San Diego Author Promotes Health at Halloween

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - October 25, 2004

Trick-or-treaters in the Rolando area who knock at Sheila Wolf's door on Halloween won't be getting candy. Instead of traditional sticky sweets, Wolf, a dental hygienist and writer on oral health issues, hands out toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other oral care goodies.

For the past thirty-five years, since she entered hygiene school, Wolf has used Halloween to promote oral health. "A healthy mouth is essential to a healthy body," she states. "Encouraging kids to take care of their mouths gives them a better chance for good health throughout their lives."

Four out of five Americans have some form of gum disease. Chronic gum infections increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetic complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and other serious health problems.

Wolf began writing two years ago, determined to take her message to a larger audience beyond the bounds of her dental chair. Her first book, Pregnancy and Oral Health, was published in June. Pregnant women with gum disease are almost eight times more likely to have a premature or low birth weight baby, and Wolf's book offers mothers-to-be a simple self-care program that promotes better health for mother and baby. She has written articles for newsletters, magazines, web sites, and e-zines, and her next book, Your Mouth Could Be Killing You, will be published early next year.

Wolf is a passionate exponent of oral health education. "The evidence for the mouth/body connection is overwhelming, and traditional dentistry isn't doing the job. I want people to know that they can take charge of their own mouths, keep their teeth, and live longer, healthier lives."

And what sort of reaction does she get to her Halloween tradition? "Most of the kids actually think it's pretty cool," Wolf says, "and their parents love it!"

For more information, contact:
Ian Radcliffe
Radcliffe Publishing
619-287-3151
Email: ian@radcliffepublishing.com.

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