February is technically National Children’s Dental Health Month, but oral health is important for people of all ages.

Did you know people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are more likely to have dental and oral health problems than the general population? A study conducted by Tufts University indicates that people with disabilities have a higher prevalence of oral disease such as dental cavities, gum disease, and missing teeth.

Caregivers play a key support role in helping people with I/DD make sure they have good oral hygiene practices like brushing teeth twice a day flossing regularly. However, only 6.4 percent of family caregivers have received any formal training to help their loved one keep his or her teeth clean

Fortunately, there are several resources out there for caregivers who want to learn how to help their family member improve his or her oral health. Here are a few that you may find interesting:

•Caregivers Role in Maintaining Good Oral Health for Individuals with IDD.” This HealthMeet webinar with Dr. Lisa Buda, DDS, overviews best oral health practices for caregivers.

•Another HealthMeet webinar, “Oral Health, Disease, and Prevention,” focuses on preventative techniques to reduce oral health complications such as tooth decay and diseases

•Exceptional Smiles — A caregivers guide to oral health.org provides easy tips and videos for better brushing, lists of experienced special needs dentists, and information regarding common oral health problems people with disabilities experience.

•Dental Care Every Day: A Caregiver’s Guide — This guide from the National Institute on Dental and Craniofacial Research provide guidance and strategies to caregivers on how to manage various oral health challenges common in people with developmental disabilities.

•Special Olympics — A caregivers guide to good oral health for persons with special needs — This guide was created by the dentists and provides caregivers with step-by-step guides on how to help their family member brush teeth and floss. It includes ways to modify brushing/flossing techniques when needed.

 

21st annual Rose Sale

Let someone know that you care and support the work of The Arc Mower County by supporting our 21st Annual Rose Sale.

The sale runs from this Monday through March 15 with pick-up and delivery on Tuesday, March 29.

All proceeds from The Arc’s Rose Sale benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. One in 10 families have a member with a disability. Your participation in Arc’s Rose Sale provides critical funding for programs and services.

We need your help. Any level of support is appreciated. Here are a few suggestions:

•At your place of work — coordinate a pre-sale rose sale. You can pre-sell roses by emailing your co-workers and encouraging them to order. Call The Arc with a group rose order and the roses can be delivered to your office.

•In your neighborhood — ask your neighbors, friends and family to order roses.

•Brighten someone’s day — order roses to give to your customers or employees to show how much you appreciate them.

•Volunteer — Rose Sale coordinators are needed throughout Austin and the surrounding communities to coordinate rose sales at local churches, businesses, etc.

•In school — School groups can sell individual roses to support their peers that attend activities.

 

How To Order

•Use the order form located in the March and April 2016 edition of VISIONS newsletter (Mailed at the end of January 2016). Additional forms are available at www.thearcmc.org, The Arc Mower County office, Various businesses around Mower County.

•Online at www.thearcmc.org

 

Sixth annual Taste of Mower County

The sixth annual Taste of Mower County will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 at the Holiday Inn Austin Conference Center.

Enjoy unlimited tastings of signature items from Mower County’s finest home and restaurant chefs.

There will be wine tasting, cash bar, live and silent auction, door prizes and entertainment

Tickets are $25 for individuals, $40 for couples, $80 for four people (half table), or $160 for eight people (full table). A discount applies to pre-paid tickets only. Tickets at the door are $25 per person. Pay in advance by April 1 to receive discount on multiple tickets.

Sponsorships are also available ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Call The Arc at 507-433-8994 or visit www.thearcmc.org/taste-of-mower-county.html to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or to donate an item for the live and silent auction. Tickets are now on sale.