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DRSladic.com
November 2024
GRATITUDE CHANGES EVERYTHING Finding Perspective for a Peaceful Mind
Before I get to the heart of this message, I’ll admit that I always feel a bit odd writing about Thanksgiving in November. I’m originally from Canada, which celebrates the holiday in October, so I tend to think about it earlier than most of my readers. That said, I recently came across an interesting piece of trivia about how Thanksgiving became so important in the U.S. Did you know that Sarah Josepha Hale, the poet behind “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” convinced President Abraham Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 as a way to help Americans take their minds off the strain of the Civil War? Studying history and learning about how our holidays and pastimes came to be is always fascinating. As for Thanksgiving in 2024 , I have much to be thankful for this year. I’m so grateful to my clients for their continued trust and support. Thank you for allowing me to know and learn from you. I hope I’ve helped you grow as a person as much as you’ve helped me grow as a doctor. Above all, I’m grateful that life isn’t all rainbows and roses. Why? Because being a well-rounded person means balancing the good with the bad and learning from mistakes and challenges. It’s easy to be grateful for great things, but what about the
not-so-great things that come your way? You can’t avoid them, but you can change your perspective on how to handle them. Recently, I had an opportunity to put this philosophy into practice. I was busy getting ready for a trip when my receptionist called with disturbing news: She had found a virus on one of our computers that rendered it inoperable. It was the last thing I wanted to deal with then, but I didn’t let the stress overtake me. I simply went to the office to see what I could do. Our computer repair guy was 45 minutes away, so I had to locate someone else for help — and fast. Fortunately, I found and contacted someone right down the block to take a look at our machine. Our good luck continued from there, as the “virus” turned out to be a simple scam that was averted by unplugging and replugging the computer. Perhaps best of all, the local tech pro didn’t even charge us for his time and help! What began as a potential loss later became a huge win for our office. I found a local computer wiz and was reminded of the importance of backing up our devices in case something catastrophic happens.
working, you didn’t even get angry or upset at me. It really surprised me how calm you were.” I thought, “Well, that wouldn’t have fixed anything anyway.” I could have gotten angry, frustrated, and troubled — and taken out those emotions on other people. But at the end of the day, all I needed to do to make things better was unplug the computer from the socket. I’ll take that over shouting any day. As we prepare to celebrate another Thanksgiving, I suggest an activity that may help you practice gratitude more often. Think of five great things that have happened to you this year and ask yourself what you learned from them. Then, list five negative things in your life during the same period and ask yourself the same question. With some reflection, you’ll likely realize that all 10 items served to make you a better person in some way. Even the challenging moments this past year provided valuable lessons that can make you stronger and happier in the long run. Everything shapes who we are, so we should be grateful for it all. –Dr. Tom Sladic To order supplements or blood work, call 248-912-2962.
Later, my receptionist told me, “When I called you to say the computer wasn’t
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” — Henry Ford
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GOBBLE, GOBBLE THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY TRADITION
But in 1621, the Plymouth Pilgrims and Wampanoag did not eat like we do today. Moreover, they did not see their meal as a special occasion. Thanksgiving dinner has been used to celebrate the autumn harvest for hundreds of years and is a tradition that predates the colonies. The Wampanoag people brought venison to the party, and the Pilgrims supposedly brought wildfowl. While an estimated 10 million wild turkeys were prowling the Americas at the time, the Pilgrims more likely dined on duck and goose — which begs the question: If the Pilgrims didn’t eat turkey on the “original” Thanksgiving, why do we? A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP Turkey became the staple of Thanksgiving dinner due to a few contributing factors. Unlike chickens and cows, which can provide eggs and milk, turkeys are only useful to farmers as a source of meat. As gruesome as it may
sound, that fact also makes turkeys disposable. Additionally, one turkey can typically feed a whole family, so it became a popular source of protein in America. However, it may be cultural staples, like Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and Sarah Hale’s novel “Northwood,” both portraying decadent turkey meals, that played a more significant part in its popularity on the holiday table. Hale was also a key campaigner for Thanksgiving to bring together families across America and repair a nation splintered by the Civil War. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln granted her wish and made Thanksgiving an official national holiday. She was likely the biggest factor in turning turkey into the star of Thanksgiving dinner and, as a result, is likely the nemesis of turkeys everywhere. In 2022, about 210 million turkeys were farmed across the country, and Americans consumed 46 million on Thanksgiving alone.
Part of what makes special occasions special is the foods they are synonymous with. We have cake on our birthdays, candy on Halloween, and turkey on Thanksgiving. How these culinary staples became linked with these holidays is rarely questioned because we all enjoy sweets, and blowing out candles is fun. But is that reason enough for them to be integral to our holidays? Why is Thanksgiving Day, the celebration of harvest and gratitude, synonymous with turkey dinner? THE ORIGINAL MENU Many in America believe we model our Thanksgiving cuisine after the menu of offerings available during the original feast.
WELLNESS BEGINS AT HOME
Indoor Wins Against Bad Weather
There are more solutions to staying happy and healthy this winter than owning a home gym. When bad weather forces you inside, remember these tips to keep your physical and mental well-being strong throughout the season. GET FIT BY THE FRIDGE. Your kitchen may not be the first place you’d think of for exercise, but it’s an exceptional spot for strengthening your arms — and not just by opening and closing the refrigerator door. Ever heard of “kitchen counter push- ups”? Start by placing your hands shoulder- length apart on the edge of the counter, standing an arm’s length away, and getting into a push-up position. From there, bend your elbows and lower your chest. Keep your back stable, and tap the counter with your chest each time. This method is ideal for people who wish to improve their arm
strength but have difficulty doing traditional push-ups on the floor.
keep your body moving without having to contend with puddles or plows.
STEP INTO BETTER HEALTH. It’s been said that walking is nature’s best medicine. Unfortunately, it could also be one of nature’s worst safety risks if you stroll through snow or rain. If bad weather prevents you from enjoying your usual walks, find a set of stairs inside and march yourself up and down. Whether you base your goals on reps or time, hitting the steps will
DON’T BYPASS THE BASICS. Being stuck inside when 5 p.m. feels like midnight doesn’t do our internal clocks any favors, especially when holiday commitments push our minds and bodies beyond their normal limits. Unsurprisingly, people tend to feel sluggish when their daily routines are derailed, leading many to sleep too often or too long. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule every day — with eight hours as the ideal target — will help your body reap the benefits of any indoor exercises you do this winter. Of course, limiting your consumption of unhealthy holiday meals and snacks is another good idea, especially when one plate of traditional Thanksgiving fare could add as many as 160 grams of fat and 3,000 calories to your day.
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FENNEL GRATIN
A GIFT FOR YOUR MIND Prioritizing Mental Health This Season Although a classic song suggests we’re now in “the most wonderful time of the year,” winter’s cold air and dim skies — and the hustle and bustle of the holidays — can leave many folks feeling low. Here are three suggestions to boost your mental state in the weeks and months ahead. BREAK FREE FROM THE PERFECTION TRAP. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every wintertime family gathering was as festive and perfect as those depicted on holiday cards? In the real world, meals get overcooked, people get snowed in, and arguments arise over the dinner table. Life rarely goes according to plan, so keeping expectations realistic — and going with the flow more frequently when things go awry — will help you maintain a positive mindset. We all want the very best holiday experience possible, but not every inconvenience or minor crisis should be considered a catastrophe. CHART A PATH TO CALM. Although the holidays often bring joy, they also come with heavy commitments and added activities that can test our patience and peace of mind. If you typically experience increased stress this time of year, create a self-care plan to help alleviate the strain. If weather permits, a nice walk around the neighborhood can help clear your mind. When venturing outside isn’t an option, indoor exercises can do the trick instead. Or something as simple as putting your tasks aside and inviting a friend over to chat will help you feel better. Regardless of your go-to activity, having it ready is the key to tackling negative triggers. THRIVE THROUGH HELPING OTHERS. Bonding with family and friends is a holiday staple, but loneliness can set in for those who live too far away to join their loved ones this year. If you’re dreading solitude this season, consider engaging in local volunteer activities that will help you connect with and serve your community. There are always people doing great things for others who could use an extra pair of hands and would love to have your company.
Ingredients
• 2 cups heavy cream • 2 shallots, roughly chopped • 4 garlic cloves, smashed • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper • 3 large fennel bulbs, cored and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F with one rack in the center and one about 4 inches from the heat. 2. In a small saucepan, bring cream, shallots, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring often, for another 15–20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. 3. Arrange fennel wedges, slightly overlapping, in a large cast-iron skillet or broiler-safe 2-quart baking dish. Pour cream mixture over fennel. Roast on center rack until fennel is tender, about 40–50 minutes. 4. Remove skillet and increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over fennel. Broil on upper rack until top is browned, 1–4 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
WORD SEARCH
APPLE BASKETBALL BLACK FRIDAY
FIREPLACE GRATITUDE LEAVES NAP PARADE PIE STUFFING TURKEY VETERAN
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. The Key to Balanced Thinking
2. How Turkey Became a Thanksgiving Staple
Make Your House a Fitness Hub
3. Fennel Gratin
Seasonal Stress Survival Tips
4. Dental Care Myths to Avoid During Pregnancy
FACT VS. FICTION Dental Health Care for Expectant Moms
Amid thousands of books written about pregnancy, guides to expectant moms’ dental health are scarce. Plenty of myths have cropped up in that vacuum, creating uncertainty among pregnant women about whether they can seek treatment for cavities and gum disease. Bleeding gums and tooth decay can be a massive problem during pregnancy, and contrary to popular belief, seeking dental care, including local anesthetics and X-rays, can be safe as long as you first clear the treatments with your prenatal care provider. Increases in progesterone and estrogen cause as many as 3 in 4 pregnant women to develop gingivitis, marked by redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film on the teeth containing bacteria.
If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease, an infection linked in pregnancy research to premature birth and low birth weight. Increases in plaque during pregnancy can also cause “pregnancy tumors” on the gums around and between the teeth. Expectant moms should seek treatment for pain, swelling, or other signs of infection. Also, some pregnant women find that brushing and flossing make them feel nauseous. Try brushing at times of day when you tend to feel less nauseous or ask your dentist to recommend a mild-flavored mouthwash to use beforehand to mute the taste of the toothpaste.
treatment. Dental X-rays are generally a safe diagnostic tool. They use very small amounts of radiation, and your dentist can cover you with a protective apron. If you need a filling, local anesthesia may be permissible to numb your mouth. Make sure your dentist uses a mercury-free composite filling. Pain relievers and antibiotics may be safe, but check with your prenatal care provider first. And, of course, continue regular cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and ask your dentist for advice on preserving your dental health. These steps will help protect you from lasting dental problems long after your baby is born!
Expectant moms are also more likely to develop cavities, so it is important to seek
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