Dr. Richard G. Berry, Author at Message Magazine

Tired black man yawning in car, overworked businessman driving car, danger

HealthSeptember 13, 2023<September 13, 2023

Wellness Wednesday: Sleep Deprivation

Those Heavy Eyelids Will Be a Problem Your eyelids get heavy. You have difficulty lifting and keeping them open. You hear sounds but it…

In this article there is bad news, good news and bad news again. All are related to the good habit of brushing your teeth. Before the ‘news’ however, let us do a refresher on oral hygiene. To keep your beautiful smile shining, the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended brushing your teeth two times daily, in the morning and in the evening. They also recommend use of a soft-bristled brush. For optimum dental health, the ADA suggests brushing your teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes each time, and to make sure you brush every tooth. Now for the bad news. According to researchers at the University of Manchester in England, your toothbrush is home to more than 100 million bacteria including E. coli and staphylococci bacteria. The University of Alabama at Birmingham found also that fecal germs were on your toothbrushes. Yes, you read that correctly. You may be brushing your teeth with “fecal germs”. The good news is that your mouth is also full of bacteria and your toothbrush probably won't make you sick, but there are ways to keep it clean so you stay healthy. You probably won't get an infection from your own toothbrush even if your brush is covered in bacteria. Your healthy immune system can usually take care of any bacterial invaders. However, you should still care for your toothbrush properly and keep it clean. The final bad news is that where you store your toothbrush in your bathroom may be a problem. In most bathrooms, the toilet is very close to the sink, where most people keep their toothbrushes. Did you know that every time you flush, bacteria are released into the air – and you don't want that bacteria to get on your toothbrush. So keep that brush as far away from your toilet, as in your medicine cabinet and always close the toilet lid before flushing. Toothbrush holders as well can pick up bacteria that are spread by toilet flushing. A study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that toothbrush holders are the third-most germ laden household items (behind dish sponges and kitchen sinks). Remember to clean your toothbrush holder regularly to remove germs. Finally remember to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it. Let it dry thoroughly between brushings. Don't use toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria. Keep your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down. Don't ever use anyone else's toothbrush, or let someone use yours. And finally the ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or more often if bristles become frayed, if you are sick, or if you have a weakened immune system. So there you have it. Keep showing God’s love to others by your beautiful smile and brushed teeth.

HealthAugust 2, 2023<August 2, 2023

Don’t Flush Where You Brush, and Other Safe Brushing Tips

In this article there is bad news, good news and bad news again. All are related to the good habit of brushing your teeth….

Half awake woman cradling a mug of coffee

Articles, Health, Message Feature, Plant-Powered Black People, Whole LifeJuly 12, 2023<July 14, 2023

Wellness Wednesday: Caffeine Fiends

Got your attention with this topic didn’t I? So stay here with me for a while. Here is the question. What’s the big deal…

CPR First Aid Lifeguard Or Paramedic Class With African Students

HealthJuly 5, 2023<July 6, 2023

Wellness Wednesday: CPR and AED Week

“Code blue, code blue, code blue” over the hospital speakers immediately conveys a call to action. I remember being a resident in Internal Medicine,…

Double exposure portrait of attractive african american woman combined with photograph of water sparks

Articles, Health, Whole LifeApril 26, 2023<April 24, 2023

Wellness Wednesday: It’s Water. Water Does a Body Good.

In 1798 Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) wrote and published a poem entitled “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” In this poem the speaker is…

black and white engrave isolated pig vector illustration

Articles, HealthApril 5, 2023<April 5, 2023

Hiccups and a Pig

#WellnessWednesday We have all experienced at some time in our lives that uncomfortable jerking of our upper body accompanied by the inevitable sound,…

Losing memory like dementia or forgetting bad memories

HealthFebruary 15, 2023<February 15, 2023

Wellness Wednesday: I Can’t Find My Car Keys!

Does your relative or friend have dementia? Do they forget dates and lose items regularly? Do they get lost easily? Well, you may be…

African American woman taking vitamins and supplements at home in her kitchen

Articles, Food, Health, Message Feature, Plant-Powered Black People, Whole LifeFebruary 1, 2023<February 1, 2023

Wellness Wednesday: To B12 or Not B12

Years ago a patient came to my office for the first time with the following symptoms. Follow me now. She felt weak and sluggish…

Articles, HealthDecember 28, 2022<December 27, 2022

Sleep More. Sleep Better.

Your eyelids get heavy. You have difficulty lifting and keeping them open. You hear sounds but it seems these sounds are just soothing to…

Articles, Food, Health, Message Feature, Plant-Powered Black People, Whole LifeSeptember 7, 2022<September 9, 2022

Fun with Colonoscopy

You want to put a long hose, up where? #WellnessWednesdays Although I am not looking forward to it, I have scheduled my next colonoscopy. Even…

Dr. Richard G. Berry

Wellness Wednesday: Sleep Deprivation

Don’t Flush Where You Brush, and Other Safe Brushing Tips

Wellness Wednesday: Caffeine Fiends

Wellness Wednesday: CPR and AED Week

Wellness Wednesday: It’s Water. Water Does a Body Good.

Hiccups and a Pig

Wellness Wednesday: I Can’t Find My Car Keys!

Wellness Wednesday: To B12 or Not B12

Sleep More. Sleep Better.

Fun with Colonoscopy

Tuesday’s Truth for Youth: The Problem With Playing the Hero

Body Counts and New Beginnings

Body Image and Body Dysmorphia Disorder

Money Monday: Are You Covered?

In the desert above the Dead Sea, evidence of Jewish rebels’ capture of Roman weaponry

Black Love: Pushing Past the Pixels for Something Real

Tuesday’s Truth for Youth: The Problem With Playing the Hero

Body Counts and New Beginnings

Body Image and Body Dysmorphia Disorder

LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!