Take a look at our March newsletter!
THE
BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | MARCH 2024
THE GIFT OF READING How We Foster a Love for Books at Home My reading journey has been a long one, but as March 2 brings Read Across America Day, I want to share how I’ve been able to make it a staple not only in my life but my family’s as well. I shared how my grandmother inspired me to read more frequently a few years back. She read stacks and stacks of books as she reached the end of her life, and with the small inheritance she left for each grandchild, I purchased my first Kindle. It was then that I dedicated myself to following her love for books, and I’m proud to say I’ve come a long way! As I’ve ventured through different genres, I’ve found that motivational nonfiction books have the greatest impact. Whether it’s historical, business-centered, spiritual, health-focused, or all about personal development, uplifting books have become my go-to genre that keeps me feeling inspired. I’m currently reading Daniel James Brown’s “The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.” I can confirm that fact is much more fascinating than fiction! History is an endless source of shocking, moving, and inspiring tales; this book is a remarkable example. Another book I truly enjoyed was “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor. While it may be zeroed in on our health, the book takes a deep dive into the history of our bodies, our ancestors’ health, and essentially the significance of the simple act of breathing! Health enthusiasts and history buffs alike will want to check this one out. When it comes to health, there are so many works by Mark Hyman that I’ve found incredibly informative and motivating. Recently, I read “Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?” and it certainly transformed my notions, and I’m sure most of the population’s notions, of nutrition and health. Hyman’s “Young Forever: The Secrets to Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life” is also fantastic! Even as a dentist, I fully acknowledge that food can be medicine, and Hyman has been my recent favorite author. You can check out his website for countless healthy recipes, too!
As I continue on my own literary journey, Jessica and I want to ensure our kids love reading, too! We try to be good examples of taking time to sit down and read. It’s become an essential part of our family culture, and since our kids are homeschooled, we incorporate books as often as possible. We have a growing library at home (IKEA bookshelves filled with various books), and it’s one of everyone’s favorite rooms in the house. We rotate in holiday or seasonal books, pull out ones that haven’t been read in a while and leave them to catch kids’ attention, and we read together as a family often. One thing I love to do is read to them every night. We all look forward to bedtime because of it, and it’s always filled with laughter, animated narrations, and endless creativity. We’re reading the “InvestiGator” series by John Patrick Green, which centers on an alligator duo solving mysteries. We’re giggling until bedtime! The kids must have an affinity for mysteries like my grandmother, as they’ve also enjoyed the “Hardy Boys” books. She’d certainly be proud! While I can’t say all this cackling and joking makes the kids sleepy, it strengthens their love for reading, which is all I can ask for. We even let the kids curtail curfew as long as they’re in bed and reading! Of course, we can count on them falling asleep by 9 or 10 p.m. This March, I hope you can set aside some time to read whatever books are on your to-read list. Just a few minutes of reading here and there can make a difference in your life. Happy Read Across America Day!
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Why Early Dental Care Is Crucial for Your Toddler BABY TEETH MATTER! We often hear: “When should I start bringing my child to the dentist?” We always answer, “If they have teeth, bring ‘em in!” We understand the importance of early dental care for toddlers, and we recommend bringing your kids in once they reach 12–24 months old. However, if you would have to hold down your child for them to stay in the patient chair, it might be better to wait. The key factor is to bring them once you’re confident they can have a positive first appointment. We aim to make the first dental visit a cheerful and enjoyable experience for both the child and the parent. We keep the initial appointment short, typically around 20 minutes, to check for proper teeth formation and assess any potential risk factors for cavities. It’s a time for toddlers to get used to our environment and also for us to offer some dental care tips to parents. RISK FACTORS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW One of the most significant topics we like to cover is the risk of tooth decay that can occur with their toddler’s usual diet. Tooth decay is primarily caused by sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Fruit juices, especially in a bottle or sippy cup, can lead to a condition known as “bottle rot,” which can severely damage
THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING A 15-MINUTE NAP CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD, HAPPINESS, AND HEALTH To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. THINK CLEARER Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. LOWER STRESS People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. LIVE LONGER Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
teeth. Limiting juice and milk to mealtimes and avoiding prolonged exposure to sugars is essential. Let them have their sips, and then put it away! Meanwhile, sticky snacks like gummies are also culprits for tooth decay. While these snacks may seem healthy, they can stick to teeth and create an environment for decay-causing
bacteria to thrive.
BABY TEETH ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS ADULT ONES! Decay and trauma to baby teeth can affect the development of adult teeth and lead to long-term issues. Research has shown early dental problems can contribute to calcium deficiencies and other problems later in life. Therefore, it’s essential to establish good oral hygiene habits early on and maintain regular dental check-ups. Parents play a crucial role in preventing cavities in their toddlers. When you promote healthy eating habits, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and maintain regular dental visits, parents can help ensure their child’s teeth stay healthy and strong. Remember, good habits established early can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles!
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YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHEN DID THEY PUT ABRAHAM LINCOLN ON THE PENNY? When the United States Mint first made the one-cent coin in 1792, it had an image of a woman with flowing hair who stood for liberty. It wasn’t until 1909 that the image of President Abraham Lincoln was placed on the penny. This would actually be the first circulating U.S. coin to have a real person portrayed on it! WHAT AM I DUSTING? If you’re participating in spring-cleaning this month, you might be surprised to learn that skin cells constitute a majority of dust. Humans shed about 200 million skin cells an hour, and those cells don’t just vanish. Instead, they’re carried by the air and hide in every corner of your home. WHY ARE ALL CALICO CATS FEMALE? These black, white, and orange cats are all ladies except for a few sterile gentlemen. This is due to the origin of cat coat colors. The gene dictating a calico’s signature fur is on the X chromosome (females have two). If they have a Y chromosome like males do, they don’t have enough genes to allow for three colors. If a male cat is calico, they have an extremely rare condition that results in an XXY chromosome set in their DNA. GROW YOUR GREEN THUMB THIS SPRING A SPRING GARDENING GUIDE Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool-season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early to mid-March. Heat-loving
plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
CHIPOTLE-INSPIRED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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2 boneless chicken breasts
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 cup white or brown rice, cooked 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1 cup canned corn
1 cup canned black beans
1 avocado, cubed 1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shredded cheese
For Salsa •
1 tbsp chopped cilantro 1/2 tomato, chopped 1/2 onion, chopped 2 tbsp white vinegar
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4 tbsp lime juice
Salt, to taste
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Follow Dr. Brooks’ Reading Adventures This Read Across America Day!
2
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap
How to Keep Your Toddler’s Teeth Healthy
3
Bring Color and Joy to Your Garden
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
4
Exciting Facts About March
THE SIMPLE TOOTH MARCH INTO
THESE FUN FACTS
This year, on March 19, we welcome the first day of spring. As winter recedes and the promise of warmer days and blooming flowers emerges, March is full of historical significance, cultural celebrations, and natural wonders to explore — let’s dive in! TALES OF ANCIENT ROME Did you know that March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar until Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 46 BC, moving it to the third position? This shift is why the name “March” is derived from “Martius,” the Latin word for Mars, the Roman god of war. Despite its warlike origins, this month is also synonymous with rebirth and renewal, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This month, daylight saving time begins in many parts of the world, giving us that cherished extra hour of sunlight in the evenings we desperately crave! ST. PATRICK’S DAY March’s most famous holiday shall not be overlooked! Green attire and festive parades overtake the streets on St. Patrick’s Day, but who was St.
Patrick? Patrick was born in Roman Britain and was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave at 16 years old. Before managing to escape, he was captured for six years. This is a day to celebrate his freedom! Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY International Women’s Day is here to honor the achievements and contributions of strong and brave women worldwide! International Women’s Day is a holiday that celebrates women and promotes women’s rights. It takes place every year on March 8. International Women’s Day dates back to 1911 when many women fought for their right to vote. READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK Get your nose in a book this month! Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America is the world’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone. Read Across America Week begins on March 2!
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