Take a look at our September newsletter!
THE
BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2025
THE HIDDEN FORCE BEHIND EVERY LEAP OF FAITH ENCOURAGEMENT BUILT MY CAREER AND IT’S STILL MY SECRET TO SUCCESS When I think about National Day of Encouragement on Sept. 12, I can’t help but feel grateful for the countless ways encouragement has shaped my life and my career through every up and most definitely every down. Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Most people don’t know this, but I didn’t get into dental school on my first try. I had the right grades and the right test scores, and I’d spent all the money to apply and interview at various schools throughout the U.S. But for some reason, it didn’t happen. That was a tough blow. I watched some of my classmates get into their programs, and it was humbling and discouraging initially that my plan wasn’t working out. But my wife, steady and supportive as always, encouraged me to stay the course and try again. Other friends and family equally encouraged me to keep trying. So, I did. I enrolled in a one-year master’s program, worked harder than ever, and applied again. This time, I got in, and I can tell you that acceptance letter felt even sweeter because I knew how many people had helped push me through. Dental school itself wasn’t exactly a cakewalk, either. If you know anyone who’s been through it, or medical school, for that matter, you’ve probably heard about the dreaded second year. It’s designed to push you to your limits. Thankfully, I wasn’t facing it alone. My wife and I were already married by then, and she spent her evenings making flashcards for me and helping me study. It wasn’t just me pulling through; it was both of us, plus the support of classmates, professors, family, and even people from our church community.
had supporters all around. My wife’s grandparents even traveled across the country (by train, no less) to help care for our daughters during the practice’s early days. Their presence, their belief in us, gave us the boost we needed to push through. Encouragement isn’t just something I’ve lived, but also something I try to pass on, whether cheering on a patient or being the voice of calm and reassurance to my own kids. One recent moment really sticks with me: We were at a big indoor waterpark, and my 6-year-old was terrified to go down a waterslide. He was in tears at the top of the stairs, too scared to try it. My wife gently encouraged him without pressure, just reassurance that he could do it if he were ready, and that we knew he’d love it. He went down the slide, loved it, and soon after wanted to show me he could do it again. By the end of the day, he proudly did it entirely on his own, carrying his tube all the way up and coming down with the biggest grin I’ve ever seen. That’s what encouragement does. It doesn’t erase fear or fix everything overnight. It’s about walking with people through the hard parts until they’re ready to take the leap themselves. I’ve been on the receiving end of that countless times. And every time I watch my kids do something they thought they couldn’t, I’m reminded how powerful a little encouragement can be.
Encouragement changes lives. It certainly changed mine.
Even starting our practice came with doubts. People warned me not to go out on my own right away; that I needed more experience first. But we
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LEAF LOVERS WELCOME There’s something special about getting outdoors and hiking this time of year. The air is crisp, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and the trees show off their fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking to enjoy leaf-peeping and fresh air, fall is the ultimate season to hit the trails. And the U.S. is brimming with stunning places to do just that. ASPEN, COLORADO Come September, the mountainsides come alive with beautiful golden aspen leaves, hence the name! Hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail or Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offer beautiful views of alpine lakes with gorgeous foliage and snow-dusted peaks. Just be sure to bring layers — mountain weather can be moody! ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE If you want coastal charm mixed with fall colors, Acadia National Park delivers. Right along Maine’s gorgeous coastline, this park is full of color and stunning ocean views — a rare combination! GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA The Smoky Mountains are a fall favorite known for their endless ridgelines and misty valleys. Mid-to-late October is peak foliage season, especially along trails like Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON If you’re looking for some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ve ever seen, the Columbia River Gorge is the spot! Trails like Multnomah Falls or Eagle Creek offer pretty fall colors, mossy cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem for fall hiking. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For something gentler, the Stony Man Trail is perfect for families and still offers breathtaking scenery. With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a fall favorite on the East Coast. The Ultimate Fall Hiking Bucket List
HEALTHY LUNCHBOX HEROES FOR A BRIGHT BACK-TO-SCHOOL SMILE CRUNCH, MUNCH, AND SMILE!
As autumn rolls in and school routines settle back into place, it’s the perfect time to rethink those lunchboxes and after-school snacks. And no, there’s no need to set aside hours of prep time! Tooth-friendly snacks don’t have to be boring or complicated. With a little creativity, you can pack fun, nutritious options that keep kids’ smiles bright and bellies full. CRUNCHY BITES THAT CLEAN WHILE THEY SNACK Crunchy, water-rich foods are nature’s toothbrushes! They help scrub away plaque and food particles while boosting saliva production to rinse bacteria away naturally. Try these simple picks paired with hummus or nut butter: • Carrot sticks for a boost of vitamin A and enamel protection • Apple slices to naturally clean teeth and freshen breath • Cucumber rounds for a refreshing, low-sugar crunch • Celery sticks for fiber-packed, plaque-fighting fun
Let your kids get involved by picking out colorful veggies at the store. Trust us, they’ll be more excited to munch on their choices!
DAIRY DELIGHTS THAT STRENGTHEN SMILES Dairy is packed with calcium and phosphates, which strengthen tooth enamel and balance acids in the mouth. Try these simple options:
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Cubes of cheddar or mozzarella
Smooth, unsweetened yogurt in easy-to-pack tubes
Milk or fortified plant-based options
Pair cheese cubes with whole-grain crackers for a filling snack that’s good for their teeth and tummies.
WHOLESOME TREATS THEY’LL ACTUALLY WANT TO EAT Make lunchtime fun with playful twists on nutritious snacks:
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Fruit kabobs with strawberries, grapes, kiwi, and apple
• Fun sandwiches made with whole-grain bread, filled with lean turkey and cheese, and cut into silly shapes using cookie cutters • Sweet potato fries baked until crispy for a vitamin A boost
These snacks aren’t just delicious but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and tooth-loving nutrients.
KEEP THOSE SMILES SPARKLING YEAR-ROUND Healthy snacking is just one piece of the puzzle! Don’t forget to schedule your child’s end-of-year dental visit to keep their smile bright and cavity- free as the holidays approach. Our team is here to help their dental health stay on track all year long!
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Let Your Kids Run the Show (With a Few Rules!) ‘YES DAY’ MAGIC
LET THE KIDS TAKE THE LEAD. One of the best parts of a Yes Day is watching your kids light up as they brainstorm what they want to do. Encourage them to write down a list of ideas in advance. You might be surprised — many kids don’t ask for wild,
Imagine a day when your kids get to call the shots. Ice cream for breakfast? Sure. Pajamas all day? Why not. That’s the magic of a “Yes Day” — a full 24 hours where the answer to (almost) every request is a “YES!” It’s a chance to say goodbye to the daily “No, no, no!” and “Maybe later” and embrace spontaneity, laughter, and connection. But let’s be real: Without a few guidelines, a Yes Day would spiral into pure chaos. That’s why setting a few ground rules ahead of time can turn this fun tradition into a memory-making success for everyone. START WITH CLEAR GUIDELINES. Before the big day, sit down as a family and lay out the ground rules. Think of them as your Yes Day boundaries — they keep things fun and manageable. Common ones include:
expensive things. They just want uninterrupted time with their parents, whether it’s building a fort, going to the park, or baking cookies together.
KEEP IT SIMPLE AND SATISFYING. A successful Yes Day doesn’t have to break the bank or wear everyone out. The joy comes from the freedom to choose and the feeling of being heard. You can cap the day with a movie marathon, a backyard campout, or letting your kids pick dinner (yes, even if it’s cereal and snacks). MAKE IT A TRADITION. Yes Days are more than a treat; they’re a relationship builder. When kids feel seen and empowered, it deepens trust and creates moments you’ll all remember.
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The requests must be safe.
Everything must stay within budget.
• All activities need to happen locally (or within a certain radius). • Everyone has to participate (no solo fun unless it’s reasonable).
This sets the tone for creative, collaborative planning while avoiding unreasonable asks like “Let’s fly to Paris!”
So, go ahead! Pick a day, set some ground rules, and get ready to say “yes” to the joy that only comes when you let go.
SCRUMPTIOUS VEGAN BROWNIES
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS
WHO INVENTED BREAKFAST CEREAL? In 1863, doctor, health advocate, and sanatorium owner James Caleb Jackson created the first cold breakfast cereal, which he named “Granula.” While this so-called cure for illness was not a hit, fellow sanatorium owner John Harvey Kellogg and his entrepreneur brother William Kellogg found commercial success with their own version, “Granola.” HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO YOU LOSE WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY? A recent study found that 7 out of 10 parents lose around three hours of sleep every night in the first year. That means by the time it’s baby’s first birthday, parents have likely given up a total of 133 nights worth of sleep! WHY ARE U.S. BILLS GREEN? American currency first became green in the 1860s to prevent being mistaken for counterfeit money, as photographic knockoffs could only be printed in black and white at the time. Then, in 1929, when all paper money was printed smaller to cut down on manufacturing costs, the smaller bills were continued to be printed in green ink as the U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving determined that green ink was abundant and represented stability.
INGREDIENTS • 2 cups flour • 2 cups sugar
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and spray a 9x13-inch pan with non-stick spray. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. • 3/4 cup cocoa powder • 1 tsp baking powder • 3/4 tsp salt • 1 cup hot water • 1/2 cup coconut or avocado oil • 2 tsp vanilla
3. Add hot water, oil, and vanilla. 4. Mix until well combined. Spread evenly into the pan. 5. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is no longer shiny. 6. Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Inspired by BakingYouHappier.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
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The Power of a Nudge: How Encouragement Changed Dr. Brooks’ Life
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5 Stunning Fall Hikes to Take This Season
A+ Lunch Ideas for Healthy Teeth This School Year
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Let the Kids Take Over (Sort Of)
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Scrumptious Vegan Brownies
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Hello, September! The Month That Mixes Heart With History
A MONTH OF MILESTONES, MEANING, AND MAKING MEMORIES SEPTEMBER THROUGH TIME
MOMENTS THAT MADE HISTORY September has always had a flair for making headlines. On Sept. 3, 1833, The New York Sun hit the streets, marking the birth of the “penny press” and sidewalk newspaper
As the long days of summer gently give way to crisp air and golden afternoons, September steps in with a charm all its own. It’s the month of shifting seasons, a time for both reflection and celebration, and believe it or not, there’s a lot more to this cozy, leaf-kissed month than pumpkin spice and back-to-school shopping. WHERE PEACE, PLAY, AND PURPOSE COLLIDE Midway through the month, September asks us to pause and breathe. Sept. 21, the International Day of Peace, calls on people worldwide to reflect on what unity means, whether it’s through community service, moments of silence, or simply choosing kindness over conflict. It’s a time to remember that peace starts small, often with us. But it’s not all quiet reflection, this month is packed with playfulness, too. Sept. 11 brings Hug Your Hound Day, a full-throttle excuse to smother your loyal pup with affection (and maybe a few extra treats). Then there’s Sept. 13, Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day, inviting young chefs to stir up creativity. It’s messy, chaotic, and most likely a sugar-filled feast.
boys, a turning point in how stories reached the people. That same day in 1838, Frederick Douglass took the first steps of a brave journey to freedom, disguised as a sailor and determined to chart a new life in the free city of Philadelphia and then on to New York City. A few decades later, steel tracks met sky on Sept. 8, 1883, when the Northern Pacific Railroad linked East and West in a single, stunning sweep. On Sept. 19, 1893, New Zealand broke barriers by becoming the first nation to give women the right to vote, a quiet revolution that changed the course of history. In September, everything softens: the light, the pace, even the air. It’s a month that offers both a deep exhale and a gentle nudge forward, a perfect time to reset, reach out, and relish the little things.
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