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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM NOVEMBER 2022
The Thanksgiving Bird Gets the Bird A Glimpse Into Our Favorite Family Thanksgiving Tradition
As the temperature continues to drop, a chill fills the air, and festive cheer is everywhere — that’s when you know the holidays are near! That might get you thinking: Do you have a holiday tradition that has been in your family for so long you aren’t even sure where it started or why you do it? And, even if it’s a little weird and out of the ordinary, it could feel just like home to you because it’s what you do. For our family, a strange — yet absolutely fun — tradition happens around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Full of turkey, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, casseroles, pies, and sweets, each year we get together with my brother’s family, parents, and any other extended family who can make it. As we are gathered around the table, ready to dive into the delicious food, we take an annual photo. The fun part is that for the photo, everyone must have a black olive on their pinky finger (the only finger the olive will fit on), showing it off to the camera.
Do you have a holiday tradition that has been in your family for so long you aren’t even sure where it started or why you do it?
more around a certain toy or video game they enjoyed, and while they truly meant it, that always gave us a chuckle. But now that they’re older, they acknowledge some important items of thanks and gratitude — and it’s really endearing. After dinner, while everyone is in a turkey coma on the couch, we have made it a tradition for the past decade or so to kick off our Christmas season with our favorite Christmas movie,“Elf.”It’s a great way to wrap up a wonderful day spent with family, friends, and loved ones and get in the festive mood for Christmas. From my family to you and yours, I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving and holiday season — and I’d also like to say happy Veterans Day to all the fellow veterans out there. Thank you for your service and sacrifices for our freedoms.
After the photo, I don’t even think anyone eats the olives (maybe one person will have a few), but they are mainly just for the fun of the tradition. Roughly five years ago, when my youngest son (Adam) was about 3, we took our annual olive photo. After Thanksgiving dinner had been devoured and cleaned up, we looked at the photo and realized Adam had put his olive on his middle finger and gave everyone the bird for Thanksgiving. Of course, he was too young to understand what the meaning behind his middle finger was, but it sure gave us a great belly laugh! Along with posing for photos with olives on our fingers, we also go around the table each Thanksgiving and name one thing we’re thankful for. When the kids were younger, their responses centered
Happy Thanksgiving!
–Dr. Elkins
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COME OUT AND PLAY Staying Active in Cold Weather Winter is almost here, and as the weather gets colder, many people use it as an excuse to stay inside and on the couch. But if you don’t want to wonder what happened to your fitness goals when spring comes around, now is the time to start preparing. Here’s what you need to know to comfortably enjoy outdoor exercise in low temperatures. First, there’s good news: Your chance of frostbite in 5 degree F weather is less than 5%. So, outdoor exercise is perfectly safe most days of the year. Just stay inside when there’s a particularly nasty wind chill and don’t exercise on icy surfaces. But while you probably won’t be hurt by outdoor winter exercise, there’s no denying it can be unpleasant if you aren’t prepared. One school of thought suggests there’s no bad weather, only poorly chosen clothing. So, if you want to exercise outdoors in the winter, you must set yourself up for success with the proper gear. Dress in layers and put them on in the correct order. Opt for a moisture-wicking material as your bottom layer, then add a warm insulating layer, followed by a wind and water-resistant jacket on top. Remove items as you get warmer so you don’t trap sweat. Also, remember the wool socks, gloves, and hat.
Another way to keep yourself comfortable during an outdoor workout is to warm up longer before beginning. Exercise in cold weather makes strains and sprains more likely, and a warmup will keep you safer. Plus, the additional movement before heading outdoors will help the temperature change feel less jarring. You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh air. One of the best ways to do that is by staying hydrated. Though it sounds obvious, many people feel less thirsty when exercising in the cold and don’t drink enough water. Also, moisturize regularly and protect your nostrils and lips from the wind with petroleum jelly or Carmex. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen — if skiers can get a sunburn, so can you!
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Best Tooth-Brushing Practices
Brushing your teeth — it’s become second nature by now. However, did you know that according to the American Dental Association (ADA), on average, people only brush their teeth for 45 seconds when
To properly brush your teeth:
• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
• In a back-and-forth motion, move the toothbrush in short strokes across your teeth. • Be sure to brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. • Tilt the brush vertically and make several up- and-down strokes to clean the inside surfaces of your front teeth. When it comes to which toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss to use, talk to your dentist. Always be on the lookout for the ADA seal on oral care products — this lets you know the product has met the American Dental Association’s criteria for both effectiveness and safety!You will find this seal on toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, mouth rinses, floss, irrigators, and other oral hygiene products.
it is recommended to brush for at least two minutes?
For proper oral care, the American Dental Association recommends that you:
• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The shape and size of your brush should allow you to reach all areas of your mouth easily. • Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months. If the bristles are frayed, it is recommended to replace your toothbrush sooner.
• Use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss between your teeth once a day. (Bacteria that can lead to tooth decay love to hang out and linger between your teeth where the bristles of your toothbrush aren’t able to reach.)
Happy brushing!
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
• Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary foods and beverages.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and prevention.
ROASTED PORK LOIN WITH APPLES
Inspired by MomFoodie.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! • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp cinnamon • 3 tbsp butter, softened
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 • • 4 lbs pork loin 2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp salt, divided • • 1 tsp black pepper
• 8 apples • 2 red onions • 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp brown sugar
1. In a large bowl, season pork loin with garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper, then cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 425 F. 3. Slice apples and onions, then chop garlic cloves. Season with brown sugar, olive oil, remaining salt, and cinnamon. 4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a layer of apples and onions in the pan, put pork loin on top, then place remaining apples and onions around it. 5. Break butter into small pieces and place them on the pork loin and apples. Place dish in oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to 350 F, then continue to bake for 60 minutes. 7. Remove dish and stir apples and onions. 8. Increase heat to 450 F, put dish in oven, and roast for an additional 8–10 minutes.
JOKES DAD
Which bear is the more condescending? A Pan-Duh!
What would you get if you crossed a turkey with a ghost? A poultrygeist!
Facts Tooth Fun
Thanksgiving Was Celebrated a Little Differently Years Ago! DID YOU KNOW? Years ago, Thanksgiving celebrations looked a little different! Back in 1924, the Macy’s Day Parade was only two blocks long and featured live elephants, bears, monkeys, and camels from the Central Park Zoo! Along with them were some of the floats we are used to seeing today with bands, puppets, celebrities, costumed Macy’s employees, and Santa Claus! Going way back to the first Thanksgiving in 1621, the Thanksgiving Day spread was a bit different, too! Instead of turkey and stuffing, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans enjoyed a meal that lasted three days and included local fowl, swans, deer, lobster, and even seal! It was all about what was local and available at the time!
Turkey Day Tooth Trivia
Turkey Day is near! Here are some fun Thanksgiving facts about your teeth and oral health: • Sweet potato casserole, apple pie, and red wine, oh my! Sugary Thanksgiving foods contain Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that contributes to plaque buildup and demineralization of your tooth enamel.To avoid damage to your teeth, drink water and brush your teeth after Thanksgiving dessert! • Cranberry sauce (without preservatives and added sugar), a Thanksgiving staple, is good for your teeth and can even help to“cancel out”the effects of Streptococcus mutans. • Turkey contains phosphorus, which, when combined with vitamin D and calcium, encourages tooth growth and development in kids! • Stuffing, because it is mixed with celery and carrots, contains vitamin A, which is great for your teeth!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Family Thanksgiving Traditions 2. Getting Outdoors Despite the Cold
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Roasted Pork Loin With Apples
4.
A Daily Dose of Gratitude
A Word From Cheyenne and Ashlee
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Tooth Facts
Did You Know?
Happy Thanksgiving From Elkins Dental!
HEADS UP! We'll be closed Dec. 20–Jan. 1, so call ASAP for your next reservation!
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
A DAILY DOSE OF GRATITUDE Raising Thankful Children
Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness.You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?”It’s a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but it shouldn’t be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words“thank you”takes something more. If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you should be? Do you repay favors and write thank- you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you’re so fortunate or what you’re thankful for? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show it benefits your mental health as well. Next, consider how you can encourage your child to reflect on who they’re grateful for. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into
action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand how powerful it can be to outwardly show our gratitude for the people who are in our lives. Consistency is the most crucial factor, so try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. It’s the perfect way to keep gratitude front and center. These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run.
4 | Elkins Dental
This Fall, Don’t leaf Money on the Table Remember to Use Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire …
As the holidays draw closer, we know you have a lot on your mind. During this busy time you may start to wonder, “Am I forgetting something?” We’re here to tell you YES! Every year, we have clients who don’t take full advantage of the dental benefits they pay for all year long. These benefits don’t roll over, so if you don’t use them by the end of the year, they’re gone forever. We’d hate to see that happen to you … Don’t let your smile FALL into disrepair. Take advantage of your dental benefits before it’s too late! Reservations are filling up fast, so don’t wait — give us a call today!
208-369-4532 | ElkinsDental.com
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