Dyer Indiana Newspaper

With crisis at home, Greek-Americans to economic rescue?

New York (CNN) -- Larisa Antypa was ready for her cruise in the Caribbean when news of the economic crisis in Greece, her home country, began to worsen.

Antypa, a program coordinator for the Greek Cultural Center in Astoria, Queens, canceled her trip and decided that she would instead spend her vacation money in Greece.

Like a growing number of her fellow expatriates, Antypa hopes to bolster the teetering Greek economy -- roiled again on Tuesday by a wave of violent protests and a countrywide strike against proposed austerity measures -- through tourism. It accounts for 15% of the country's jobs and 18% of its GDP, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"I want to support Greece by spending my money there; it's very important when your country's in trouble to do whatever you can," Antypa said. "I ask people why they're going back, why they don't go somewhere else, and they say, 'Now, Greece needs us.' "

Antypa said that more members of her community, largely motivated by pride of country, are vacationing in Greece than ever before. This perception was corroborated by Ted Spyropoulos, president of the U.S. chapter of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, who said the number of Greek-Americans visiting home has surged and is expected to increase anywhere from 20% to 30% in 2011 from 2010.

"(Greeks) have an obligation to go because Greece needs the help right now," said Spyropoulos, who added his organization has launched a campaign to encourage Greek-Americans to travel there. "There's been a call from outside that Greece needs help."

This year's 10% increase in income from American tourists, who spend three times more than the average traveler, was huge for Greece's economic development, said Chris Petsilas, the director of the U.S. office of the Greek National Tourism Organization. Despite Greece's debt crisis and crippling unemployment, Pestilas said tourism is booming.

"In crises, other tourists postpone their trips to our country; this year, the Greek-Americans will come and they will bring all their friends," Pestilas said.

Pestilas added that the Greek government had encouraged tourism from Americans by loosening regulations on cruise ships, eliminating taxes for airlines and cutting fees for hotels.

Still, for many Greek-Americans, attempts to visit Greece have been hamstrung by high airfare prices and a sputtering economy at home.

Healthy Teeth, Gums and Oral Hygiene by ... - National News Today

Healthy gums and teeth are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Without them, a patient will have trouble eating, speaking, and engaging in social activities. Brushing, flossing, and using other oral health aids can be benefic al in maintaining a healthy smile for a lifetime!

Top Ways that a Patient can do to protect their Smile

• Brush your teeth!

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day will significantly increase your chances of keeping your teeth for a lifetime. Your dental hygienist can show you the proper way to brush so that your gum tissues are not damaged. Utilizing a soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste can help reduce the occurrence of cavities.

• Floss your teeth!

Flossing is the most important part of your oral hygiene routine! It´s impossible for a toothbrush to get in between your teeth! For this reason, floss needs to be used at least once a day to keep these areas clear of food, plaque, and debris. Flossing not only keeps your teeth healthy, but also your gums! Flossing is the number one reason for developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Without flossing, you will eventually lose your teeth.

• Waterpik

A Waterpik is an oral hygiene tool that is a water jet that cleans debris out from under bridges, crown, implants, and/or orthodontic appliances. The water jet not only clears out plaque and food, it also stimulates the gum tissues. A Waterpik can be used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, but is not a replacement for either one.

• Regular professional cleaning.

Even if excellent oral hygiene is practiced, dental cleaning, completed at least twice a year are recommended. Ultrasonic cleaning and scaling can help clean in areas that cannot be reached with brushing and flossing alone. Oral cancer screenings and soft tissue exams are another important part of a dental hygiene visit.

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