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July/August 2025
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
When our kids were in high school, their principal said something about parenting that stuck with me. During an open house, he said, “Now is the time to let them learn things independently. Give them direction, guide them, but don’t do it for them. In four years, they won’t have you beside them. This is the time, in the safe environment of school, when they need to learn how to function in the real world.” Looking back on that sound advice, it was an important reminder that even though we’re parents, we don’t always have the answers, and it’s not our job to be perfect. Sometimes, the best thing we can teach our children is that self-reliance starts with self-care; no matter what challenges you face, you need to care for yourself to get through them. July is Purposeful Parenting Month and Self-Care Month, and as parents prepare their children to leave the nest, we must model healthy ways to manage stress, take care of our health, and make time for joy. Present parenting is its own form of self-care for adults that can nurture deeper relationships with their children and teach us how to show up for our families and ourselves. Thankfully, we never had any serious situations where we had to intervene. We advocated for them, reassured them that they were making good choices, and supported them when they were dealing with something extra stressful, but we still let them make important decisions for themselves. At this point, our children are either in college, graduating, or about to start their first year, and our relevance in their decision-making process is rapidly fading. It’s hard to let go, but we have to remember that we did our best to prepare them for success, and the rest is up to them. Self-care has been one of the most important lessons we’ve instilled in them. We’ve tried to teach them that life is hard enough going through it alone, so don’t ever TEACHING SELF-RELIANCE STARTS WITH MODELING SELF-CARE Parenting With Purpose
be scared to ask for help. Don’t put things off because when things pile up, it can feel overwhelming. Chip away at that pile and take time to rest, relax, socialize, and take care of your emotional and physical health. Just like we all have to learn how to figure things out independently, we have to discover our own ways to manage stress. Sometimes, I don’t understand why something works for my children, but I’m learning that’s OK, as long as it makes them happy. I’m just grateful they are following their own path and letting us be a part of the process. We’re still learning, too. Even though Michelle and I both had parents who set us up to be positive influences on our children, I’m still discovering new ways of self-care through parenting. I’ve found that spending time with my children helps me manage anxiety and get through the difficulties of life. Each time we unplug from our jobs and responsibilities for a walk with our kids, it’s a reminder to prioritize joy and family. It’s helped me become more present in all my interactions, whether with my family or a patient in the chair. We’re not perfect. Parents make mistakes, too. But, as long as we get better every day, we’re living a life of purpose and meaning. Ultimately, purposeful parenting is about preparing our children to take on the world, but it’s also about our own growth. As we teach them never to give up, find joy, and prioritize their well-being, we learn to be more present, compassionate, and good to ourselves. -Dr. Jason Schermer
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HELP YOURSELF SO YOU CAN HELP OTHERS Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
When you’re on a plane and the oxygen masks drop down, there’s a reason why they say you have to put yours on first before you try to help someone else. If you’re down for the count, you won’t be able to care for or support others. The importance of self-care extends beyond in-flight emergencies — it’s a principle that’s true in everyday life, too. For those who naturally want to help others, it can feel counterintuitive, but you need to ensure you are happy, healthy, and in a good place to better serve the people you care about. July is Self-Care Month, and it’s not all about luxuries, spa days, and me-time. Caring for ourselves is an act of love for the people around us. Whether you’re a parent, a team leader, or a supportive friend, your ability to support others is directly tied to how you treat yourself. Caregivers often push their feelings aside when someone they love is going through a difficult time. Though it’s a giving act to provide support, advice, and comfort to someone who is in pain, it can be detrimental to ourselves
if we stuff those feelings away for too long. Caring for ourselves and doing what we need to heal can help us relate on a deeper level to people, improving our ability to support others. As you provide comfort and positivity to someone else, share your experiences so you and that person benefit. Allow yourself to recharge after those moments without guilt. The most essential elements of self-care are a proper diet, a healthy sleep schedule, and regular exercise. It can feel difficult or even selfish to nurture ourselves, but we need energy to provide for people we cherish. Allow yourself to rest and focus on small acts of self-compassion, like taking walks, disconnecting from technology for a while, watching a TV show that makes you laugh, or buying yourself a spa day on occasion. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re not just surviving — you’re showing up as the best version of yourself who has the energy to support the people you love most.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “It was incredibly easy to schedule an appointment, and the staff took care of contacting my previous dentist to obtain my records — no hassle on my end of having to make multiple phone calls! I felt comfortable from the minute that I walked into the practice, and my hygienist, Lauren, was friendly and knowledgeable. I don’t think that I’ve ever enjoyed a dental appointment as much as my first visit to Dr. Schermer!” -Alyssa K. — “I love it. I love the doctor, the staff, the technicians. I love the atmosphere, the cleanliness. They are so personable and are like family! I rate them a 1000 out of 1000 and I am NOT getting paid to say this. I am bringing my grandson to him when he is old enough to come. I have been looking for a great family dentist after my dentist of 25 years retired.” -Tajuana D.
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(440) 483-1003
DON’T LET DENTAL ISSUES DIM YOUR SPARKLE RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY AFFECTS MORE THAN YOUR TEETH
Your smile says a lot about you, but it can be hard to feel like your true self when dental issues get in the way. Whether you’re dealing with cavities, having trouble chewing, or experiencing less confidence due to a missing tooth, restorative dentistry treatments can help you heal and improve your quality of life. Procedures like crowns, implants, and bridges can address the root of the problem, while helping you get your smile and sparkle back! WHAT IS RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY? Restorative dentistry is a solution for broken or missing teeth that aims to improve someone’s oral health and essential functions like chewing food and speaking. Not only does it restore damage in your mouth, but it also provides aesthetic benefits. Some of the most common treatments are fillings, crowns, inlays, root canals, bridges, and dentures. Many options are go-tos for removing
decay, repairing cavities, strengthening teeth, or eliminating infections. Most of these procedures have very little to no recovery time, depending on how much work your mouth needs. WHY IT MATTERS FOR YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE. When your teeth aren’t functioning correctly, it can impact everything from enjoying your favorite foods to pronouncing words. Restorative dentistry can improve overall wellness because oral and physical health are deeply connected. Treating oral infections reduces your likelihood of heart disease and diabetes. These procedures also make chewing, speaking, and smiling easier. You can see a significant improvement in your nutrition when you are less limited in what you can eat due to dental pain. Your mental health also sees a boost with restorative dentistry, making you feel better about your smile and overall appearance, and addressing some concerns like bad breath.
By addressing dental problems early, you can prevent more invasive treatments later on and create a healthy baseline. Restorative treatments can make you feel better and allow you to do more of the things you love. Whether it’s a crown, implant, or bridge, July is a wonderful time to brighten your smile! For a limited time, we are offering $100 off any restorative dental treatment of $500 or more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Q: Why do bananas use sunscreen in August? A: Because they peel. Q: Why do melons have weddings? A: They cantelope. Q: What did the bison say to his son when he left the ranch? A: Bi-son.
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally; (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com. You may see it in our next issue!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
exceptionalsmiles.com
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
INSIDE
1 Letting Go Helped Us All Grow
2 Why Your Wellness Matters
What People Are Saying About Us
3 Healthy Teeth, Happy Life
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
4 The Science Behind Frozen Food
FREEZING FOOD LOCKS IN FRESHNESS AND NUTRIENTS FROM FARM TO FREEZER
Freezing food — what’s not to love about it? Not only does it save time and reduce food waste, it also retains nutrients and keeps your favorites on hand and ready to use. Let’s dive into the many benefits of freezing your food and how it stacks up nutritionally. UNDERSTAND THE COLD, HARD FACTS OF NUTRIENT RETENTION. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, freezing food doesn’t
change its nutritional value? Instead, it’s like hitting the pause button, especially for fruits and vegetables. The moment these foods are picked, they start losing nutrients. However, freezing them shortly after harvest (often done at the peak of ripeness) helps lock in vitamins and minerals. According to a study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and, in some cases, they might even retain nutrients better than fresh foods stored for several days. WHAT HAPPENS TO FOOD IN THE FREEZING PROCESS? When you freeze food, tiny ice crystals form. The quicker the freezing process, the smaller these crystals, which is important because smaller ice crystals cause less damage to cell structures. This helps to preserve the food’s texture, flavor, and nutritional content. Fast freezing processes like
those used commercially minimize nutrient losses and help preserve food close to its original state.
WHICH FOODS FREEZE BEST? Almost any food can be frozen, but some handle the process better than others. Fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon and lettuce, can become mushy when thawed because the large ice crystals rupture cells. However, berries, peas, corn, carrots, and greens like spinach freeze well. Meats and fish are also great options for freezing. ARE THERE ANY NUTRITIONAL DOWNSIDES? While freezing does an excellent job at preserving nutrients, water-soluble vitamins like B and C can be slightly reduced during the blanching process (a quick boil used primarily for vegetables before freezing to inactivate enzymes that degrade quality). However, this loss is often minor compared to the losses during refrigeration over several days.
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(440) 483-1003
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