Take a look at our January newsletter!
THE
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | JANUARY 2025 RETRO GAMES FOR A MODERN FAMILY BRUSH - UP ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc. How We Turn Gaming Into a Family Activity, Not a Solo Sport
Temperatures are dropping to their lowest this month, so it’s not exactly shocking to learn that January is also considered National Hobby Month. Bundled up indoors, it’s time to dive into your favorite pastimes that go beyond the daily grind, and for me, that means video games. While it might not seem like it initially, for me, gaming is a hobby that’s all about nostalgia and family bonding. Growing up, video games were my escape and companion. As a kid in a single-mom home, these games filled the quiet spaces left by long work hours and older siblings off doing their own thing. They weren’t just a way to pass the time, they were a refuge, a place where I could embark on epic quests and conquer challenges. This love for gaming didn’t just vanish as I grew older; it evolved into a way to connect with my kids, especially during the chilly months when we’re cooped up inside. Here’s how we do it: Gaming in the Brooks household is a family affair. We’ve designated a common area as the family gaming zone where everyone can join. We don’t just do this to keep an eye on the kids but also to create a shared space for fun where everyone is involved. No taking the Nintendo Switch to their rooms to stare at a screen alone. To make this shared time even more like my childhood, we often stick to old-school gaming systems. We dust off the old consoles — from the classic Sega Genesis to the GameCube — and dive into a world of pixelated adventures and modern quests.
Our gaming sessions are carefully curated to ensure they’re about connection, not isolation:
• Gaming as a Gathering: The console stays in the living room, making video gaming a communal activity. It’s about teamwork, laughter, and a little friendly competition. • Time as a Treasure: We treat gaming time like a delicacy, not an all-you- can-eat buffet. Set times keep everyone eager but mindful about how long they’re playing. • Choosing Cooperative Games: We pick games that need two or more players, like Mario Kart or Sonic the Hedgehog. • Earn Your Play: In our house, screen time is earned through chores and good behavior. This teaches that gaming is a reward, not a given. This approach has turned gaming into a powerful tool for bonding. We strategize, negotiate, and celebrate together, turning what could be a solitary activity into a rich source of family interaction. We also have strict rules about online play. The internet’s vast, virtual playground can wait. Our kids know that online interactions are limited to special occasions with distant family, making even digital gatherings meaningful. The beauty of this structured approach? It teaches balance and the value of time. Gaming becomes a catalyst for family time, not just a digital distraction. It’s about crafting moments together that we’ll remember far longer than any high score or completed quest. Of course, along with all these guidelines, we try to keep the conversation open about how we play and why it’s important never to let it overtake our lives. By doing this, I can pass down one of my most cherished hobbies while also instilling life lessons about moderation, shared joy, and the importance of family. While we admire those who enforce a no-screen household, the Brooks home will always need a bit of Kirby and Donkey Kong to let loose.
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ELEVATE YOUR ORAL HEALTH IN 2025 WITH THESE HELPFUL HABITS Ready to Revamp Your Routine? The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to revamp your routines and set intentions for better habits — oral hygiene included. Don’t let your dental health sit on the back burner any longer. Here’s how you can prioritize your pearly whites in 2025! LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Your body knows when something is off. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, tooth sensitivity to cold, or ongoing toothaches, these are signs you shouldn’t ignore. Instead of brushing off these symptoms, make a habit of addressing them promptly. A quick call to your dentist can lead to early detection of potential issues, which might save you a lot of discomfort (and money) down the road. UPGRADE YOUR TOOLS With many people switching to electric toothbrushes, it’s crucial to remember to replace the head regularly. Ideally, you should swap out the toothbrush head every three months, but at a minimum, change it every six months. If you’ve been sick, consider boiling your toothbrush head or replacing it to prevent reinfection during cold and flu season. HAVE A GO AT HABIT STACKING Incorporating new routines can be challenging, but “habit stacking” makes it simpler. This method involves adding a new habit to an already established one. For instance, if you brush your teeth every morning and night, try placing your dental floss next to your toothbrush as a reminder to floss daily. Start small — perhaps by flossing just one tooth to begin with. As you grow accustomed to this, you can expand your routine to include more teeth each night. You can try habit stacking with countless other beneficial habits, like incorporating a glass of water with your breakfast, using mouthwash at a particular time, and so on. Habit stacking is a simple and effective way to reinforce good oral hygiene habits without overwhelming you. If you’re experiencing any discomfort or want more tips on improving your oral health, do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to support you in achieving your dental health goals this year. Let’s make 2025 a year of bright smiles and good health!
For years, a visit to Walt Disney World felt like an essential part of the American upbringing. There’s nothing quite like taking a picture with Mickey Mouse, the unique water smell in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, or the night-time fireworks spectacle over Cinderella Castle. However, the cost of a Disney vacation has increased significantly in recent years, and features that helped make the trip more magical, like free transportation to and from the airport, are a thing of the past. Many families struggle to save enough money to travel to Orlando to visit Disney World. Thankfully, cost-saving strategies can help get you and your loved ones in front of the castle. HAVE A PLAN FOR SNACKS AND MEALS BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE PARK. Disney parks are well-known for their world-class restaurants and food options, but with good quality comes a higher cost. A soft pretzel shaped like Mickey Mouse with cheese sauce costs more than $8; buying more than one adds Your Guide to Affordable Family Fun WALT DISNEY WORLD WITHOUT THE WALLET WOES
up quickly. Disney allows you to bring your own snacks and nonalcoholic beverages into the park, so
consider taking advantage of that. Make a budget, research the restaurants beforehand, and have everyone pick out what they want to eat so you know exactly how much food will cost.
AVOID DISNEY HOTELS. Disney’s hotels have different price tiers. Deluxe resorts like Disney’s
Animal Kingdom Lodge usually cost around $500 a night. Moderate-tier resorts
like Disney’s Coronado Springs can run anywhere from $250–$500, depending on the season. And the value resorts usually stay under $250 a night. However, if you were to stay at a non-Disney hotel, you’d pay a fraction of the price while still being close to the parks. CONSIDER HIRING A TRAVEL AGENT. This might sound counterproductive if you’re trying to save money, but Disney works closely with various travel agencies to help park-goers cut costs and reduce stress. They will help plan every aspect of your trip and ensure you get all meal reservations and Lightning Lanes your family wants. They’re also the first to know when discounts go live, so they can ensure you get resort and ticket prices at the best value.
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Be Sure to Follow These Steps!
SNACK SMART
Healthy Munchies Ease Travel With Kids
“I’m hungry” may be the second most common complaint parents hear when traveling with kids — right behind, “Are we there yet?” Children need to eat often because they have small stomachs and high energy needs. Running on empty can cause irritability and fatigue, tempting many parents to resort to fast-food drive-thrus. A healthier, thriftier route may be to invest time upfront in planning and preparing snacks to keep your kids happy. Some snacks can occupy preschoolers with counting, sorting pieces, or assembling their own treats. For example, preschoolers handed a bag of rainbow-colored Goldfish crackers may be tempted to sort and count by color. Kids can create mini-sandwiches from homemade “lunchable” bags with high-fiber crackers, Artisana nut-butter packets, lean deli
meats, and cheese. “Ants on a log” is another entertaining snack: Stuff celery sticks with nut butter, hummus, or cream cheese and line the filling with raisins or nuts. The most satisfying, energizing snacks combine protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Making your own trail mix enables you to select high-fiber, low-sugar ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain pretzels, and unsweetened dry cereal. Legume-based chips such as Harvest Snaps or Hippeas chickpea snacks can add novelty. If you’re short of time, consider assembling some ready-to-grab items such as RX Bars with Nut Butter, high-protein Chomps meat sticks, dried fruit, rice cakes, and portable tubes of low-fat yogurt. Fresh fruit and handheld cheese sticks or Babybel mini- snacks are spill-proof protein sources. A few
hard-boiled eggs, perhaps with a little hot sauce or ketchup, can calm hunger. And for youngsters in a growth spurt, some rolled-up slices of deli meat with cheese can satisfy their boundless appetites. Finding the right container or bag can make portable snacks easier to manage. If you have room among your belongings for a small cooler, keep yogurt, fresh veggies, and other perishables handy. A small, inexpensive tackle box or zippered tote can be another space- saving solution. Once all the preparations are behind you, you can relax knowing your kids will be well-nourished and ready to enjoy the trip!
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS DO MONKEYS ACTUALLY EAT BANANAS? Yes, but not the bananas we slice up! The bananas naturally thriving in their tropical homelands often have less sugar than those offered at your local supermarket. For monkeys, these store-bought bananas are the equivalent of a slice of cake! WHEN DID ALASKA BECOME PART OF THE UNITED STATES? On March 30, 1867, the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. At first, many Americans criticized the Secretary of State William Seward’s decision, calling the new state “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Icebox.” WHAT WAS THE FIRST CD EVER MADE? Surprisingly enough, the first CD made in the United States for commercial release was Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 album “Born in the USA.” However, the first CD to ever be commercially produced was Billy Joel’s 1978 album “52nd Street,” which would go on to be released on CD in Japan in 1982. HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ARE LEFT-HANDED? According to research, only 10%–12% of the entire world’s population is left-handed!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over
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1 tsp salt
medium-high heat, add oil and chicken
1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced
and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces,
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10 cups chicken broth 4 celery ribs, chopped 4 medium carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp dried thyme 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp lemon juice
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and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
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Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
Dr. Brooks and His Passion for Video Games
Plan Your Perfect Disney Escape Without Breaking the Bank
Dental Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthy 2025
3
Smart Snacks for Stress-Free Family Travel
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
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Start the Year Right With These Surprising Facts!
CHILL OUT WITH JANUARY’S COOL TRIVIA UNPACK THE MONTH’S MOST FASCINATING HISTORICAL NUGGETS
January isn’t just the start of a new year — it’s a month brimming with fascinating tidbits that might make you appreciate these chilly weeks a little more! Did you know that January babies have a reputation for being notably less cranky? A European study suggests that those born in the frosty embrace of winter are generally
novel that would become a cornerstone of science fiction — Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus.” Imagine this chilling tale making its rounds in the gaslit corners of London, published anonymously and leaving readers guessing at its creator! The first day of January also has historical heft. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln declared the Emancipation Proclamation, a pivotal moment in American history
Here’s a trivia nugget that might make you do a double-take: the ancient Roman calendar initially did not even include January or February! These months were later additions, transforming the calendar from a 10-month year starting in March to the more familiar 12-month layout we know today. And speaking of celestial events, on Jan. 2, Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion. At just over 91 million miles away, it’s our annual reminder of the vast, dynamic space we occupy in our solar system. So, whether you’re celebrating a January birthday (looking at you, Elvis fans!) or just cozying up and enjoying the quiet of winter, remember that this month is packed with more than just post-holiday blues. It’s a chapter of history and innovation and a touch of cosmic closeness!
calmer than their summer-born counterparts. It seems the cold does more than just nip at your nose; it might just chill out your temperament, too! And while we’re on the topic of remarkable births, let’s dial back to January 1818. This month marked the release of 500 copies of a groundbreaking
that reshaped the nation. As if January needed more historical markers, 1892 saw Ellis Island open its gates,
becoming the portal through which over 20 million hopeful
immigrants would pass, each seeking new beginnings in the United States — creating the melting pot that the country would become.
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