Why do unhealthy people resist change?

It is one of those questions I ask myself all the time, "Why do unhealthy people resist change?" You would imagine that an unhealthy person would want to get healthy and in many cases they do, but for some it really is a struggle. I am not even talking about the physical aspect of things, I am talking about the over all person from the inside out. Relationships can make people toxic and unhealthy, yet they stick around those people who will continue to abuse them, their trust, resources, etc. It makes no sense to me. However, if everyone were content and healthy I would be out of a job and we would all be in heaven. This side of heaven people will always have issues. It is how one handle things that make the difference.
There are some who have been living so unhealthy in so many areas of their life that if the healthy "bug" came up behind them and bit them in the rear end, they still would not be able to recognize it or even accept it. In fact, they may even reject 'healthy' because they do not know any better.
Most of the time the one(s) who are living in an unhealthy situation will not see it until something drastic happens. Recognizing that there needs to be lifestyle changes is the one key piece that will make the true difference.
We have heard the phrase, 'you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink,' it is cliche i know but very true. You can tell someone the truth, even if it hurts. You may also show them a better way, but you will never be able to make them change.
People change when they want to change and when their pain is greater for them then the fear of change itself.
What can you do as a person surrounded by unhealthy people?
Here are a few to start:
1. Be the change you want to see- all you can do is live your life the way you want to live and live it out healthy, true, and whole. Sooner or later those around you that have been spinning out of control will either spin out of your life all together or they will see a difference and maybe one day want some of that difference.
2. Keep healthy boundaries- stand your ground. Those who are unhealthy will reject your boundaries and manipulate you to feel guilty, feel sorry for taking a stand, for leaving, etc... STAND your GROUND!
Pick up the book Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend.... awesome resource!!! Every family in America should read this book.
3. Seek Counseling- there is no shame in seeking wise counsel. Seek it...and find it...and do it! 
These are just a couple things but know that every day, every person has a choice. They have a choice to survive or thrive. Thriving is the way I want to live....how about you?

5 Oral Health Tips for a Great First Impression!

Your smile is one of the first things people notice!...so why not make a great first impression?

Yes, it takes a little time and effort, but keeping a healthy smile is beneficial to your health and your image. Just remember, a healthy smile is a beautiful smile.

Here are some tips on how to keep a healthy smile:

Tip 1. Brushing!

Brushing twice a day will not only make your teeth look and feel fresh, but will give you better smelling breath for those close encounters. I recommend brushing once in the morning after breakfast and once in the evening before bed. Brush with fluoride containing toothpaste for 2-3min. And you know that cute girl in the cubicle next to you with the everlasting fresh breath?...yep, she carries a toothbrush with her to work, so don't be afraid to keep one in your purse or desk drawer.

Tip 2: Flossing!

Dental floss reaches areas your toothbrush can't go, those in-between the teeth spots. Flossing not only removes the food stuck between your teeth, but also bacterial plaque that cause cavities and bad breath. Floss at least once a day, twice if you're really dedicated to your oral health.

Tip 3: Eat the right stuff!

A well-balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, proteins such as chicken and fish, and carbs such as whole wheat bread and grains. Blueberries, pomegranate and green tea contain bacteria-fighting antioxidants. Yogurts and cheeses contain probiotics and calcium that regulate bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel. Avoid colas, the citric and phosphoric acids in soda wear away tooth enamel, and the high content of sugar contributes to plaque build-up and formation of cavities. 

Tip 4: Water is your friend!

Water works on so many levels. Water hydrates gums and lips, leaving them healthy and supple. Water maintains balanced electrolytes throughout your oral cavity and entire body. Water rinses excess bacteria from your mouth. Water combats plaque build-up and bad breath. Water is a healthy alternative to juices and sodas.

Tip 5: Make friends with a Dentist!

If you're gonna visit him/her every six months, and make a potentially lifelong relationship, make sure its someone who is passionate about dentistry and your well being. Your six-month dental visit includes a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam, including checkup for cavities, evaluation of gum health and oral cancer screening of your entire mouth. The best way to avoid tooth decay is prevention through regular checkup and cleanings. Prevention is your best investment!

You can learn more about healthy foods for healthy teeth here!

For any questions about oral hygiene, feel free to ask!

Best Regards, 

Dr. Josh Berd, DDS

Dentist and Educator

San Francisco, California

Top 4 Healthy Foods for Healthy Teeth!

San Francisco Dentist, Dr. Josh Berd counts down the Top 4 Healthiest foods for Healthy Teeth.

1. Yogurt

Natural organic yogurt is low in carbohydrates, high in calcium and loaded with probiotics. Calcium fortifies enamel (the outer, protective part of your teeth). Probiotics promote optimal oral health by supporting proper flora and pH balance. Cavity-causing bacteria thrive on carbs and acidic pH, however, eating yogurt helps balance your mouth’s pH. Try this: replace your mid-day sugar snack with organic yogurt topped with honey (honey also contains powerful antibacterial properties that support healthy gums).

2. Kiwi

This superfruit packs more than 100% of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a vital component for the building of collagen in your gums, keeping them supple, healthy and able to resist bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Try this: top off your cup of organic yogurt with a heap of chopped kiwi, or eat it whole with a spoon.

3. Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins which kill bacteria that form plaque and contribute to periodontal disease. Catechins also wipe out bad breath-causing bacteria. Try this: instead of drinks at a local bar, take your date out for some green tea, the antibacterial effects of tea will ensure that you’ll get a fresher kiss at the end of the night.

4. Wasabi

This may be a surprise to most people, but this is no ordinary condiment! Isothiocyanate, the substance that makes wasabi taste hot, also inhibits the growth of Streptoccoccus, a cavity-forming bacterium. Try this: eat out at your local sushi restaurant this

week. Wasabi will give a zing to your sushi, and also protect your teeth.

Check out 5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression here!

For any questions about oral hygiene or healthy foods, feel free to ask!

Best Regards, 

Dr. Josh Berd, DDS

Dentist and Educator

San Francisco, California

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, Senator Nancy Pelosi Honor Dr. Berd for Community Service

At the 65th annual awards ceremony hosted by the Geary Boulevard Merchant Association held on September 13th, 2012, local dentist Dr. Josh Berd was one of the merchants honored for his contribution to--as Mayor Ed Lee stated--the vitality of (San Francisco) residents.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma added that Dr. Berd is ‘recognized for service to the community through the provision of brilliant dental care, all-inclusive procedures ensuring optimal oral health as revealed in the “three Cs”, which emphasize a Comprehensive diagnosis, a Comfortable experience and a Community partnership, thereby benefiting all the people of City and County of San Francisco and State of California.’

Senator Mark Leno also noted that ‘it is through the committed efforts of people such as Dr. Berd that the world becomes a better place.’

Dr. Berd is extremely humbled by this honor and feels privileged to provide dental care to the community (Inner Richmond) in which he grew up. He attended public schools in the Inner Richmond including Washington High School, and later earned his DDS from a local dental school, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. It was Dr. Berd’s parents that first opened their dental office over 18 years ago at 4444 Geary Boulevard, and have recently entrusted their son with the responsibility of caring for the oral health of San Francisco’s residents and local merchants.

One of the requests Dr. Berd made to SF’s next mayor (whoever it may be) is to ‘continue to support the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Project Homeless Connect, the non-profit effort which aims to provide necessary health services to SF’s 8,000 homeless.’

Getting a Facelift - Is It Right For You?

Many people consider getting a face lift operation done. There are many alternatives to this surgery but how do you know if getting a face lift is right for you? A face lift is a very easy surgery. If you do consider getting a face lift then you should know that if you have health complications or heart problems, then it is probably not a good idea. They definitely have to put you to sleep and that may not be something that is right for you. Sure many people do it anyways to look healthy or even to improve their self esteem but sometimes the risks out weight the benefits. Before jumping into a decision don't even take my word for it, make sure you talk to your doctor to make sure it is an option for you. This operation will tighten the skin on your face and change the way your skin fits around your facial bone structures.

There are many ways that a facelift can improve your appearance and give you that youthful look. You should know that everyone has different problem areas and you might want to reconsider whenever possible if you aren't showing that many signs of aging. Sometimes it is better to wait until you have multiple problem areas such as sagging skin under your chin, bags or droopy eyes, and a lot of wrinkles. If you only have 1 of these problems then your best bet is to wait until you have more issues. You don't want to be caught in a loop getting multiple face lift surgeries later in life. Many celebrities have been caught in this loop and end up causing serious damage to their face, all in the name of beauty. Some of these celebrities look absolutely horrible. Your goal is to have 1 facelift you don't want to keep coming back. Here are some of the ways you can improve your face with a face lift.

• Does your mid section of your face sag? This is due to low collagen levels that cause your skin to sag. 
• Do you have deep creases or wrinkles under your eye lids? This can cause you to look older and even unhealthy.
• Do you have deep creases running from the corners of your mouth to your nose? This can be fixed easily and can make a dramatic impact on your appearance.
• Do you have a great deal of loose skin anywhere on your face? Specifically under your chin? This can cause you to look overweight and really unhealthy. This can all be taken care of with a face lift.
• The muscle tone of the lower areas of your face can change over time. If you have this problem it can most definitely be fixed with a facelift.

If you have one or more of the problems listed above then a facelift might be a good idea. Especially if you have spent a fortune on expensive "age defying" beauty products that just aren't cutting it. Remember though, it is always a good idea to talk to your regular doctor before going straight to the plastic surgeon. That way if you have any other health problems that might get in the way, you can avoid them by following your doctor's instructions.