Take a look at our February newsletter!
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2024
LET’S MAKE EVERY DAY RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY A RIPPLE OF KINDNESS
While my wife Jessica and I always try to stress the importance of kindness in our family, we also strive to make sure kindness is shared sincerely without the intent of reward or praise. Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day, which happens to be one of my family’s most
when I agree! We don’t even get to really see the person’s reaction, but just the thought of surprising someone and doing a kind act makes my kids go wild!
“If one generous act can change a person’s entire day,
When we’re in a grocery store parking lot and see someone else about to put their cart back, at least one of my kids will ask if they can offer to take their cart for them. How can I say no? We just love that surprise that shocks a person at first and then realizing that someone noticed and did something nice for them.
significant values. If one generous act can change a person’s entire day, week, or life, why not do that for them, even if it means nothing in return?
week, or life, why not do that for them, even if it means nothing in return?”
This passion seems to run deep in the family line, as my mother-in-law even created a Facebook group on random acts of kindness. Jessica’s mom first started this group for fun a few years ago, and it has grown exponentially. Her group has over 37,000 members now! Members share stories and photos of when someone offered a random act of kindness. It’s incredible how many people care about recognizing these compassionate people. Of course, this isn’t just for Feb. 17, but continues all year round! One of our family’s favorite shows is actually “Random Acts,” which is dedicated to doing random acts of kindness and going above and beyond for those who need it. It’s meaningful, funny, and entertaining for the whole family, so it’s quickly become our evening staple. Starting in 2016 and with nine seasons, there are more than enough episodes and inspiration to make your own random act of kindness! Now, my kids love doing their own random acts! Whenever they see the chance to make someone’s day, they take it, and I couldn’t be more proud. If we’re in a drive-thru, they will all beg me to pay for the person behind us and cheer with excitement
I’m sure we can all remember a moment when someone offered us a similar random act of kindness and how much it improved our day. I remember when all six of our kids were still little, my wife would have to bring them all to the store on her own when I was at work. She would be so happy to tell me the little things others would do to make her day easier, like picking an item up for her or taking her cart back. While it might be small to you, that action can make a world of difference for them! The world is a crazy place, yet these random acts of kindness remind us that we’re all human and compassion can be extended to anyone who needs it, not just our loved ones. I hope you can give and receive a random act of kindness this Feb. 17 and beyond!
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3 Things to Know About Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy CAN PREGNANCY CAUSE GINGIVITIS? Pregnancy is a beautiful part of the cycle of life, and it affects the whole body. The mouth is no exception, nor are the teeth. There are many dental changes that occur during pregnancy, which can be shocking if you’re unprepared. BE PREPARED FOR HORMONES Hormonal changes during pregnancy swing like a grandfather clock’s pendulum. In addition to mood shifts, these hormone changes can have a detrimental impact on dental health. • Heightened hormone levels may cause pregnancy gingivitis. Progesterone is 10 times higher in pregnant people, boosting bacteria growth that often leads to gingivitis. • Inflammation is common in pregnancy, which inflames gums like the rest of the body.
Introducing children to domestic and international travel at a young age can significantly aid their development. Surprisingly, traveling with children as young as 6 months old can be remarkably beneficial. It instills a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences. In addition, child development research shows that travel broadens a child’s horizons and plays a pivotal role in their cognitive and emotional growth in several ways. CULTURAL EMPATHY AND ADAPTABILITY Travel exposes young minds to different cultures and environments, fostering empathy and adaptability. A global education specialist, Dr. Robin Hancock, explains that children who travel from an early age learn to appreciate cultural differences and are more likely to develop meaningful relationships across diverse backgrounds. This early exposure lays a strong foundation for them to grow into well-rounded, globally aware adults. LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT Beyond cultural understanding, travel significantly impacts linguistic development. Associate Professor Erika Levy from Columbia University notes that surrounding children with various language sounds helps maintain their ability to distinguish and learn different languages. This exposure is particularly beneficial in the first few years of life when brain development is most rapid. EXPERIENCES THAT SHAPE PERSPECTIVES The experiences children gain from travel go beyond just forming memories. They shape their perspectives and understanding of the world. Every element of the trip contributes to a child’s learning, from trying new foods to adapting to different climates and customs. Even if they don’t remember every detail, the skills and insights gained during their formative years stay with them for life. INCORPORATING TRAVEL INTO EARLY LEARNING Implementing travel as a part of a child’s early learning can be as simple as exploring local neighborhoods, engaging with different cultures, or creating travel-related traditions. These experiences don’t have to be grand — even small trips offer valuable learning opportunities. YOUNG EXPLORERS HOW TRAVEL SHAPES CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Hormones don’t return to normal immediately after pregnancy, and that’s especially true during breastfeeding.
HOW TO EQUALIZE ACID During pregnancy, nausea is a daily occurrence and vomiting is probable. Since vomit is acidic, it can erode teeth. Here’s a couple of ways you can keep cavities away. • Rinse your mouth out before brushing. While getting rid of the taste immediately is tempting, you need to get the acid out of your mouth first. Once you do, feel free to brush! • Flavor aversion is common during pregnancy. While you may have savored mint in the past, it can be disgusting when you’re pregnant. Fortunately, there are countless toothpaste flavors, especially if you look online. If you prepare accordingly, your teeth will be perfectly safe from the dangers of morning sickness. Be aware of acidic drinks like soda and juice, as they can cause cavities just as well as vomit. BRACE FOR CRAVINGS Everyone experiences cravings, but few know them better than pregnant people. Cravings range from the ordinary to the unusual. Some of these foods one craves have a lot of sugar, which causes plaque and feeds oral bacteria. There’s no shame in indulging in these foods, but brushing and flossing after you eat is essential. Use mouthwash if you feel the need (although it’s not as important as the brushing and flossing). Pregnancy can cause many dental problems, but all are surmountable if you pay close attention to your teeth. Use an electric toothbrush and brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. Floss is just as important as it gets cavity-causing food and bacteria out of hard-to- reach crevices. If you keep doing both, you can make it out of pregnancy with not only a baby, but also sparkling clean teeth.
Travel is more than just a leisure activity for children; it is an invaluable educational tool. By embracing the joys of travel, parents can help develop their children’s cognitive, linguistic, and emotional skills. Whether a local adventure or an international expedition, every journey becomes a stepping stone in a child’s path to a richer, more interconnected future.
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Be Sure to Follow These Steps!
A CRAFT FOR YOUR VALENTINE Valentine’s Day is not just about the grand gestures; the little things count, too. Nothing speaks louder than a handmade token of love in a world brimming with store-bought gifts. This year, dive into DIY and create gifts from the heart. Here are seven DIY Valentine’s Day crafts you can make from home.
UNIQUE DIY VALENTINE’S GIFTS TO CHERISH
LOVE-THEMED GARDEN STONES For those who love gardening, creating love-themed garden
stones is a great idea. Paint rocks or stepping stones with heartwarming messages or designs. These can be placed in your garden as a reminder of your affection. HOMEMADE BATH BOMBS Mix a batch of bath bombs using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Choose scents and colors that your partner loves. It’s a great way to add a bit of luxury to your partner’s relaxation time. KNITTED OR CROCHETED ITEMS If you’re skilled with knitting needles or a crochet hook, you can make a cozy scarf, hat, or even a small plush heart. These handmade items carry the warmth of your love. HEART-SHAPED BAKED GOODS Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked goods. Whip up a batch of heart- shaped cookies or a cake decorated with your partner’s favorite colors. Crafting a Valentine’s Day gift is an intimate and enjoyable journey. It’s about embedding a piece of your heart into something tangible. This Valentine’s Day, let your love take a creative form and watch as these crafts bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
PERSONALIZED LOVE JARS Gather some Mason Jars and fill them with notes of appreciation, favorite memories, or future date ideas. Decorate the jars with ribbons, stickers, or paint to personalize them. Every note is a reminder of the special moments you share. HANDCRAFTED PHOTO FRAME Nothing says “I cherish our memories” like a handmade photo frame. Use materials like beads, seashells, and glitter to create a unique frame, then insert a favorite photo of you and your loved one.
CUSTOMIZED CANDLE HOLDERS Transform ordinary glass candle holders into something special. Use paint, glitter, or etching to add a romantic touch. Place a scented candle inside, and you’ve got a perfect mood-setter for a romantic dinner at home.
The Best Vegan Loaded Baked Potatoes
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHEN DOES THE BRAIN STOP GROWING? In the past, we used to believe that our brains stopped developing during our teen years, but now we understand that the brain continues to develop well into our 20s and even 30s! Some evidence even suggests that our brains are continuously changing throughout our lives. WAIT, IS ANTARCTICA A DESERT? While the icy region seems to be the furthest thing from a desert, Antarctica is classified as one due to the fact that little moisture ever falls from the sky. Only 2 inches of precipitation fall in the inner region of the continent throughout the year. On average, more rain falls in the Sahara desert! WHERE DID BACON COME FROM? Bacon, or “bacoun,” is believed to have referred to any kind of pork back in 16th-century England. When the country entered the 17th century, we saw the first references to “bacon” as salted and smoked pork belly, similar to our bacon of today.
INGREDIENTS
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4 russet potatoes 1 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup corn
1 15-oz can black beans
1 cup guacamole, store-bought
1/4 tsp kosher salt
Shredded vegan cheese Fresh chopped cilantro Dairy-free sour cream
1 1/2 cups pico de gallo, store‑bought
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 2. Wash potatoes and use a fork to pierce them all over. Next, rub olive oil on potatoes and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 20 minutes, turn each potato, and bake for another 25 minutes or until tender. 3. Drain and rinse the black beans, then add kosher salt. When the potatoes are done, open the tops with a fork and top with the pico de gallo, seasoned black beans, corn, guacamole, cheddar cheese, cilantro, and sour cream.
Inspired by ACoupleCooks.com
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Make Random Acts of Kindness a Year‑Round Practice
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Childhood Development Through Travel
Oral Hygiene: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
3
Heartfelt DIY Crafts for Your Valentine!
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
The Best Vegan Loaded Baked Potatoes
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What to Do in Cincinnati This Month
WHAT’S GOING ON, CINCINNATI? MONSTER TRUCKS, FESTIVALS, AND MORE
THE FOUR ELEMENTS Go on a journey through air, water, fire, and earth. John Morris Russel, the conductor of the Cincinnati Pops, dazzles audiences with a convergence of solo bass, piano, awe-inspiring narration, and spectacular visuals. See the Four Elements at the Civic Garden Center on Feb. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. CINCINNATI HOME AND GARDEN SHOW This event runs from Feb. 24–25 and from Feb. 29 to March 3 at the Duke Energy Center. It’s one of the city’s largest events. There will be hundreds of exhibitions and exhibitors at the show. The Garden Showcase features gardens meant to inspire, built by some of the area’s finest landscape architects.
The Queen City is as lively as ever. It may be chilly out there, but Cincy is full of fun activities. There’s something for you, whether you want to listen to monster trucks roar, immerse yourself in art, or see a one-of-a-kind show. MONET: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Any fan of the French painter Claude Monet, or of art in general, should head to this incredible immersive experience. With 360º digital projections, you and your loved ones can practically step right into Monet’s famous artworks. Just head downtown to get the artistic experience of a lifetime! For more information, visit MonetExpo.com/cincinnati.
HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCK GLOW PARTY If monster trucks weren’t spectacular enough, see them in a unique, colorful extravaganza. Expect to witness ferocious monster trucks, several neon-lit dirt bikes, and one robot dinosaur. This family-friendly thrill ride occurs at the Truist Arena on Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Get close to the trucks in the Crash Zone, the pre-show that starts two and a half hours before the show and ends 15 minutes before the party begins in earnest.
These are but a few of the many events taking place this month. Find a local newspaper, search online, or ask a neighbor to learn more about how Cincinnatians celebrate in the Queen City. It’s essential to support your community, especially in the colder months when business can slow to a halt.
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