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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD, STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2019
THE POWER OF KINDNESS ONE OF THE GREATEST MEN I’VE KNOWN
Last month, as I reflected on my New Year’s resolution to spend more time with my kids, I was reminded of a particularly memorable daddy/daughter date I went on in 2018 in an effort to make that resolution a reality. I had heard that Toys R Us was closing their doors, and since they were having a closeout sale, I decided to take my daughter there so she could experience the childlike wonder of seeing an entire building filled to the brim with toys for the first time. As we meandered through the aisles, I watched her little eyes peer up at the grandeur around her, and I was immediately taken back to my own experiences at Toy R Us as a boy. The first time I visited the store, I was celebrating my 7th birthday with a man named Mr. Klontz. Though he served as a pseudo- adopted grandparent for me for three years, Mr. Klontz wasn’t an actual relative of our family. He met my mother during a particularly difficult time in both of their lives. As the sole provider for four children, my mom was working three jobs just to make ends meet. Having met my mom through one of her jobs, Mr. Klontz decided he wanted to offer his kindness. One of the ways he did so was by taking my siblings and me to Toys R Us on each of our birthdays and giving us a $100 budget. Because I was so young, I never knew that Mr. Klontz decided to help with our struggles as a way to cope with his own. In fact, I only found out last month that during the three years he took us on these birthday excursions, he spent the vast majority of his time at the hospital visiting his wife, who was dying from cancer.
While I likely wouldn’t have understood the weight of this gesture as a kid, looking back now, I can’t remember a greater kindness. It was already such a selfless act, but knowing now that he dealt with such immense sadness in his own life makes his relationship with my family even more appreciated.
birthday experiences, he also made sure to offer nice gestures to my mom as well. She was an orchestra teacher for 4th–12th-grade students. Mr. Klontz said, “Every music teacher needs a piano in their house,” and he bought her one. It’s still in her house to this day. When my mom told me the story of how we met Mr. Klontz and his wife’s illness last month, she also informed me they had both passed. After those three years he spent caring for us, I never saw him again. As I walked down those Toys R Us aisles with my daughter, I was overcome with the desire to thank him for all he did for my family. My siblings and I never really knew we needed anything more than what my mom provided, but Mr. Klontz truly enriched our lives. He helped us through our struggles even though he was struggling himself. In honor of Mr. Klontz’s kindness, I want to encourage you to remember acts of kindness you’ve benefited from and to pass those along to others every opportunity that you get. You can’t imagine the difference it makes.
I remember one particularly moving birthday, when Mr. Klontz bought me a brand-new bicycle. Getting a bike is exciting for any kid, but I was the youngest in my family, so up to that point, I was always using my brother’s hand-me-downs. And this was the first time I had one that was just mine. He took me home and recorded a video of me riding it around my driveway. With the advent of smartphones, the idea of recording this experience might not seem all that cool. But in the late ‘80s, it was a much bigger deal. He said, “Every kid should have a home video to watch when they are older,” and for as long as I can remember, his videos were the only ones our family had. While he gave my siblings and me great “Because I was so young, I never knew that Mr. Klontz decided to help with our struggles as a way to cope with his own.”
– Dr. Brooks
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IN HONOR OF VALENTINE’S DAY:
WHAT DO YOU REALLY KNOW ABOUT GROUNDHOG DAY? 3 MYTHS ABOUT OUR FAVORITE FURRY METEOROLOGIST Despite the fact that most, if not all, meteorologists place little value on a furry marmot’s ability to predict an early spring, the annual tradition of Groundhog Day is still one that millions of people love to celebrate. Because it is based more on folkloric legend than scientific evidence, Groundhog Day is associated with shams and spoofs of varying degrees. There are many myths regarding the tradition as well as the famous Punxsutawney Phil himself.
FOCUSING ON LOVE FOR OTHERS AND LOVE FOR YOURSELF
This month, love is in the air. Millions of people all over the world will buy bouquets of red roses, boxes of Sweethearts candies, and heart-covered greeting cards to shower their partners with adoration on Valentine’s Day. But this holiday is about so much more than gifts you can buy in a store. It’s about setting aside time in your busy schedule to celebrate all the loves in your life: your significant other, family members, friends, and even yourself. For many people, this holiday can feel like a cliché. If you keep practicing the more hackneyed traditions, your celebration might not be as memorable as it could be. If you are celebrating with your husband or wife, add a dash of creativity by scheduling a couple’s massage, booking a romantic cabin getaway, or making a keepsake that features some of your favorite memories with them. You can also change up traditions by making your celebration a family affair. You could try a family-friendly day out at the zoo, have a picnic in the park, or head to a museum. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you could plan a family movie night complete with a themed dinner option, printable movie tickets, and a blanket fort in your living room. Lastly, but most importantly, make sure you schedule some time this Valentine’s Day to practice some self-love. Consider taking the energy that you put into your relationships with others and focusing that on your own happiness, betterment, and self-care. Contrary to popular belief, focusing
MYTH 1: THE PREDICTIONS ARE ACCURATE.
Many event-goers put a lot of faith in Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions. Unfortunately, he is more likely to be wrong than right. According to studies based on Phil’s predictions and the weather patterns that follow, it seems Phil’s predictions receive an accuracy rate of only 39 percent.
MYTH 2: GROUNDHOG DAY IS HARMLESS.
Much like humans, most groundhogs don’t like being suddenly jostled out of their sleep. Their frustration often leads to them biting their handlers. For this reason, the handlers usually wear heavy gloves to protect themselves. However, that isn’t always enough of a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. In 2009, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was bitten through his glove, and subsequent Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped his groundhog in 2014. While Phil is probably the most well-known ground-dwelling meteorologist, he is not the only groundhog with weather predicting abilities. For example, General Beauregard Lee is the weather predictor for the city of Lilburn, Georgia. Staten Island Chuck takes care of the New York territory, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has three groundhogs of its own, which is probably due to its rich Pennsylvania Dutch history. Canada has even started a Groundhog Day tradition with Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia and Balzac Billy in Alberta. MYTH 3: PHIL IS THE ONLY FAMOUS RODENT.
on your own care doesn’t make you selfish; you need to assure your own mental and physical health before you can fully love those around you. Start by making those appointments you’ve been putting off, like seeing your dentist — the one that treats you to paraffin wax hand dips! (Yes, that is a shameless plug). Then take yourself out on a date or take a few days off work to take that vacation you’ve been planning for years. Make the most of this holiday centered on relationships and love by honoring your loved ones and yourself.
Even though Groundhog Day is a holiday based on many myths, it still provides a great time for event-goers all across the world. You might not be able to fully trust Phil’s predictions, but the superstition and mystique associated with this unique and festive day make it one you shouldn’t skip out on.
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GAMING WITH YOUR KIDS WHY YOU SHOULD PICK UP THAT CONTROLLER
Video games are present in an increasing number of American households. The Entertainment Software Association found that in 2018, 70 percent of parents reported that games were a positive activity in their children’s lives, and 67 percent even play alongside their child at least once a week. Some of you may already be regularly gaming with your kids, but for the rest of you, here are some things to keep in mind. Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and UC Berkeley have shown that video games can have many positive effects on a child, from encouraging critical thinking and social skills to imparting the value of perseverance. Beyond these life skills, video games can also be a way for you to better connect with your child. As game designer and New York Times bestselling author Jane WHY GAMING TOGETHER MATTERS
McGonigal, Ph.D., writes, “Games make it easy to build stronger social bonds with our friends and family. Studies show that we like and trust someone better after we play a game with them — even if they beat us.”
“Scribblenauts Remix” can act as a great sandbox for you and your child’s imaginations to run wild. Does your child love to solve puzzles? “Snail Bob 2,” “Snipperclips,” and “Portal 2” will have you and your child thinking outside the box for hours. Want to engage in a little friendly competition? “Mario Kart,” “FIFA,” and “Bam Fu” are all excellent choices. Whether you pick up a controller yourself or just watch your children play games, the most supportive thing you can do as a parent is reinforce the skills they are learning. Understanding that the same creativity and determination that gets them to the end of a level can be applied in the real world is be a powerful thing for a child’s development. GOING BEYOND SCREEN TIME
FIND THE RIGHT GAME
Finding the right game to play with your child can be a challenge. Regardless of what platform your child plays on, there’s a nearly inexhaustible list of games to choose from, and some are more child-friendly than others. At the very least, research the Entertainment Software Rating Board’s (ESRB) rating of a game to make sure its content is age-appropriate. When choosing a game, it’s a good idea to keep your child’s interests in mind. Do they enjoy creating things? Games like “Minecraft,” “Super Mario Maker,” and
VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE CARDS
HOW BIG IS YOUR BRAIN?: Don’t forget to participate in our practice’s weekly trivia contest for a chance to win prizes! To play “Tuesday Trivia,” start by “liking” Anderson Dental Care on Facebook. Here’s how it works: we will post one trivia question each Tuesday, and you can answer it by commenting on the post. If you guess correctly, you will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Amazon gift card. HOW ARE YOUR CHILD’S TEETH?: In addition to being the month dedicated to celebrating your Valentine, February also marks National Children’s Dental Health Month! When it comes to patients, we here at Anderson Dental Care can’t help but favor the smallest (and cutest) ones. Good dental health habits start when patients are young, so now might be the best time for you to bring your child in for their first cleaning! Call in to make an appointment today! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
INGREDIENTS
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
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2 large egg yolks
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract Royal icing, sprinkles, and edible markers, for decorating
2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375 F. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour with sugar and salt. Add butter and combine using a mixer at low speed, until butter breaks down into small, crumbly pieces. Increase mixing speed to medium and mix until butter and flour clump. 3. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract to bowl, return mixer to low, and mix until dough congeals. 4. Carefully roll dough into a sheet 1/16-inch thick and cut into 4x6 inch cards. 5. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake cookie cards for 6 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. 6. Let cookies cool completely, decorate, and distribute.
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine.
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513-438-8152 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD, STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255
MY STORY ABOUT THE POWER OF KINDNESS INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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3 MYTHS ABOUT OUR FAVORITE FURRY METEOROLOGIST
FOCUSING ON LOVE FOR OTHERS AND LOVE FOR YOURSELF
WHY PARENTS SHOULD PLAY VIDEO GAMES
VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIE CARDS
WAYS TO CELEBRATE ‘RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY’
REMEMBERING ACTS OF KINDNESS WAYS TO PAY IT FORWARD THIS YEAR
CRAYONS TO COMPUTERS (C2C) This organization was chartered in 1996 to serve the educational and imaginative needs of children in the greater Cincinnati area. It distributes donated, value purchased, and created products through our teachers’ free stores. C2C serves 245 eligible schools in 16 counties of greater Cincinnati and helps distribute up to $11.5 million worth of free school supplies to local classrooms. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS CHARITABLE SERVICE TRUST This organization supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs that provide direct service to ill, injured, or wounded veterans. Programs supported by the trust typically include providing food, shelter, and other necessary items to homeless or at-risk veterans; making accessibility or mobility items available for veterans with vision or hearing impairments; therapeutic activities; physical and psychological activities for rehabilitation; and other forms of direct service for veterans and their families. As you remember the acts of kindness you’ve received by others, you might be looking for a way to pay it forward. These charities are a great place to start.
As you read Dr. Brooks’ story of Mr. Klontz’s compassion toward him and his family members, you may have been reminded of meaningful acts of kindness others have done for you: a stranger paid for your drink, a fellow driver let you into their lane, or a neighbor brought you homemade cookies. Regarding the power of kindness, American author and motivational speaker Leo Buscaglia once said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Often, it’s the simplest of acts that make the biggest impact, and it is for this reason that my team and I wanted to highlight some charitable organizations in the Cincinnati area that need your support.
CINCINNATI WORKS Founded in 1999, Cincinnati Works partners with willing and capable people living in poverty to assist them with advancing to economic self-sufficiency through employment. Using a holistic approach, they offer access to area employers while providing comprehensive support services.
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