Great Smiles NJ - May 2020
MAY 2020
WWW.GREATSMILESNJ.COM | 908-561-0225
THE LINK BETWEEN BREATHING AND PERFORMANCE HOW YOUR DENTIST CAN HELP YOU IN THE GYM
Did you know that May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? This year, that designation feels ironic considering the worldwide shutdown of sporting events and gyms. Still, it’s important we move our bodies during social distancing, and if you’re a fitness nerd like me, then you’ve probably been counting down the days until you can get back to the gym or the dance studio. Honestly, that longing to get moving again makes National Physical Fitness and Sports Month feel more relevant than ever. In addition to home workouts and family dance- offs (a very important habit for staying sane during quarantine), one thing you can still do as an athlete is research ways to improve your performance. To help you get started, here’s the rundown on an often-missed connection:
the link between what we do in the dentist’s office and how you perform in the gym.
your airway and protect your teeth and jaw. Weightlifters often clench their teeth when hefting heavy weights, because the move can improve joint stability and help them lift more. By aligning your bite with a mouthguard (Under Armour makes good ones!), you can create a better platform for clenching. Plus, the guard will move your jaw forward and widen your airway. It’s a win-win, and it’s backed by research! In 2011, a study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association revealed wearing an ArmourBite mouthpiece improved endurance, exercise intensity, and recovery in college athletes. When you’re running, you can get similar results by moving your jaw forward, closing your lips, and breathing through your nose. When I was training for my triathlon, that technique helped me run farther and faster! Increase Your Oxygen Intake With a Turbine Nasal Dilator You can also get more air by widening your nasal passages using a Rhinomed Turbine Nasal Dilator. This little stent, which looks a bit like a nose ring, slides into your nostrils and opens up your airway while you exercise.
By now, you know how much emphasis we put on the airway and breathing here at Great Smiles. If you have a clear airway, then you’ll sleep better and get oxygen to your bloodstream more efficiently. This is great for your daily life because you’ll be better rested and more clearheaded, but it’s particularly important for sports! When you’re working out, your breathing is your performance. Oxygen is your fuel, and there are ways you can maximize your intake with the help of a dentist and some easy-to-use products. Speed Up Your Race Times With Invisalign or an Oral Appliance An oral appliance can do wonders for opening up your airway. This kind of appliance will move your lower jaw and tongue forward, opening the space and allowing more oxygen to flow! If you have a crooked bite, then getting it adjusted by an experienced dentist can boost your athletic performance, and it doesn’t need to be with an oral appliance. One of my patients, a triathlete, came to me for help with her bite, and I set her up with Invisalign. It opened up her airway so much that her running and swimming times decreased! Her swim times in particular were dramatically faster after the treatment, and she attributed that to the Invisalign. Lift Heavier Weights With a Mouthguard If your bite just needs a small adjustment, then you can use a mouthguard to open up
If you go with the clear version of the product, then it’s hardly even visible!
You can easily order a turbine nasal dilator and mouthguard online and put them to the test in your own home. If you’re worried your airway problems are more serious, then my team and I can help. Even in these crazy times, we’re still available for emergencies — and that includes helping you breathe better with oral appliances. To learn more about the treatment that’s right for you, call us at 908-561-0225.
Trish Sabater, Dr. Weddle's youngest sister, is a fitness model and architect in NYC.
Are You Stressed Out? Suffering From Headaches? You Might Be Clenching Your Teeth! Since the coronavirus pandemic began, we’ve seen a big spike in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This ache in your jaw comes from clenching your teeth and can cause headaches, interrupted sleep, and reduced immunity, which is the last thing you want in a health crisis. If you’re suffering from TMJ pain, then we can help! Call us today at 908-561-0225 to schedule emergency treatment and protect your health.
To your great smile and better health,
–Dr. Michelle Wedd le
• 1 908-561-0225
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
THE WOMAN WHO RACED 4,200 MILES IN 18 DAYS AND WON MEET CYCLING LEGEND LAEL WILCOX
Picture the distance between Oregon and Virginia on a U.S. map. Now, picture crossing that distance on a bicycle. Odds are you either can’t imagine it or you conjured up a monthslong slog, but in 2016, ultra-endurance cyclist Lael Wilcox crossed that distance in just 18 days and 10 minutes — the second- fastest time in the history of the Trans Am Bike Race. As hard as it is to believe, the 4,200 mile stretch from Astoria, Oregon, to Yorktown, Virginia, is actually a racecourse. Every June, roughly 50–100 cyclists undertake the journey, pedaling through a total of 10 states. It’s an insane obstacle course of cars, mountains, and weather events that riders go through alone, without required checkpoints or designated rest periods.
When Wilcox won the Trans Am in 2016, she became the first woman and the first American ever to do so. According to NPR, the victory came down to a combination of endurance and luck. In the final days of the race, she was in second place behind Steffan Streich when exhaustion sent him pedaling out of Bumpass, Virginia, in the wrong direction. When the two met on the road at 3 a.m., a panicked Streich turned around and sprinted neck and neck with Wilcox toward the finish. After a few miles, she pulled ahead and won. In response to those who said a woman could never win the Trans Am, Wilcox told NPR, “If you beat 'em, you beat 'em. That's what happens. And then everybody has to change the way they think." Perhaps the most impressive thing about Wilcox, even more than her 2016 win, is that she didn’t start cycling until she was 20 years old, when her boyfriend at the time gave her a bike. Since then, she’s competed all over the world, logging a total of 100,000 miles in 35 countries. When she’s isn’t racing, Wilcox encourages teenage girls to try cycling with scholarships and group events. In November 2019, she even starred in “I Just Want to Ride,” a 38-minute film following her quest to win the 2019 Tour Divide Race. To learn more about the film and what makes Wilcox tick, visit LaelWilcox.com.
A NEW OPTION TO TREAT LOWER BACK PAIN Good news for Medicare beneficiaries! In a landmark decision, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has opted to cover acupuncture treatments for those suffering MEDICARE NOW COVERS ACUPUNCTURE
College of Physicians found moderate evidence that acupuncture is effective at treating lower back pain and may be a viable option for you if other methods of pain relief aren’t working. WHAT WILL MEDICARE COVER? For those with Original Medicare (parts A and B), your plan will cover up to 12 acupuncture treatments over 90 days. These have to be administered by a licensed acupuncturist to treat chronic lower back pain. If you see noticeable improvements in your condition after your treatment, an additional eight sessions may be covered. WHAT’S THE BIG PICTURE? The CMS’ decision to cover acupuncture marks the first time Medicare has expanded to an area of alternative medicine. The decision came in response to the opioid crisis, which
has unfortunately highlighted the extremely harmful effects of painkillers on individuals and families. As more alternative medicine treatments are studied, Medicare beneficiaries faced with other forms of chronic pain may have new treatment options opened to them. If you feel that your chronic pain isn’t responding well to physical therapy alone, don’t be afraid to incorporate treatments like acupuncture in conjunction with exercises like yoga. These typically work well as a supplement to physical therapy. If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain and would like an alternative to opioids or surgery, talk to your physical therapist and see what options work with your current treatment.
from chronic lower back pain. This new treatment option opens more possibilities for those seeking pain relief and hints at more choices becoming available to beneficiaries in the future. If you’ve been wanting to try acupuncture for your chronic lower back pain, then there are some things you should know before seeking treatment. CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP? Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine, with roots as far back as 100 B.C. Today, many patients in the United States have found the treatment effective — though clinical trials have proven inconclusive. However, in 2017, guidelines published by the American
2 • WWW.GREATSMILESNJ.COM
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
UNLOCK YOUR SPICE POTENTIAL! THE TECHNIQUES BEHIND MAKING EXCELLENT INDIAN FOOD
BAGHAR/TARKA (TEMPERING) Add whole spices (cumin, cloves, cardamom, peppercorns, curry leaves, dried pepper, etc.) to oil and fry until fragrant. That’s it! The spices infuse the oil with flavor, and the roasting further develops the spice. You can temper spices at the beginning of a recipe, like a curry, before adding other ingredients, or you can stir it into a dish right at the end, like dal or stew. Every Indian household has a different version of tarka dal, which is essentially prepared lentils with a tempered oil and spice mixture stirred into it. This technique jazzes up any Indian dish, and getting creative with spice combinations is half the fun! BHUNAO (SAUTÉING AND ROASTING) In order to understand how to bhunao, you need to be familiar with masala, an Indian spice mixture that has been ground into a powder or paste. Most commonly, masalas are a combination of onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices. However, masala ingredients can
Indian food is a dream cuisine for many plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan eaters, but it can seem very intimidating to cook at home. That’s only because you may not be familiar with the cooking techniques used to make it. How do you make the most of your spices? How do you combine vegetables (and/or meat) with the spices? Here are two techniques to get your favorite Indian dishes tasting as authentic as those served at a restaurant.
vary according to region and personal preference, but you can find some version of it on the spice aisle of most grocery stores. To bhunao, start by heating oil. Then you add your masala and cook over medium-high heat. As the water in the masala evaporates, it’ll stick to the pan; use splashes of water, yogurt, or stock to loosen it and prevent burning. Do not let your masala burn! Your masala has been “bhunaoed” once it’s thick and shiny and you can see the oil has separated. Finally, add meat and vegetables and cook down to your liking. This is the most important technique for recreating Indian curries, such as tikka masala and korma. Now that you know a few Indian cooking techniques, be creative in the kitchen! When you’re not following a recipe, you can have fun and explore different flavor combinations while still knowing exactly what to do.
AVOCADO MAYONNAISE Inspired by The Kitchn
TAKE A BREAK!
Your entree is only as good as the seasonings and sauces that accompany it. We guarantee you’ll be looking for excuses to pair this vegan avocado mayonnaise with all your meals!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 ripe avocados • 1 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 cup olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor, blend
3. Turn the processor on again and slowly pour in olive oil. 4. Blend for 1 minute or until smooth.
avocados, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt for 1 minute.
2. Scrape the mixture down the sides of the bowl.
• 3 908-561-0225
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
908-561-0225 | www.greatsmilesnj.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
10 Shawnee Drive Watchung, NJ 07069
1. COVER TITLE 2. MEET THE WOMAN WHO BIKED 4,200 MILES IN 18 DAYS A NEWWAY TO TREAT LOWER BACK PAIN . H W YOUR DENTIST CAN HELP YOU IN THE GYM 3. THE SECRETS OF INDIAN FOOD AVOCADO MAYONNAISE 4. SHOULD YOU SKIP YOUR WORKOUT IF YOU’RE SICK? INSIDE THIS ISSUE
SHOULD YOU SKIP YOUR WORKOUT IF YOU DON’T FEEL WELL? WHY SOME EXERCISE IS BENEFICIAL WHEN YOU’RE SICK
Getting sick is terrible, especially if you’re trying to stick to a consistent workout routine. You may think sickness means more rest days — but in fact, depending on your symptoms, continuing to exercise could be a good thing. While it may seem like common sense to avoid exerting yourself too much when you’re feeling under the weather, the effects of exercising while you’re sick are a bit more nuanced than you think. If you’re sick and trying to decide if you should try to get a workout in, assess where you feel your symptoms. Are they only above the neck? Or are they above and below the neck? Symptoms of a head cold, such as a runny nose, a mildly sore throat, and some congestion, shouldn’t keep you from exercising. At the very worst, you might just have to cut back the intensity of your workout. If you usually go for a run, try decreasing the time of your run or going for a walk instead. There’s actually evidence that exercise can help alleviate symptoms located above the neck when you’re sick. For instance, walking and jogging can help clear up congested
nasal passages. Many runners will attest to the fact that their workout actually helps them feel better when they’re sick. There’s also evidence that yoga can boost your immune system and ease aches related to sinus issues. Saying “om” might even help too, as one study found humming could actually aid in opening clogged sinuses. If you have a fever or any type of stomach problem, however, you should skip your workout altogether. And if your workouts seem to exacerbate your sickness, take a break until the sickness subsides. That said, it’s nice to know that it takes more than a little case of the sniffles to throw off your workout routine!
4 • WWW.GREATSMILESNJ.COM
Published by The Newsletter Pro | www.TheNewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs