Check out our November newsletter!
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM NOVEMBER 2023
MY TALE OF GRATITUDE
Weathering the Largest Storm of My Life
This Thanksgiving andVeterans Day, I’m thankful to be alive. During my second deployment in the Navy in 2008, I was sure my life was going to be over, but here I am, and I couldn’t be more grateful! I was aboard the USS Ashland (LSD-48) and was part of a strike group. There were five ships traveling together. Our ship lost steering at the worst possible moment, for there was a huge storm heading our way. The rest of the strike group was able to change direction to avoid the storm, but we were left to weather it out. As the storm rolled in, I was in the command center with the captain at the front of the ship. From the large, picturesque windows, I could see the waves getting larger and more intimidating — it was like a scene out of a movie. Our ship was on the smaller side for a naval ship but was still able to house about 1,000 crew members on board. The bow was about two stories above the water, and every time a wave would crash into the ship, the water splashed and hit the glass of the command center windows. Each wave that hit turned our ship 90 degrees in that direction. To say I was afraid is an understatement — I was terrified. That night, as we were trying to get some shut-eye, I don’t think I got more than five minutes of sleep. My bed had a bar on the side to make sure I wouldn’t fall out, and all night long, I was tossed from the bar to the wall over and over again. When 3 a.m. rolled around, an alarm went off, and“General Quarters”was called. This meant everyone was expected to promptly report to their battle
stations, not because we were under attack, but because the ship could potentially capsize.
My room was at the front of the ship, and my battle station was at the back of the ship and down five stories. The fastest way to report to my station was to go around the“skin”of the ship on the outside deck. Hindsight is 20/20, but if I could do it over again, I would have taken the longer and safer route inside the ship. As I attempted to make it to my battle station on the skin of the ship, the force of the waves made it impossible to safely make it across to the back of the ship while standing on my feet. The only thing keeping me on board was a thin wire about waist-high. So, I plopped down on my butt, held onto the wire for dear life, and scooted across the length of the ship on my bottom. It was at this moment that another crew member joined me. He, too, made the mistake of taking this life-threatening shortcut on the outer part of the ship. Together, we scooted across, freezing and holding on with each crash of a wave. At certain times, we could look straight down and see nothing but water. Once we finally reached the other side, got inside, and shut the door behind us, we stared at each other for what felt like two minutes. We agreed how dumb that was — we should have just gone the long way on the inside of the ship. Once we made it to our battle stations and told the rest of the crew what had happened, we were told they were about to start searching for us, as they feared we had gone missing.
This Thanksgiving, as I reflect on this memory, I’m grateful to be alive and here with my family to celebrate!
From my family to you and yours, happy Thanksgiving!
–Dr. Elkins
ElkinsDental.com | 1
The Science Behind Why Dogs and Humans Can't Resist Leaf Piles
Whether it’s your boisterous toddler or rowdy pup, a perfect pile of autumn leaves might be too good to resist!You probably remember the days when you also jumped into a crunchy orange leaf pile without a second thought. But why do humans and dogs love jumping into huge piles of leaves? The main (and most obvious answer) is because it’s fun! For kids, dogs, and even some adults, jumping and rolling around in the fall leaves is a satisfying form of play that releases energy. While this may be the simple reason for humans, there are a few more reasons your canine companion can’t resist a tower of leaves. Instinct to Dig Digging is a dog’s favorite pastime that dates back to their wolf ancestors. Just as natural as sniffing and barking, digging is an ingrained
behavior for dogs, and they want to follow their instincts the moment they see a leaf pile. Whether they’re digging in to rest in the cool leaves or demolishing the pile entirely, your dog is just doing what dogs have always done. Irresistible Seasonal Scents Our sense of smell doesn’t even come close to dogs’ incredible scent skills. While we have 5 million scent receptors, dogs have anywhere between 125–300 million! This means they can smell countless other scents we can’t, and autumn may bring some exciting aromas your dog hasn’t experienced in a while. The result? They’ll dive right into a leaf pile and get sniffing! Marking Territory Another scent factor could be your dog wanting to claim a particular leaf pile. We already know dogs use their scents to mark
territory, and rolling in a beloved pile of leaves is a way to infuse their scent. After diving head first into some leaves, they leave their scent behind so other animals can smell them and know that the leaf pile has already been claimed! Whatever the case, jumping into a pile of leaves is completely normal — and fun! — for both humans and dogs.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Banish Bad Breath: Discover the Causes and Solutions
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be an embarrassing and socially uncomfortable problem. It can affect anyone at any age, and its causes vary. Understanding the underlying factors and implementing effective solutions can help you maintain fresh breath and boost your confidence. Common Causes of Bad Breath Poor Oral Hygiene The most common cause of bad breath is inadequate oral hygiene. When you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, food particles and bacteria accumulate in your mouth, leading to foul odors. Bacterial Growth The natural bacteria in your mouth can break down food particles and release sulfur compounds, resulting in an unpleasant odor. This is especially true if you have gum disease. Dry Mouth Saliva plays a vital role in rinsing away food particles and bacteria. If you have a dry
mouth, it can lead to bad breath because saliva can’t help eliminate the culprits. Diet Certain foods like garlic, onions, and spicy meals contain sulfur compounds that can lead to temporary bad breath. Additionally, sugary foods can feed bacteria, contributing to odor. Tobacco Use Smoking or using tobacco products can cause chronic bad breath, stain teeth, and increase the risk of gum disease, all contributing to halitosis. Medical Conditions Bad breath can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions like sinus infections, respiratory infections, diabetes, and acid reflux. Effective Solutions for Bad Breath • Maintain good oral hygiene. • Stay hydrated. • Limit odor-causing foods.
• Increase your intake of dairy products like yogurt that can neutralize odor. • Quit smoking. • Attend regular dental check-ups. • Manage medical conditions. • Use mouthwash. • Practice good oral habits. • Avoid excessive coffee and alcohol consumption. Remember that occasional bad breath is normal and often related to diet. However, if bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene practices, it’s essential to seek our help! Chronic bad breath can be a sign of underlying problems that need attention.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
Butternut Squash Risotto Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
Ingredients
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 tsp nutmeg • 5 cups veggie or chicken stock • 2 to 3 handfuls spinach • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 2 cups butternut squash, cubed • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided • 2 cups sliced leeks • 4 garlic cloves, chopped • 8 sage leaves • 1 cup Arborio rice • 1/2 tsp salt
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. On a parchment-lined sheet pan, toss squash with 2 tbsp olive oil. Roast until tender (30 minutes) and set aside 2. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat and add leeks. Sauté until tender, then add garlic and sage. Sauté for 2 more minutes. 3. Add rice and sauté for 1 minute, stirring. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add 1–2 cups of stock to cover the rice and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid is absorbed. Continue to add broth 1 cup at a time, stirring occasionally until rice is plump (20 minutes). Stir in spinach, roasted squash, and Parmesan cheese.
JOKES DAD
What kind of tan did pilgrims get? Puritan.
What always comes at the end of Thanksgiving? The letter G!
Facts Tooth Fun
Turkey Trot: These Birds Have a Need for Speed DID YOU KNOW? Despite their plump appearance, turkeys are surprisingly agile and swift runners. These large birds are not only known for their delicious meat but also for their ability to dash away from potential predators. Wild turkeys, in particular, can reach up to 25 mph when they need to quickly escape. Their powerful leg muscles enable them to cover short distances rapidly, giving them a fighting chance against ground-based threats like foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. Their agility is not just a means of survival — it’s also crucial during the mating season when toms, or male turkeys, engage in spirited races to win the affection of the hens.
A Changing Toothprint
Your toothprint, the unique set of dental characteristics that make up your teeth, is not static — it can change over time due to various factors. • As you age, your teeth may naturally wear down. The enamel, or the hard outer layer of your teeth, can thin over time, making your teeth appear smaller and potentially altering your bite. • Teeth can shift and move, particularly if you have lost other teeth, had dental work done, or experienced jawbone changes. This movement can impact the alignment of your teeth and overall bite. • Changes in your oral health, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or tooth loss, can significantly impact your toothprint. • Certain habits, like teeth grinding or nail biting, can cause your teeth to wear down or become damaged over time, leading to changes in your toothprint.
ElkinsDental.com | 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. From Terrifying Waves to Grateful Hearts of Crisp Autumn Leaf Piles
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2.
3.
4.
Explore the Instinctual Call
Butternut Squash Risotto
Rick
Springfield Reveals His Secrets to
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Staying Fit at 73
Did You Know?
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Happy Thanksgiving From Elkins Dental!
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Rock Star Rick Springfield's Fountain of Youth The Power of Fitness and Good Nutrition at Any Age
He’s how old? Rick Springfield continues to shock the world with just how incredible he looks at the age of 73! The ‘80s rock star and “Jessie’s Girl”singer has recently released a new album,“Automatic,”and has shown that he still keeps up with his healthy lifestyle. So, what’s Springfield’s secret to a toned body at his age? The musician revealed the not-so-secret key to his excellent health: daily exercise and a nutritious diet. Springfield recently explained, "I work out every day. I just got a trainer and have been working with him. Basically, I watch what I eat, and I try and stay active." Sounds simple, right? Springfield was a proud vegan in the past but has now shifted to a pescatarian diet. Despite feeling healthy, many people around him stated that the singer looked unhealthy and too thin.“A friend of mine came up to me and
said, 'Are you okay?' I got so thin. So I had to put fish back in [for protein].” He also made it clear that he is in no way a home cook, but his wife is the one who keeps him well-fed! Springfield shared that he is extremely grateful for his wife, Barbara Porter, who loves cooking and always comes up with the best recipes for him. Apparently, the singer was never that great in the kitchen! He said,“When I was a bachelor, I'd make a big pot of brown rice, chop up an onion and put that in the rice with a can of tuna. I'd have that, a baked potato and salad, and live off that for a month. Barbara comes up with these incredible things. She loves cooking." While Springfield may have a personal trainer and talented spouse, we can all still learn from his dedication to his body
and health. Ultimately, a healthy diet and exercise routine is the simplest (but not the easiest) way to our best health!
Photo credit: Wikimedia commons, Adam Bielawskii
4 | Elkins Dental
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator