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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | SEPTEMBER 2019
NOTHING BEATS A GOOD BOOK THE STORY OF HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH READING
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had a few kind and loyal newsletter readers take the time to compliment my writing abilities. First of all, I want to say “thank you” to all those who set aside a few minutes to read my thoughts each month. Secondly, I thought it might be interesting to explore where I believe my passion for and ability to write came from: my love of reading. While you can rarely find me without a book in my hands now, that certainly wasn’t the case for a good portion of my life. In fact, I can honestly admit that throughout high school, my undergraduate years, and even my graduate years, I hated reading. The hundreds of pages I had to read to complete school assignments made the whole process feel too forced. It wasn’t until my second year in dental school, when my grandma passed away, that I decided I should give reading another try. Although my mom read to me a lot as a child, it was my grandma whom I associated with books. For as long as I could remember, Grandma would go to the library every week to find some new murder mystery she could sink her literary teeth into, and, most of the time, she would get through at least three of them by the end of the week. In her later years, when she was immobile and couldn’t make the trip to the library on her own, she paid someone to go in her stead. Even when I close my eyes and picture her now, I can still see the huge stack of books piled up next to her chair.
When she died in 2011, I received a small inheritance from her. I thought, “What would Grandma want me to do with this money?” The once disdainful reader in me cried as I walked into the store to buy an Amazon Kindle. But that’s when I fell in love.
some tools in his possession after deportation, the German soldiers decided to spare his life and put him to work. He spent a year and a half in Auschwitz where he was forced to search the deceased for golden teeth and perform dental work on the German soldiers without pay. This memoir shines bright in my memory for many reasons, but mostly because I was in my second year of dental school, just like Jakubowicz, when I purchased my Kindle. His was the first book I’d attempted to read for leisure since I was a kid, and I remember thinking how frightening it would be in his shoes. While his story certainly wasn’t the lightest or easiest to digest, it was the one that encouraged me to pick up another book, and another after that. In the years since, the list of books I’ve conquered continues to grow, and my passion for finding new stories refuses to wane. Fortunately, my kids have joined me on my literary venture. Each of them gets to read with me before bed, and it’s probably my favorite part of every day. If you’re a reader like me, then all the cozy autumn weather probably has you ready to curl up on the couch with a good book. And if you’re not, then maybe give books another try! I promise there is something out there for everyone.
I don’t know if it was my dedication to honoring my grandma, the digital aspect of reading, or a perfect mixture of both, but from that moment on, I became a voracious reader. I started with a book called “The Dentist of Auschwitz,” the memoir of Berek Jakubowicz who was deported from his Polish village in 1941 and remained a prisoner of the Nazi Reich until the final days of the war. Because Jakubowicz had attended two years of dental school and managed to keep time, she would get through at least three of them by the end of the week.” “For as long as I could remember, Grandma would go to the library every week to find some new murder mystery she could sink her literary teeth into, and, most of the
– Dr. Brooks
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD STAYING CONNECTED
It’s time for lunch and all the clean plates are in the dishwasher. You go to pull one out and see the plate is still approximately 40% dirty. Would you still eat off it? All of us at Anderson Dental are assuming (and hoping!) your answer was “no.” The reason we had to ask is because if you’re forgetting to floss every day, you’re leaving your mouth just as dirty as the plate. Even if you are a thorough brusher, you’re still only able to reach 60% of each tooth, leaving a buffet of treats for the bacteria living in your mouth. Why does this matter? Because you have 6 million bacteria living in your mouth, and they are always hungry! When the bacteria snacks on the bits of food left in between your teeth, it starts reproducing, creating a plaque-filled home, and dropping acid on your teeth and gums, which leads to infection and bleeding. Your body will try to heal this bacterial infection by sending tons of healthy cells to the infected area, resulting in inflammation. While these healthy cells are helpful, the resulting inflammation causes your gums to thicken and bleed more. If that bacteria enters your bloodstream, it can wreak all sorts of havoc. In fact, several studies cite oral bacteria entering the bloodstream as a cause of heart disease and even Alzheimer’s. For these reasons, you absolutely need to floss regularly. You can drink all the celery juice and eat all the kale salads you want to try and boost your immune system, but something as easy as flossing will help exponentially more. When you first start out on your flossing journey, be brave! If you haven’t flossed recently, your gums may feel sore or bleed, but that will wane over time. FLOSSING CAN ACTUALLY BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM BUT ONLY IF YOU DO IT PROPERLY!
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. My kids are still young, but I can already see it happening, and I hear it from friends and family all the time — “We’re way too busy.” In our society, from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s hard to not feel like there’s always more to do and never enough time. In fact, this issue is so common that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. I feel that keeping your family connected is far more important than any activity, and luckily all hope for close ties is not lost. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists for staying connected through the busy seasons of life.
REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS
Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some.
If you find you’re still experiencing trouble, you can give us a call. We can offer advice about
MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT
technique or suggest helpful gadgets that make the process even easier, such as GumChucks (yes, like miniature nunchucks for your gums) or the Waterpik.
As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship.
HUG IT OUT
As with any habit, flossing will get easier and more
comfortable with time. Even if you get frustrated, try to power on through. We promise it’s worth it!
Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
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STOP THE SPREAD
PREVENT COLDS AND THE FLU WITH KID-FRIENDLY TEACHING TOOLS
School is back in session, but your child may be bringing home more than just random facts. Germs and bacteria that spread the common cold and flu are most prevalent in schools, but while these illnesses are strong, prevention is simple. Teach your kids how to prevent the spread of bacteria this season with these helpful tips. Kids learn more by watching what you do rather than listening to what you tell them to do. Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Make hand sanitizer and facial tissues readily available in your home and be sure to wash your hands before every meal. In addition, stick BUT MOMMY DOESN’T COVER HER NOSE!
to healthy habits when you do feel sick. Drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention when it’s warranted. If your children see you taking care of yourself, they will be more likely to do the same for themselves in the future.
AHH ... AHH ... ACHOO!
Hand washing and nose blowing are about as fun as … well, just that. It’s no wonder children don’t want to take time out of their busy play schedules to combat nasty germs. Instead of making these important steps a chore, make basic hygiene fun. Use fun songs to teach the proper way to cover a sneeze, or do a science experiment to teach your children about the germs that are spread through just one sneeze. (According to research, sneezes can travel anywhere from 19–26 feet at 100 miles per hour!) For crafty kids, let them decorate tissue boxes or hand sanitizer containers to give hygiene some flair. Soon enough, you’ll find them being smarter about their health. As kids pack into classrooms this fall, germs will fly faster than this past summer did. Prevent the spread of the common cold and flu by learning more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.
Savor the end of tomato season with this spicy and healthy salad. Because the horseradish-spiked dressing packs a punch, you only need a little to add a lot of flavor. TOMATO SALAD WITH HORSERADISH
SEPTEMBER IS SELF-IMPROVEMENT MONTH!: All of us here at Anderson Dental are firm believers in self-improvement regarding both our professional and personal aspirations, and, since this month is all about improving oneself, we want you to invite you to jump on the train with us. How many people make resolutions every year to go to the dentist more often or floss everyday? Are you one of those people? If you think there are ways you could improve your dental hygiene routine and ultimately your smile, let us know! Our hygienists are ready and eager to offer some guidance! HOW BIG IS YOUR BRAIN?: We’re giving away $25 every week! Just check our Facebook page every Tuesday to play our Tuesday Trivia contest. We’ll post a question, you post the answer, and you’re entered to win! Every Wednesday, we’ll post the answer, some additional info, and announce the winner of a $25 Amazon e-gift card. Visit our page at www.facebook.com/atowndental. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 1/2 lbs heirloom and cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and horseradish in a mixing bowl; season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. In serving bowls, arrange tomatoes and top with scallions. 3. Lightly drizzle tomatoes and scallions with dressing and serve.
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
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513-438-8152 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255
HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 2 3 3 4 TEACH YOUR KIDS FLU PREVENTION TOMATO SALAD WITH HORSERADISH THE SIMPLE TOOTH: TIME FOR FUN FACTS! WOULD YOU EAT OFF A 40% DIRTY PLATE? THE STORY OF HOW I FELL IN LOVE WITH READING
THE SIMPLE TOOTH FUN FACTS ABOUT THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER!
BABIES, HOROSCOPES, AND BIRTHSTONES!
If you’ve liked our Facebook page, you probably already know about our awesome Tuesday Trivia competition that takes place (almost) every week. If not, be sure to check inside the newsletter for instructions on how to play. Because our clients love these weekly trivia questions, our team at Anderson Dental Care decided to help expand your knowledge with some fun facts about the month of September!
Interestingly, more people are born in September than any other month. Two zodiac signs are associated with this month: Virgo and Libra. People born from Sept. 1– 22 are considered Virgos and are known in the horoscope world for their innate compassion and understanding. Those born during the last week of the month are Libras and are regarded as harmony-driven and organized. While Virgos and Libras have differing personalities, they both celebrate their birthday with the same gemstone: the sapphire.
THE NINTH OR THE SEVENTH MONTH?
Here in the U.S., we regard September as the ninth month in the year, and, according to the Georgian calendar, we are correct. However, during the time when the Roman calendar was used, September was known as the seventh month, since the new year officially started in March. In fact, the name September stems from the old Roman word “Septem,” which translates to “seven.” Additionally, the month of September had 29 days at one point and 31 days at another, but, since the time of the emperor Augustus, it has stayed at 30 days.
GOD OF FIRE
The Romans believed the month of September was tended to by Vulcan, the god of fire and forge. The primary beliefs of this god associated him with the destructive and fertilizing powers of fire. That’s why the Romans often feared September; they worried it would bring destruction to their harvest. They often expected earthquakes, fires, and even volcanic eruptions to occur this month.
Be sure to check out our November edition for some more fun facts!
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