November 2023

Hello everyone and happy holidays as we enter the next few months. Our newsletter this year is focused on making the holidays happier and healthier for patients.

As you know, we have lost two important individuals who contributed so much to the IOLPSG, Dr. Terry Rees and Mr. Art Upton. The support is still active and many of you have contacted us during this year. We intend to host webinars as we did in the past. As you remember, our guest for February 2023 was Dr. Miriam Grushka from Canada. We think it is beneficial to have guests from the United States as well as clinicians from other countries who provide various treatment modalities. We all learn from the success of clinicians worldwide. We will be sending out periodic newsletters and announcements in 2024. Please send us any topics, ideas or treatments you would like us to discuss. In addition, please let us know any researchers or clinicians you would like to see as a guest. Please read the enclosed “Tips for Managing the Holiday Season” below. Again, thank you for your participation and Happy Holidays! Please read some recommendations below that may be useful.

The Holiday season is fast approaching us this year! Unfortunately, the world is reeling currently with mass demonstrations and wars! I hear from people that they are even reluctant to listen to the newscasts because of the reports and the poor feelings that bad news stories cause them. Perhaps using some suggested tips may assist in keeping inflammation lower and promoting a better psychological profile. Here are some items that may assist you over the next couple of months. These were adapted from a Blue Zones article.

Tip #1: 
Keep a Daily Stress Journal

We know that our suggestions over the years have been to try and look for patterns related to oral lichen planus. We know that diet and certain foods make the symptoms worse for some individuals. We have suggested that if the product is causing burning or irritation, discontinue the use of the food, oral product or liquid beverage. A stress journal promotes a feeling of control over your environment. If attending a function or meeting a person causes you discomfort, try to sort out the reasons and look for alternatives or ways to counteract the provoked feelings. Surrounding yourself with those who support you, make you feel accepted, calm and happy is important.

Tip #2:
Decline Activities When You Are Overscheduled

We are facing several months of increased activities that can be very rewarding or in some cases, we can feel very hurried, lonely and hesitant to say “No, I really cannot be there!”  Learn to say “No” and think about your schedule before you commit to an activity. Keeping yourself healthy during the next two months is important and will allow you to enjoy fully the events you do find important with friend, family and your community.

Tip #3:
Plan Ahead

Plan your scheduled events to include planned meals, getting enough water--dehydration increases cortisol levels that may be even higher during stressful times. If you know you will be at a restaurant with friends, review the menu before attending so that you can decide on some healthy choices. This will also allow you to have more time to talk with your friends instead of just selecting an item because you have not had time to decide. Select foods that are healthy and foods that do not promote inflammation. Foods high in folic acid and vitamin B12 help prevent mood disorders.  Select your choices carefully. Lichen planus, as you know, is a disorder that may occur periodically. Trying to control any lesions during these stressful times is especially important.

Tip #4:
Maintain Healthy Sleep Patterns and Exercise Routines

Getting 8 to 9 hours of sleep is especially important during stressful times. Exercise can also help with healthy sleep patterns and relaxation. Tai Chi has been around for hundreds of years and so has yoga. The newest yoga practices focus on lifestyle and health. The restful exercises can help the body relax, become more flexible and you will also learn how important your breath is while engaged in these activities.

It is important to make the commitment to exercise and develop relaxation. Put the activities on your calendar as you would for any important events.

Please feel free to contact me at any time. My email address is listed below. Again, Happy Holidays!

For more information on stress reduction visit:
https://www.bluezones.com/2012/03/maximize-health-and-longevity-using-these-stress-management-strategies/?mc_cid=9dd63bc848&mc_eid=b4c2be68b5

Dr. Nancy W. Burkhart, Ed.D, M.Ed., BS, RDH, AAFAAOM, IFDH
Department of Periodontics, Adjunct Professor
nancy.burkhart@tamu.edu