The library is inviting residents to meet Hinsdale author Jessica Lederhausen and learn about her new book later this month. (photo provided)
How does oral health affect the body?
As a former dentist, Jessica Lederhausen thought she knew all she needed to know about caring for her own mouth. But when she received a diagnosis of receding gums, Lederhausen found herself in search of ways to improve her gum health without surgery.
In doing so, Lederhausen became convinced of the effects of oral health on the entire body and the big impacts that small changes can have on physical and mental well being.
"It all starts with the mouth," said Lederhausen, author of "Oral: The Swedish-inspired Secret to Full-Body Health Starting in Your Mouth." She will discuss her book and share her own journey toward better health from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Hinsdale Public Library.
Lederhausen said the role of the mouth in the body's overall health can be likened to what's known as "leaky gut syndrome" - the concept that permeations in the gut can lead to toxins being leaked throughout the body. Likewise, Lederhausen suggests that "leaky mouth" can have the same effects.
How each person goes about changing and improving their mouth health is highly individualized, said Lederhausen, who also is the developer of the Lagom Method. Borrowing a word from her native Sweden, Lederhausen said "lagom" means "not to much, not too little, but just right for you." The Lagom Method promotes balanced living through what Lederhausen calls the four pillars of health - eating, sleeping, moving and breathing, all of which can impact not only mouth health, but overall well-being.
Lederhausen paused her dental practice after moving to the United States in 1999, but fed her love of learning by earning a master's degree in public health and two certifications as a life coach. She said her collective knowledge and experience, along with her continued thirst for information, culminated in her book, which was released earlier this year.
"I tried to write it in a way that anyone can read it and enjoy it," Lederhausen said.
"Oral: The Swedish-inspired Secret to Full-Body Health Starting in Your Mouth," encourages each reader to examine their habits, how those habits are affecting their health and what small changes they can make to improve to feel better and be healthier. The book offers practical solutions, steps to take and worksheets to track progress.
"I'm really walking the talk," said Lederhausen, who avoids snacks, bakes her own bread and desserts and avoids carbonated drinks in pursuit of better overall health.
Author is just the latest in a long list of titles for Lederhausen. A former professional golfer, Lederhausen moved from Stockholm to Hinsdale in 1999. A mother of four and a grandmother, she has been involved with several business ventures since coming to the United States, including TEDxChicago, which she founded in 2017. TEDxChicago is an independently organized, local nonprofit that promotes ideas through public speaking events.
To register for Off the Page: Meet and Greet with author Jessica Lederhausen, visit http://www.hinsdale.libnet.info/events.
- by Sandy Illian Bosch
