Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is a major cause of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.  Vaccination can reduce significantly the risk of infection and subsequent cancer. According to the director of Snohomish County Public Health, only 30% of Snohomish County’s 11-12 year olds have initiated the HPV series and only 9% have completed the series.  By age 13-17, the rates are only 44% initiated and 24% completed.  The CDC, Washington State Department of Health, and Snohomish Health District are committed to increasing vaccination rates. To that end, I urge our Stanwood-Camano, Arlington, and… [ Read More ]

Tooth decay has reached epidemic proportions around the world, and notably where I practice, it’s never been clearer. I know it’s my livelihood to fix people who have tooth decay, but that’s not the job I signed up for. I signed up to help people eliminate the disease as best as possible.  So take a minute or two to consider what is at stake when you think about your mouth and your risk for tooth decay. You may not like what I have to say, but here goes. People get cavities for 2 main reasons: they decide to, or there… [ Read More ]