Woo Wang Dental April 2019
amount of carbon dioxide in the air more than the sum of all the vehicles on the world’s roadways. Forestry, agriculture, and land use are also responsible for 24 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector is responsible for 25 percent. Like our oceans, forests are carbon sinks, removing 2.4 billion tons of carbon and absorbing 8.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. If everyone made an attempt to use less water, bring their own shopping bags to stores, shut off the lights when they left their rooms, use more paper than plastic products, fill up reusable water bottles with tap water, and plant more sustainable plant life and flora that attract pollinators, we could leave our planet in a CELEBRATING OUR PLANET AND DOING ALL WE CAN TO HELP IT My Own Sanctuary
WOO’S NEWS APRIL 2019 mybestdentalcare.com
F or me, there’s nothing quite as peaceful and relaxing as my backyard. After a long day or week, I love to head back there and escape the hustle of the world for a little bit. It’s a great way to relieve stress. When I finally hang up my dental coat and retire, I plan to work in my garden and tend to the backyard I love so much, but for now, all the credit for the mastery that goes into creating this sanctuary goes to my wife and our gardening team.
17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240.683.3833 3704 Perry Ave Kensington, MD20895 301.933.1833 2 Locations
better condition for our children and grandchildren. According to North Carolina State University, one large
Surrounding our space with greenery is an easy — and relaxing — way to help
tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide every year and provide oxygen for four people. At our dental clinic, there are plenty of ways we try to remain sustainable, too. We recycle what we can, and though we always wash our hands while working with patients, we
the environment. As we celebrate the 49th Earth Day on April 22, I’m reminded of simple ways we can be more environmentally conscious. Of course, we’ve all heard the lectures about reducing our waste, reusing what we can, and recycling biodegradable materials, and, thankfully, Earth Day is attracting more attention.
frequently use hand sanitizer as well. By using hand sanitizer, we are preserving gallons of precious water each day while also still keeping our dental clinic hygienic. This practice is supported by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The planet needs our help, and even the smallest actions can have a big impact. Each one of us requires the planet for our survival, and we should be willing to do our share to keep it clean. While it’s important to celebrate Earth Day in April, we should practice good environmental habits year-round. Whether you plant a tree or switch to a more sustainable energy source, Mother Earth will thank you. Have a wonderful spring, and happy Earth Day!
Did you know that only 9 percent of the 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic that was
produced in 2015 has been recycled? Additionally, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, at least 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into our oceans each year. Americans also use
“EACH ONE OF US REQUIRES THE PLANET FOR OUR SURVIVAL, AND WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO DO OUR SHARE TO KEEP IT CLEAN.”
500 million plastic straws per day and throw away 100 billion plastic grocery bags each year. Across the globe, in our tropical rainforests, deforestation is contributing to the
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A Start to a More Active Life Walk to Work Day Observing the Holiday To celebrate Walk to Work Day, simply slip on your walking shoes, grab a portable breakfast, and head out the door! Be sure to bring an extra outfit and shoes with you as walking in high heels, dress shoes, and/or dress attire can be uncomfortable. For people who don’t have the time, try taking a short walk around the workplace during breaks or lunch. Getting in a 15-minute walk during the day will help you feel more refreshed and ready to get back into the grind. You can also invite other coworkers or friends to walk with you. Other Modes of Transportation Although Walk to Work Day encourages people to walk, there are other ways to get to work without having to drive. Biking is an excellent means of transportation and can be helpful for people who might have a longer commute. If you don’t own a bike but are still in need of a quick transport between two locations, you can hop on an electric scooter. These scooters have appeared across America over the past year or so and have proven handy for individuals needing to get from point A to point B quickly. Walk to Work Day offers a perfect chance to change up your routine for a more active lifestyle. Let this holiday be the first step in many that will come!
Everyone knows that walking is healthy for us, but not very many
people have the chance to stretch their legs. With a busy schedule, you might not have the luxury to get up earlier and get a quick brisk walk in. But that doesn’t mean
routines can’t be changed. Walk to Work Day is an unofficial holiday that encourages people to walk more in their daily lives. Finding the time to walk for 30 minutes a day can help you lose weight, reduce the chance of heart disease and diabetes, and improve emotional and mental health.
A Little History Walk to Work Day takes place on the first Friday of April every year and has been celebrated since 2004. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services promoted the holiday with enthusiasm as a way to counter the alarming rise in obesity and health issues throughout the country. Since its debut, Walk to Work Day has been picked up by people, businesses, and organizations across the world to inspire people everywhere to exercise more.
3 Habits You Can Change to Keep Earth Healthy HELP A PLANET OUT
We can all do our part to keep our planet clean and green. This Earth Day, consider the following bad habits and do your part to be as environmentally friendly as possible. CAN I GET EXTRA? Portion control is a cornerstone of weight loss, but did you know it helps the environment too? According the American Journal of Public Health, the Journal of Nutrition, and the American Medical Association, portion sizes have grown by 138 percent since the 1970s. Subsequently, so has the need for farming outputs. This strain leads to more pollution of the air, ground, and water, oversaturates our market with plastics, and ultimately packs landfills with food waste. Unfortunately, because of the increase in portions, most people don’t know what a proper portion looks like. Try managing your portions by filling your plate with vegetables first and using your hand as a sizing guide. BE NICE TO YOUR LIGHT SWITCHES Leaving the lights on after you leave the room, keeping appliances plugged in, and charging your phone overnight may be wasting energy. Think about it: You don’t need to use the lights after you leave the room
or during the day when natural light shines through your window. Additionally, there’s no need for your toaster to suck up phantom energy all day, and your cellphone can charge in just a few hours. THE BEST PART OF WAKING UP
Coffee bushes growing under shade t
This one may sting a little, but that sweet, rich cup of your favorite bean juice may be slowly suffocating the earth. Your favorite coffee shop or home brew may be taking part in the increase of plastic manufacturing and deforestation due to the unsustainable practices in coffee farming. Instead, opt for coffee beans that were grown in the shade of trees, and use a reusable coffee mug at home and at your neighborhood coffee shop. You can feel energized for your day while helping the earth breathe a little easier at the same time.
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Q: Why did the cellphone go to the dentist?
We Know You Don’t Floss
The delicate dance dentists and their patients
have been doing for decades surrounding flossing is always bemusing,
but in 2016, an Associated Press review of 25 studies had patients celebrating. The review found that flossing didn’t prove to have the health benefits it once boasted.
A: It was having
AND HERE’S WHY YOU NEED TO DO IT REGULARLY
trouble with its Bluetooth.
However, this was very misleading. These studies did not find that flossing wasn’t beneficial, and there was no harm found from flossing. Like most dental experts who are wrist-deep in mouths each day, we continually see the benefits regular flossing can have on your gums, teeth, and overall health. Each one of your choppers has five surfaces that need cleaning. The front, back, and tops of your teeth are pretty much covered through regular brushing, but the sides of your teeth are rarely reached by the bristles on your toothbrush. This means food particles and plaque can build up in these
Pasta Primavera
Inspired by Food Network
Ingredients
• • • • • • • • •
12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli 1/2 pound broccoli florets
spaces, which can increase your risk of periodontal and gum diseases and cavities. Even worse, these cavities and oral diseases don’t just impact your mouth. Studies have linked diseases in your mouth to increased risks of diabetes, cardiac conditions, and other
2 carrots, shredded
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste 1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time. 2. Drain the pasta and veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water. 4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan, and serve. Directions •
chronic diseases. On that same token, these illnesses can create even more problems for your mouth.
For most dental experts, flossing is suggested to patients because it’s a simple, safe, and effective way to properly clean your teeth. It takes a few minutes out of your day to run the string through your teeth twice every day, and your gums and teeth will be cleaner when you do. The manner in which you floss matters too. Glide the floss up and down the side of each tooth to ensure you shake
ees
loose any food particles, and if your gums hurt after you floss, talk to your dentist. You may be flossing too aggressively, or your gums are showing a symptom of a larger issue.
Much like flossing can give you a leg up in your oral health, regular dental appointments are important. Schedule your appointment and learn more
about flossing from our experts at Woo Wang Dental by calling 301.993.1833 and 240.683.3833 or by visiting MyBestDentalCare.com.
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17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 mybestdentalcare.com 240.683.3833
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WHAT'S INSIDE?
Doing Our Part 1
Walk to Work Today! Do Your Part This Earth Day 2
Start Flossing! Pasta Primavera 3 Adventure Awaits (At Home) 4
No Place Like Home
BE A TOURIST IN YOUR HOMETOWN
D o you dream of adventure? Do you want to see something new, discover someplace interesting, and make memories you’ll cherish forever? Do you still have to be at work on Monday? Finding adventure doesn't have to mean packing up and trekking across the globe for six months. Being adventurous is all about changing your mindset and looking for the unexpected in the familiar. As you start planning summer vacations, instead of spending a lot of money to be a tourist somewhere else, why not try finding a little adventure at home?
meaning to go to for ages! Then you can swing by that free concert in the park before going to a play at your community theater. Attending local events is a great way to visit places in town you’ve never been before. You might even find a historical tour that can teach you all about the wonders of your town. Download an app like Eventbrite, or go old-school and check for fun local events in the paper. Appreciate the Arts There are countless tiny museums and cultural attractions all over the place that most people overlook — especially those who have lived in an area for a while. Does your hometown have interesting art installations on Main Street? What about museums dedicated to strange and supernatural phenomena, parks, historical landmarks, or giant robotic farm animals? Check Yelp.com for lists of popular attractions near you, or ask your friends for suggestions. You might be surprised by what your hometown has to offer. You might be thinking, “This is would be great if I lived somewhere fun!” If you’ve ever thought your town was boring, that’s all the more reason to try being a tourist! Adventures can happen anywhere if you just take that first step out the door.
Get a Room If you really want to experience your hometown through the eyes of a tourist, try waking up somewhere new. One night in a hotel room or bed-and-breakfast can really put you in the adventuring mindset.
Find Local Events Now’s the time to check out
the farmers market you’ve been
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