Michigan Matters: Focus on dental and heart health

(CBS) – The focus is on our physical well-being as we discuss the importance of oral health and its impact, especially in children, when Dr. Jason Golnick, pediatric dentist, Margaret Trimer, vice president of strategic partnerships at Delta Dental of Michigan, and Lisa Taylor of Smiles On Wheels appear on Michigan Matters.

Trimer and others have been working to pass a law in Lansing that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law that emphasizes that young people need dental exams in addition to eye and hearing exams. The law takes effect this fall.

Dr. Golick talks about the consequences for people of all ages, especially young people, of ignoring their oral health, as this can be a harbinger of bigger problems later on.

Taylor talks about her organization, which travels around the state in a mobile van offering free dental exams.

Next, we turn to heart topics as Dr. Herb Aronow, Medical Director of Heart and Vascular Services at Henry Ford Health, and Dr. Matthew Ebinger, Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Henry Ford Health, give people advice on how to take their heart health seriously during the summer months.

Dr. Aronow talks about the consequences young people suffer when they ignore dental diseases, which can manifest years later in things like heart problems.

Dr. Erbinger speaks first-hand about the increasing number of young people who are experiencing major heart problems. He himself had problems in his 30s but received treatment and is now healthy.

Watch “Michigan Matters” at the new time: Sundays at 5:30 a.m. on CBS Detroit, Sundays at 12:00 p.m. on Detroit 50 (WKBD)

(Carol Cain is the 13-time Emmy award-winning executive producer and host of Michigan Matters)