Premier Dental - March 2019

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PREMIER DENTAL N EWS L E T T E R

609-298-1124 WWW.BORDENTOWNDENTIST.COM

EDITION 2

Highlights From Our Winter Trip to the Steel City PITTSBURGH ADVENTURES

VISIT OUR OFFICE AT: 321 FARNSWORTH AVENUE, BORDENTOWN, NJ 08505 609-298-1124 OFFICE STAFF: PATIENT COORDINATORS MICHELE JOHANNA DENTAL ASSISTANT CATHLEEN

Every year, my husband, Peter, and I spend two weeks away from our dental practice. While we love our patients and appreciate the trust they have in us, the time that we spend away from our practice gives us the energy to keep improving it. Peter and I typically take one week off in July and another in December. We relish the time we get to spend together, when we know we can enjoy each other’s company without feeling like we have to fill every moment with something exciting. Sometimes staying home is the best vacation we can ask for, other times we’re out exploring. Our trip to Pittsburgh this past December with our son Raj was the perfect opportunity to do just that! Rather than bog down our schedule with planned activities — which would be counterproductive to our goal of relaxation — we decided to explore Pittsburgh spontaneously. We do have a general formula for each trip, though, and try to see something science-related, visit an art museum, or tour something historic. Going into our vacation, we really only knew Pittsburgh as the home of the Steelers, which we love. Being from New York, we generally root for our homegrown teams, but it’s hard not to love the Steelers, too. But beyond its NFL fame, we learned that — as large as Pittsburgh is — it’s not as crazy as New York can be. Instead, it has all the vibe of a large city, only more compact, and sometimes even relaxing and relatively quiet. As an artist, I had to check out the Andy Warhol museum, which features six floors of his work. I really enjoyed this particular museum for how it took me out of my element. I’m normally a classical art surveyor, rounded out with a hint of impressionism, cubism, and surrealism. But Andy Warhol’s Pittsburgh upbringing is emphasized in the industrial, blue-

collar feel of his paintings. It was amazing to not only take in these paintings but also

see photos of him as a kid, with his family, and

even at Carnegie Mellon — a place we happened to visit as well!

• 1 WWW.BORDENTOWNDENTIST.COM As a whole, Pittsburgh was a great backdrop for our last week away from the office in 2018. So far we don’t have any trips planned for 2019, but we’re excited to see what the year has in store — even if it includes short staycations at home. —Hema Gopal, DMD At Carnegie Science Center we geeked out on all the cool facts and interactive exhibits at the site. The center is geared for all ages, with various exhibits featuring Lego sculptures and robotics. We even watched as a robot acted like a basketball player and shot a basket. Another place we enjoyed was the Phipps Conservatory, which boasts a very extensive botanical garden. The conservatory featured an amazing light show across all the trees, flowers, and buildings, and the glass works were lit up beautifully. It was a wonderful display to immerse ourselves in. Shown above is a picture of us at the Phipps Conservatory.

HYGIENISTS

CHARLENE LORI PRACTICE MANAGER PETER

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3 Ways to Honor International Women’s Day

On March 8, people around the world will honor International Women’s Day. Adopted by the United Nations in 1975, the holiday is meant to highlight the immeasurable accomplishments of women throughout history and draw attention to the ongoing struggle for global gender equality. International Women’s Day is celebrated differently around the world. Some nations, like Nepal, give all their citizens the day off. Most countries, however, including the United States, treat it as a normal day, at least officially. Even though we don’t have the day off, there are many ways for everyone to honor International Women’s Day this year. Here are a few of them.

Spring is in the air, and it’s time to celebrate with another round of spring- cleaning. Banish the clutter and make room in your life for something new! Many charities see a sharp increase in donations as spring-cleaning season starts. Donating your used books, kids’ toys, and gently worn clothing allows your old items to have a second life. However, when filling that donation box, make sure you’re donating each item because it can do good and not just because you feel bad about throwing it away. Charities have a big problem with well-meaning citizens dropping off items that are better left in the trash. There are many items charities simply cannot handle. Most charities will have lists of items they can and cannot accept on their websites. Some items that you should not donate include: DONATE WITH CARE The Right Way to Donate After Spring-Cleaning

Talk About theWomenWho Inspire You

From major innovators, like Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, to megalithic literary icons, like Maya Angelou, women throughout history have shaped how we live our lives. Whether you’re inspired by famous historical figures or the women in your own life, take the time to talk about that influence. Which women helped get you where you are today? What female leaders do you look up to? What are some lessons you’ve learned from them?

Make Room for Conversation in theWorkplace

Many of the challenges women face globally happen in the workplace. If you think your company has room for improvement in its treatment of women, now is a great time to do something about it. Even if you believe your company treats women and men equally, there’s no harm in empowering your colleagues to talk to give their opinions. If you’re an employer, this could mean giving women in your workplace an avenue to discuss issues, air grievances, and make suggestions. If you’re an employee, consider asking for such a forum. In either case, providing both public and anonymous avenues for women to express themselves is a great way for your company to take a step forward in fostering gender equality.

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Expired medications

Old TVs

Cribs

Loose remote controls

Personal care items, like soap, shampoo, or makeup

Mattresses

Join the Conversation

Carpets

Tangled cords or phone chargers Any broken, damaged, or dirty items

Regardless of your gender, March 8 is the perfect time to tune in to the larger conversation surrounding gender

These items may be unsafe to sell, costly to ship, or impossible to refurbish effectively. When a charity regularly receives items they cannot use, they have to spend hours of manpower sorting through things that end up in the trash anyway. This process can be expensive for organizations with already-strained resources. Some local charities spend over $1,000 a year on dumpster and trash removal fees for unusable donations. While charities will have no choice but to throw unusable donations in the trash, there are services you can use to make your spring- cleaning eco-friendly, even for items you can’t donate. For example, if you have torn or stained blue jeans, reach out to Blue Jeans Go Green. This program keeps denim out of landfills by turning it into insulation. And while Goodwill can’t take your batteries or old flip phone, you can check out Call2Recycle.org to learn how to safely recycle your e-waste.

inequality, if you haven’t already. This could mean attending meetings or demonstrations in your town, reading works that capture the female struggle for equality, such as Roxane Gay’s “Difficult Women,” or seeking out blogs and social media accounts from gender equality activists online. International Women’s Day is about appreciating the contributions of women to society and envisioning a more equal world for the future.

However, you decide to celebrate women this March, keep in mind that no matter who you are or where you come from, we all have the

Your donations can be a big help to local charities. Just don’t “donate” your garbage.

power to change our world for the better.

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LLAMAS, PIGS, AND HORSES … OH, MY!

3 Unique Therapy Animals Everyone has heard of therapy dogs and cats, but did you know virtually any critter can be a therapy or support animal? Therapy animals help humans cope with PTSD, anxiety, depression, injury, high blood pressure, and chronic pain, as well as a wide range of other conditions and difficulties. Therapy animals range from guinea pigs that can fit in a purse to dolphins that swim with amputees. Here are three unique companions who make a difference in the lives of people who need them.

beneath his desk to pet Buttercup. Afterward,

Rojo the Llama

the child spoke to the class for the first time. “It was a remarkable breakthrough,” says Brady.

Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas in Portland, Oregon, has conducted over 1,500 visits during the last decade and helps over 10,000 people each year. Their star llama, Rojo, is one of just 14 llamas registered as a therapy animal in the United States. Rojo’s exceptionally gentle temperament is calming to everyone who meets him. He’s so well-loved and has become such a big deal that he has his own Facebook page and two children’s books!

Rocky the Miniature Horse

Buttercup the Pot-Bellied Pig

At just 32 inches high and 325 pounds, Rocky packs a lot of cuteness into one small package. He’s not a pony but rather a breed of miniature horse historically used in coal mines in the 17th century. His specialty is working with retired veterans at the VA Community Living Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where the residents know him and look forward to his visits. For some, Rocky’s visits are bittersweet. “I wish I could have had more time to spend with horses,” says one veteran as he scratches Rocky’s ears. “There’s something calming about them.”

Lois Brady, a speech pathologist who works with special needs students in San Francisco, has a secret weapon in her arsenal: Buttercup, her black, 70-pound Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. His docile nature makes him the perfect companion for autistic children, who are often easily startled. Because Buttercup is an unusual sight in classrooms, children find him fascinating. In 2017, an autistic student who had never spoken to his classmates before felt compelled to crawl out from

Everything Popcorn

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine.

Ingredients

• • • •

3/4 cup popcorn kernels 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds

• • • •

2 teaspoons granulated garlic 2 teaspoons granulated onion

1/3 cup canola oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1.

In a small skillet over medium heat, toast sesame seeds. Shake skillet often and cook until white seeds are golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and add garlic, onion, and salt. In a large saucepan, combine popcorn kernels and oil. Cook over medium-

high heat, covered, until popcorn kernels start to pop. Once popping, continue cooking and shaking the pan intermittently until popping ceases, about 3–5 minutes. Transfer popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Pour in butter and toss to coat. Finally, add seasoning, toss again, and serve.

Solution on page 4

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609-297-1124 BORDENTOWNDENTIST.COM 321 FARNSWORTH AVENUE, BORDENTOWN, NJ 08505

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

INSIDE 1 Exploring Pittsburgh

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Why Charities Hate Spring-Cleaning 3 Ways to Honor International Women’s Day Llamas, Pigs, and Horses … Oh, My! Everything Popcorn

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Family Activities for St. Patrick’s Day

CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Family-Friendly Activities

Exploring Irish Culture

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to mean heading to the local Irish bar and drinking a large green beverage. If you’re not interested in going out this year and would prefer to do something at home with the family, here are a few ways everyone can celebrate.

Another way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your family is to sit down and read about Irish culture with your kids. Learn where the legend of the leprechaun came fromor read other stories from Irish folklore. You can also watch videos of Irish dance performances and encourage the kids tomake their own. There’s also fascinating history on St. Patrick and why he became the patron of the holiday that your family members can research together. If you have Irish roots, tell your kids about your heritage.

Irish-Themed Food

Watch Irish Movies

What better way to get festive than by making some St. Patrick’s Day-themed dishes? You can make rainbow cupcakes, green cookies, St. Patrick’s Day popcorn, or — for a more traditional

For a relaxing activity, settle down in front of the TV for a movie night filled with films related to Irish culture. Try “The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns,”“Song of the Sea,”“The Luck of the Irish,” or “The Secret of Kells.”

dish — Irish soda bread. You can also cook up an array of greens for dinner on March 17, which could include Brussels sprouts, spinach, cucumbers, green beans, peas, or asparagus.

Make an Impact

Teach your kids how to be “greener” this month by doing more for the environment. Discuss ways to save energy and water in the home, and talk about the importance of taking a break from electronics and enjoying the outdoors. This list is not exhaustive by any means, but it’s a good start to get your family to create new ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. You might even create family traditions that will last for years to come.

A Mischievous Leprechaun

To treat your kids to a fun game, leave green footprints around the house and participate in impish tricks! Empty a tissue box, hide the remote, swap out regular light bulbs with green ones, or draw rainbows on the windows. You’re only limited by your imagination.

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