February 2018

Study Shows Importance of Oral Hygiene in Type 2 Diabetes
A study in  The Journal of Clinical Periodontology  showed that type 2 diabetes patients who received oral health instructions and underwent deep cleaning of their teeth and gums had significant improvements in blood sugar levels and fasting blood sugar at three and six months, compared with no improvements in the control group that received regular cleanings. Spanish researchers evaluated 90 adults and found that the improvements correlated with oral bacteria levels, and that the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis led to improved glycemic status and glycated hemoglobin levels.

Read the full study here.

Severe Gum Disease May Increase Cancer Risk, Likelihood Of Dying From The Disease 
The data continues to mount in regards to the importance of dental health to overall health.
Medscape  reported that "severe gum disease not only may increase the risk for cancer, including lung and colorectal cancer but also may increase the likelihood of dying of the disease, particularly pancreatic cancer," according to the findings of two studies. In one study , published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute , investigators found " that severe periodontitis was associated with a 24% increased risk for cancer, with the highest risks seen for lung cancer and colorectal cancer." The other study , published in the International Journal of Cancer, indicated that periodontitis was linked to "a 33% increased risk for overall cancer mortality." The data indicated that "the mortality risk associated with gum disease among" patients "with pancreatic cancer was far higher, with a more than twofold increased risk." Delta Dental of Colorado continues committed to increasing awareness on the importance of oral health to overall health through our Word of Mouth campaign.
HEALTH CARE REFORM NEWS
Bipartisan Senate Budget Deal Boosts Health Programs
Kaiser Health News, February 7, 2018
In a rare show of bipartisanship for the mostly polarized 115th Congress, Republican and Democratic Senate leaders announced a two-year budget deal that would increase federal spending for defense as well as key domestic priorities, including many health programs.

AP: ACA enrollment hits nearly 11.8M, 3% less than last year
The Associated Press, February 7, 2018
Nearly 11.8 million people enrolled in Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in 2018, according to an Associated Press count, 3% fewer than last year. The Trump administration, which has worked to repeal the law, did not comment on the figures and said it will release an official tally next month.

INDUSTRY NEWS
AHIP study uncovers overprescribing of opioids 
The Examiner, February 7, 2018
Insurance lobby America's Health Insurance Plans released data on Wednesday that detailed prescribing patterns of opioids from 2009 to 2013 in employer-sponsored health plans. The data showed doctors are still prescribing too many opioids, a key driver that fueled the opioid epidemic that federal data shows kills 91 people each day.
Workers Favor Employer-Provided Health Benefits Coverage
Plan Sponsor Online, February 6, 2018
With the rise of health care costs unlikely to dwindle in the future, an America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) survey reveals the significance participants place on employer-provided health benefits coverage.

COLORADO NEWS
United Airlines, MSU Denver partner to create new pipeline of pilots
Denver Business Journal, February 6, 2018
United Airlines on Tuesday launched a first-in-the-nation partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver in which a college will develop a specialized career path for students at a university to become pilots with one of the nation's legacy carriers.

Colorado Public Radio News, February 14, 2018
Goalie Nicole Hensley of Lakewood played a key role in Team USA's 5-0 shutout of the Olympic athletes from Russia on Tuesday, and the team moved into the semifinals against Canada on Wednesday -- setting up a classic rivalry which both sides relish.

COLORADO COMPANY NEWS
Frontier Airlines adds 4 nonstop destinations from Denver
Denver Business Journal, February 8, 2018
Frontier Airlines will launch nonstop flights from Denver International Airport to four new destinations this spring as part of a nationwide expansion that included announcements today on 35 new routes.

3 Colorado hotels in U.S. News' top 50; here are the top 15 in the state
Denver Business Journal,  February 6, 2018
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs is the 30th-best hotel in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report's annual "Best Hotels" ranking.
Delta Dental of Colorado
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