Only a Fraction of U.S. Adults Have Healthy Habits

Are We Too Busy for Our Health?

The American Heart Association recently released the results of a survey it conducted, which indicated that a mere 12 percent of U.S. adults regularly practice habits that help booth their health including exercise, good nutrition, and proper oral care. For those who were surveyed that listed a reason for not practicing these habits, many of them noted they were “too busy” and lacked the time required to complete these simple tasks.

Two healthy behaviors that are not practiced on a regular basis have been identified as helping to improve cardiovascular health. For example:

• Almost 80 percent of adults who answered the survey admitted to eating less than the recommended nine servings of vegetables and fruit every day.
• Approximately 60 percent of adults stated they found it difficult to get the recommended levels of exercise established by the American Heart Association, which include at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week, such as going for a brisk walk.

Additionally, the survey conducted showed that only 25 percent of American adults are practicing proper oral hygiene, which includes flossing daily and brushing at least twice a day. While it may seem like adults are simply not making the time to care for their health, there was some good news that came from the AHA’s survey – almost 90 percent of those surveyed conveyed a desire to improve their health and begin making the incremental changes that lead to healthier lives.

Oral health is important not only for the health of teeth and gums but also for one’s overall health. Having a proper oral hygiene routine that can lead to better health can be accomplished in these simple ways:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with an American Dental Association accepted toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Replace toothbrushes every three to four months or when the bristles are worn out.
• Use floss daily to clean between teeth or use an interdental cleaner between teeth to remove food particles and to also remove bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
• Consume a balanced diet and limit snacks in between meals.
• Keep regular appointments with a dental professional about every six months for a professional dental cleaning and general checkup.

By following this simple oral hygiene routine, it is possible to keep your mouth and body healthy for years to come!

If you or a loved one is in need of a visit to the dentist, you can sign up for our New Hampshire Family Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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