A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) showed 52% of children are not getting enough sleep. Responses from 49,050 surveyed parents and caregivers with children ranging in age from six to seventeen years old, indicated that children who get 9 hours or more of sleep were more likely to demonstrate measures of childhood flourishing in comparison to children who did not.

Stress can make you feel worried, irritable, depressed, angry, or unable to focus. Physical signs of stress include trouble sleeping, upset stomach, headaches, weight gain or loss, frequent or more serious colds, and tense muscles.

Provided by FoundCare’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Sharron Frederick

Being overwhelmed by high expectations, distressed by money woes, and the stress related to the holidays can bring anyone down, especially those prone to depression. Depression is a mood disorder that may affect how you think, feel, and act. During the holidays, it can be especially hard to act cheerful when you’re just not feeling cheerful.

You couldn’t miss Zulma if you tried. She’s vivacious, witty, and has an infectious laugh—a laugh that meets you before you even see Zulma, and tickles you to the point of laughing along even if you’d missed her joke. So, when I met Zulma for the first time, it was her jokes and our laughs that broke the ice, and while this was my first experience with her, I quickly realized that this is the kind of rapport she maintains with the healthcare providers and staff at FoundCare.

In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, we visited with FoundCare Dentist Dr. Dorotie Lacroze for some tips on how to maintain good oral health.