Warm weather is here and spring sports are upon us. Each year an estimated 3.8 million sports and recreation – related concussions occur in the United States. These head injuries can have long lasting affects on kids. Be aware of risks and symptoms, and keep the game fun and safe for your sports superstars this season.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a bump or blow to the head. What may seem to be a mild injury can, in fact, be quite serious.

What are the sings and symptoms of a concussion?

If your child experienced a bump or blow to the head during a game or practice be aware of the following:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

How you and your child can prevent a concussion:

• Follow coach’s rules for safety
• Practice good sportsmanship at all times
• Wear the right protective equipment for the activity (equipment should fit properly and be well maintained)
• Wear a mouth guard to reduce risk of brain injury

What should I do if I think my child has sustained a concussion?

If you think that your child has experienced a concussion, get him/her evaluated by a medical professional. This will ensure the best path to recovery.

Every eight seconds someone needs a poison control center and there are over 2 million poison exposures each year in the United States. Poisons are all around us and can affect anyone, anywhere and at any time. However, poisonings are preventable and treatable.

Know the risks and facts about poison to protect you and your family.

• Drug-related poisonings cause nearly 70,000 visits to hospital emergency rooms.
• Poisonings cause more than 35,000 deaths each year.
• Children under age six account for half of all poison exposures.
• 9 out of 10  poisoning deaths occur among people over the age of 20.
• The top five causes of poisoning are:
  • Cosmetics or personal products
  • Household cleaning products
  • Sedatives, hypnotics and antipsychotics medicine
  • Foreign bodies, toys and other objects
  • Painkillers
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.
• Never share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one drug at a time, check with your health care provider to find out more about possible drug interactions.
• Keep all chemicals, household cleaners, medicines and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of reach of children.

If you suspect someone has been poisoned call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222

Credit: poisonhelp.hrsa.gov

Heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes and preterm births. What do all of these conditions have in common? They are all linked to bacterial infections in the mouth.

You know the rule: brush and floss at least twice a day, every day. But too often we simply forget or skip it because, well, we’re busy. Life gets hectic. What’s the harm in skipping a day or two?

In your mouth there are 20 billion bacteria that reproduce every five hours. Going just 24 hours without brushing your teeth will result in those 20 billion becoming 100 billion bacteria. The longer the Plaque Bacteria sits undisturbed, the more destructive those germs become.

Bacteria buildup leads to gingivitis, and if left untreated, the infection will grow into the bone that holds your teeth in place. This more serious infection, known as periodontal or gum disease, is what is linked to life-threatening conditions such as heart disease.

The good news? Gingivitis is treatable. A regular, thorough dental cleaning by a hygienist and a commitment to brushing and flossing twice a day will help you reverse the gingivitis infection and improve your overall health.

One in five children have an untreated, decayed tooth, and tooth decay is the single-most chronic childhood disease – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Despite the risks of going without, dental healthcare is often inaccessible for families. That is why DFD is now assessing our six to nine-year-old patients and applying sealants to their young teeth.

But oral health doesn’t just affect young children; nearly 75% of adults suffer from periodontal disease and don’t even know it. DFD has teamed up with CCS Dental Services and Tooth Fairies, Inc. to provide accessible oral health care for all DFD patients and their families.

A registered dental hygienist from Tooth Fairies Inc. will be providing dental cleanings, sealant placement, fluoride and brushing instructions periodically at DFD Russell Medical Centers in Leeds, Monmouth, and Turner.

Maine Care will cover this service for patients 21 years of age and under. The fee for uninsured children 12 and under is $42, and the fee for patients 13 years of age and up is $52. DFD’s model of care focuses on treating the whole person, which includes taking great care of your teeth!

By offering patients an affordable and accessible dental care option, we can help eliminate the need for costly emergency and specialist visits.

For more information and a list of upcoming dental cleanings view our Oral Health Care page.

The MGMA Performance and Practices of Successful Medical Groups: 2015 Report Based on 2015 Data recently identified DFD Russell Medical Center with their highest form of recognition as a “better performer” for excellence in four performance-management categories including: profitability and cost management; productivity, capacity and staffing; accounts receivable and collections; and patient satisfaction. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Steward, FNP-C Joined the DFD Team in April 2015.

 She is a graduate of Norwich University where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology and went on to receive her post undergraduate degree in cytology from the Fletcher Allen Healthcare School of Cytology. In 2013 Elizabeth earned her masters as a family nurse practitioner from Regis College in Weston, Mass. She is devoted to the health care field and is currently a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Elizabeth enjoys providing care to patients of all ages and is currently practicing at the Monmouth office.

Let us help you navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Are you in need of health insurance, but don’t know what plan is best for you? Are you having a hard time understanding the Health Insurance Marketplace? Our Community Healthcare Outreach Workers, Lisa Lemieux and Tia Knapp, are available to answer any of your questions and help you choose a plan that works for you. Call them at (207) 524 – 3501 for help with insurance options, sliding fee applications or MaineCare.