considered hair a facial feature.
**80% are not happy with their smile
- I am probably in this group. I am not happy with my 'smile for the camera' smile. But my spontaneous laughter smile is beautiful. Big difference there.
**32% of Americans cite bad breath as the least attractive trait of their co-workers.
-not me, BO is the worst, the absolute worst.
** 60% of people who don't know that a sore jaw, when combined with chest pain, can signal a heart attack-especially in women
- I did know this, but I would expect that most do not.
AND MOST AMUSING
**73% of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss.
- Now, I LOVE grocery shopping, so this is a no-brainer. But you wonder why it is that flossing is so universally unloved? It's not hard. It's not painful (usually) and it only takes five minutes. Why is it such an unpleasant experience for so many?
This was really entertaining. I wonder what else I can find between now and day 10?
**Daily report for yesterday**
Day 4
I managed to get myself into the bathroom to brush and floss twice yesterday. So my 'morning' stint was more like 11:30 am, but I did it. I really need an honest to goodness job, or at least to be not sick and therefore maybe, just maybe, get dressed before noon.
I need to be careful, I am starting to see the signs of brushing 'too hard' and therefore pushing back the gums on the left side. Gentle is still effective. This is usually the sign that it's time to replace my toothbrush. I will add it to the agenda.
Dental Hygeine: Day 4
Day 4
Well, I have started to get a real handle on the format of this blog. (Being honest here, I sorta jumped in with both feet and am now feeling my way along as I go).
I have decided that each habit will have 22 days (obvious, no?) and that each of those days will have a purpose/theme to go with it. But, in deciding the format of all this, I realized that I am off by a day, and therefore today will be used to plan ahead and bring myself up to date.
A typical 22 days:
Day 1: What? Wherein I discuss what my new habit will be, including what counts and doesn't and whether I am allowing myself any wiggle room.
Day 2: Why? The reasons I am forming this habit, some are personal reasons, some are more obvious.
Day 3: What is standing in my way? Why haven't I done this yet? Obstacles between me and my goal.
Day 4: Strategies for overcoming those obstacles.
Day 5: Fun fact on the fives: A fun fact/tidbit of info/story I know about the new habit. Something that makes this more fun.
Day 6: Silent 6, an image I have either taken or found somewhere that is related. These could be really interesting to find.
Day 7: Week in review. At this point I will be 7 days in to my new habit, and will re-evaluate how things are going.
Day 8: ??? Random thoughts, probably. Not reserved for anything in particular. This may get a designation later.
Day 9: A look back at previous habits and how I am doing with them.
Day 10: Another fun fact on the (multiples of) five. (Yay! alliteration)
Day 11: halfway 'how am I doing?'
Day 12: ???
Day 13: ???
Day 14: Week 2 in review.
Day 15: fun fact on the fives.
Day 16: silent sixteen (like silent six!)
Day 17: What's next? Wherein I start to plan ahead for the next habit. Thinking about what I am most in need of, and where I stand.
Day 18: How to. Sharing what I have learned about how to do something related to the current habit.
Day 19: Looking ahead: do I have any strategies in place to assure that the momentum for this habit keeps going past day 22?
Day 20: Fun fact on the fives.
Day 21: Week three in review.
Day 22: Celebration of success (discussion of failure is a possibility I suppose.)
Then I start again with a new habit and an improved me. If you have any suggestions on how to fill days 8,12,13, or 18 please feel free to leave a comment and let me know.
**Daily report from yesterday: Day 3**
I was good despite all obstacles to the contrary. I was miserably sick and slept almost all day, which means breakfast was late *and* I never got out of my PJs, but I did floss and brush about noon...shortly after 'breakfast'.
Then, I went to bed super early, but I did again floss and brush. Even sent the DH out for more Listerine so as not to slack there. I think that this habit is one of the few things making my cold more manageable, the pain in my upper jaw due to my sinuses has been beastly.
Three full days, going strong.
edited on April 8th to add a subject for day 18
Well, I have started to get a real handle on the format of this blog. (Being honest here, I sorta jumped in with both feet and am now feeling my way along as I go).
I have decided that each habit will have 22 days (obvious, no?) and that each of those days will have a purpose/theme to go with it. But, in deciding the format of all this, I realized that I am off by a day, and therefore today will be used to plan ahead and bring myself up to date.
A typical 22 days:
Day 1: What? Wherein I discuss what my new habit will be, including what counts and doesn't and whether I am allowing myself any wiggle room.
Day 2: Why? The reasons I am forming this habit, some are personal reasons, some are more obvious.
Day 3: What is standing in my way? Why haven't I done this yet? Obstacles between me and my goal.
Day 4: Strategies for overcoming those obstacles.
Day 5: Fun fact on the fives: A fun fact/tidbit of info/story I know about the new habit. Something that makes this more fun.
Day 6: Silent 6, an image I have either taken or found somewhere that is related. These could be really interesting to find.
Day 7: Week in review. At this point I will be 7 days in to my new habit, and will re-evaluate how things are going.
Day 8: ??? Random thoughts, probably. Not reserved for anything in particular. This may get a designation later.
Day 9: A look back at previous habits and how I am doing with them.
Day 10: Another fun fact on the (multiples of) five. (Yay! alliteration)
Day 11: halfway 'how am I doing?'
Day 12: ???
Day 13: ???
Day 14: Week 2 in review.
Day 15: fun fact on the fives.
Day 16: silent sixteen (like silent six!)
Day 17: What's next? Wherein I start to plan ahead for the next habit. Thinking about what I am most in need of, and where I stand.
Day 18: How to. Sharing what I have learned about how to do something related to the current habit.
Day 19: Looking ahead: do I have any strategies in place to assure that the momentum for this habit keeps going past day 22?
Day 20: Fun fact on the fives.
Day 21: Week three in review.
Day 22: Celebration of success (discussion of failure is a possibility I suppose.)
Then I start again with a new habit and an improved me. If you have any suggestions on how to fill days 8,12,13, or 18 please feel free to leave a comment and let me know.
**Daily report from yesterday: Day 3**
I was good despite all obstacles to the contrary. I was miserably sick and slept almost all day, which means breakfast was late *and* I never got out of my PJs, but I did floss and brush about noon...shortly after 'breakfast'.
Then, I went to bed super early, but I did again floss and brush. Even sent the DH out for more Listerine so as not to slack there. I think that this habit is one of the few things making my cold more manageable, the pain in my upper jaw due to my sinuses has been beastly.
Three full days, going strong.
edited on April 8th to add a subject for day 18
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Dental Hygeine: Day 3
Day 3.
How am I going to address the obstacles I discussed yesterday? I am going to do three things:
1) eliminate the ones I can. I will now brush my teeth immediately following dessert. That way, I am not yet super tired, and I don't whine my way out of it.
2) make it a priority. It is not in my best interest to skip brushing my teeth (see Day 1) and I won't let myself do it.
3) Accept compromise. If, in the morning, things get crazy and all of a sudden it's 10:30, I will go brush my teeth as soon as I notice. I have vowed to do this twice a day, within reason. I am not trying to form the habit of brushing my teeth at 8:43am and 10:04pm. But, in the morning after breakfast, and after dinner.
4) I am going to attach it to something I DO accomplish every day. After breakfast is when I change out of my pajamas. Change my clothes, brush my teeth. Same in the evening. PJs = toothbrushing.
Those strategies should take care of many of my obstacles. (Isn't obstacles a much more pleasant term than excuses?) and will set me on the path for success. I hope.
**Daily Report for Day 2**
I was very good yesterday, and although I wanted very badly to stay in my pajamas all day, and therefore bypass the whole tooth brushing thing, I did in fact get dressed and brush my teeth. It is really helping me feel better during this raging cold.
I also managed to brush and floss despite the fact that just as I was going to go to bed, the Little One demanded to be fed, so it was 30 minutes later when I finally got to 'go to bed' and I forced myself to brush and floss first anyhow. Progress. Definite progress.
How am I going to address the obstacles I discussed yesterday? I am going to do three things:
1) eliminate the ones I can. I will now brush my teeth immediately following dessert. That way, I am not yet super tired, and I don't whine my way out of it.
2) make it a priority. It is not in my best interest to skip brushing my teeth (see Day 1) and I won't let myself do it.
3) Accept compromise. If, in the morning, things get crazy and all of a sudden it's 10:30, I will go brush my teeth as soon as I notice. I have vowed to do this twice a day, within reason. I am not trying to form the habit of brushing my teeth at 8:43am and 10:04pm. But, in the morning after breakfast, and after dinner.
4) I am going to attach it to something I DO accomplish every day. After breakfast is when I change out of my pajamas. Change my clothes, brush my teeth. Same in the evening. PJs = toothbrushing.
Those strategies should take care of many of my obstacles. (Isn't obstacles a much more pleasant term than excuses?) and will set me on the path for success. I hope.
**Daily Report for Day 2**
I was very good yesterday, and although I wanted very badly to stay in my pajamas all day, and therefore bypass the whole tooth brushing thing, I did in fact get dressed and brush my teeth. It is really helping me feel better during this raging cold.
I also managed to brush and floss despite the fact that just as I was going to go to bed, the Little One demanded to be fed, so it was 30 minutes later when I finally got to 'go to bed' and I forced myself to brush and floss first anyhow. Progress. Definite progress.
Dental Hygeine: Day 2
Day 2.
So, for every habit, each day of that habit's progression will have a standard role to play. Or, at least, that's the plan. 22 days is a lot. We'll see how this works out.
Day 1 was the reasons this habit is a good idea.
Day 2 is the obstacles I see as most likely to stand in my way.
This one is easy.
I. Am. Lazy.
I nearly always brush my teeth before bed. Unless it's super late and I am ridiculously tired. Then I talk myself out of it. I mean, I could be asleep in the time it takes me to brush my teeth...or, I just spent 20 minutes feeding the baby, when I was gonna brush my teeth, so that time's gone...I deserve to just get into bed now, I only have three hours until the little one wakes up and needs to be fed again, need to grab that sleep NOW.
As for in the morning, I have never been one to brush my teeth BEFORE breakfast. What's the point? But after breakfast I am easily distracted, busy, I have an infant for crying out loud, and some days I have to get him out of the house to daycare, and some days I just need to keep him entertained!!
OK - there you have it. The excuses. See how I even have myself convinced?
So, those are the likely obstacles. Indeed, those are the obstacles to this habit. I am lazy and delusional. Tomorrow: how I address those obstacles.
**Daily report**
I've decided that the daily report will be for the entire day before. That way, I've included the whole day, rather than claiming what I 'will' do. If I were so good at doing things I intended to do, this whole blog wouldn't exist.
Day 1: Brushed and flossed yesterday morning and last night.
Bleeding is going down quickly, and I imagine I will rapidly get really good at flossing within short order. I will need to buy some more listerine soon, we are running low.
So, for every habit, each day of that habit's progression will have a standard role to play. Or, at least, that's the plan. 22 days is a lot. We'll see how this works out.
Day 1 was the reasons this habit is a good idea.
Day 2 is the obstacles I see as most likely to stand in my way.
This one is easy.
I. Am. Lazy.
I nearly always brush my teeth before bed. Unless it's super late and I am ridiculously tired. Then I talk myself out of it. I mean, I could be asleep in the time it takes me to brush my teeth...or, I just spent 20 minutes feeding the baby, when I was gonna brush my teeth, so that time's gone...I deserve to just get into bed now, I only have three hours until the little one wakes up and needs to be fed again, need to grab that sleep NOW.
As for in the morning, I have never been one to brush my teeth BEFORE breakfast. What's the point? But after breakfast I am easily distracted, busy, I have an infant for crying out loud, and some days I have to get him out of the house to daycare, and some days I just need to keep him entertained!!
OK - there you have it. The excuses. See how I even have myself convinced?
So, those are the likely obstacles. Indeed, those are the obstacles to this habit. I am lazy and delusional. Tomorrow: how I address those obstacles.
**Daily report**
I've decided that the daily report will be for the entire day before. That way, I've included the whole day, rather than claiming what I 'will' do. If I were so good at doing things I intended to do, this whole blog wouldn't exist.
Day 1: Brushed and flossed yesterday morning and last night.
Bleeding is going down quickly, and I imagine I will rapidly get really good at flossing within short order. I will need to buy some more listerine soon, we are running low.
Dental Hygeine: Day 1
With each habit, I intend for day 1 to be a list of the reasons this habit is good for me. So, why have I chosen dental hygiene as habit #1? Several very good reasons.
1) I am sick right now. And with a sinus -based cold, my teeth start to hurt. Brushing and flossing twice a day will make my teeth and head feel better.
2) Rinsing with alcohol based mouthwash (I use Listerine) helps kill the lingering germs that get in my mouth, decreasing infection spread to my gums.
3) Dental hygeine has been shown to be linked to any number of chronic diseases. Keeping your mouth clean and in good health decreases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and any number of other diseases I don't know about.
4) The pendulum swings both ways: I am at a very high risk for type 2 diabetes for a number of reasons, and people with diabetes tend to have much higher rates of periodontal disease and dental problems. By teaching myself good oral hygiene NOW rather than when I develop diabetes I will be better off.
5) Breath. 'nuff said.
6) I want to be in a good habit about this as my son gets older and just have him see that, 'this is the way it's done'. We all know, do as I say not as I do is an ineffective parenting strategy.
7) Because if my mouth is in better shape, I am more likely to go to the dentist for regular cleanings, which increases the health of my teeth over time. I will keep them longer, and I won't have to have any super painful procedures later on. Fact of the matter is, I hate the dentist because I hate pain. I equate the two. But if my teeth are in good shape, going to the dentist is less painful. (And I don't get a stern talking to when I go.) All good things
8) I still want a second child, and research has shown that good oral hygiene is highly correlated with healthy, full term babies.
Lastly,
9) Recently I have a member of my family who was sick, I mean truly sick, for three months with what presented as a gastro-intestinal bug. Puking...bathroom visits....the whole nine yards. Turns out, it was an infected root canal, but it took 3 months(!) to figure that out. And now she is in the painful process of getting that fixed (see #6). DO. NOT. WANT.
Dental hygiene is key to staying healthy.
Wow! Writing that list out really makes me realized how important this is. Good thing I have started off well.
***Daily Notes***
Habit: Dental care
Day 1: brushed, flossed , and rinsed with Listerine this morning, will do again before bed.
Truth be told, there is bleeding involved here, my gums are not in the best shape. But the act of brushing and flossing isn't painful, and I expect the bleeding to lessen over time. The whole process does make my sinus pain less unbearable, so that's a positive.
1) I am sick right now. And with a sinus -based cold, my teeth start to hurt. Brushing and flossing twice a day will make my teeth and head feel better.
2) Rinsing with alcohol based mouthwash (I use Listerine) helps kill the lingering germs that get in my mouth, decreasing infection spread to my gums.
3) Dental hygeine has been shown to be linked to any number of chronic diseases. Keeping your mouth clean and in good health decreases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and any number of other diseases I don't know about.
4) The pendulum swings both ways: I am at a very high risk for type 2 diabetes for a number of reasons, and people with diabetes tend to have much higher rates of periodontal disease and dental problems. By teaching myself good oral hygiene NOW rather than when I develop diabetes I will be better off.
5) Breath. 'nuff said.
6) I want to be in a good habit about this as my son gets older and just have him see that, 'this is the way it's done'. We all know, do as I say not as I do is an ineffective parenting strategy.
7) Because if my mouth is in better shape, I am more likely to go to the dentist for regular cleanings, which increases the health of my teeth over time. I will keep them longer, and I won't have to have any super painful procedures later on. Fact of the matter is, I hate the dentist because I hate pain. I equate the two. But if my teeth are in good shape, going to the dentist is less painful. (And I don't get a stern talking to when I go.) All good things
8) I still want a second child, and research has shown that good oral hygiene is highly correlated with healthy, full term babies.
Lastly,
9) Recently I have a member of my family who was sick, I mean truly sick, for three months with what presented as a gastro-intestinal bug. Puking...bathroom visits....the whole nine yards. Turns out, it was an infected root canal, but it took 3 months(!) to figure that out. And now she is in the painful process of getting that fixed (see #6). DO. NOT. WANT.
Dental hygiene is key to staying healthy.
Wow! Writing that list out really makes me realized how important this is. Good thing I have started off well.
***Daily Notes***
Habit: Dental care
Day 1: brushed, flossed , and rinsed with Listerine this morning, will do again before bed.
Truth be told, there is bleeding involved here, my gums are not in the best shape. But the act of brushing and flossing isn't painful, and I expect the bleeding to lessen over time. The whole process does make my sinus pain less unbearable, so that's a positive.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
It takes 21 days to form a habit.
So 22 days guarantee one, Right?
Here's the schtick:
I am a 31 year old graduate student with a wonderful husband, an infant under 1 year old, and an Australian Cattle Dog.
I have been desperately trying to finish my dissertation over the last six months, and in the mean time, many of my better habits have fallen by the way-side.
This blog will track my progress as I bring each of those back and add a number of good habits that I am missing but would like to have; one by one, 22 days each.
First habit: dental care
Specifically, brushing and flossing twice daily.
I know, I know, not the most interesting habit, but one of the most important. So away I go.
Tomorrow is day 1 of habit 1. Off I go.
In the meantime, bear with me as I get this blog up and flying.
Here's the schtick:
I am a 31 year old graduate student with a wonderful husband, an infant under 1 year old, and an Australian Cattle Dog.
I have been desperately trying to finish my dissertation over the last six months, and in the mean time, many of my better habits have fallen by the way-side.
This blog will track my progress as I bring each of those back and add a number of good habits that I am missing but would like to have; one by one, 22 days each.
First habit: dental care
Specifically, brushing and flossing twice daily.
I know, I know, not the most interesting habit, but one of the most important. So away I go.
Tomorrow is day 1 of habit 1. Off I go.
In the meantime, bear with me as I get this blog up and flying.
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