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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM JANUARY 2024
An Explosive Tale A Hilarious Memory That Still Sparks Laughter
Laughter is incredible — it can turn a bad day around in seconds and helps us to maintain a positive attitude and lifestyle. In fact, studies actually prove that laughing can help you feel happier and less stressed out. Laughing releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being. It's a universal language that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us that joy connects us all. Jan. 24 is celebrated as Global Belly Laugh Day — an opportune moment to reflect on the importance of laughter and the funny memories that always make us laugh. I’d like to share a story that never fails to make me laugh out loud each time I replay it in my head. In high school, I had a friend named Joe who was a year older than me — I was 16 to his 17. He made decent money for a teen — certainly more than me. A nearby Native American reservation sold fireworks year-round, and one day, Joe took a drive out there and spent a nice chunk of change on fireworks.
Two of my friends began walking to a nearby home to pick up another truck, and the rest of us hung out in the bed of the truck. Bored, Joe began lighting the fireworks and throwing them into the air, where they took off. He let go of one just a tad too late, and sparks started falling into his lap. The brown paper bag with all of the fireworks in it was on the floor by his feet, and as sparks flew into the bag, all of the fireworks started going off. Startled, the eight of us dove out of the truck, hiding on the ground as sparks whizzed by our faces. The fireworks lasted only about 30 seconds, but it felt like 10 minutes. When we
stood up, dusted off, and made sure nobody was hurt, we all started to burst into laughter, except for Joe, who was bummed about wasting money on all those fireworks. Years have passed since that explosive escapade, but the memory is still so clear in my mind. Whenever my friends and I gather, the tale is resurrected, and it always makes me chuckle. Here’s to those memories that never fail to make us laugh and for the moments we know we will look back on and one day laugh at!
Startled, the eight of us dove out of the truck, hiding on the ground as sparks whizzed by our faces.
One of our favorite hobbies was jackrabbit hunting. Most nearby farms loved having us hunt jackrabbits because it helped protect their crops. So, 10 of us crammed into the bed of an old International truck and headed out to go hunting. Everything was great until, about 2 miles in, the old truck decided to break down.
–Dr. Elkins
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT — THE BENEFITS OF EATING AS A FAMILY
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let's delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development.
Weight Management Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-prepared meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children. Positive Effects on Child Development Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. Emotional Well-Being Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows
family bonding and may even improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure. Educational Benefits Mealtime conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school-aged children. Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with numerous benefits. The advantages are manifold, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week.Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Leukoplakia: Know the Signs, Risks, and Potential Transformations
Leukoplakia is characterized by the formation of thickened, white patches or lesions on the mucous membranes of the mouth. These patches can develop on the gums, tongue, inside of the cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. While leukoplakia is generally harmless, it has the potential to transform into more severe conditions, such as oral cancer. Causes and Risk Factors This condition is mainly caused by irritants that continually affect the oral tissues. Common factors contributing to leukoplakia include
It's essential to note that leukoplakia can vary in appearance; not all white patches in the mouth indicate this condition. Therefore, any
unusual changes in the oral tissues should be evaluated by Dr. Elkins for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Evaluation If you notice any persistent white patches or changes in your oral tissues, schedule an appointment with our office. We will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and review your medical history. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to rule out or confirm the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to effectively managing leukoplakia and preventing the development of more serious oral health issues. If you have concerns about white patches or lesions in your mouth, call us to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate guidance immediately!
tobacco use, both smoking and smokeless forms, as well as excessive alcohol consumption. Leukoplakia may also appear due to chronic irritation from ill- fitting dentures or rough surfaces in the mouth. Lastly, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or taking immunosuppressive medications, may be at an increased risk. Identifying Leukoplakia Leukoplakia often presents as white or grayish patches that cannot be easily scraped off. These patches may have a slightly raised or rough texture. While leukoplakia is usually painless, some individuals experience discomfort or sensitivity in the affected area.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Cheesy Chicken Chowder
Ingredients
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 3 cups chicken broth • 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes • 1 cup diced carrots • 1 cup diced celery • 1/2 cup diced onion • 1 1/2 tsp salt
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1/4 cup butter, cubed • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 2 cups whole milk • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese • 2 cups cooked and diced chicken
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”
1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Reduce heat and add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. 2. In another medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth. Slowly stir in milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat, then add cheese, stirring until melted. Add the cheesy mixture and chicken to the broth and heat it thoroughly!
JOKES DAD
What’s a cow’s favorite holiday? Moo Year’s Eve.
What’s for breakfast on really cold January days? Snowflakes.
Why do musicians like the winter? So they can play cool jazz.
Facts Tooth Fun The Enormous Molars of Earth’s Largest Land Animals Elephants, known for their remarkable size and strength, have an impressive dental feature — their massive molars. The molars of an elephant can weigh over eight pounds each, making them one of the heaviest sets of teeth in the animal kingdom. These colossal molars play a crucial role in an elephant’s life, aiding in the grinding and processing of the vast amounts of vegetation they consume daily. With a herbivorous diet primarily consisting of grasses, leaves, and bark, elephants depend on their huge molars to break down and extract nutrients from tough plant fibers. Elephants go through several sets of molars during their lifetime, with new teeth gradually moving forward to replace worn-out ones from the back of the jaw!
DID YOU KNOW?
The Truth About Tortoises
Despite their reputation for slowness, tortoises are not as lethargic as most believe. While they may not match the pace of other animals, they exhibit surprising agility and purposeful movement. Tortoises are equipped with sturdy, well-adapted limbs that allow them to navigate various terrains with a steady gait. Did you know that tortoises are known for their endurance? They can cover impressive distances and display remarkable determination, debunking the myth of them being relatively slow creatures! Perhaps they are perceived as“slow”due to their cautious nature and deliberate approach to life!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Celebrating the Power of Laughter
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2.
3. Cheesy Chicken Chowder
4.
Why Eating Together
Revisit the
NFL's Most Infamous Blunders
Matters More Than You Think
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
NFL'S WORST CALLS IN HISTORY Snowplow Scandal to Coin Flip Catastrophe
A bad call by the referee can not only ruin a game but also a fan’s entire day (or week). Unfortunately, the NFL has no shortage of downright wrong calls that left coaches, players, and fans losing their cool. While time may have healed the damage these calls have done, let’s revisit some of the worst calls in NFL history. Snowplow Savagery Somehow, this incredulous historic moment in football is more hilarious than it is upsetting. In 1982, the Patriots and Dolphins were stuck at 0-0, and the snow fell nonstop throughout the game. Just as Patriots kicker John Smith was in position for a 33-yard field goal attempt, coach Ron Meyer ordered the field’s snowplow operator to clear the way for his kick. Smith’s field goal kick was a success, and the Patriots won 3-0. Without a doubt, this move was a blatant penalty, but no call was made, and the Dolphins were left with a loss.
Painful Touchdown Reversal The Chicago Bears’former tight end Zach Miller nearly lost his leg on a play that many disputed at the time. Playing against the New Orleans Saints in 2017, Miller caught a pass and rolled into the end zone, suffering a knee injury on the play. But the referee nullified the touchdown, ruling that Miller bobbled the ball and was not in control of it.
Catastrophic Coin Flip The 1998 Thanksgiving Day game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions had one of the most ridiculous calls. During the coin flip to start overtime, the referee misheard Steelers running back Jerome Bettis’ call. The ref asked Bettis heads or tails, to which he replied,“Tails.” However, the referee insisted he called heads. The coin turned up tails, giving the Lions first possession in sudden death overtime. To make matters worse, the game was
After the play, Miller was rushed to the hospital, where doctors considered
amputating his leg because of the severity of the injury. Unfortunately, even after nine surgeries, the knee injury ended Miller’s football career. The NFL changed the rule in 2018 and confirmed that Miller’s catch would now have been considered a touchdown.
televised, and replays confirmed that Bettis indeed said,“Tails.”After the call, the Lions kicked a field goal, leading to a 19-16 victory. As we said earlier, there’s no shortage of horrendous NFL calls, and we surely couldn’t fit all of them here!
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