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7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | ATOWNDENTAL.COM | APRIL 2026 BRUSH - UP ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc. THE MEMORIES WAITING IN EVERY THEATER SEAT Why Movie Night Is a Full-Blown Event in Our Family Movie Theatre Day rolls around every April 23, and I can’t help but smile a little because it reminds me of one of my favorite “special occasion” traditions: going to the movies with my family. While some people might not consider the movies as a flashy night out, when your family is a full- blown crew of eight, heading to the movies certainly feels like a major production. A trip to the theater isn’t just a casual Tuesday night activity for us; it’s an event. a movie, and dessert if we’re feeling ambitious. It becomes less about the film and more about the memory. My wife and I even sneak in the occasional movie date night, just the two of us. Those are rare, but they feel extra special when they happen. We
Between ticket prices, the “must-have” concessions, and the ease of watching movies at home, I’ll admit we don’t go to the theater often. A few times a year is about right, and only when something feels worth it. If we’re going to load everyone into the car, coordinate schedules, and commit to sitting still for two hours, the movie has to earn it. The last movie we saw together in a theater was an anniversary showing of the original “Toy Story.” My wife never got to see it in the theater as a kid (but she won the VHS in a coloring contest at her — wait for it — dental office!), and there was something magical about sitting there with our children watching the same movie decades later. It felt like time folded in on itself in the best way. The kids had already seen it at home many times, of course, but being in the theater made it feel brand new again. Bigger. Funnier. More special. That’s the thing about movie theaters. You can watch a movie at home on a comfy couch in sweatpants, pausing whenever you want for snacks or bathroom breaks. We do that plenty. But the theater? That’s different. That’s an experience. The lights go down, the previews roll, and suddenly, the outside world disappears for a couple of hours. No phones. No distractions. Just the story and the people you’re sharing it with. The theaters near us now have reclining leather seats, which feel wildly luxurious compared to the sticky floors and stiff chairs I remember growing up. We can even turn the night into a full outing with dinner,
love smaller theaters that show classic films or indie movies you can’t easily stream. There’s something charming about those places, like stepping into a different era for an evening.
Growing up, movie theater trips were a big deal for me, too. My family often went on Thanksgiving night after an early dinner. It was our tradition. We haven’t
continued that tradition with our kids, but whenever we do end up in a theater around the holidays, it brings back a wave of nostalgia.
For our family, going to the movies isn’t about convenience. It’s about togetherness. It’s about carving out a few hours where the world pauses, the lights dim, and the only thing that matters is sitting side by side, laughing, clapping, and making memories we’ll talk about for years. And honestly, that’s worth every overpriced bucket of popcorn.
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This National Oral Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect reminder that your routine dental visit does far more than keep your smile bright. At our office, your yearly exam includes a thorough check designed to spot early warning signs that most people would never notice on their own. Oral cancer represents a small percentage of cancers diagnosed each year, but in 2022, that amounted to 54,000 new cases in the United States. It tends to occur more frequently after age 40 and is more common in men, though anyone can be affected. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV, sun exposure to the lips, and even nutrition habits can influence risk. That’s why prevention and early discovery matter so much. During your annual exam, Dr. Brooks carefully evaluates areas you might not think about, from your jawline and neck to the inside of your cheeks, gums, and the roof of your mouth. This process is quick, painless, and seamlessly woven into your regular visit. While warning signs can be visible, many are subtle and easy to miss without trained eyes and hands. If you ever notice a sore, irritation, or unusual spot that sticks around longer than a few days, don’t ignore it. Bringing it up at your appointment or sooner can make a lifesaving difference. When something looks suspicious, we can perform a simple cheek swab to gather additional information. If further evaluation is needed, we promptly connect patients with specialists who can provide advanced testing and care. Open communication plays a huge role in protecting your health. Lifestyle changes, medication updates, stress levels, and habits like smoking or vaping all influence your oral health. Sharing this information honestly helps us provide the most accurate assessment and personalized care possible. Your dental appointment is about far more than teeth. It’s an opportunity to safeguard your overall well-being. Staying consistent with visits, speaking up about concerns, and keeping us informed about your health history all work together to protect you. This Oral Cancer Awareness Month, consider your next checkup a simple but powerful step toward peace of mind. Early attention saves lives, and your dental team is here to help every step of the way. The Dental Visit That Could Save Your Life YOUR DENTIST IS LOOKING OUT FOR MORE THAN YOUR TEETH
If you walk past a tween’s room at night, you are more likely to see a phone glow than a book light. That can make it feel like the season for bedtime stories is long gone. But reading together doesn’t have to end when kids outgrow picture books, and it offers benefits that make it well worth the time. We hear a lot about reading aloud to little kids because it builds vocabulary and language skills. Those gains don’t suddenly disappear when a kid turns 11. Studies show that kids who are read to hear far more words, build stronger language skills, and become more confident readers themselves. And hearing stories fosters a love of books and reading that will continue long into adulthood. The Case for Reading to Your Teens A FAMILY ROUTINE WORTH KEEPING
Older kids also get something out of reading you might not think about. It gives them a chance to slow down and think. Stories put big feelings and hard situations
on the table in a safe way. They let tweens and teens experience
someone else’s life and see different perspectives. That helps with critical thinking and builds empathy and emotional intelligence.
Reading with tweens and teens is also a great way to stay connected during a phase when feelings run high, and words can sometimes be hard to find. Instead of asking teenagers a direct question they may
not want to answer, you can talk about the character in the book who messes up, hides a secret, or figures out where they belong. It’s one step removed, which sometimes makes it easier for them to open up. Of course, this only works if you actually fit reading into your schedule. Older kids often have busier days, but even 10–15 minutes a day is enough to see the benefits. Some families listen to audiobooks in the car on the way to practice or while driving home from an activity. Researchers have found that listening and following a story still strengthens attention, language, and background knowledge, so audio can absolutely count for reading time. The real value isn’t in finishing a long list of books. It’s in finding shared time as a family to think about the same thing and learn how to talk about it together.
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GET YOUR KIDS OUT THE DOOR
Simple Ways to Unplug and Play Outside
Some of the best childhood memories start with someone saying, “Let’s go outside for a minute,” and then nobody comes back in for hours. You don’t even need a perfect backyard to make that happen. A bit of grass, a driveway, or the corner of the park is usually enough for a fun game. Tag is still one of the easiest ways to get kids running. You can stick with regular tag or switch it up. In freeze tag, one touch turns you into a statue until a teammate rescues you. In shadow tag, you chase the shadow instead of the person, which kids find hilarious on a sunny day. Blob tag is pure chaos. Every tagged player links hands with the “it” kid, and the blob keeps growing. If your family likes a little friendly competition, find old pillowcases and hold a sack race. Parents versus kids makes it even better, especially when adults wipe out first. Some kids are happiest when they can climb, crawl, and zigzag around the yard. You can give them a simple obstacle course
using chairs, a broom laid on the ground, a few cushions, and a strip of tape or chalk. Then, let the kids decide how to run it. One round, they might crawl under the chairs. The next round, they hop over the broom and tiptoe along the line. On hotter days, water makes everything more fun. Fill water balloons, and pair everyone up for a balloon toss. The last team with a filled balloon is the winner, but when the sun is beating down, it’s the kind of game you don’t mind losing. Bubbles are also a great way to get water into the mix. Make a simple soap-and-water solution and build wands out of straws and string. Then, see who can make the biggest bubbles in the yard. When everyone’s ready for a slower pace, you can switch to a scavenger hunt or sit down in the driveway and make art or games with chalk. The point of all these activities is to have a little fun and get some fresh air while spending time together outside.
CHICKEN MISO SPINACH SOUP YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS HOW OLD IS THE OLDEST CAT THAT EVER LIVED? Creme Puff, a tabby mix who lived to 38, holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest cat! She lived from Aug. 3, 1967, to Aug. 6, 2005.
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 5 small carrots, thinly sliced • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped • 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 tsp salt • 9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken • 12 oz fresh baby spinach • 3 tbsp white miso • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallion
IS MOUNT EVEREST REALLY THE TALLEST MOUNTAIN ON EARTH? Nope! The twin volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii are actually taller since 19,700 feet of Mauna Kea’s height is underwater, which makes them a towering 33,500 feet (while Mount Everest is 29,029 feet). DO SOCCER TEAMS PLAY BETTER DEPENDING ON UNIFORMS? According to research, they apparently do. A study of soccer matches spanning 55 years found that teams wearing red performed better than those in any other color. This may be because wearing red makes you feel more confident!
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high, heat the oil. 2. Add carrots and onion and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. 4. Add broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. 5. Stir in chicken; cook 2 minutes. 6. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Remove pot from heat. 7. In a small bowl, stir 1/4 cup hot broth into miso until dissolved, then return mixture to pot. 8. Divide soup into bowls and top with scallions.
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
The Magic of Movie Theaters (and Why We Save Them for Special Occasions)
2
Growing Up With Books
Don’t Skip the Visit That Could Catch Oral Cancer Early
3
Easy Outdoor Games for Busy Families
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Chicken Miso Spinach Soup
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Your April Bucket List Starts Here, Cincinnati
APRIL’S EVENT LINEUP HAS THE CITY BUZZING Cincinnati in Full Bloom
kaleidoscope of color. Stroll through pathways lined with more than a million daffodils, vibrant hyacinths, and over 100,000 tulips in every shade imaginable during the city’s beloved “Tulip Mania.” Want to keep the good vibes going? Visit on Thursday evenings in April for Tunes & Blooms, where live music fills the gardens for a magical night among the blossoms.
18. This year also brings the return of the beloved Phantom Theater and a new family thrill ride still under wraps. Grab your crew, chase the coasters, and start the countdown to adventure!
April in Cincinnati is bursting with color, flavor, and family fun. As the city shakes off winter, the calendar fills with can’t-miss events that celebrate spring in the best ways, from blooming gardens and thrilling coasters to a weekend dedicated to incredible food and culture. Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a date night, or a full weekend adventure, there’s something exciting happening around every corner. ZOO BLOOMS AT THE CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN April 1–30 CincinnatiZoo.org/events/zoo-blooms
ASIAN FOOD FEST 2026 April 25–26 AsianFoodFest.org
OPENING DAY AT KINGS ISLAND Saturday, April 18 SixFlags.com/kingsisland
Celebrating its 15th year, the two-day Asian Food Fest is Cincinnati’s largest showcase of Asian cuisine and culture, drawing nearly 100,000 food lovers each year. Stroll through a delicious lineup of vendors serving everything from savory street food to sweet treats, while enjoying live performances, cultural experiences, and nonstop energy. Whether you’re trying something new or craving a favorite dish, this fast-growing, flavor-packed festival is the perfect way to spend a spring weekend. Come hungry and leave inspired!
Get ready to scream, laugh, and kick off summer early because Kings Island is back! Opening Day is on April 18, launching a new season packed with thrills, treats, and memory-making moments at one of America’s favorite amusement parks. Season Passholders get first dibs with an exclusive preview day on April 17, followed by weekend fun through spring before daily operations begin May
Spring turns spectacular at Zoo Blooms, when the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden bursts into a
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