Check out our April newsletter!
APRIL 2023
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
TRY NOT TO LAUGH My Grandfather and His Sneaky Practical Jokes
When many of us think about the month of April, April Fools’Day is one of the first things that comes to mind. For me, I’m not much of a practical joker and I don’t really celebrate April Fools’Day unless someone plays a funny prank or joke on me. However, the day always gets me thinking about my grandfather, who ironically wasn’t always much of a jokester either. If you come into the office here in Emmett, you’ll know that we are on 12th Street. Well, just a half-mile down the road, still on 12th Street, is the house my mother grew up in — my grandparents' home. My grandpa was a pretty straightforward guy who didn’t joke around a whole lot … except when he was playing little innocent jokes on us grandkids! One of my favorite memories of him was one day, we were all sitting around the dinner table eating a meal. As I ate, I noticed that my grandfather kept looking over at me and keeping a watchful eye. “Did I do something wrong?”I wondered. The entire meal, I was racking my brain trying to figure out what it was. Once I got to the end of my cup of juice, I saw it — plastic chocolate in my cup! The look of confusion on my face sent my grandfather into a full-blown laughing fit. It was the hardest I think I’ve ever seen him laugh, and everyone was so confused as to why, out of nowhere, this laughter had captivated him. It’s simple memories of my grandfather like this one that always brings a smile to my face. Every April Fools’Day, his little pranks are always on my mind! This month, we also celebrate Earth Day. As a child, I was raised in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programs. Camping was a frequent and cherished activity! One of my very first Scout leaders instilled in
all of us that every time we went camping, it was our responsibility to not only clean up after ourselves, but to leave the campground nicer than it was when we first arrived. This is something that I’ve always tried to do, not just on campouts but in everyday life. Whether it's in the office, my backyard, at the local park, or on a nature trail, I try to leave the surrounding area better and purer than I first found it. Taking care of our Earth is a priority. This Earth Day, I encourage all of us to prioritize our home, this beautiful planet. Pick up trash that doesn't belong to you, plant a tree, care for animals, and reduce your carbon footprint. Don’t forget to make time to enjoy and embrace the beauty of our world. If we take care of Earth, Earth is better equipped to care for us for generations to come!
Every April Fools’ Day, his little pranks are always on my mind!
–Dr. Elkins
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MOTIVATION ISN’T ENOUGH How to Create Healthy Habits
you usually say to yourself? Once you can identify your trends and patterns, you can start changing your thinking and actions. Developing a healthier routine doesn’t happen overnight — it takes time, patience, dedication, and testing. Therefore, it’s best to start small and make progress each day. You can change one habit at a time until completing that task is second nature. Then, modify another habit until your routine is filled with actions that align with your goals and values. So, the next time you’re not feeling motivated and want to skip or delay one of your tasks, don’t!You made a routine and
“I’ll complete this task when I feel motivated.” You may have told yourself or heard others say this sentence more times than you can count. Unfortunately, motivation alone will not help you fulfill your goals or complete your tasks. You aren’t going to“feel”motivated every day, so choosing what to do and not do based on a feeling will only get you so far. But not all hope is lost! There is something you can do to help you complete all of your daily items and goals. Instead of relying on motivation, create habits that will get you into the routine of conducting and completing different activities. Habits are extremely powerful and can shape our lives either positively or negatively — depending on the habits we create. We can have routines that support our
values and goals or practices that don’t, making life harder than it should be.
Creating healthy habits is essential because the next time you don’t “feel like it,” it won’t matter — you’ll have a schedule and routine to ensure tasks will be completed. The best way to stick to your goals and values is to make healthy habits. How do you create healthy habits? Before you can create new routines, you first need to be
created healthy habits, and now it’s time to stick to them. Even when you don’t feel like doing something, do it anyway. You may be surprised by how productive you’ll feel.
aware of the habits you have now. What do you
typically do when you want to finish something but don’t feel like doing it? What do
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
The Link Between Diabetes and Your Oral Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 11% of
Gum disease — When the bacteria in your mouth isn’t kept at a healthy level, gum disease can threaten your gums, tissue, and facial bones and structure. If you suffer from diabetes, it’s important to work with
Americans suffer from diabetes. For those with both Type I and Type II diabetes, their
oral health can suffer. In fact, periodontal disease is present in roughly 22% of those diagnosed with diabetes. To best protect your teeth and gums, it’s important to go the extra mile to maintain your oral health, which in turn, can affect your overall well-being.
your dentist to manage your oral health. Deep cleanings, frequent check-ups, and a good oral health routine contribute to your overall health and make it easier to manage your blood sugar and control the disease. If you have diabetes, to safeguard your health, eat a healthy diet, take your recommended medication doses, and make your oral health a priority! Call us today to schedule your reservation for your check-up and/or cleaning! We are looking forward to seeing you.
Diabetes affects your mouth in many ways, including:
Dry mouth — Diabetes can lead to less saliva production. Without proper amounts of saliva, cavity-causing bacteria have a more difficult time being washed away, and you may experience tooth decay.
Loss of taste — Diabetes can lead to a decreased ability to taste food.
Infection — Those suffering from diabetes may have an increased chance of small cuts or sores in their mouth becoming infected. Sensitive/Irritated Gums — Red and swollen gums are also indicative of early signs of gum disease, or gingivitis, which can affect your overall health.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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TASTY SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP Inspired by DinnerAtTheZoo.com
Ingredients
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 8 oz spinach leaves • 8 oz cream cheese, softened • 1 cup sour cream • 3/4 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided • Sliced bread, crackers, or tortilla chips for serving
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat a small baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In a medium pan, steam or sauté spinach until wilted. When spinach cools, ring out excess water, then chop coarsely. 3. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. 4. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. 5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the dip is bubbly. Turn the oven to broil and cook for an
additional 2–3 minutes so the cheese will begin to brown. 6. Immediately serve with bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.
JOKES DAD
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pilgrims."
Where do you learn to make a banana split?" Sundae school."
Facts Tooth Fun
DID YOU KNOW?
Fun April Fools’ Day Facts
Did you know that, just like your skin or a sponge, your teeth have tiny pores on their surfaces? When we eat or drink dark-colored foods that stain, like coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, or blueberries, the coloration is absorbed into the pores. Because of this, our teeth can become discolored over time.This also explains why smoking can quickly create yellow stains on your pearly whites. These stains can only be removed using an active whitening agent, like teeth whitening gels and professional services. Your Teeth Have … Pores?
1. April Fools’Day falls on the first day of April every year!
2. April Fools’Day is celebrated worldwide, including in the UK, France, Brazil, India, China, and Japan! It’s sometimes known as All Fools’Day. 3. In some countries, you can only play jokes until 12 p.m., or else it’s bad luck! 4. The origins of April Fools’Day are difficult to track; we don’t know exactly where the fun holiday originated! 5. Some large companies and corporations like to take part in playing fun, practical jokes, so always stay on your toes!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. 2.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Tasty Spinach Artichoke Dip
4.
Putting
Need to Make a Change in Your Life?
A Practical Prankster
Together a Self-Care Routine
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Cheyenne and Ashlee
Did You Know?
Happy Easter From Elkins Dental!
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Life isn't easy — when juggling a career, family, children, social obligations, and housework, finding time for yourself can be difficult. Studies show that roughly 59% of individuals only make time for self- care after they’ve become stressed out. Here are some ways to develop a healthy routine that suits your busy life. Become intentional. When developing a self-care ritual, it’s essential to identify your reasons behind taking better care of yourself and to pinpoint your needs. With a clear vision and motive behind your efforts, developing healthy habits to nurture and incorporate into everyday routine becomes easier. Create large and small self-care options. You don’t need to do the same self-care ritual all the time, but make it a point to do something for yourself every day. On busier days, you may only have a moment to take a few deep breaths and mentally reset, but on other days, you may have time for a relaxing bath, massage, workout, or pedicure. Make time for hobbies. Most people find themselves constantly juggling countless tasks and obligations. With so much to do, making time for your least favorite activities likely won’t happen; instead, do something you enjoy. After all, FIND MORE ‘YOU’ TIME Developing a Self-Care Routine
self-care is about you!Yoga, reading, journaling, jogging, and meditating are just a few ways to get in some“you time.”If you like it, do it! Plan your self-care time. Without adding self-care to your schedule, your healthy behaviors may get placed on the back burner. Block off time for your favorite activities: Once it’s on your calendar, you’re more likely to work a routine into your day. Keep it simple. Complex rituals may create more stress or anxiety when you should be relaxing. Instead, keep it simple by focusing on relaxing, breathing, and recharging. Go for a walk in the park, take a nap, get a massage, stretch, or take a few moments to do absolutely nothing. Simplicity is the key.
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