Take a look at our August 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 | AUGUST 2023
ARE YOU SCHEDULING TIME FOR YOURSELF? FREE DAYS ARE VITAL TO YOUR WELL-BEING
Do you have interests in your life you want to pursue but can’t because of other commitments? Maybe you want to read a couple of books, carve out more time for self-care, or try a hobby or activity you’ve always wanted to do but couldn’t find the time to complete it. I understand how challenging it can be to take time out of your busy schedule to do something “just because” you want to do it — I struggle with it, too! With school starting back up, you may have your hands full with your children’s busy school schedule and extracurricular activities. You’ll have to balance it with your personal and professional life and any family activities you and your loved ones want to participate in — that’s a lot of hats to wear! How do you find the time for things you want to do “just because”? For those who know me, it’s no surprise that I am an on-the-go person. I don’t like to sit still — doing things just because I want to doesn’t come naturally to me. However, I understand the importance of it! It’s challenging for me to prioritize fun activities I want to do when there’s something I could be doing at the office or with my family. But it’s important to understand that carving out time for yourself is vital! In my daily life, I’m busy running a business, raising a young family, volunteering in my community, and completing church obligations. While it’s difficult to slow down and do things I want to do “just because,” I will make time to add those to my routine. Now, I need to mention that all my responsibilities are enjoyable because I want to do them. However, there are things I want to do that don’t have a specific reason — my “just because” activities. For example, I love spending a few hours curling up with a book or going on a long hike. Because these activities add value to my life, it’s crucial for me to carve out time when I can. I began prioritizing things I want to do “just because” after reading one of Dan Sullivan’s books — he’s one of my favorite authors. He coaches many business people on the importance of scheduling free days where you don’t plan anything you must do. The only things on your calendar should be items you want to do for fun. Our calendars can fill up with other tasks and responsibilities rather quickly. If you’re always on the
go and fulfilling requirements, you could get burnt out and lack the productivity you need. This is why having free days to do anything you want is so crucial! It can inspire you, help you grow, and refresh your mind and body so when you return to the things you’re required to do, you’re more appreciative. While there are times I want to be alone to read, go hiking, or decompress, most of my free days are spent with my family. Everything I do is for them, and I love spending as much time as possible with the ones I love. Sometimes, we will try a new restaurant, play catch in the backyard, or go on a day or weekend trip together when I have these free days. I encourage you to carve out time to do things you want to do “just because.” You will be surprised by the amazing benefits. And remember, taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you aren’t productive — while it may not be for your job or family, you’re being productive by bettering your mental and physical health.
Now, I have to know. What activities will you be doing “just because”?
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Are You Properly Brushing Your Teeth?
WITH THE EVERY KID OUTDOORS PROGRAM What if your child could hike through the Redwoods in California, chase waterfalls in Yosemite, get up close and personal with bison in Yellowstone, and go whale watching in Olympic National Park — all for free ? In 2019, President Trump signed the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act into law, which supplied funding for the Every Kid Outdoors program (formerly known as Every Kid in a Park) for the following seven years. With one special pass, all fourth graders in the U.S. can explore spectacular areas in our nation while creating unforgettable experiences and lifelong connections to nature. The Every Kid Outdoors program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It ensures every child, along with their siblings and up to three adults (or a car full of people who want to tag along), has the opportunity to explore some of America’s most beautiful landscapes and wildlife. To sign up and get traveling, all a fourth grader needs to do is complete an adventure diary at EveryKidOutdoors.gov and download a voucher. A teacher may also get passes for their entire class. A pass is good for multiple uses in different national parks around the U.S. for an entire year and must be printed and presented in person, as electronic copies are not accepted. The pass expires on Aug. 31, 2023, but you can sign up for the 2023-2024 pass starting Sept. 1, 2023! Not only does nature make a fantastic classroom, but exploring and gaining an appreciation for our national parks is also fascinating. Kindle your fourth grader’s love for nature and help them get out and explore today with an Every Kid Outdoors voucher. Geysers, canyons, waterfalls, forests, and deserts await! LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS AND TAKE ONLY PICTURES
One of the most important things you should do to maintain good oral health is brush your teeth twice daily. But did you know that making some simple yet common mistakes while brushing your teeth can actually negatively impact your oral health?
Here are four brushing mistakes you want to avoid.
SCRUBBING YOUR TEETH TOO HARD Some people will scrub their teeth like they’re cleaning the gunk off a kitchen countertop. Unlike the counter, your teeth do not require much pressure! If you’re brushing too hard, you can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause your gums to recede. If you’re wondering if you’re a hard brusher, look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are frayed, you’re brushing too hard! USING A TOOTHBRUSH WITH STIFF BRISTLES When you walk down the toothbrush aisle, you’ll see an overwhelming selection to pick from. To help narrow your choices, you want a toothbrush with soft bristles, as they will bend more easily to clean under the gum line. Hard bristles can wear away at your enamel, which can never be replaced.
KEEPING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH FOR TOO LONG According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, you should replace manual
toothbrushes or electric brush heads every 3–4 months. When you have worn bristles, the ends of the strands are more abrasive, which can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue. Old
toothbrushes can also collect bacteria and contain fungus, mold, and other microorganisms
that negatively impact oral health.
NOT BRUSHING LONG ENOUGH The Journal of Dental Hygiene stated that most people brush their teeth for 45 seconds. But the recommended time you should spend brushing is two minutes. If you can brush for two minutes, you can remove around 26% of the plaque on your teeth. You also want to ensure you’re brushing the five surfaces on each of your teeth: front, back, top (the chewing surface), and the mesial (sides that touch your other teeth). These are mistakes many of us have made, and that’s okay! You have time to develop better oral health habits, and we can help you along your journey! Please call us if you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions or concerns.
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SUMMER FUN WITHOUT THE BURN
DON’T LET THE BUGS BITE SUMMER TIPS FOR INSECT-FREE FUN!
August is the last full month of summer, which means bugs are at their pesky peak. If you and your family love to get outside in the summertime, protecting your family from bug bites is about more than their itchy aftermath. Bugs can carry many diseases that put you, your family, and your pets at risk. For example, mosquitoes and ticks can transmit the West Nile virus, while ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and much more — including causing alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. So, if you and your family find yourselves outside this summer, here are some tips to keep those creepy-crawlies at bay. COVER UP! One of the most straightforward ways to ensure no one gets bitten by a bug is to cover any
exposed skin when outside. If you can, wear long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes, especially when hiking or camping. And if you can, tuck your pants into your socks or shoes to prohibit anything from crawling up your legs. CHOOSE YOUR OUTDOOR TIME WISELY. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late evening, so avoid going outside during dawn or dusk if possible. USE INSECT REPELLENTS. One of the most effective ways to keep bugs from biting is to use some form of bug repellent. Today, many people opt for non-spray repellent alternatives like repellent patches, wristbands, or clip-ons, many of which work great.
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Lemon-eucalyptus oil
Citronella oil (combined with thyme for ticks)
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Picaridin
Diethyltoluamide (DEET)
GET RID OF ANY STANDING WATER NEAR YOUR HOUSE. Mosquitoes use stagnant water to lay their eggs, so any filled buckets, partially filled kiddie pools, broken fountains, or even discarded toys that have collected water can all attract mosquitoes to your yard. Routinely check your yard and dump out any water you find. Lastly, be sure to thoroughly check for bugs on both your family and your pets before ever setting foot inside!
The type of repellent isn’t as important as whether it contains one of these main ingredients:
Tomato Gnocchi Kebabs
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS ARE THERE PENGUINS AT THE NORTH POLE? While we may see these aquatic, flightless birds in Christmas movies and on Christmas cards, you won’t find them in Santa’s city, the North Pole! Penguins can only be found on continents and islands in the Southern Hemisphere. WHO WERE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO USE MONEY? Today, using money is the norm! But it wasn’t always like that. According to Herodotus, a Greek historian, the Lydians (an empire in southwestern Asia) were the first civilization to use gold and silver coins around 650-600 B.C. WHY DO BIRDS BOB THEIR HEADS WHEN THEY WALK? If you’ve ever seen a bird walk around, you may have noticed that its head bobs with each step it takes. It’s not by accident or random! Most studies suggest that birds do this to stabilize their visual surroundings. WHO NAMED THE DWARF PLANET PLUTO? An 11-year-old girl named Venetia Burney was very interested in ancient mythology. She suggested the name Pluto for the planet to match the Roman names of the other planets. Her grandfather was friends with several astronomers and suggested the name to them — the rest is history!
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
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1/4 cup fresh parsley 1/4 cup fresh basil 1/4 cup and 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1. In a food processor, combine parsley, basil, 1/4 cup oil, capers, lemon juice, and garlic to make salsa verde. Blend until smooth, season to taste with salt, and chill until ready to serve. 2. If using bamboo skewers, soak in water to prevent scorching. 3. In a large bowl, toss gnocchi, tomatoes, onions, and remaining oil until coated. Season with salt and pepper, then thread gnocchi, tomatoes, and onions onto the skewers. 4. On a grill preheated to medium-high, cook the kebabs, flipping halfway through, until the tomatoes are blistered and the gnocchi is browned (7–8 minutes). 5. Transfer kebabs to a platter, drizzle with salsa verde, and serve.
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2 tsp capers
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 clove garlic Kosher salt
1 12-oz package fresh gnocchi
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2 pints cherry tomatoes
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2 small red onions, cut into 2-inch pieces Freshly ground black pepper
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Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
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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
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
What Are Your ‘Just Because’ Activities?
Get Your 4th Grader a Free National Parks Pass
Don’t Make These Toothbrushing Mistakes!
3
Keep Those Pesky Pests Away
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Tomato Gnocchi Kebabs
4
Don’t Miss This FREE Event!
WHAT’S GOING ON, CINCINNATI? 3 End-of-Summer Events for the Family!
Although summer may be ending and the kids will be returning to school, you can still do tons of great activities to celebrate the rest of the season! Here are some of our favorites.
CINCINNATI STREETCAR FOOD TOUR Aug. 1–Dec. 30 155 Second Street East RiversideFoodTours.com/tours/streetcar If you love food, sightseeing, and learning more about our wonderful city, attending the Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour is a must! Immerse yourself in the history and cuisine of the city by venturing to six different restaurants where you will get a chance to taste a variety of mouth-watering foods. During your trip, your tour guide will share our city’s history, entertaining stories, and even photos of the old Queen City. You will also see well-known landmarks such as Aronoff Center, Music Hall, Washington Park, and Findlay Market.
CINCINNATI REDS Great American Ball Park 100 Joe Nuxhall Way MLB.com/reds/schedule/2023-08
JAZZ AT THE PARK Aug. 14–Oct. 30 Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street WashingtonPark.org/series/jazz-at-the-park-2 Do you want a fun, inexpensive way to experience and discover local jazz musicians? Then you don’t want to miss Jazz at the Park! Starting at 6 p.m., Washington Park will host a local or regional jazz act for you to listen to. During the event, you can just relax and enjoy the music or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. The best part of all, this FREE event will take place every Monday night until Oct. 30, 2023!
Nothing says summer like going to the ballpark, eating Cracker Jack, and rooting for the home team! You can attend several home Cincinnati Reds games this month and in the future. Every home game has different activities you and your family can participate in. For example, there are sticker sheets for your kids to play with, crossbody bags and bobbleheads you can win, and fireworks you can watch after Friday night home games! So, before the summer ends, we encourage you and your family to cheer on the Cincinnati Reds during one of their home games!
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