NEED A PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO MANAGE YOUR KIDS’ CRAZY SCHEDULES?
life requires help. A great place to start is by establishing car pools with a parent group you trust. You can alternate drivers weekly, which provides the opportunity for you to focus your attention on other priorities — or if you’re lucky, have some freedom. THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB Technology makes organization easier and more accessible than ever. By using a tool like a shared calendar, you can coordinate the entire family’s schedule so you never miss a beat. And apps like Mealime and MealBoard give you the ability to whip up food that is cost-effective and delicious. TEAMWORKMAKES THE DREAMWORK While you’re busy trying to rally the troops at soccer practice, the scene at home resembles a horror movie. Laundry is piling up, food is spoiling in the fridge, and the dust bunnies around the house now have names. Housecleaning is a part-time job in its own right. The only way to stay on top of duties around the house is to work together. A chore chart with clear responsibilities is a great place to start. Whether you have one child or eight, everyone is capable of pitching in. You can have all the organizational abilities in the world, but the best way to manage life’s madness isn’t by directing day-to-day tasks; it’s by managing stress. Instead of using these tools to control life, look at them as a way to free up time so you can decompress and enjoy the things you love.
School has started. Youth sports are in full swing. Work is crazy. Food has become more about necessity than enjoyment. All of this can only mean one thing: Fall has begun. The crazy schedules this time of year can make it tough for parents to keep their heads on straight; making it through the insanity sometimes feels more like survival than life. But there are tactics you can employ to turn the tide and find more time for yourself. TAG TEAM There’s no reason to try to do everything on your own. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” exists because managing the stressors of
KARA’S CORNER
Making Sense of Mouth Rinse
Alcohol-based mouthwash, which has been around since the 18th century, was once used almost universally. Today, however, you’ll find just as many varieties of mouth rinse at the pharmacy as you do toothbrushes or toothpastes. The ingredients and purposes of these different rinses vary, so it’s important to choose the one that’s best for your needs. While you don’t need to know all of the components in a mouth rinse, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basic categories. Fluoride- containing rinse helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening your enamel, much the same way that fluoridated toothpaste does. Cosmetic rinses contain substances that can extrinsically whiten your teeth. And then there are therapeutic rinses, which are specifically designed to treat conditions like gum diseases, inflammation, and dry mouth. In addition to understanding the major varieties, there are a few other elements to consider. If you have dry mouth, it’s best to avoid alcohol- based rinses, as they tend to pull moisture out of your mouth. When purchasing rinse for children, you should always read the bottle for age limits and instructions. Kids under the age of 6 have a habit of swallowing their rinse rather than spitting, so you’ll need to give them a hand until they learn the right habits.
No matter the rinse that’s right for you, it’s a good idea to add regular rinsing to your oral care routine. Mouth rinses help remove the biofilm (plaque) from your teeth, make your breath smell better, and can even help remineralize damaged areas. Remember, though, that a mouth rinse is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. All three add up to a comprehensive plan for daily dental care. Oh, and let me add one pro tip before I sign off for the month: If you rinse before bed, try not to drink water after. That way, the rinse can do its job for a longer amount of time.
2
2
eagleidahodental.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online