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The beef with burgers

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Stan the Man: Wawrinka’s 5-set French win gets him Federer

<p>Pennsylvania officially has its very own Day of Kindness!</p><p>Gov. Tom Wolf recently declared that May 23 be designated a day of kindness in honor of Pennsylvania native, Mr. Fred Rogers.</p><p>&#8220;Mr. Rogers&#8217; Neighborhood&#8221; was aired on PBS for over 30 years, and brought joy and comfort to audiences every step of the way. The icon is often remembered for his famous advice that in difficult or challenging times it is important to &#8220;Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.&#8221;</p><p>You don&#8217;t have to look far to find people who are helping throughout our region. One such organization is Volunteers in Medicine, which provides medical, behavioral, and dental services to the working uninsured.</p><p>Their noble mission is to keep people healthy, well, and working.</p><p>A few years ago, The Institute conducted a study on oral health in order to help understand and address some of the area&#8217;s challenges. Our team found that although oral health disorders can affect any population, certain socioeconomic and demographic factors significantly impact dental health. Poverty rates, behavioral health, lack of dental insurance, and a low number of dentists accepting medical assistance all play roles in the oral health of our communities.</p><p>Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend community water fluoridation (which studies show can help strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay). In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, however, only Hazleton&#8217;s system currently has fluoridated water.</p><p>Dental health is crucial because it is connected to physical health, social function, emotional wellbeing and employability. Tooth loss can cause a decline in self-esteem and social interaction because it prompts people to speak, laugh and smile less. It can also be responsible for numerous medical conditions.</p><p>Tooth pain is a common complaint in emergency room visits, sometimes leading to missed work and loss of income. Furthermore, hospital emergency rooms become challenged when balancing these cases with the urgent needs of other patients. Children are particularly susceptible to decay because their teeth are still developing. If not addressed, dental issues will likely follow them into adulthood. Without dental insurance or the means to afford care, poor oral health can seriously impact a person&#8217;s life.</p><p>The good news is that organizations like Volunteers in Medicine are here to help. Director Kelly Ranieli tells the story of a woman who received major dental care just in time to be able smile at her wedding.</p><p>She said there wasn&#8217;t a dry eye in the clinic.</p><p>At one time or another, each of us needs to look for the helpers. Whether you are currently in search of one or would like to be one, consider joining the community&#8217;s participation in Mom-n-Pa Dental Mission&#8217;s delivery of free dental care.</p><p>The activities take place at Mohegan Sun Arena on June 7 and 8. This effort represents a positive step toward healthier smiles in our region.</p><p>Gov. Wolf and Mr. Rogers would be happy to know that kindness abounds in Northeastern Pennsylvania.</p><p>According to Ms. Ranieli, there are approximately 1,000 volunteers signed up to help at this event. There is a lot to smile about when you live in a Valley with a Heart.</p><p>If you would like more information on the free dental clinic or Volunteers in Medicine, please contact Darcie at darcie.vimwb@hotmail.com.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Susan Magnotta</p><p>Institute Insights</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Susan Magnotta is Director of Community Outreach at The Institute. Her column appears every other Monday. Institute Insights appears every other Monday.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Institute Insights: Dental clinic embodies spirit of helpers