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EDITION 20
What I Did During the Lockdown
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Reflecting on a Time of Growth, New Hobbies, and a Slower Pace
This March, all of our lives changed drastically — and mine was no exception. One day we were running a busy dental practice, and then the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a grinding halt. We were open in a limited capacity for emergency patients during the period from mid-March to Memorial Day, but that was it. Those first few days were strangely, stunningly quiet. For so long, I had been running, running, running. Staying still was completely against my nature. I kept thinking there must be something I should be doing. By midmorning, I would say, “Okay, I ate breakfast. Now what? I need to get going, but to where?” It was not just that my life came to a halt — activity everywhere had stopped. I looked out my window and barely saw any cars on the road or neighbors walking the streets. No one knew how to proceed. Could we go to the grocery store? Should we wear a mask? We had all become quiet. It was like an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” I went through many emotions. For a few days, I thought, “Well this is temporary; things will be back to normal in a few days.”
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But a week later, I felt completely different. I told myself, “This is crazy. I can’t just drift from day to day. I have never been that person. I need things to do, projects to take care of, ways to make myself useful.” I thought of all the things I had put off, waiting for a day when my life would not be so busy. Well, guess what? My life was not so busy! So, here is how I occupied my time: 1. I decluttered my house. I went room to room and threw out items that had accumulated for years. It felt so good! 2. I started walking in my neighborhood. It had been a long time since I stepped out of my door and just walked. I was suddenly greeting neighbors — some I knew and some I didn’t — who were also taking walks. And my neighborhood looked great! Many people had already straightened up their gardens, the grass was green, and flowers were starting to peek out. 3. I cooked a lot and tried new recipes. I learned how to make eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, some soups, and a few Indian dishes. I’m not much of a baker, but I baked a lemon-blueberry cake, too. I also tried some new chutneys and pickles. That was creative and fun!
OFFICE STAFF: PATIENT COORDINATOR
MICHELE
DENTAL ASSISTANT
After that, I thought, “Hmmm, this may go on for a while.”
Then I thought, “Well, okay, this is nice. When was the last time I got to relax? Just breathe deeply and savor the moment.” But after a few days of that eerie silence, I thought, “How long is this going to continue?” In those early days, I kept waffling back and forth between feeling strangely disoriented, enjoying some free time, and wondering when the vacation was going to be over. After about two weeks, I realized I didn’t know when things would get back to normal. Life itself had changed and would stay that way at least for the near future. I was not in a good mood after that.
CATHLEEN
HYGIENIST
CHARLENE PRACTICE MANAGER
PETER
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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Candy That’s GOOD for Your Teeth
Halloween is fast approaching, and pretty soon there will be candy everywhere. Contrary to popular belief, dentists don’t hate candy — we just prefer our patients to eat only a little at a time and brush their teeth afterward. In fact, there is even one kind of candy that many dentists recommend because it’s actually good for your teeth: sugar- free chewing gum. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the fact that chewing gum can help keep your teeth clean and strong. But this doesn’t mean you should let your kids chew an entire pack of Dubble Bubble between meals. The ADA notes that only sugar-free gum has cavity-fighting benefits. Chewing gum that contains sugar, like Dubble Bubble, can actually create a layer of dental biofilm and acid, which covers the teeth and breaks down the enamel, leading to cavities. However, sugar-free chewing gum has the opposite effect. As the name implies, sugar-free chewing gum lacks sugar, which is what cavity-causing bacteria feed on. This means that sugar-free gum doesn’t create acid on your teeth. Additionally, the physical act of chewing gum increases saliva flow. This may sound gross, but extra saliva is really good for your teeth. It helps clear away food particles and bacteria, thus protecting against dental erosion. When picking out your gum while in line at the grocery store, look for packs that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is only awarded to chewing gums that have demonstrated that they meet
“objective requirements for safety and efficacy, as evaluated by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.” Basically, the ADA Seal means the gum is good for your teeth. It’s important to keep in mind that chewing gum, even gum that has earned the ADA Seal, cannot replace daily brushing and flossing. However, chewing a piece of sugar-free gum between meals can help keep your teeth clean throughout the day.
4 Ways to Reuse Instead of Recycle The Best Fall Spices to Boost Your Family’s Health
It’s the season of fall spices. Pumpkin spice — which is actually a mix of many different seasonal spices — is a favorite, but it’s not the only one we should try this year. Seasonal spices are a fun way to literally spice up your meals, and many of them also have surprising health benefits!
beneficial for folks with Type 2 diabetes. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website also reports that cinnamon has heart-healthy benefits. For example, studies show that cinnamon can reduce high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus decreasing the risk of developing heart disease. How to add more cinnamon to your diet: Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal or plain yogurt for a warming boost of flavor. You’ll also find cinnamon in pumpkin spice, a seasonal favorite.
How to add more turmeric to your diet: Homemade curries are a great way to get a good dose of turmeric. You can also add turmeric to roasted vegetables or taco seasoning.
Something for Your Stomach: Ginger
Something for Your Heart: Cinnamon
If you’ve ever drank ginger ale on a plane to calm your upset stomach, then you’ve already experienced the healing properties of ginger. Ginger can be used to treat nausea, including nausea due to motion sickness and pregnancy. Studies show that ginger can also offer relief to cancer patients suffering from nausea caused by chemotherapy. How to add more ginger to your diet: There are many baked goods that call for ginger. Your morning coffee or tea could also benefit from a hint of ginger. These are just a few spices that are also superfoods! Do some research to discover the secret benefits of your favorite spices.
Cinnamon can actually help lower your blood sugar levels, which is especially
Something for Your Brain: Turmeric
Recent research has found that turmeric can reduce inflammation. A compound in turmeric called curcumin has been shown to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to depression and Alzheimer’s.
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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Pop some popcorn and break out the candy corn because it’s time for a spooky family movie night! Disney+ offers a treasure trove of Halloween movies with just the right amount of tricks and treats. Here are a few of the best Halloween movies you can watch on Disney+ right now. The Best Halloween Movies on Disney+
Inspired by Candiquik.com Spooky Strawberry Ghosts
‘Halloweentown’
These adorable chocolate-dipped strawberry ghosts will be the stars of your Halloween party!
When 13-year-old Marnie and her siblings follow their grandmother home on Halloween night, they make some surprising discoveries. Not only does their grandmother live in Halloweentown, a place where monsters lead normal lives, but their whole family is secretly a bunch of witches! Marnie must learn to rely on the magic of family in order to save her grandmother and all of Halloweentown. If your family enjoys “Halloweentown,” you’ll be glad to know that all three of its sequels are also on Disney+!
Ingredients
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16 oz white chocolate, chopped
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1 package mini dark chocolate chips
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24 strawberries
Directions
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. Remove it and stir, then repeat the process until melted. 2. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper. 3. One by one, dip the strawberries into the melted white chocolate and set them on the parchment. Allow the extra chocolate to pool to form a “tail” effect. 4. Before the chocolate coating fully cools, add three mini chocolate chips to each berry to form two eyes and a mouth. 5. Let chocolate set, then serve your spooky snacks!
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4. I started playing online games. I had never ventured into them before, but I found it kept me engaged. There were jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, word searches, strategy games, and, my favorite, WordWipe! 5. I Zoomed with my family and called friends I had not spoken to in years. They were always on my mind, but it was hard to find time to call — until this year, of course. 6. We watched a few Netflix shows and movies. There were some we liked, and others we thought were overhyped. I like nature shows, so I saw a few documentaries. I especially liked “Our Planet.” Slowly, a new life emerged. It was one where I was living at a slower pace, but I had time to reflect. Simple pleasures became more prominent, and my family members became my companions. Outside of a weekly visit to the grocery store, trips to the office, and walks outside, I didn’t go out much. I knew this was temporary. I knew the practice would open again, and I knew my life would be busier than ever. There was a lot that I missed, too. Like everyone else, I missed meeting friends, eating at restaurants, and going out whenever I pleased. But I also appreciate the time I was given. It really became a time of inner growth and relaxation. I think of it as an unexpected pause in my life. I look at this moment as a gift, a reset button. Despite all the upheaval, I’m glad I had a few moments to smell the roses.
‘Frankenweenie’
This movie is a charming twist on the classic horror story! When a young boy loses his faithful dog, he uses the power of mad science to bring the pooch back to life. What follows is a strange and heartwarming stop- motion adventure about the love between a boy and his dog. Some scenes may be a little intense for young children, but “Frankenweenie” never becomes too scary for kids to enjoy.
‘Hocus Pocus’
Max and his family have just moved from California to Salem, Massachusetts, when Max accidentally resurrects three evil witches. To save his little sister, Max must team up with his new crush and a talking cat to stop the witches’ reign of terror. “Hocus Pocus” does contain some truly frightening scenes, so it may not be appropriate for young children. However, the way this film balances comedy and humor makes it a perfect Halloween thrill for older kids. These are just a few of the creepy and cool Halloween movies streaming on Disney+. When you’re done with these, scroll through the catalog to find some more new favorites. Happy Halloween!
–Hema Gopal, DMD
DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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Inside
DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
This Issue
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Life at a Slower Pace
This Candy Keeps Your Teeth Clean 3 Healthy Spices to Try This Fall
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Family-Friendly Halloween Movies You Can Watch Tonight Spooky Strawberry Ghosts
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When ‘Star Wars’ Invaded Halloween
The Spooky ‘Star Wars’ Shortage of 1977
A long time ago … in October of 1977 to be exact, Halloween was fast approaching and many parents faced a major dilemma. That year, kids didn’t want to go trick-or-treating dressed as vampires, witches, or ghosts. The classic costumes simply wouldn’t do. That Halloween, almost every child in the United States wanted to dress as their favorite character from the new hit movie, “Star Wars.” Today, you can walk into a Halloween City on Oct. 30 and easily pick up a costume for Rey, Darth Vader, or Princess Leia. But in 1977, less than five months after the release of the first movie in the popular franchise, getting your hands on “Star Wars” merchandise was a bit more difficult. Ben Cooper, a costume company in Brooklyn, had the foresight to license “Star Wars” for costumes right after the movie came out. Unfortunately, they didn’t foresee how great the demand for these costumes would be. Retailers across the country were selling out of “Star Wars” costumes as fast as they came in. Some stores reported selling more “Star Wars” costumes than pumpkins. Kids who got their hands on an authentic Han Solo or C-3PO costume were considered lucky. But kids who arrived at the store to find the costume shelves empty didn’t throw in the towel. Instead, they went and found some brown towels to make their own Chewbacca costumes.
Kids searched for white dresses to be Princess Leia and bathrobes they could cut short to mimic Luke Skywalker. Moms everywhere broke out their sewing machines and created costumes using only action figures for reference. It was grueling work, but it showed how much kids wanted to spend Halloween in a galaxy far, far away. The “Star Wars” costume shortage marked a new era for Halloween — one where making your own costume was just as cool, if not better, than buying it.
In the current age of cosplay, homemade costumes based on movie characters are commonplace, but in 1977, this was uncharted territory.
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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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