Take a look at our February newsletter!
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
FEBRUARY 2025
Washington’s Way THE MAN WHO SHAPED AMERICA
February is quite possibly the most American time of the year.
You may have been told at school that President Washington had wooden teeth,
This month, many days and events speak to the spirit of freedom and prosperity that has driven our great nation for centuries. They are all essential to acknowledge and celebrate, but I’d like to focus this month’s cover article on Presidents Day on Feb. 17. There’s no better way to do so than by sharing a few intriguing and little-known facts about our first president, George Washington, who rose above humble beginnings to achieve extraordinary things in life. President Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on Feb. 22, 1732. He grew up on a tobacco plantation and worked as a land surveyor as a young man. Despite being largely self-taught, he gained significant practical knowledge through his subsequent life in the military during the French and Indian War (particularly at the Battle of Fort Necessity, where he learned key strategies despite a loss on the battlefield) and his role as America’s first leader. As head of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, he applied these strategies during his daring crossing of the Delaware River on Dec. 25-26, 1776. After achieving this tremendous feat, he attacked unsuspecting German mercenaries and secured a significant victory. President Washington led our country from 1789 to 1797. He set the precedent for stepping down after two terms — a decision that amazed several people who believed he could be king if he wanted to. Instead, he earned reverence for his lack of desire to attain further power. After his time as commander in chief, he ran one of the country’s largest whiskey distilleries, producing nearly 11,000 gallons in 1799 alone. At 27, he married Martha Curtis, a widow with two children. Although the couple never had their own children, Washington dutifully served as stepfather to Martha’s offspring. In his will, he stipulated that his slaves at their residence, Mount Vernon, were to be emancipated upon Martha’s death, which was in 1802.
but that is just a common myth — as is his famous “I cannot tell a lie” story of him chopping down a cherry tree in his youth. He also never wore a wig, opting to powder his natural red hair. He was an avid dog lover who gave his animal companions interesting names, including Sweet Lips, Truelove, and Vulcan (long before “Star Trek”!) Though he oversaw the construction of the White House, he never lived there. At 6’ 2”, he struck an imposing figure matched by his notable physical strength. It is said that he could throw a rock across the Rappahannock River. On top of all that, he was also an excellent dancer! While I find these facts about President Washington deeply fascinating — and, believe me, there are countless others I don’t have space to include here — I’m most impressed by his morality. When he was 15, he was introduced to a document called “The Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” He copied down all 110 rules and would refer to them for the remainder of his life. Here are three that stand out to me: • “Speak not when others speak, sit not when others stand, speak not when you should hold your own peace, walk not when others stop.” • “Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ’tis better to be alone than in bad company.” • “Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.”
George Washington is a great role model for all of us to look up to, especially in these times of friction on Capitol Hill and across the country. I urge you to learn about him beyond what I’ve shared here. His life was an inspiration!
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EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES
While some people are out at the gym, others are busy hitting the hay, thanks to the latest relaxation trends. Bed-rotting is Gen Z’s favorite new form of cozy self-care, encouraging you to embrace your inner sloth and indulge in professional-level pillow time. Designed to banish burnout, this drowsy routine is about getting under the covers in luxurious pajamas to lounge the day away. But before you hurry to catch some z’s with this sleep-core strategy, ensure you know the safe way to stay in bed for hours. REST ASSURED Bed-rotting and other sleep-centric forms of stress reduction can work wonders on your energy and well-being. Small doses, like naps or snooze-free lounging, can help calm your body and mind down. In our busy lives, it can be easy to feel guilty about doing nothing, but that leads to burnout and fatigue. With this new focus on sleepy self-care, everyone from high-powered professionals to homework-heavy college students has a free pass to lounge in bed without feeling lazy. Just remember to limit your bed-rotting sessions so you don’t disrupt your sleep patterns or trigger your brain to associate bed with non-sleep activities like watching movies or playing games. How ‘Bed-Rotting’ Is Redefining Relaxation
ROT IN STYLE Enhancing your bed-rotting routine can turn your sleep-core activities into a dream come true. As you curl up in bed to spend hours snacking, scrolling through social media, or watching your favorite shows, be intentional. Set a timer for when it’s time to get up and try another relaxation technique like yoga or a walk. Create a cozy environment with soft pillows, warm blankets, and relaxing fragrances from a lovely scented candle. Consider wearing a facial mask or investing in new silk pajamas to enhance your comfort levels. Bed rotting is the guilt-free way to lounge your troubles away and wake up refreshed. So, if you dream of a self-care routine that’s as comfy as it is relaxing, slip into your jammies and rest up!
Carmen’s Carefree Cosmetic Change EYE SURGERY WITH EASE
“About three years ago, I noticed that my upper eyelids were drooping following cataract surgery, which my ophthalmologist cautioned could be a side effect of the procedure. Although the drooping didn’t affect my eyesight, it bothered me every time I looked in the mirror. One day, I decided it was time to make my eyes look better, and my ophthalmologist referred me to Dr. Scott at Eye Plastic Associates. “Dr. Scott is a warm man who instantly made me feel at ease. Before long, I was scheduled for surgery. To be honest, I was scared to go through with it and almost changed my mind, but three friends of mine — who were also Dr. Scott’s patients and had undergone the surgery — reassured me that everything would go well. Once at the hospital, I closed my eyes and thought of positive things. “There was no need for me to worry. Since having the surgery last September, I couldn’t be happier with how my eyes look. I’m so happy I went through with it. Although I took a couple of Tylenol the evening after
surgery just to be on the safe side, I didn’t experience a moment of pain throughout the healing process. I followed Dr. Scott’s recommendations for taking care of myself, and I was out and about in public with greater confidence in about a week. “Dr. Scott is kind and friendly, and his staff are very nice. The staff at the hospital where I received the surgery were lovely as well. I recommend him to anyone who has droopy eyelids. I would also tell them not to be afraid of having surgery, as it is an easy process that will help them look better and feel more confident in their appearance.
“My friends were right — Dr. Scott is excellent!”
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Skin is the largest organ in the human body, so it’s important to treat it well. As we age, our skin typically doesn’t maintain the fresh glow it had when we were younger. Everything from sun and age spots to fine lines and wrinkles can give our skin a less-than-desirable appearance. Thankfully, chemical peels can rejuvenate our looks in refreshing and attractive ways. Chemical peels improve the generalized appearance of facial skin by penetrating the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and part of the dermis (the middle layer), causing the epidermis to shed within three to five days. The process stimulates our bodies to produce new proteins, collagen, and elastin fibers to help reduce lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and hydration by adding a brand-new layer of skin with few pigmentary changes. This new skin typically appears within the first week following a peel. Eye Plastic Associates administers a medium-strength VI Peel containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA), phenol, and salicylic acid. Since these substances are not used at high levels, patients often experience a rapid recovery. VI Peels also include vitamin C and tretinoin to promote brighter-looking skin. Although chemical peels have many benefits, it’s important to note they are not cure-alls. A VI Peel is neither an anti-cancer treatment nor effective for treating deep lines or sagging skin. People who scar easily, have active skin infections, severe eczema, or psoriasis are not good candidates for a VI Peel, while patients with darker skin or various dark spots may be at risk of hyperpigmentation after a peel. How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions THE CHARM OF CHEMICAL TREATMENTS PEEL POWER
Under the right circumstances, a chemical peel is a safe and effective way to give your skin a refreshing and healthy glow. Please contact us today to determine whether a VI Peel is right for you.
Vegan Greek Sheet Pan Dinner
Inspired by ItDoesntTasteLikeChicken.com
INGREDIENTS Seasoning: • 3 tbsp olive oil •
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients, stir, and set aside. 2. Spread tofu, zucchini, pepper, onion, and tomatoes on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle seasoning over top and mix with your hands until everything is well coated. 3. Bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until everything is golden brown. Remove from the oven, then sprinkle with olives and vegan feta. 4. Serve with cooked rice, warm pita bread, vegan tzatziki, hummus, or chopped parsley.
1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tbsp) 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us six referrals this month!
• • • • • •
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
“Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person’s own mind, than on the externals in the world.” –George Washington
Veggies and Tofu: •
1 block extra-firm tofu, drained and diced 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• • • • • •
1 bell pepper (any color), sliced 1 medium red onion, sliced 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives 1/4 cup vegan feta, crumbled
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
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Fascinating Facts About Our First President
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Snooze Your Way to Self-Care
A Smooth Surgical Success
Help for a Healthy Glow
Vegan Greek Sheet Pan Dinner
The Unsolved Mystery of the Exploding Teeth
DENTAL DETONATIONS FROM THE PAST The Bizarre History of the Bursting Teeth
People love unsolved mysteries, as shown by the steady stream of new podcasts and TV shows about cold cases. Now, to the annals of mysteries like “Who invented Bitcoin?” or “What really happened to Amelia Earhart?” add this riddle for the ages:
woman reported that one of her canine teeth spontaneously split open with “a sudden sharp report,” again leading to instant relief, the article said.
Correspondence published in the British Dental Journal told of similar cases, including one recorded in 1871 by a different American dentist. He reported treating a woman whose molar “bursted (sic) with a concussion and report that well-nigh knocked her over” with a sound loud enough to deafen her for a few days, the correspondence said. The cause of these dental detonations isn’t clear. The Pennsylvania dentist who reported the three initial cases suspected that a buildup of gas within the teeth may have triggered the eruptions, but modern experts say that notion arises from a misunderstanding of what causes tooth decay at that time. Some suggest that a mixture of metals in dental fillings may have caused a buildup of pressure, but there is little evidence to support that hunch. Or, the patients may simply have been exaggerating their symptoms.
What caused the mystery of the exploding teeth?
About a half dozen times during the 19th century, people were beset by agonizing dental pain followed by an explosion of a tooth, according to scientific journal articles reported by the BBC. In the first case, a clergyman in 1817 reported an ache in a canine tooth so intense as to drive him wild, according to a Pennsylvania dentist’s journal article. The reverend ran around trying to escape the pain, drilling his head into the ground and immersing it in a cold spring, to no avail. “All at once, a sharp crack, like a pistol shot, burst his tooth to fragments, giving him instant relief,” the article said. In another case, a woman a few miles away suffered severe pain in a tooth that ended “by bursting with report, giving immediate relief,” the dentist wrote. In a third case, in 1855, a
But without other explanations, the mystery of the exploding teeth remains unsolved.
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