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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024
1115 Mt. Aetna Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com • 240-329-4725
A TRADITION OF GIVING EVERY QUARTER Hagerstown Smiles Charities Update
As we enter the holiday season of giving, I thought I’d let you all know about some of the fun stuff we’ve been up to at Hagerstown Smiles through our quarterly charities! One of the things we like to focus on at the office is giving. This includes caring for our patients and teammates and giving to our community, too! We keep a list of charities and community activities that personally resonate with each of our team members. Every quarter, our team members select one of these charities to participate with or show our support. By paying it forward and supporting meaningful causes, we strive to make a positive impact, staying true to our mission of generosity and community involvement.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO CHIP IN AND DONATE FUNDS OR SUPPLIES TO THOSE IN NEED, GIVE OUR OFFICE A CALL, AND WE’LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT
WE’RE UP TO! WE ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR OUR CURRENT CHARITY.
In June, I had the opportunity to choose our office’s charity, and we donated to the Antietam Humane Society in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. I’ve always had a big heart for animals and believe in adopting from humane societies. This organization really touched me, and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to help these animals find loving homes. Our team also ran in the Muddy Mamas fun run to raise money for Girls Inc. on Sept. 21. I don’t know if this would be called charity work or just plain fun, but we did it! Last quarter, we supported a new charity selected by our office manager, Haley, called Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This organization is dedicated to helping local families, ensuring that all children in the community have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. With help from our patients, we gathered bedding donations like sheets, pillows, and blankets. Then, in September, we had the opportunity to join in and help build 100 beds for children in need of better sleeping arrangements. The beds and bedding will soon be delivered to the homes of kids who need it! We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to lend a hand and help those in need. Whether it’s through donations, volunteer work, or simply offering support, every act of kindness helps to strengthen our community!
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” —Mahatma Gandhi
–Kourteney
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The Unique Allure of Big Bend National Park
Most national parks are full of visitors from spring through fall. Big Bend National Park turns that schedule upside down.
The ideal time to visit this southwest Texas wonderland of wild river canyons and stunning mountain vistas is from October through May — the offseason for most national parks. But summertime temperatures in Big Bend soar to 105 degrees F or more, too hot for safe vacationing, while wintertime is mild and usually sunny. Many tourists and vacationers have recently discovered the park, driving visitation 16% higher since 2018 to more than 511,000 people annually. Big Bend offers a diversity of sights and terrain. Elevations soar from about 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande River to almost 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. Boating and rafting trips along the Rio Grande, which Congress designated as a free-flowing Wild & Scenic River, take visitors through the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon limestone cliffs. Options range from a leisurely float lasting less than a day to a seven-day wilderness adventure down the Lower Canyons. Big Bend is also a birder’s paradise, with 450 species sighted there on various occasions. The park also offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. A legal Port of Entry enables visitors who bring their passports to cross the Rio Grande River and visit the shops and restaurants of a rural Mexican village, Boquillas del Carmen. Families also enjoy stargazing at the Sotol Vista Overlook, scrambling over the boulders on the Upper Burro Mesa, and trekking the Grapevine Hills trails to see Balanced Rock, a giant boulder seemingly teetering in midair between two smaller boulders. Kids can also see dinosaur
HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD GOOD DENTAL HABITS Start Them Young Establishing good dental habits early on not only helps prevent cavities and other dental issues but also teaches kids how to maintain their own health. Let’s take a look at a few tips to help parents teach their children to take care of their smiles! Start early with dental care. Even before your baby’s teeth appear, it’s important to begin oral care routines. Wipe your child’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria. Once the first tooth arrives, switch to a soft baby toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. This helps keep their gums healthy and prepares them for regular brushing. Brush twice a day. Teaching your child to brush their teeth twice a day is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. For children aged 3 and older, use a pea- sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure your child brushes all surfaces of their teeth for at least two minutes, and supervise their brushing until they are old enough to do it properly on their own. Floss daily. As soon as two teeth touch, it’s time to start flossing! Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, areas that brushing alone can’t reach. Teach your child how to floss correctly or use flossers designed for children. Limit sugary foods and drinks. Sugary drinks and snacks, like candy, soda, and juice, are cavity culprits. Limit your child’s intake of sugar and offer healthier options like water, fruits, and vegetables. If your child consumes sugary foods, urge them to brush their teeth or rinse with water afterward to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Visit the dentist regularly. Schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Regular dental checkups, typically every six months, allow us to keep an eye on your child’s oral health, provide cleanings, and detect any potential problems right away. By following these tips and instilling good oral hygiene habits early, you can help protect your child’s teeth and start them on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
remains at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit or explore the ruins of a mercury-mining ghost town, Terlingua.
Five visitor centers are usually open through the winter. Construction of a new visitor
lodge and water system will begin in late 2024, likely causing some
disruptions. However, Big Bend has four developed campgrounds and many backcountry camping opportunities. Most campsites are filled six months in advance, so reserve a spot early for your winter camping adventure.
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For our Veterans Day fundraiser this year, on Monday, Nov. 11, we are donating a portion of the day’s proceeds to North Point Veterans Home. They provide transitional housing, employment services, and independent living skills to homeless veterans in our area. Our patients and teammates are invited to donate as well!
CONGRATULATIONS BRITTANY! We recently celebrated Brittany’s 10-year anniversary here at Hagerstown Smiles! Thank you for all you do for your patients and teammates at Hagerstown Smiles!
Remember to VOTE for your favorites around town! Don’t forget your favorite dental office!
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www.hagerstownsmiles.com 1115 Mt. Aetna Rd. Hagerstown, MD 21740 Call Now! 240-329-4725
INSIDE A Tradition of Giving and Making a Difference page 1 A Big Wintertime Playground page 2 5 Tips to Help Your Child Develop Healthy Dental Habits Early page 2 Announcements page 3 Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones page 4
Poncho’s family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care. Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Poncho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery to clean and repair Poncho’s traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him. Despite his severe injuries, Poncho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words “good boy.” Poncho’s dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions. Poncho’s story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Poncho’s family did. PONCHO’S INSPIRING STORY FROM RESCUE TO RESCUER
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a
rescue dog named Poncho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion.
The events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Poncho’s home in northern New Mexico.
Poncho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would-be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Poncho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously
missed his vital organs. But the attack didn’t stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Poncho repeatedly.
Undeterred by his injuries, Poncho managed to hold the intruder at bay until others could intervene and restrain the criminal.
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