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BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | AUGUST 2019
WE’RE GETTING READY TO EMBARK ON THE SEASON OF CHANGE WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BETTER YOURSELF?
The transition from late summer to early fall signals some of the biggest changes of the year. The days slowly grow shorter, the leaves change color, the warm weather wanes, and, most importantly, families gear up for the first day of school. While I never particularly dreaded going to classes, it wasn’t until my adult years that my perspective on education drastically shifted for the better. Early on, every time I reached an academic milestone like high school graduation or college commencement, I’d experience this brief feeling of relief, telling myself that I’d done it; I’d be on mental cruise control and never have to learn anything new ever again. Of course, because I’m a dentist, you know I definitely wasn’t done learning after my undergraduate years. But, by my first week in dental school, I’d come to appreciate a lifelong learning approach, not just in my career but also in my family’s and my life. I am constantly looking for ways to expand my knowledge and motivate myself through personal development. Beyond my scripture reading and bedtime stories with my kids, I love learning from all different sources — books, group classes, webinars, YouTube, and travel all find a place in my learning resources. As a dentist, I am required to attain a certain level of education just to keep my license active, but it’s so much more than that. Learning the latest
and greatest in the dental industry and best business practices allows me to better serve my patients, employees and family. Learning how to improve myself on a personal level allows me to be a better spouse, parent, friend, and mentor. Learning how to DIY something at home brings me peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment. Learning through travel allows me to see the world differently and makes me a better steward of the things I’ve been given and grateful for the amazing world we have. Our weekly ADC Tuesday Trivia contests on Facebook are a great example of both my team’s and my love for learning and seeing people engage with informative and fun facts. When I’m not at work or adventuring with my wife and kids, I get my hands on as many self- development books as I can. One that I keep coming back to is “The ONE Thing.” Author Gary Keller suggests that by focusing their energy on one thing at a time, people can live more rewarding lives. They can build up their careers, deepen their spirituality and faith, nurture their finances, get in good physical shape, and strengthen their most important personal relationships. I came across Keller’s book four years ago, and it was a complete game changer for me. With a burgeoning practice, a demanding (but wonderful) assignment at church, and a young family at home, some days I started to feel
stretched too thin. I kept wondering, “How can I give 100 percent focus to everything at once?” The trick was to do exactly the opposite and give 100 percent focus to one aspect at a time. Of course, there will be some crossover, but, by organizing my workload into manageable increments, I was less stressed and more able to tackle challenges with ambition and motivation. Furthermore, Keller’s book reminded me to allot more time and energy to expressing gratitude to those around me. No matter how busy my days became, there was always time left to show the ones I care about that I appreciate them. I understand reading isn’t everyone’s forte (but with audiobooks and podcasts now, I think it can be!), and if that’s the case for you, I still want to ask: What efforts are you currently making to better yourself and foster your own love for learning? Learning equates to growth, and without growth, you remain stagnant. That’s no way to live. As we prepare for this upcoming seasonal change, I challenge you to find a new way to emphasize your own self-development, and I trust you to hold me to the same challenge in return. Also, If you need any good book ideas, you know who to ask!
– Dr. Brooks
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YOUR DOG’S MOUTH IS JUST AS DIRTY AS YOURS CANINE CLEANLINESS
While summer is winding down, families are looking to go on a few end-of-season adventures, camping trips included. Before you head out into the wilderness with your family, it’s important to be prepared. In fact, “be prepared” is the best piece of advice when it comes to braving the great outdoors. But what does being prepared entail? Here are four key tips. HAVE A FIRST-AID KIT NEARBY. A good rule of thumb is to keep one in your car at all times. You never know when you’ll need it. Kids may get a few bumps and scrapes while out hiking, or you might encounter poisonous plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Having quick access to cold water, soap, antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can keep infections at bay. TEACH FIRE SAFETY. When you build a fire, especially with kids, teach them about fire safety. This includes building the fire itself. Pick a spot away from brush and overhanging branches and create a pit surrounded by rocks. Before lighting a fire, have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby so you can quickly extinguish it when ready. Finally, remember to only build a fire as big as you need. A larger fire can be difficult to manage and keep under control. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY. Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes, it doesn’t give notice at all. Keep a close eye on the sky and monitor the weather on a radio. If a storm appears, seek shelter immediately and stay out of low-lying areas. When you’re in mountainous or hilly terrain, a little rain is all it takes for flash floods to occur. If you’re in a ravine when it starts raining, get out immediately. GONE CAMPING 4 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ON YOUR NEXT FAMILY CAMPING TRIP
You’ve probably heard the familiar claim: “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s.” But as it turns out, this notion isn’t entirely true. According to Harvard University, your furry friend’s mouth is eerily similar to yours. In fact, it has been recorded that over 615 different types of bacteria live inside the human mouth, and dogs tend to have at least 600 different types residing inside their snouts as well! Your dog’s toothy grin is just as germ-filled as yours, but, because pets lack the ability to grip a toothbrush, the responsibility to care for their dental health falls to the owner. Since all of us at Anderson Dental Care know that brushing your pup’s teeth is important for their health, what better time to offer advice on canine oral hygiene than August, Pet Dental Care Month. Here are some good practices to keep in mind before you go out and buy your canine the most expensive whitening paste. USE THE CORRECT TOOLS. When brushing your pup’s teeth, be sure to use either a specially designed canine toothbrush, a children’s toothbrush, or a finger toothbrush. You should never use human toothpaste — it contains cleaning agents that can harm your dog if swallowed. Pet toothpaste is easy to find and comes in poultry, malt, and other flavors that will make the experience more enjoyable for your dog. TRAIN YOUR PET TO TOLERATE IT. Using the flavored pet toothpaste is a great way to get your dog excited about dental care, but several other methods can ease the process. Start by opening your pup’s mouth with your hand now and then to get them familiar with the feeling. Then give them a sample of the toothpaste. To start the brushing process, lift their lip, and then brush their teeth and cheeks, paying specific attention to the back upper molars and canines, as those areas tend to build up tartar quickly. A quick treat or play session after brushing goes a long way. Most importantly, our team wants to remind you to take your dog in for annual appointments with your veterinarian to ensure your pup has no serious dental complications. Otherwise, happy brushing!
ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER. It’s a good idea to hike with a buddy and keep
a whistle around your neck or in your pack. You never know what you might encounter or when you’ll need help. Hiking with kids is also a great time
to teach them to recognize landmarks and be aware of
their surroundings. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, show kids how to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs or pictures to help them find their way back to camp.
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HELPING HUMANS SLOW DOWN AND LOOK UP THE ART OF STARGAZING
2. EXTRA SET OF EYES While novice stargazers often want to immediately throw their money at a new telescope, astronomy experts recommend starting with binoculars instead. You’ll need to identify several anchor planets or constellations to help you navigate the sky before using a telescope. 3. UTILIZE ASSETS Put your phone to good use by downloading apps like Stellarium, Starwalk, and Google Sky Map. Each of these apps offers a unique benefit for aspiring stargazers. For example, Starwalk lets you point your phone at the sky to see stars, constellations, and planets in real time based on your location. 4. MARK YOUR CALENDAR In 1972, beloved singer-songwriter John Denver wrote about a meteor shower he witnessed during a camping trip in Colorado. He describes the scene by singing, “I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky.” The “fire” he recounted was actually the
Modern humans are stuck in a routine of expected and constant industriousness. But with all this rushing, people often drag themselves home at night with no energy left to enjoy the most splendid show nature has to offer: the wondrous night sky. Most people go through life looking straight ahead, but if they would stop and peer skyward, they’d bear witness to a massive, unexplored frontier made up of the moon in all its phases, burning stars sailing through the sky, constellations with epic origin stories, and meteor showers bright enough to warrant sunglasses. If you’re looking for a hobby to help you slow down and appreciate the world around you, stargazing is a great option. Here are some tips to get you started. 1. THE HIGHER, THE BETTER If you’re a city dweller, meander a little way out of town or try to find a tall building to keep the light pollution to a minimum.
Perseids meteor shower, the most recognized shower on Earth. This astrological wonder takes place every year from July 17 to Aug. 24. During this time, viewers should be able to see shooting stars associated with the Perseids, but the shower reaches its maximum rate of activity on Aug. 12–13 this year. 5. VISIT THE CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY It’s one of Dr. Brooks’ favorite places to take his kids or to go for a date night. The staff and volunteers are so helpful and knowledgeable, the history is incredible, the location is beautiful, and the equipment to view the night sky is top-notch. For hours and events, visit CincinnatiObservatory.org. Grab some friends and family, and head outdoors to put your newfound stargazing knowledge to work.
SUMMERTIME GAZPACHO
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. AUGUST 22 IS NATIONAL TOOTH FAIRY DAY!: While your child’s tooth can fall out any time of the year, this month you can join in with other parents around the world to honor National Tooth Fairy Day. You can start by sitting down with your kid and researching the various stories surrounding this mythical tooth-collecting character known by families in other countries. For example, many Spanish children tuck their tooth under the pillow in hopes that a small mouse will come to collect it in order to preserve their health! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 1/2 lbs. ripe tomatoes; cored, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 small cucumber; peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks • 1 red bell pepper; cored, seeded, and sliced into ribbons • 1 small Vidalia onion, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup basil leaves • 1 clove garlic, peeled • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tbsp sherry vinegar • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Place a blender and medium mixing bowl on your workstation. 2. Divide the tomato chunks, cucumber pieces, and bell pepper slices evenly between blender and bowl. Place entire onion in blender. 3. Add basil, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to blender. Blend on low, gradually raising speed to high until smooth, about 2 minutes. 4. Add blender contents to bowl and mix until just broken up, about 10–20 seconds. 5. Let mixture sit in fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. Transfer to bowls and serve.
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
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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
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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STAY SAFE WHILE CAMPING
AUGUST IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH!
THE ART OF STARGAZING
SUMMERTIME GAZPACHO
FUN LOCAL EVENTS!
WHAT TO DO IN CINCINNATI THIS MONTH GET IN ON SOME FUN LOCAL ACTIVITIES BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS!
MERMAIDS & PIRATES SPLISH SPLASH EVENT When: Saturday, Aug. 17;12–4 p.m. Where: Quality Hotel Conference Center Admission: Free!
Design Spot, you can enjoy this fun workshop while designing and planting a tiny plant-filled world filled with all sorts of embellishments, including sand, colored rocks, and various trinkets. No green thumb required! It’s truly the perfect activity for birthday parties, baby showers, team building, or just plain old summer fun! Pricing for tickets starts at $20 and will differ depending on the size and type of container you choose. Go to Eventbrite. com to secure your tickets today! END OF SUMMER/BACK TO SCHOOL 2019 STEM FESTIVAL When: Saturday, Aug. 24; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Washington Park Admission: Free! The End of Summer/Back to School STEM Festival is hosted by the Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative (GCSC) as a fun-filled, educational day of STEM experiences for families by bringing together community partners. You’ll be able to visit with exhibitors like the Cincinnati Museum Center, the University of Cincinnati, and Kroger Technology; learn more about STE(A)M career opportunities, watch performances, play carnival games, and enjoy quality time with one another at Washington Park! Advanced registration at Eventbrite.com secures a food voucher for each person in your family registered for the event, but those who do not register can purchase food at food trucks surrounding the event.
Grab your swimming suit, a towel, and your kids and head on down to the Quality Hotel for an afternoon filled with splashing good times! Kids can learn how to swim from a mermaid by the pool, and afterwards, they can learn how to talk like a real pirate from the one and only Captain Jack Sparrow. Rumor has it that Captain Jack is bringing along a spoil of treasure from the Black Pearl as well! Bonkers for Balloons will also be on-site, along
with 85 crafters and vendors who are excited to meet you, too! Be sure to mark this day in your calendar. It’s one you won’t want to miss!
TERRARIUM ART: DESIGN YOUR OWN SUCCULENT GARDEN When: Thursday, Aug. 22; 6–9 p.m. Where: Art & Design Spot Admission: Pricing starts at $20
What happens when gardening and creativity meet? Terrarium art, of course! At the Art &
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