Your health

Brushing up the bottom line

One of the best investments you can make right now costs very little: brush and floss your teeth.

"In these stressful times, I encourage my patients to pay even more attention to their teeth and gums," said Dr. David Cochran, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to expensive dental work later - treatment that's only partly covered by insurance, if you are fortunate enough to have it. And a study found that patients with severe periodontal disease had 21 percent higher health-care costs than those with healthy gums.

"During periods of high stress, such as what we are currently experiencing in this economic climate, individuals should seek healthy sources of relief such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep," Cochran said.

Playing with dirt

Didn't last week's balmy weather get you itching to put on your gardening gloves? It's too soon, of course, but a new book, "Get Fit Through Gardening," by Jeffrey Restuccio (Random House, $15.95) offers some seeds for thought.

"Gardening by itself is not good for you; it's only when you garden using proper form and technique that you reap its benefits," Restuccio writes.

He suggests:

• Ease into gardening. After a long winter, don't overdo.

• Stretch before and after you weed, dig or hoe.

• Change your garden activity - such as raking, digging or weeding - every three to five minutes.

• Bend from the knees and use long-handled tools to avoid stooping.

A recent Kansas State University study found that gardening offers enough moderate physical activity to keep older adults in shape and their hands strong and nimble.

Heart health

Some real-life heart attacks look just like the ones in movies: The victim gasps, clutches his (or her) heart and drops to the ground.

Most heart attacks actually start slowly, with mild pain and discomfort - leaving time to get help. But many people delay calling 911.

Women especially tend to wait too long, partly because their symptoms - such as nausea or anxiety - can be confusing. Or they don't think they're at risk. But more women die of heart disease than the next five causes of death combined, including all types of cancer.

February is American Heart Month, and here are some tips from the American Heart Association:

• Visit GoRedForWomen.org and take the Go Red Heart CheckUp to estimate your 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke.

• Use the online grocery list builder at heart.org to quickly find heart-healthy products to add to your grocery list.

• Add an hour of regular, vigorous activity to gain up to two hours of life expectancy.