Page 3 - Palm City Spotlight - August '23

Palm City Spotlight, Page 3

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund from page 1 dental care, and we are committed to working with our partners
to make this a reality.”
health and mental issues, placing more burdens on our WVRF has already funded $332,419.74 in veteran dental
military members who already face challenges when support in 2023 and has donated over $1 million to veteran
transitioning back to civilian life. dental care since the start of the program in 2021. Florida State
The connection between poor dental hygiene and mental House Bill 635: Dental Services for Veterans was approved and
health issues is evident. According to the American Academy signed by the Florida Governor, and now can give this Florida
of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with mental nonprofit the needed funding in order to extend its dental program
health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with 33 percent to a larger number of qualified Florida disabled veterans. The
finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. Poor oral health Florida Governor signed the proposed bill on May 26.
affects veterans’ overall health, including their mental health. A list of basic qualification criteria is listed at wvrf.org.
According to the VA, up to 50 percent of veterans returning Veterans who qualify for assistance and are interested in dental
from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with a mental Before After care should contact their VA social worker or County Veteran
health disorder associated with substance use disorders (SUDS), Service Officer to submit a dental referral to WVRF.
and 63 percent with SUDS also met the criteria for post- veterans with access to the critical dental care they “We hope that by providing dental care to veterans, we can
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the increasing number of deserve. Partners include over 60 independent dental help improve their overall health and well-being, and provide a
veterans suffering from mental health disorders, the VA reports offices statewide, The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, clear path for employment and a better life,” Durkee said. “We
approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Nobel Biocare, and Quantum Foundation. are grateful for the support of our partners, as well as the state
This veteran-led nonprofit is filling in the gaps when “We are thrilled to be the first organization in the state to legislature, in making this initiative possible.”
it comes to veteran dental care by partnering with oral provide this much-needed service to veterans,” Durkee said. Visit wvrf.org, call (561) 855-4207, or email info@
health professionals and clinics across the state to provide “We believe that every veteran deserves access to quality wvrf.org for more information about WVRF and its
veteran dental care initiatives.
About The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
EVERY SUNDAY The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) is a veteran-led
nonprofit organization that provides urgent financial assistance,
9AM-1PM critical dental care, and access to professional services for
Florida’s eligible wounded veterans. The nonprofit was founded
FLAGLER PARK in 2009 and Army Veteran Michael Durkee is the executive
director. WVRF is headquartered in North Palm Beach, Fla.,
with additional team members located in the Pensacola,
•FRESH PRODUCE Tampa, and Orlando regions. “Like” WVRF on Facebook at
WoundedVeteransReliefFund and follow on Instagram at @
•LIVE MUSIC wvrelieffund and Twitter @WVReliefFund.
•MOBILE CRAFT BAR Photos by WVRF

•KIDS MARKET
(First & third Sunday of every month) Related Information Provided By The Mayo Clinic
Poor dental hygiene is directly linked to other chronic health
care conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Studies have
Operated by Stuart Main Street found that people with periodontal or gum disease have a greater
risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event, such as a
heart attack or stroke. Gum disease leads to an increased arterial
Fresh Local Produce & Honey inflammation, which is responsible for cardiovascular problems.
Organic Eggs, Beef, Seafood & Poultry Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation
Household Plants & Florals associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis)
Homemade Cheeses might play a role in some diseases. And certain diseases, such
Spices & Sauces as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to
Freshly Baked Breads & Tasty Treats infection, making oral health problems more severe.
Pottery, Art & Home Décor Conditions That Can Be Linked To Oral Health
Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories Your oral health might contribute to various diseases
Pet Items BE A PART OF and conditions, including:
SOMETHING
A market for growers, crafters, artists & other creators FRESH! Endocarditis
This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers
or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or
other germs from another part of your body, such as your
772-285-0502 | market@stuartmainstreet.org mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to
Stuart Main Street is a 501c3 non-profit focused on promoting the Historic Downtown. certain areas in your heart.
Cardiovascular Disease
Although the connection is not fully understood, some
research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and
TAKING CARE OF FAMILIES ON THE TREASURE COAST stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections
that oral bacteria can cause.
AND PALM CITY FOR OVER
Pregnancy And Birth Complications
Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and
low birth weight.
“Our TEAM is committed to Pneumonia
YOUR excellence in personalized dental Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs,
SMILE care, providing quality treatment causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Certain conditions also might affect your oral health,
that our patients deserve. We offer
including:
IS OUR comprehensive services including Diabetes
routine cleanings, teeth whitening
By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes
PASSION procedures, porcelain crowns and puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more
veneers and complex implant
frequent and severe among people who have diabetes.
reconstructions .” Dr. Shannon Plymale-Galinis, Research shows that people who have gum disease have
and Dr. Thomas A. Galinis
a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular
periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
HIV/AIDS
Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are
common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
Osteoporosis
This bone-weakening disease is linked with periodontal bone
loss and tooth loss. Certain drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry
a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
2812 SW Mapp Rd. | Palm City Alzheimer’s Disease
(772)283-8350 Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease

ALSO OFFERING: GalinisAesthetics.com progresses.
Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include
Invisalign®, Dental Implants, Porcelain Crowns, eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers and an
Facial Rejuvenation & Therapeutic Procedures
SEE immune system disorder that causes dry mouth (Sjogren’s
WHAT syndrome).
PATIENTS According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes
We continue to welcome new patients and invite you to visit ARE triples the risk of getting periodontal disease, and an individual
our website for special offers. Complimentary consultations
available upon request. SAYING! with diabetes and periodontal disease is three times more likely
to develop cardiorenal mortality.

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