Pitner Orthodontics - December 2019
THE STRAIGHT UP
December 2019
Hello, Goodbye The Power of Endings
“Always end the party while you’re still having fun.”
of the best racers on the track. Before retiring, he’d worked in the auto industry, so cars were literally his whole life. I was in awe of him. There are certainly people in my life who I want to still be there in 50 years, but there’s no hobby I can see myself doing for five decades. My attention span is just not that long! If you’re the kind of person who can stick with something your whole life and find joy in it the whole time, that’s awesome! But if you’re like me and you appreciate a good ending, then you probably enjoy this time of year, too. The end of the year is a time to sit back and reflect. We can think about what went well in the past year and what we don’t want to repeat as well as celebrate the start of something new. The end of the calendar gives us the opportunity to literally start with a fresh page.Whatever comes next should be enjoyed to the fullest while it’s here, even if it doesn’t last forever. “... IF YOU’RE LIKE ME AND YOU APPRECIATE A GOOD ENDING, THEN YOU PROBABLY ENJOY THIS TIME OF YEAR, TOO.”
–My mom (probably)
To be honest, I don’t remember exactly where I heard this quote for the first time, but for whatever reason, it’s always stuck with me. A lot of people don’t like endings because they seem sad, especially when something we love ends. No one wants to say goodbye to a friend, an opportunity, or even a really good book. But all things do come to an end, so why not end things when they’re still good? Plus, with that ending comes a chance at a new beginning. I’ve always been something of a serial hobbyist. When I find something new and interesting, I’ll get really invested in it, but I’m probably not going to stick with it forever.You might remember the stories of racing my Miata that I shared in my earliest newsletters. At the time, I’d been racing for over six years and had a blast. I loved the experience, and I loved the people I met, but I haven’t raced since 2016. I had a really great run, but I got to the point where it was time for whatever came next. This lifestyle isn’t suited for everyone, I know. When I was racing, my best friend on the track was a man who’d been racing for almost 50 years. He was 70 and still so sharp; he was one
I have to be honest again: The reason I wanted to talk about endings isn’t just because this is the last month of the year. This will also be my final newsletter. I have greatly enjoyed sharing my thoughts and ideas through the newsletter and have loved the many conversations it inspired with my patients. It was awesome to hear how often my words made people laugh or got them to think about something in a new way. I know that Buster has enjoyed getting to share his doodle thoughts with all of you too. It is so much fun sharing this newsletter with you each month, which means I should listen to the advice my mom (probably) gave me and end the party here. Thank you all for sharing in this journey. If you want to talk more, you know where to find me!
–Dr. Leslie Pitner
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LESSONS FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’ MoreThanJust ‘You’ll ShootYourEyeOut!’
In 1983, one movie introduced Red
slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season. Kids won’t believe in magic forever. Magical stories about Santa or even
Sometimes ‘disasters’ lead to new adventures.
Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.
Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into
America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
Your kids are listening to you (oh, fudge!).
Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!
They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn't mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets
TESTIMONIALS
“Just got my braces off and couldn’t be happier!
I struggled with crooked teeth my whole life and finally feel good about my smile! Dr. Pitner and her team were very kind and supportive the whole time!They even gave me some essential supplies when I first got my braces on shipped to my house! It’s been a journey, but my teeth finally look great!” –Alex
“My experience at Pitner Orthodontics was wonderful.They were always welcoming every time I walked through the door.They were very fast and efficient at all of my appointments. I am far more satisfied with my smile and the job they have done. I will gladly recommend them to anyone in need.” –Hannah
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Feeling SAD? Ways to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that people experience every fall and winter. If you find yourself feeling blue as the days become shorter and darker, know there are things you can do to boost your mood until spring returns. IncreaseYour Activity Keeping your body active can increase your energy levels, help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem. Summit Medical Group states that a person who exercises for 30–60 minutes a day can manage or avoid SAD easier than a person who does not exercise regularly. When you participate in physical activity, your body releases feel- good chemicals called endorphins, which have a morphine-like effect on your brain. If exercising outdoors is not ideal, consider swimming, walking, or dancing instead.
Get Some Sun Exposure to sunlight is also significantly beneficial for people suffering from SAD. Sunlight helps your body produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Getting just a few minutes of sunlight a day through a walk or short jog can make all the difference. If you live in an area where the winters are bleak, cloudy, and dark, sunlight can be harder to come by. But technology has you covered: You can purchase “sun lamps,” which simulate sunlight without the damaging UV rays. Just set up a sun lamp in your workspace or living area and feel your mood lift. MaintainYour Routine Often, it can be difficult to stick with your daily routine during the cooler months. It
may be harder to wake up on time in the morning to work out, or it may be too cold outside to go on your daily run. Luckily, you can find small ways to mitigate this. For example, invest in a sunrise alarm clock, which gently wakes you up with a simulated sunrise, or shop for high-quality thermal workout gear. If you continue to suffer from SAD and feel there’s no end in sight, it’s important to seek help from professionals. They can determine the best treatment options available for you.
Cranberry Gingerbread
Gingerbread is a holiday classic of the very first order, but it’s often a construction material rather than a treat. This recipe, on the contrary, is purely for eating.
INGREDIENTS
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1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for greasing 3/4 cup unsulphured molasses 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
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1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped 2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda
2 large eggs
1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. Grease a loaf pan with canola oil. 3. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1/2 cup canola oil, molasses, brown sugar, eggs, ginger, and cranberries. In a separate bowl, sift and combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and
salt. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until blended. 4. Scrape batter into loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes. 5. Transfer to a rack, let cool for 20 minutes, slice, and serve.
Inspired by Food &Wine Magazine
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Smile big. Smile often. • 803-781-5225
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
5953 Wescott Rd. Columbia, SC 29212 803-781-5225 Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.drpitner.com
INSIDE
1. 2.
Turn the Last Page
Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’
Hear What Some People Are Saying
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Boost Your Mental Health This Season
Cranberry Gingerbread
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Local Events
Make the Season Bright
The Best Way to Say Goodbye to 2019
Lights BeforeChristmas Where: Riverbanks Zoo &Garden, Columbia When: Nov. 23 to Dec. 30; 5–9 p.m. Admission: $12 for adults, $10 for kids Website: Riverbanks.org/events/lights-before- christmas See Riverbanks Zoo &Garden like you never have before, all decked out for the holidays! Enjoy an evening stroll with your family through colorful paths lit by almost amillion twinkling lights. Arrive early to catch the Holly JollyChristmas Parade, sip on hot chocolate, andmeet Santa Claus himself.Youmay even catch a few of the zoo’s night owls enjoying the show too!
‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ Where: TrustusTheatre, Columbia When: Dec 6–21 Admission: See website for tickets Website: Trustus.org It’sChristmastime at the regal Pemberley estate, and a remarkable story is about to unfold. Mary Bennet has grown tired of her role as the “dutiful” daughter and longs for a life of her own. Unfortunately, her family hasn’t noticed their bookishmiddle sister is growing up.When surprise visitors crash the celebration, Marymight finally have a chance at the adventures she’s always dreamed of.The comedic sequel to Jane Austen’s timeless classic, “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” lives up to the legacy of “Pride and Prejudice” with its own story of independence, love, and unexpected friendships.
Famously Hot NewYear Where: SouthCarolina State House When: Monday, Dec. 31; 6:30 p.m. Admission: Free Website: FamouslyHotNewYear.com
What’s the recipe for a great new year?The right NewYear’s Eve party, of course! Columbia’s Famously Hot NewYear is a party for all ages. While the grown-ups enjoy livemusic, dancing, food trucks, and their favorite adult beverages, kids can have fun with rides, games, and face painting at the NYECarnival for Kids.This year, SouthCarolina’s biggest and best NewYear’s Eve party is being headlined by hip-hop icons Salt-N- Pepa! Don’t miss out on the fun!
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