Page 2 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - August '23

Page 2, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens

Wounded Veterans Relief Fund from page 1
Related Information Provided By The Mayo Clinic Pneumonia
The connection between poor dental hygiene and mental Poor dental hygiene is directly linked to other chronic Certain bacteria in your mouth can be pulled into your
health issues is evident. According to the American Academy health care conditions like diabetes and heart disease. lungs, causing pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
of Family Physicians, 60 percent of veterans with mental Studies have found that people with periodontal or Certain conditions also might affect your oral health,
health conditions have fair to poor oral health, with 33 gum disease have a greater risk of experiencing a major including:
percent finding it difficult to eat due to dental issues. Poor oral cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. Gum Diabetes
health affects veterans’ overall health, including their mental disease leads to an increased arterial inflammation, which By reducing the body’s resistance to infection, diabetes
health. According to the VA, up to 50 percent of veterans is responsible for cardiovascular problems. puts your gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more
returning from Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the frequent and severe among people who have diabetes.
with a mental health disorder associated with substance use inflammation associated with a severe form of gum Research shows that people who have gum disease have
disorders (SUDS), and 63 percent with SUDS also met the disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. Regular
criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the diseases. And certain diseases, such as diabetes and periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
increasing number of veterans suffering from mental health HIV/AIDS, can lower the body’s resistance to infection, HIV/AIDS
disorders, the VA reports approximately 17 veterans die by making oral health problems more severe. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are
suicide every day. Conditions That Can Be Linked To Oral Health common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
This veteran-led nonprofit is filling in the gaps when Your oral health might contribute to various diseases Osteoporosis
it comes to veteran dental care by partnering with oral and conditions, including: This bone-weakening disease is linked with
health professionals and clinics across the state to Endocarditis periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Certain drugs used
provide veterans with access to the critical dental care This infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the
they deserve. Partners include over 60 independent dental or valves (endocardium) typically occurs when bacteria or bones of the jaw.
offices statewide, The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, other germs from another part of your body, such as your Alzheimer’s Disease
Nobel Biocare, and Quantum Foundation. mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease
“We are thrilled to be the first organization in the state certain areas in your heart. progresses.
to provide this much-needed service to veterans,” Durkee Cardiovascular Disease Other conditions that might be linked to oral health
said. “We believe that every veteran deserves access to Although the connection is not fully understood, some include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, certain
quality dental care, and we are committed to working with research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and cancers and an immune system disorder that causes dry
our partners to make this a reality.” stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections mouth (Sjogren’s syndrome).
WVRF has already funded $332,419.74 in veteran dental that oral bacteria can cause. According to the American Diabetes Association,
support in 2023 and has donated over $1 million to veteran Pregnancy And Birth Complications diabetes triples the risk of getting periodontal disease, and
dental care since the start of the program in 2021. Florida Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and an individual with diabetes and periodontal disease is three
State House Bill 635: Dental Services for Veterans was low birth weight. times more likely to develop cardiorenal mortality.
approved and signed by the Florida Governor, and now can
give this Florida nonprofit the needed funding in order to
extend its dental program to a larger number of qualified “Service is our number one priority”
Florida disabled veterans. The Florida Governor signed the
proposed bill on May 26. 561-743-0070

www.palmspoolservices.com

Before After

A list of basic qualification criteria is listed at wvrf.org.
Veterans who qualify for assistance and are interested in
dental care should contact their VA social worker or County Expires 9/15/23.
Veteran Service Officer to submit a dental referral to WVRF.
“We hope that by providing dental care to veterans, we can State Licensed & Insured
help improve their overall health and well-being, and provide Serving Palm Beach County CPC # 1457468 • LPG#30099
a clear path for employment and a better life,” Durkee said.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners, as well as
the state legislature, in making this initiative possible.”
Visit wvrf.org, call (561) 855-4207, or email info@wvrf.
org for more information about WVRF and its veteran dental Are you ready for the next level in
care initiatives.
About The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund
The Wounded Veterans Relief Fund (WVRF) is a veteran- Advanced Cataract Surgery?
led nonprofit organization that provides urgent financial
assistance, critical dental care, and access to professional
services for Florida’s eligible wounded veterans. The nonprofit IV-Free  Hassle-Free  Office-Based Surgery
was founded 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, Tampa, and Orlando regions. “Like” WVRF
on Facebook at WoundedVeteransReliefFund and follow on
Instagram at @wvrelieffund and Twitter @WVReliefFund.
Photos by WVRF

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