Today, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, is American Diabetes Alert Day hosted by the American Diabetes Association. In honor of this national day of observance, Livonia, MI dentist Dr. James Stewart wants to discuss how oral health and diabetes are closely connected.

Is There a Connection Between Gum Disease and Diabetes?

Gum diseasean infection of the gums that causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teethis an unexpected condition that often occurs with diabetes. In fact, research shows that people with diabetes have an increased chance of developing gum disease , in addition to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.

Recent research suggests that the relationship between gum disease and diabetes is a two-way street, meaning people with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and gum disease contributes to the advancement of diabetes by affecting the blood glucose levels. (more)

Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart is a comprehensive care dentist, meaning that he provides dental care of all kindscosmetic, restorative, general, preventive, sleep, TMJ, and moreto patients of all ages from across the greater Detroit area. Dr. Stewart also keeps up with the latest research conducted on the connection between oral and overall health. Because he sees so many patients with a variety of dental and health needs on a daily basisin addition to scientific evidenceDr. Stewart understands that oral and overall health are closely intertwined. He also recognizes that total wellness cannot be achieved only in the dental chair and, because of this, Dr. Stewart wants to discuss how eating better can help you smile better and lead a better life.

National Nutrition Month

The month of March is National Nutrition Month, hosted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association). The theme of this years National Nutrition Month is Get Your Plate in Shape, and Dr. Stewart hopes you take the following nutritional information to heart to help yourself achieve optimal health. (more)

Save your unopened Halloween candy and help Dr. Stewart give back to our troops overseas!

As an active member in his community, Dr. Stewart honors the sacrifice our service men and women make every day on the battle field. That is why he is participating in Halloween Candy Buy Back again this year. Read on to discover how you can join in the effort.

What is Operation Gratitude?

Operation Gratitude sends care packages to the deployed soldiers in high risk combat zones and to those rehabilitating in transition units. From their small beginnings in 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent a total of 660,000 packages to the self-less members of American military. During the Halloween season, Operation Gratitude collects unopened candy bag donations through the Halloween Candy Buy Back event to include with their shipments. Dr. Stewart and dentists from across the United States come together to protect little trick-or-treaters from sick tummies and cavities, to show their appreciation for our armed forces.

How can you help?

• Bring your unopened Halloween candy packages to Dr. Stewarts Livonia location, during regular business hours, the week after Halloween. Dr. Stewart will buy back the bags for $1 per lb., up to 5.
• Get your children involved, too! Have them pose for a picture in their Halloween costumes, or ask them to write a letter of thanks to the man or woman who receives their leftover candy.
• You can donate toothbrushes also! The goal is to 100,000 toothbrushes, one with every package.
• Go to www.operationgratitude.com to read further on how you can help all year round.

Dr. Stewarts Livonia dental practice serves families in Lovi, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, and surrounding communities. Call (734) 425-4400 to reserve an appointment or go to www.JamesStewartDDS.com to read about the services we offer.

Halloween Candy Buy Back

Dr. Stewart and our team are happy to announce that we will host another year of Halloween Candy Buy Back . The week following Halloween, any time our office is open, bring your child up with his or her unopened, leftover Halloween candy. Dr. Stewart will pay $1 per pound (limit 5 lbs.) for the goodies. Your child will leave with a little spending money, and you can have peace of mind that youre doing all you can to thwart overindulgence. Also, your family can feel good about the program because all of the candy collected will be shipped, along with toothbrushes, to US Military serving overseas. Halloween Candy Buy Back supports Operation Gratitude.

Help Your Child Enjoy a Healthy Smile

With Halloween closing in, Moms and Dads thoughts may turn to the dentist as their kids thoughts turn to candy! Its no mystery; kids love sweets, and so do the germs that cause cavities. Parents usually try to be vigilant in getting kiddos to brush after meals and limit their intake of sweets. As a family dentist, Dr. James Stewart offers tips to help parents keep cavities out of childrens mouths, and start kids on a lifestyle that includes good oral habits. (more)

The third Monday in February represents the combined birthday celebration of our first and sixteen presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, along with recognizing all former presidents. Lincolns birthday is February 12 ^th , and Washingtons Birthday is February 22 ^nd . While George Washingtons Birthday was a federal holiday, Abraham Lincolns was a state-recognized holiday only. Presidents Day is still officially in the congressional book as George Washingtons Birthday. Advertisers made the push in the 1980s to call it Presidents Day.

Here are some other interesting facts about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln that you may not know:

1. Washingtons teeth were not made out of wood, but instead out of ivory, gold, lead, and human or animal teeth.

2. Lincoln hated his nickname Honest Abe. His friends called him either Mr. Lincoln or Lincoln. (more)

Have you ever wondered how other countries celebrate Valentines Day? Love is a universal theme, but not everyone follows the American tradition of giving their sweetheart chocolates and roses.

Scotland: On Valentines Day, a festival is held with an equal number of unmarried men and unmarried women. They write their name on a piece of paper and put in it a hat. Both the men and women pull a name out of the hat. It is rare that the names will match up, so it is usually expected that the man will partner with the woman that pulled his name. After the names are drawn and the couples are paired, the man gives a gift to the woman. The woman then pins the mans name to her sleeve and they go to a dance. At times, a wedding ceremony will take place after the dance. (more)

Every season, the Detroit Historical Society hosts special Behind the Scenes tours of historic locations and other venues throughout metro Detroit. They invite you to join them as they go Behind the Scenes of some of metro Detroits most unique locations. Listen to their expert guides show you these places in ways youve never experienced before!

Here is what they have in store for you in January:

Did you know that one of Michigans oldest live theaters is located just a few miles away in Dearborn? The Players Guild of Dearborn is just a short drive from Livonia and offers a variety of shows from comedies, musicals farces, as well as traditional dramatic tales.

The Players Guild of Dearborn was organized in 1927 after two community groups had cooperated in the production of a play to raise funds for the construction of the Womens League building on the Ann Arbor campus. Members of both organizations formed the nucleus of the Guild. Now, after more than 70 years in Dearborn, the Guild has become a fixture in the community. Many of the patrons have been coming to productions for decades. A few members have been active in the Guild for more than forty years. Longevity of its members is what gives the Guild its rich history and their collective experience makes it possible to create quality performances year after year.

Check out their website to see what they are offering this season and plan a night out at the Theater

Infuse a little magic into your holiday season with the stunning, stop-animation film The Light Before Christmas . The film begins with a cold, blustery Christmas Eve, when two lost children, Katie and Makean, are rescued by their friend, The Candleman, an old sage who imparts wisdom, hot chocolate and stories. The Candleman opens a weathered book and begins to read the classic tale, The Night Before Christmas . To their astonishment, Katie and Makean find themselves as characters in the poem, where they experience the wonder and delight of Santas visit to their home, complete with Hob the Elf and full team of reindeer. This is a perfect film to take the kids and the grandkids to and you just might discover the magic of Christmas all over again!

Where has this year gone? The holidays are already ready upon us, and that means its time to officially ring in the most wonderful time of the year. Here at James Stewart, DDS , we like to promote activities for the whole family in Livonia and the surrounding areas.

The official tree lighting of Detroit will take place tonight (Friday, November 19). The event is hosted by the city of Detroit , the DTE Energy Foundation , Campus Martius Park , and the Detroit 300 Conservancy . Tickets for preferred seating will be on sale at Fountain Bistro until 1pm today. Preferred seating will open at 4pm and remaining tickets will be sold at the entrance on Monroe. Preferred seats are $5 for children and $10 for adults. All proceeds support the events and activities at Campus Martius Park, also known as Detroits gathering place.

The event begins at 6pm at Campus Martius Park, located just 20 minutes away from our office in Livonia . This event is completely family friendly, so bundle up the whole gang to enjoy special ice skating performances, seasonal activities, musical entertainment, and of course, the annual tree-lighting ceremony. If you dont want to brave the chilly, winter weather, the ceremony will be broadcast online at ClickonDetroit.com beginning at 6:30pm.