Take a look at our July 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 | JULY 2025
DOWNTIME MAKES ME A BETTER DENTIST AND DAD Rest Is the Hardest Work I’ve Ever Learned to Do If you had told me a few years ago that I would one day take a vacation without my laptop, I probably would have laughed. Or panicked. Probably both. Back when we opened the practice, I had no concept of boundaries between work and life. I wanted to help every patient, solve every issue, and respond to every email, even if it meant answering staff texts at midnight or skipping lunch for the fifth day in a row to squeeze in another appointment. That’s just what it took, right? Keep grinding. Keep pushing. The hustle was the job — or so I thought.
or one of Ohio’s many beautiful state parks. If the weather’s right, we might hike, let the kids explore, and enjoy the kind of laughter that only happens when you are not thinking about your inbox. Disconnecting has been difficult, especially when you own a business that never truly closes. But the truth is that I had to learn that stepping away isn’t slacking; it’s essential. Even on my “days off,” there are bills, vendors, scheduling issues, insurance follow-ups, and the list goes on. In the past, I would have quietly chipped away at all of it after dinner. Now, I remind myself that the world will not fall apart if I answer that email tomorrow. Because when I return to work after a real break, I bring more energy, better ideas, and a clearer head. My patients get a better version of me. My family does, too. So, here is my advice to fellow workaholics: Schedule your rest like you schedule your work. Make it sacred. Make it intentional. It might be a few hours or a whole day. It might even be a week in Costa Rica, where, for the first time in years, you leave the laptop behind and realize the world still turns.
But somewhere between packing dental supplies on vacation and realizing I had barely spoken to my kids all day, something started to shift.
July 5 is National Workaholics Day, and it feels like the perfect time to reflect on how far I have come — and why learning to shut things off has made me a better dentist, father, and human being. See, I come from a long line of doers. In my family, sitting down was something you earned after the house was spotless, the garden was weeded, and the dishes were done. Even now, when we visit my mom, she is on her feet nonstop. And while my mother is incredibly accomplished, and that very same mindset fueled my early drive, it also blurred every line between work and rest. Thankfully, my wife and I found a better rhythm that values purpose and presence. These days, we schedule “free days.” Days when work is entirely off-limits. No emails. No laptop. Just family, fresh air, and a little spontaneity. Some days, we pack up the kids and head to our favorite bookstore, where we munch on pastries at the cafe and let the kids pick out a new book to take home. Other times, we head out for a spontaneous day trip to Kings Island, the Louisville Slugger Museum,
Ultimately, I don’t want just to build a great practice. I want to build a great life. And that means learning to shut the laptop, breathe, and just be.
Even if the to-do list is not done yet.
513-231-7755 • 1
SWEET DREAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY A Good Night’s Sleep Can Boost Everyone’s Well-Being A well-rested family is a happy family, but when sleep is in short supply, moods can turn sour faster than a colicky baby in an airplane! Skimping on shut-eye doesn’t just make everyone cranky; it can take a serious toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional outbursts for kids and adults alike. But there’s no need to lose sleep because simple adjustments can ensure your family gets the rest they need. From setting consistent bedtimes to creating a relaxing wind-down routine, small changes can make a big difference in everyone’s mood and mental well-being.
How to Keep Dental Drama Out of Your Carry-On Beach, Breeze … and a Broken Filling?
Planning a vacation? Don’t forget to plan for your smile, too. There’s nothing like a broken tooth or lost filling to turn a relaxing getaway into a stressful scramble. But with a bit of prep and know-how, you can keep your trip on track even if something unexpected pops up. GET AHEAD OF IT. Most dental emergencies we see on vacation could have been avoided with a quick visit before takeoff. If you’ve had lingering tooth pain, a worn-down filling, or it’s been a while since your last cleaning, schedule a checkup before you pack your suitcase. Planning any major work like crowns? Keep in mind that temporary crowns usually stay on for 2–3 weeks, so they’re not always vacation-friendly. They can come loose, feel uncomfortable, or need adjustments, so it’s best to schedule that kind of care after your trip when possible. PACK A MINI DENTAL KIT. If you’re traveling somewhere where dental care is limited, or don’t want to spend a beach day in a dental chair, bring along a few basics. Dental wax can be a lifesaver for covering sharp edges from chipped teeth or poking wires. A mouthguard can also save the day from grinding your teeth in your sleep after a stressful day at the airport or during a rowdy game of water polo. Add some over-the-counter pain relief and you’ve got yourself a travel-size emergency kit. KNOW WHAT TO DO. Should something happen, first assess how serious it is to determine how fast you need professional treatment. Rinse with warm salt water to lower bacteria and inflammation. A cold compress can help manage swelling. If something breaks off, keep it in a sanitary container with milk or saline solution; this can make a big difference in saving it. Domestic travel makes it easier to find emergency dental care, but if you’re traveling internationally, options may be limited (another reason to prep beforehand). ENJOY YOUR VACATION WORRY-FREE. A quick appointment before your trip can save you hours of discomfort and keep your vacation stress-free. Call our office today to schedule your pre-vacation dental check-in. Your smile will thank you!
BUILD A SLEEP SCHEDULE FOR SUCCESS. As parents, you can set the tone for your family by creating effective sleep-ready routines that include consistent bedtimes and relaxing habits. When your children go to bed at the same time every night, it resets their body’s internal clocks, making it a habit to get enough rest. They will
naturally begin to get drowsy at this time and wake up with more energy from better, deeper sleep. Leading up to
bedtime, try out some calming activities like reading a book, putting on classical music, or lighting a lavender candle. If your children are old enough, they can try chamomile tea, which is known to help people go to sleep. Limiting screen time to an hour or two before bed is essential because the blue light on devices can keep the mind distracted and wound up, making it difficult to drift off. You can lead by example by putting your phone or tablet away in the evening. SNOOZE YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS. Studies have found that children and parents who get adequate sleep function better, excel academically, and are in a better mood overall. As we snooze, our body is hard at work resetting our systems for the next day. Chronic insomnia gets in the way of those essential repair cycles, making emotional regulation and resilience hard to achieve. With a few small changes to your nighttime routine, you can turn your family’s restless nights into sound slumbers and wake up to a much happier and healthier home!
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
Trail- Ready
BE WEATHER-WARY Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down. KNOW YOUR LEVEL Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. GEAR UP Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. DON’T GO ALONE Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS ANDERSON DENTAL CARE HOLIDAY HOURS: Our office will be closed July 2 and 3, with normal business hours resuming on Monday, July 7. WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLEANINGS? If your kids need a cleaning or require one as part of their sports team’s physical, be sure to schedule their appointment ASAP . These spots fill up fast in August, so call our office today! WHO INVENTED THE SLURPEE? 7-Eleven’s quintessential drink was a happy accident! A Dairy Queen store owner, Omar Knedlik, was experiencing issues with his soda fountain and decided to put all the sodas in the freezer to stay cool. Customers loved the slush-like texture and began requesting the frozen sodas specifically! It was only a matter of time before he created ICEE, which then struck a deal with 7-Eleven to offer the Slurpee we all know and love. WHAT DOES THE MOON SMELL LIKE? NASA’s moonwalking astronauts have reported that moon dust (scientifically known as lunar regolith ) smells like gunpowder. Apollo 17’s Harrison Schmitt once said, “All I can say is that everyone’s instant impression of the smell was that of spent gunpowder, not that it was ‘metallic’ or ‘acrid.’” Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed
sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved
• 2 cups cherry
tomatoes, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
513-231-7755 • 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 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
1 2
Why Dr. Brooks Schedules Rest Just Like Fillings
Snooze Your Way to Happiness
Before You Jet Off, Check In (With Your Dentist)
3
Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
4
July Is Packed With Outrageously Fun Reasons to Celebrate
ALIENS AND COWBOYS AND CHEESECAKE — OH MY! The Month That Marches to Its Own Beat
If you thought July was all hot dogs and fireworks, buckle up because this month has a lot more personality than you’d expect. From moon landings to pickle celebrations, July is bursting with bold history, bizarre holidays, and an excuse to eat cheesecake in the name of national pride. FIREWORKS, FREEDOM, AND FUN FACTS It’s no secret that July is all about independence, but did you know countries across the globe wave their flags high this month? In addition to the U.S., nations like France, Canada, Venezuela, Argentina, Belgium, The Bahamas, and more celebrate their independence in July.
fireworks displays nationwide and spending about $1 billion each year doing it. The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in New York City is the grandest of them all, and the White House has been getting in on the action since 1804! OUT OF THIS WORLD (LITERALLY) Space lovers, rejoice! July 20 marks the anniversary of the iconic moon landing in 1969 when Neil Armstrong gave us a quote for the ages. And just a few weeks earlier, on July 2, you can celebrate World UFO Day! Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just in it for the sci-fi
because July 23 is National Day of the Cowboy, tipping a hat to frontier grit and good ol’ Western spirit. Prefer ringing bells to wrangling cattle? July 11 is International Town Criers Day ( hear ye, hear ye! ). And for the plant parents among us, July 27 is Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day. Yes, it’s real — and yes, we fully support it.
The entire month of July is also National Pickle Month. From dill to bread-and- butter, this crunchy classic gets 31 days of glory. And
let’s not forget July 30 — National Cheesecake Day. If ever there was a reason to treat yourself, a creamy slice of cheesecake is it. So, whether you’re lighting up the sky, raising a slice, or strolling your succulents, July is anything but ordinary!
movie marathons, it’s the perfect excuse to stargaze.
And here in America, we truly take it to heart, literally blowing up
ODD OBSERVANCES AND HUNGRY HOLIDAYS July has its fair share of bizarre observances and holidays. First, get your cowboy boots ready
the sky with over 14,000
4 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator