Heart Health Program Did You Know? Henry Schein Cares is " helping health happen " by supporting the American Heart Association (AHA) as a proud sponsor of the Long Island Heart Walk while helping to prevent cardiovascular disease through our Heart Health Program. Henry Schein stands with the AHA in recognizing the connection between oral health and overall health. The American Heart Association is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke, and raising awareness of these diseases. As part of their mission, they focus on specific causes designed to help people achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle and aim to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes may lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have found a link between heart disease and periodontal disease - a condition marked by gum infection, gum inflammation, and tooth damage. A recent study looked at whether a person's tooth-brushing habits were associated with their risk of having or dying from a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. Researchers asked 682 people about their tooth-brushing behavior. After adjusting for various factors, they found that those who said they brushed less than twice a day for less than two minutes had a three-fold increased risk compared to those who said they brushed at least twice a day for at least two minutes. For more information on the American Heart Association, please contact Margaret.McDougall@heart.org, or visit www.heart.org. 24 henryscheindental.com 22SM1822http://www.heart.org http://www.henryscheindental.com