Take a look at our September 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 | SEPTEMBER 2024
The Rich Tapestry of the Brooks’ Family History TRACING OUR ROOTS
Today, in honor of Heritage Day on Sept. 25, I want to share something close to my heart: the importance of heritage and family. Our heritage is vital to our identity, shaping who we are and connecting us to the past. Remembering and honoring our ancestors helps us appreciate the sacrifices and achievements that paved the way for our present. I’ve always been fascinated by where we come from and the lives of those who paved the way for us. I’ve been drawn to discovering my family’s history for as long as I can remember. Last year, for my 40th birthday, I took a trip to England to walk in the footsteps of my ancestors. It was an incredible experience, driving through the picturesque English countryside, visiting ancient churches, and imagining the lives they led. Although finding many old cemeteries with headstones too weathered to read was disappointing, the trip was still profoundly moving. Standing where my ancestors once stood, seeing the lands they may have farmed and the churches they likely attended, was like stepping back in time.
who came before us. My ancestors endured so much, from the hardships of early settlers to the challenges of their everyday lives. Their stories teach us valuable lessons about hard work, faith, and resilience. I try to pass this passion on to my children, sharing with them the names and dates and the rich stories and experiences of their ancestors. They have grown to appreciate these tales, understanding the importance of our family history and the legacy left for us. It’s important to remember that the fascinating connections in my family tree aren’t unique to me. Many of us share lineage with remarkable people but don’t know it. Investigating your family tree can uncover unexpected ties to historical figures and celebrities. It’s a wonderful reminder of how interconnected we are and how our ancestors’ lives have shaped our present. As a history lover, I enjoy studying the times my ancestors lived, understanding why they made their choices, and learning from their experiences. Whether it’s a lesson in perseverance or a cautionary tale, there’s so much to gain from their stories.
My family’s chart is an ongoing project shared among relatives, and it stretches back to the early 800s! It’s
remarkable to think about how much history and how many lives are part of my lineage. Our research uncovered connections to countless notable figures, including 30 U.S. presidents (mostly distant cousins) and renowned icons like Winston Churchill, Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and Marie Antoinette. We also discovered ties to inventors like Sir Isaac Newton and Alexander Graham Bell, entertainers like Walt Disney and Marilyn Monroe, and pioneers like Neil Armstrong and Helen Keller. One of the most rewarding aspects of tracing our family history is the respect and appreciation I’ve developed for those
I encourage everyone to explore their family history. You never know what incredible
stories and connections you might uncover. This Heritage Day, take a moment to appreciate those who came before us and the rich legacy they left behind. Pro tip: Enter a few of your deceased family members in a genealogy account like Ancestry.com or the free FamilySearch.org, and then watch how much auto-populates in your family tree! You’ll discover lives full of triumphs and struggles, and honoring them keeps their memories and lessons alive.
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Don’t Let Stress Crack Your Smile! HOW TO MANAGE TEETH GRINDING DURING HIGH-STRESS PERIODS As we dive deeper into the school year and prepare for the upcoming holidays, we must remember how stress can impact our dental health. While September might bring a lull in dental issues like cracked teeth, our team often sees an uptick in these cases from October to New Year’s Day. This is when stress levels and teeth grinding and clenching tend to rise. RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF TEETH GRINDING Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a common issue that many people don’t even realize they have. It often happens unconsciously, either while sleeping or during the day. A dentist can spot the telltale signs of grinding, even if you’re unaware of it. Some critical indicators of teeth grinding include flattened bottom teeth, jaw pain, headaches, cracked teeth, and any unusual tooth pain. These symptoms result from the excessive pressure on your teeth and jaw muscles during grinding. So, believe your dentist when they point out these signs!
PAW-SITIVE EFFECTS
We all know a family pet can bring a world of fun, but animal companions are actually proven to do much more than that! Pets are more than just your kids’ companions; they play a significant role in child development. Here’s how every child can benefit from growing up with a furry (or not-so-furry) friend. SOCIAL SKILLS AND EMPATHY Pets often serve as a child’s first friend and confidant. Interacting with a pet requires a child to read nonverbal cues and respond appropriately, which can enhance their empathy and understanding of emotional states. When a child learns to care for the needs of their beloved pet, they learn that other people also have needs and emotions that must be cared for. HEALTH BENEFITS Numerous studies have shown that children with pets are less likely to develop common allergies and asthma. Surprisingly enough, it didn’t matter whether these kids grew up with cats or dogs; both were equally likely to help prevent asthma and certain allergies. Of course, children who have already been diagnosed can have their symptoms triggered by their furry friends. That’s why parents should consider introducing a pet as early as possible! EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Pets provide a unique comfort that can sometimes elude even the closest family members. During challenging or stressful times, a pet can comfort a child. A pet’s presence can be incredibly soothing and reassuring, providing a silent strength without the complication of human emotions. FUN AND ADVENTURE Let’s not forget that pets are fun! They bring laughter and joy to a household. Kids’ adventures with their pets — from exploring the backyard jungles with a trusty dog to hosting a tea party with a patient feline — can foster creativity and imagination. Pets truly make a home more vibrant and livelier. They teach lessons in love, life, and the joy of simple things. So, if you’re contemplating adding a pet to your family, know that the pitter-patter of little paws can benefit your child’s development. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want an extra dose of unconditional love around the house? THE INTEGRAL ROLE OF PETS IN ENHANCING CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
PRACTICE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES One of the best ways to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding is to use a night guard. These custom- fitted devices act as a barrier,
preventing your teeth from grinding against each other while you sleep. Night guards are typically the first line of defense in treating bruxism.
In addition to using a night guard, ensure you sleep on a good pillow and maintain a healthy sleep schedule. A supportive pillow can help align your jaw properly, reducing the strain contributing to grinding. Getting sufficient rest is crucial as fatigue can
exacerbate stress and, in turn, increase the likelihood of grinding.
MANAGE STRESS FOR DENTAL HEALTH While it’s not always possible to eliminate stress from your life, taking steps to manage it can significantly impact your dental health. Simple practices such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels. Remember, stress management is not just about mental well-being but also about protecting your physical health, including your teeth. As we approach the high-stress season of the holidays, now is the perfect time to start taking steps to protect your smile. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of teeth grinding, schedule an appointment with our team. We can provide everything you need to protect your teeth from stress- induced grinding and clenching!
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Be Sure to Follow These Steps!
VITAMINS MADE EASY
The Essential Trio for Any Lifestyle
VITAMIN D Everyone knows you need calcium for strong and healthy
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WILL ANDERSON DENTAL CARE BE CLOSED ON LABOR DAY? Yes! Our office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, so our team can get a well-deserved break. We will be open during regular hours on the Tuesday after! OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS These specific types of fat are found most abundantly in fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. They facilitate cellular function and are essential for the heart, brain, and eyes. Unfortunately, our bodies can’t produce enough fatty acids independently, so we must add more through our diets or supplements. Benefits include a lowered risk of developing heart disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, age-related macular degeneration, and more. It’s daunting to determine which vitamins and supplements to take when every doctor, dietitian, and online health guru has a different list of must- haves — and they’re usually pretty long. Looking for somewhere to get started? Here are three supplements almost everyone can benefit from! A MULTIVITAMIN Stress, health changes, and even prescription medications in our everyday lives can sap our energy and deplete crucial vitamins. Generally, the best way to replenish what we’ve lost is through various fruits and vegetables. Still, with busy schedules, diminished appetites, or other obstacles, that’s not always possible. A multivitamin is a great starter supplement, as it can help fill various nutritional gaps. WHEN SHOULD I START SCHEDULING END-OF-YEAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS? Now! If you have insurance benefits you want to use before the end of the year, now is the time to schedule your appointment. We likely won’t have availability later in the year. WHICH TEAMS HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A SUPER BOWL? Did you know four NFL teams have never been to the Super Bowl? These unfortunate teams are the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LEFT-HANDED? While you may already know it’s less common for people to be left-handed, it’s probably rarer than you think. In fact, only 10%–12% of the world’s population are left-handed!
bones — but without vitamin D, you’re missing out on critical benefits. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body, so many milk brands fortify their products with vitamin D. It’s essential to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, vitamin D is critical for cell growth and reducing inflammation, and it’s easy to obtain from sunlight. Unfortunately, many people are deficient in this one. Why? Our modern lives keep many of us indoors. If you’re looking to start a vitamin regimen but all the different health advice on the web overwhelms you, take a step back and start simply. Remember, you can always add more later. Keeping it simple initially will increase your likelihood of sticking to your plan! Try starting with these three supplements, see how they make you feel, and then take it from there. While we have done our research and believe that everyone can benefit from adding the right supplements to their health care regimen, we are not your primary health care provider and cannot recommend supplements specific to your needs. Before taking any supplements, we encourage you to discuss specific ones you’re interested with your primary physician, especially if you’re taking any other medications or supplements already.
Curried Chickpea Salad
INGREDIENTS
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1/2 cup vegan mayo 1 tbsp curry powder 3/4 tsp garlic powder
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1 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates 1/2 cup cashews Juice of 1 lemon Salt and pepper
2 cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
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1 cup diced carrots
1. In a bowl, combine mayo, curry, and garlic powder. Blend and set aside. 2. In a separate bowl, add chickpeas and mash about half the beans with a fork or masher. 3. Add carrots, green onion, raisins or dates, and cashews. 4. Mix with curry dressing and add lemon juice. Mix well and add salt and pepper to taste. 5. Serve on a bed of greens or a bread of your choice. DIRECTIONS
Inspired by Simple-Veganista.com
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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
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Join Dr. Brooks’ Journey Through Time and Heritage
2
Explore the Positive Benefits of Pets for Kids
Prepare for High-Stress Seasons With These Dental Tips
3
Simplify Your Supplement Routine
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Perfect Curried Chickpea Salad
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Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Fall
A SEASON OF SURPRISES EXPLORE FALL’S NATURAL WONDERS AND UNIQUE HISTORY
As we bid farewell to the sweltering days of summer and welcome the crisp, refreshing embrace of fall, let’s journey through some fascinating facts about September, Labor Day, and the enchanting season of autumn. A LABOR DAY PARADE TO REMEMBER Did you know that the first U.S. Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City? Organized by the Central Labor Union, this grand event saw about 10,000 workers taking unpaid leave to march proudly from City Hall, past Union Square, all the way uptown to 42nd Street. The parade ended in Wendel’s Elm Park, where everyone enjoyed a concert, listened to stirring speeches, and indulged in a hearty picnic. SEPTEMBER EQUINOX AND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at 7:43 a.m., when the September equinox occurs. This date marks when the day and night are as close to equal as possible, heralding the arrival of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern. But wait, there’s more! This is also prime time to witness the spectacular Northern
Lights, especially for those living in high Northern Hemisphere latitudes. According
to NASA, the geomagnetic activities that create the natural light show are twice as likely to occur during the equinoxes. So, keep an eye out for those shimmering lights!
THE SCIENCE BEHIND COLORFUL FALL FOLIAGE One of the most breathtaking aspects of autumn is the
changing leaves. As the days grow shorter, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the pigment that keeps leaves green. This reveals the stunning reds, oranges, and yellows that have been hiding all along. Here’s a sweet tidbit: red and purple hues in the leaves are actually caused by sugars from sap trapped inside. So, those brilliant colors are nature’s way of showing off its sweet side! As we enjoy the wonders of September and the splendor of autumn, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history, natural beauty, and magical moments this time of year brings. Happy autumn, everyone!
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