Check out our September newsletter!
Family Connection OFFICE MANAGER DONNA TAN CELEBRATES NEARLY 3 DECADES WITH OUR PRACTICE
WOO’S NEWS SEPTEMBER 2019 mybestdentalcare.com
Dr. Kenneth Woo, his wife Lisa, and their family were some of the first people my family met when we moved to
America. My grandfather, David Tom, has known Dr. Woo for over 40 years! I was born in China, and my
17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240.683.3833 3704 Perry Ave Kensington, MD 20895 301.933.1833 2 Locations
family lived there until I was 11 years old. Dr. Woo became like a father figure to me, and my family and I are forever grateful for the Woo family’s support, their friendship, and the opportunities they have afforded us since we made the U.S. our home. On Dec. 7, 1991, I began working for Dr. Woo’s dental practice part time. I was still a student in college, so I would work after my classes. I was actually ushered into this role by my sister, who had previously interviewed for the position. The job wasn’t a good fit for her, but she thought I would be the perfect match, saying, “You’re more of a talker than I am.” (Sometimes sisters just know!) I soon became very comfortable with the practice and the flexibility it gave me. I was still able to continue playing volleyball, enjoy college life, and study without having to worry about job expectations. I worked hard, of course, but when you mesh so easily into a position at a company, it hardly ever feels like work! When I graduated, Dr. Woo offered me a full-time position with the dental practice, and today, I serve as the senior office manager for Woo Wang Dental.
and Cantonese, and I also know Taishanese, which is more of a village dialect. I use these languages frequently at the office and with our Chinese-speaking patients, and while I love the home and family I’ve created here in the U.S., maintaining that connection with my Chinese culture is special to me. I’m incredibly grateful that Dr. Woo took a chance on me. I am honored to represent his practice and glad our bond has only grown stronger. Patients even joke that I’m Dr. Kenneth Woo’s voice! Patients will know that he’s a direct, quiet person, and after nearly 30 years in a professional setting together, I’ve learned a thing or two about what he has to say. The growth his practice has seen in recent years has been very exciting, as well. I know Dr. Edmond Woo and Dr. Hokai Wang want what’s best for the practice Dr. Kenneth Woo has built, and as someone who considers the Woos her family, I am thrilled for the next chapter in their practice. And when I say the Woo family is like my own family, I’m not exaggerating! Our families remain close to this day, and my three boys think of Dr. Kenneth Woo like their grandfather. I’ll forever be grateful for the Woo family. Hopefully, I will remain the voice of Woo Wang Dental.
Even today, my job never feels like work. Each day has its challenges, but I have learned how to adapt to each staff member's and patient's personalities. But I love what I do, and we get to help our patients change their lives and boost their confidence. One of my favorite parts of the job is that I’m able to practice the Chinese I learned as a young child. I speak Mandarin
(I guess my younger sister was right!)
–Donna Tan
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Keeping the Kids in Tiptop Shape
For National School Backpack Awareness Day
The One-Arm Sling Many students like to wear their packs with only one strap over a shoulder if they’re in a rush. However, this can cause poor posture, pain, or injury, especially if the backpack is too heavy. Using both shoulder straps on the pack helps distribute weight evenly across the back, minimizing potential health problems. Using Shoulder Straps Correctly A backpack that sits too low on a person's back can imbalance someone, forcing them to lean forward or backward to adjust, and cause back pain. Adjust the straps of the pack so it sits at least 2 inches above the hips and just below the shoulders, centered on a person's back. Using a chest and waist strap will also help keep the pack close and secure to your body. These measures don’t only apply to students returning to school. Whether your family is planning a camping trip, hike, or a bike ride, knowing the proper way to wear a backpack will help your family avoid back pain or even injury!
September is the first full month of the new school year for most students, and they’re likely to be armed with all the school
supplies they could ever need! With everything required of them, kids need a way to carry their supplies to and from school. The most common means of transporting supplies is a backpack, and knowing how to
manage a heavy backpack full of school supplies is vital. Sept. 18 is National School Backpack Awareness Day, and it’s the perfect time to take a look at how backpacks can affect a child's physical health.
Far Too Heavy Students have a lot to carry around, and it’s essential to
distribute that weight evenly and not overpack. Heavier items, such as textbooks or binders, should be centered and placed in the bigger back pockets and lighter items stored in the front pockets. According to the Ameritech College of Healthcare, the total weight of the backpack should not be more than 10% of a person's weight.
3 Apps to Keep the Whole Family Organized This School Year DIGITAL ASSISTANCE
School is back in session. While some parents may be overjoyed at the idea of getting their children back into a routine, others may worry about the havoc an onslaught of events, scheduling, work, and chores will wreak on their family. Get organized and stay on top of the family routine with these apps.
that color. Monitor how many practices your little linebacker has this week, and check in on your daughter’s study- group assignments without having to pressure them for answers.
BRAINSCAPE
Flashcards are a student staple, and Brainscape is making this technique easier than ever. Brainscape is a flashcard platform that utilizes algorithms developed at Columbia University to optimize a user’s memorization and learning. The app allows users to create their own study materials on flashcards, study using those cards, and utilize ready- made cards right from the app. Practice a few SAT words while waiting for dance practice to start, or master sixth-grade vocabulary as the family drives to a celebratory birthday dinner. The best part about Brainscape is you can use it anywhere you take your phone.
LIFE360
There’s nothing a teenager looks forward to more than the day they get their driver’s license, but you may dread the day they hop behind the wheel. Push those fears aside with the help of Life360. This app gathers family members together in an inner circle. Every user can track each member of their inner circle, monitor the battery life of their phones, and track their driving speeds. Using GPS monitoring and notifications, parents will be notified when their teens arrive at their location. In addition, the app is connected to roadside assistance, so you won’t have to worry about your child getting stranded on the side of the highway.
OURHOME
Your family’s organization technique just got a whole lot cuter. OurHome is an interactive scheduler, task list, chore chart, and calendar rolled into one. Each member of your family is assigned an adorable icon and color, and their activities, to-do lists, and chores will be highlighted in
Don’t fall into a school-year funk. Instead, download these apps to start the year off right!
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SUDOKU (SOLUTION ON PG. 4)
Eat for Your Teeth!
Maintaining a healthy diet won’t just benefit
your waistline; your teeth will profit from it, too! Just like any other part of your body, your teeth
need powerful nutrients to make them stronger and build a defense against the foods that aren’t as great for your mouth. Pack these foods for your next snack, and enjoy a healthier smile.
SNACK ON THESE TEETH- FRIENDLY FOODS
SO CHEESY
Classic Apple Crisp
If anything, this is just another excuse to eat cheese. But in all seriousness, consuming more dairy can do wonders for your teeth. First of all, the composition of dairy products and their high calcium content strengthen your chompers. (While teeth aren’t bones, their composition is similar.) Secondly, cheese can serve as a toothbrush of sorts, rubbing away the foods that get stuck there as you chew. As long as you select low-sugar dairy products, your teeth will reap dairy’s many benefits. Probably the most surprising “food” on this list, gum can be one of the most effective edible substances for your teeth. Much like cheese, gum whisks away the food that cakes your mouth after a meal or snack, but it also aids in creating more saliva, which your body produces to naturally clean your teeth. There are a few caveats when it comes to gum, however. Chew on sugar-free sticks to avoid acidic rot, and only chew gum if your mouth and the devices in your mouth can handle it without pain or damage. Fruits and vegetables may not be the most exciting food groups, but your mouth cheers every time you munch on them. Enjoying a medley of raw apples, carrots, celery, lettuce, Swiss chard, and other fresh plants will keep your teeth clean and promote saliva production. In addition, most crunchy, raw fruits and vegetables are low in sugar — a win for your teeth — and pack many nutrients and vitamins. Steer away frommore acidic fruits like lemons or grapes, and your smile will be healthier than ever. RAW AND REAL ON THE BUBBLE
Inspired by Food Network
What do you do when apples are in season but you don’t have time to make a pie? You opt for a crisp, of course.
Ingredients
Filling: •
5 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• • • •
1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp lemon juice
Topping: •
3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• • • • •
1/4 tsp salt
6 tbsp chilled butter, cut into pieces 1/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a mixing bowl, mix all filling ingredients together. Transfer to individual serving ramekins. 3. In a different mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Mix in butter until it forms lumps roughly the size of a pea, then stir in pecans. Sprinkle topping over filling. 4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, let stand for 10 minutes, and serve.
Eating the right foods is a great way to protect your teeth, but that’s just one component. Keep your smile healthy with regular flossing and brushing and by attending cleaning appointments.
Schedule yours today by calling 301.993.1833 or 240.683.3833.
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17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 mybestdentalcare.com 240.683.3833
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Meet Our Office Manager, Donna Tan! 1 National School Backpack Awareness Day Stay Organized This School Year With These Apps 2 Some of the Best Foods for Your Teeth Classic Apple Crisp 3 WHAT'S INSIDE?
Celebrating Math and Puzzles 4
SOLVE YOUR FAVORITE MATH PUZZLES! International Sudoku Day
INTERESTING FACTS The name “sudoku” is short for the Japanese expression “sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru,” which translates to “the numerals must remain single.” In Japan, sudoku quickly became very popular, mostly because it’s so much easier to play than other puzzle games like crosswords. Sudoku continues to be a popular puzzle choice in Japan where, according to Sudoku.com, over 600,000 sudoku magazines are purchased every month. OBSERVING SUDOKU Celebrating this holiday has never been easier! Grab a sudoku book, magazine, or newsletter and start solving! The best thing about sudoku is that the puzzles can be done anywhere: while you’re enjoying breakfast, during a lunch break at work, or while you’re relaxing at home. They can also be done in one sitting or over an extended period of time. Filling out a puzzle doesn’t have to be an individual task, either. Challenge family or friends to see who can finish a sudoku puzzle the quickest or work on one together.
International Sudoku Day brings puzzle and math lovers together to enjoy the perfect in-between! Specifically chosen on Sept. 9 by the World Puzzle Federation, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beloved 9x9 puzzle game. HISTORY OF SUDOKU One of the first mathematical puzzles was published in La France, a French newspaper, in 1895. However, the puzzle we now see in newspapers, sudoku books, and newsletters wasn’t invented until 1979 by Howard Garns. Originally published in Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games magazine, Garns named it “Number Place.” It was later given the name “sudoku” in 1984 when it was published in Japan. However, the puzzle didn’t catch the interest of Americans until 2004, when it began to be regularly published in newspapers.
Pick up a few sudoku puzzles today and start solving!
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