Livingston Dental January 2019

800 South Washington St., Afton, WY 83110 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com

January 2019

Life With Livingston Dental

e G e n

What Adventure Await Us

At the end of January, we have our office retreat — our chance to spend time together as a team and set our goals. We use this time to reflect on the year and evaluate our growth in various areas of our lives. Personally, I’m getting back into running and aim to do 5K three times a week — depending on how much food I eat during the holidays. I find that engaging in regular exercise helps me in other areas of life, from my mental aptitude to my willpower. I’m less likely to eat that extra donut if I know I have a run coming up the next day. As the year winds down, I hope you’re enjoying time with your family, as well as winter in the Star Valley. I know many of our patients are enjoying the chance to ski, snowmobile, and sled. We do enjoy winter here, don’t we? I had a young man come in the other day, and he got a snowmobile that has more horsepower than my truck! I enjoy listening and taking part vicariously in the great stories my patients share. There was a time when I did those adrenaline-pumping activities myself, but now it’s something of the past for me. I’m content to spend quieter days with my family and watch my children and grandchildren partake in the adventure.

are in Utah. We’ll get together in Jackson Hole — one of my favorite places — and I’m looking forward to it. With our busy schedules, we have to plan these events far in advance, and the prospect of a few days with good friends is exciting. We also have goals for our practice to accomplish in 2019. We are actively engaged in finding new ways to serve our patients, which requires continuous education. The more we know, the better we are able to treat and care for each person who walks into our office. I just finished a dental implant course through the WhiteCap Institute in Heber City, Utah. In addition to now being able to offer this service to my patients, I met dentists from all over the country, from Minnesota and North Dakota to Idaho and Utah. It was awesome to rub shoulders with these professionals in my field and get some excellent education in the process.

2018 was a blur! The year is over already, and I’m excited for the upcoming events we have planned and the surprises that await. There’s one event that’s especially exciting for us: Jeanelle and I are expecting a grandchild due in April! April Fool’s Day, to be exact. What’s doubly unique is this grandchild will share their birthday with their grandfather. Yes, my birthday has been on the receiving end of many mischievous friends’ or family members’ pranks. Through the years, I’ve had many friends call me up on my birthday pretending to be various government officials, only to say “April Fool’s!” At least in the future, I might have someone to share the experience with me! Family continues to be our focus. We have a family vacation planned for this summer right here in the Star Valley. In June, I’m going to a mini college reunion with some of my classmates. One is in Arizona, and two

Have a wonderful start to your new year, and enjoy the winter season!

1 Livingston Dental

A Guide to Downsizing Many homeowners reach a point in their lives when they’re ready to move from

What to Keep, Gift, Donate, and Throw Out

Army, or St. Vincent de Paul. Donations are a way to give back to the less fortunate instead of simply giving or throwing things away.

the house they raised their families in to something smaller and more manageable. While finding the

GIVE GIFTS TO LOVED ONES If you have children, they will undoubtedly want to keep a few cherished mementos and precious possessions. Deciding who will keep what can be a sensitive subject, so you’ll need to devise an equitable way to divvy up the goods. Some families engage in the process collaboratively, but there should always be some communication before anything is thrown out. Your kids may value certain items more than you ever realized. If you suspect a certain heirloom could be a source of contention, it’s best to hold on to it and make it part of your estate plan. ONLY KEEP THE ESSENTIALS After completing the first three steps, you should be left with only those items you actually use and those that have the most sentimental value to you. These are the objects worth bringing to your new home. BONUS TIP: COLOR CODE EACH CATEGORY Odds are that you’ll find junk and valuables stored right next to each other. If you don’t have time to physically separate them at the moment, use different colored Post-it notes to keep everything organized when it comes time to move.

right place can be a challenge, the hardest part of downsizing is often sorting through a lifetime’s worth of possessions. This process, called contents downsizing, is much easier when you follow this four-step system.

START WITH THE JUNK Beginning your downsizing with the hardest items will only lead to frustration and inaction. Instead, start by tackling areas of the house that are full of documents, knickknacks, and boxes you haven’t touched in years. These will be the easiest to part with and will put you in the right downsizing mindset. DONATE UNWANTED ITEMS The next category contains items that are no longer valuable to you or your family but may be useful to others. These items can be donated to one of many worthy organizations, such as Goodwill, the Salvation

Coming to the Dentist Can Be Fun!

Thank you, Shaun, Ashley, and Ginger for your kind words! We love serving the Star Valley! It makes our day when a patient tells us they like coming to Livingston Dental. Did you know we have a referral program with big prizes? We do small drawings every week and a bigger one every three months. If your family members or friends are in need of a caring, knowledgeable dentist, let them know about Livingston Dental, and you’ll be entered to win awesome prizes like a Yeti cooler!

What if going to the dentist was something you looked forward to? Well, it happens every day at Livingston Dental! Here’s what some of our patients are saying about their experiences with us. “I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Livingston and his staff. They are all genuinely nice, patient, and understanding. I’ve never had any dentist be nearly as painless as here. If you’re looking for a new dentist, you owe it to yourself to go in and see what I mean. Heck, even if you have someone, it’s worth checking out. You won’t be disappointed.”

1st referral = 1 entry

–Shaun

2nd referral = 3 entries

“They are everything a good dental office should be. The staff is incredibly friendly, the work is gentle, and they are excellent with kids. My family will never need another dentist. Our valley is lucky to have all of you!”

3rd referral and up = 5 entries

Learn more on our website and leave reviews on our Facebook page: facebook.com/pg/LivingstonDental90.

–Ashley

We can’t wait to hear from you!

“I love the personalized care and community involvement. A small business making a BIG impact on people and the community.”

–Ginger

2 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com

The Key to a Happy New Year

Resolutions That Keep You Smiling

and our energy. Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, so find something you love to do. This time of year is great for a wintry hike, skiing, or snowshoeing. Shoveling snow is also a great workout! For an indoor option, find an energetic YouTube workout, grab a pal, and get going! 3. MAKE (AND KEEP) WELLNESS APPOINTMENTS It’s easy to let years go by without seeing your doctor or other medical providers. If this sounds like you, make a plan to fit in those important wellness appointments this year. An annual physical is vital preventive care, and it’s a chance to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Your biannual visits with your dentist are equally important — your oral health is part of your overall health, after all, and these appointments help prevent the buildup of plaque. Plus, it’s easier to smile when you’re happy with how your smile looks! Even if it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t worry. We’re happy to get you back on track, so give us a call. We can’t wait to take care of your dental needs and bring you even more smiles in 2019!

This time of year, most folks are making resolutions and planning how to achieve them. If you’re looking for some

inspiration, here are three goals that will help you have a happier — and healthier — new year.

1. SMILE! You’ve probably heard about the mood-boosting effects the simple act of smiling has on our brains. Smiling causes a chain reaction that has far-reaching benefits such as releasing dopamine and serotonin, lowering stress, and bringing relaxation. Even better, the act of smiling is contagious. So what are you waiting for? Flash those pearly whites! 2. FIND A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY YOU LOVE Like smiling, exercise releases feel-good chemicals in our bodies. The endorphins we release when we exercise boost our mood

Puzzle Time! Peanut Butter and Berry French Toast Ingredients

Inspired by Delish

• 2 cups cornflakes • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 2 cups mixed berries • Powdered sugar, to sprinkle • Maple syrup, for serving 4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted and up to temperature, add sandwiches, cooking on one side until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes. 5. Return sandwiches to baking sheet, add remaining butter, and repeat on other side. 6. Top sandwiches with berries,

• 8 slices brioche, 1/2-inch thick • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 2 large eggs • 1/8 cup heavy cream • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. On a large baking sheet lined

with wax paper, place 4 slices of brioche and spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each. Cover with remaining slices, creating sandwiches.

2. In a pie plate, beat eggs with cream and vanilla. In another, coarsely crush the cornflakes. 3. Lightly soak sandwiches in the egg mixture, then dredge in cornflakes, pressing to adhere. Return to baking sheet.

New Year Pig Resolution Toast

Freezing January Martin Luther King Jr. Midnight

Aquarius Capricorn Champagne Fireworks

sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup.

3 Livingston Dental

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

on being named Top Dentist of Wyoming 2018!

800 South Washington St., Afton, WY 83110 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com

Inside

Looking Forward to 2019

Why Less Stuff Means More Freedom What Our Patients Are Saying

3 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile Peanut Butter and Berry French Toast

Why Start the New Year in Winter?

Why January? The month of January kicks off by welcoming the new year — there are

The Origin of New Year’s Day

correcting certain mathematical errors made in Caesar’s day. There were still holdouts, however. In fact, England and its American colonies continued to celebrate New Year’s Day in March until 1752. So there you have it — we were very close to having our fireworks celebrations in lovely spring weather. Ultimately, the ubiquity of the Gregorian calendar won out, as the demands of our increasingly interconnected world made a shared calendar a necessity. So if you struggle to start your New Year’s resolutions this winter, blame Julius Caesar.

new year from the spring to the day that elected officials traditionally began their year-long terms, Jan. 1. This choice carried spiritual significance, since January was named for Janus, god of doors and gates. What better month to celebrate new beginnings? Under Caesar and subsequent rulers, the Roman Empire expanded its reach, carrying its calendar with it. While much of Europe adopted Caesar’s calendar, New Year’s Day remained a hot-button issue for centuries. Thanks in part to the spread of Christianity and to the colder conditions in Northern Europe, there was a lot of resistance to the January start date. Religious leaders saw it as a pagan holiday, and much of Europe chose to restart the calendar on March 25, during the Feast of Annunciation. Much of Catholic Europe officially recognized Jan. 1 as the start of the new year after Pope Gregory reformed the solar calendar again,

countdowns, fireworks, and of course, the ball drop in a freezing-cold Times Square. But why? Why do we start our calendars when much of the U.S. is in the dead of winter? Why January? The short answer is Julius Caesar and Roman politics. The calendar had long been a political tool in Rome. Depending on who was in power, Roman pontifices would add or subtract entire weeks from the year, manually adjusting the term limits of elected officials. As you could imagine, this caused a lot of chaos, because months frequently slipped out of time with the changing seasons. After becoming emperor, Julius Caesar brought about some much-needed reforms. Inspired by the Egyptian solar calendar, Caesar fixed the Roman year at 365 days and instituted the leap year to keep months aligned with the solstices. He moved the 4 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com

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