Take a look at our January newsletter!
THE
BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | JANUARY 2023
REFLECTING ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR When Making Arrangements for 2023
“Reviewing our past experiences and planning for our future endeavors allows us to be more present when we spend time with family. It also helps us be more intentional when we plan, and it makes preparing more meaningful and not a chore.”
R
When you set New Year’s resolutions or begin planning for the next year, do you review what you did in the previous year? A mentor suggested this strategy to me for my business when I was trying to improve team meetings and office culture: If you want to accomplish more or have better experiences, first review your previous goals and experiences and think about how you could transform them. I began reviewing our meetings to see what worked well, what could be improved, and what I could do about it. This strategy transformed our practice, so my wife and I decided to try it in our home too. After any holiday, vacation, or extracurricular activity our kids are involved in, we reflect as a family on our experience and see if there is anything we would change. We’ll list out things we liked, didn’t like, and what we
would do differently if we did the activity again. We use these lists when we begin planning for a new year, a next vacation, etc. Sometimes, Jessica and I will plan time away from the kids to reflect and begin planning our yearly goals, vacations, when we will see family, and the steps we need to take to ensure everything goes smoothly. We jot down the holidays we want to celebrate. While we observe Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other national holidays, we also celebrate fun holidays like National Donut Day and Tell a Joke Day. Reviewing our past experiences and planning for our future endeavors allows us to be more present when we spend time with family. It also helps us be more intentional when we plan, and it makes preparing more meaningful and not a chore. We’ve also found that we’re less stressed when we review our experiences and plan in advance, especially when we incorporate the changes we discussed to improve our adventures. For example, my family and Jessica’s family have a tradition of opening a gift on Christmas Eve — always Christmas pajamas. It’s a tradition we carried on with our children. But two years ago during our post-Christmas review, we realized we were all sad that we only got to wear our Christmas PJs once on Christmas, then the holiday was over and they just became regular jammies. We planned for the next year to give the Christmas pajamas at the beginning of December to wear while watching a Christmas devotional. We all loved it and adjusted the tradition moving forward.
After reflecting on this tradition the following year, we decided to continue the PJs at the start of the month and added small boxes filled with festive socks, Christmas puzzles, coloring books or other games the kids can enjoy all month. Our end-of-year reflection also helps us create the goals we want to accomplish for the new year. By reviewing the past year, we have a chance to see which long-term and short-term goals were achieved, what we need to focus on moving forward, and what can be removed or replaced. Overall, this strategy has made our life less stressful and more enjoyable and intentional, both personally and professionally. This month, I encourage you to review the past year and what you and your family have done. If you have annual vacations, traditions, or goals in mind, see if there is anything you can improve on or adjust. Also see if there’s anything you can remove, even good things, to make more room for the best things.
Happy New Year, everyone!
513-438-8152 • 1
Yes, Oral pH Matters
There’s a new toothbrush out on the market right now called the mouthpiece electric toothbrush. This device looks like a mouthguard, and it will brush your teeth for you. Many people have come by the office and asked Dr. Brooks about this new toothbrush and if he recommends it. Which One Is Better? STANDARD VS. ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES
MAKE YOUR OWN ICE CREAM … WITH SNOW! Winter is in full swing, and you may even see some snow this season! So, while you’re busy making snowmen and snow angels, having snowball fights, and attempting to catch snowflakes on your tongue, make some homemade ice cream. Making your own ice cream from snow is easy, and you may have the rest of the ingredients in your home right now. But before diving in, here are a few tips on how to find and use the best snow to create this icy winter treat! FIND THE CLEANEST SNOW. Snow is generally safe to consume, but there are some exceptions. You don’t want to eat snow touching the soil or the street. So, make sure you scoop from a fresh, clean pile of snow above the layer near the ground. If the snow is colored in any way, such as yellow, black, red, green, or brown, do not scoop or eat it — it’s contaminated. With that bit of advice, you’re now ready to make your very own “snow cream.” GATHER YOUR INGREDIENTS. You only need five simple ingredients to make snow cream. So, look in your home and see if you can find 1 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and 8 cups of clean, fresh snow. As you collect your ingredients, be sure to leave the snow you’ll be using in the freezer because snow melts fast. MAKE THE ICE CREAM! Stir together the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until you get a smooth mixture. Next, take your fresh snow out of the freezer and immediately add it to the bowl. Mix the ingredients until you get your desired consistency. You want your ice cream to be fluffy, not runny. Once you get the consistency you want, you can add your toppings. Get creative by adding sprinkles, chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or anything else you might enjoy. Be sure to add your toppings quickly before the snow cream melts, and put any extra snow cream in the freezer to keep it frozen.
The jury is still out about this device for several reasons: 1) There aren’t enough studies on the toothbrush, and in fact most studies that have been done conclude it is not effective; and 2) all mouths and teeth are shaped differently. So, how does a universal toothbrush fit and adapt to the mouths of millions? This topic does raise an even more frequently asked question: Should people use a standard or an electric toothbrush? First and foremost, it’s imperative for your oral and overall health to brush your teeth twice a
day — no matter what toothbrush you use. But suppose you’re already in the habit of brushing your teeth. In that case, it’s best to use an electric toothbrush for several reasons. 1. THEY HAVE PRESSURE SENSORS: When brushing your teeth, you may think brushing harder will remove additional plaque and grime. But you will actually remove the enamel on your teeth and make your teeth more sensitive. An electric toothbrush has pressure sensors that alert you if you’re applying too much pressure on your teeth. 2. ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES HAVE TIMERS: You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily. Sometimes, we may brush our teeth really fast with standard brushes. But electric toothbrushes will alert you when time is almost up, ensuring you spend enough time brushing your teeth. 3. THEY’RE MORE MOBILE: You have more flexibility and range of motion with an electric toothbrush because the brush head moves much faster than a manual toothbrush. You can reach difficult areas on your teeth and get a more efficient cleaning with an electric toothbrush. There are so many different types of electric toothbrushes out there. How do you know which one is the best? This all depends on your preference and needs. However, if you have questions about what brush heads are best for you and your teeth or other concerns about your oral health and how you can brush more efficiently, call our office or visit us today. We will be happy to assist you and ensure your smile stays healthy, bright, and clean.
So, while you’re enjoying all the snow day activities, be sure to make yourself this quick and easy snack as well.
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
This time of year, we all enjoy nestling up by a fire, cuddling under a blanket on the couch, or enjoying a warm cup of joe at the local coffee shop. If someone were to propose a winter picnic at the local park, you’d probably think they were crazy. But don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea. With these four tips for hosting a winter picnic, you’ll be up for having lunch outside in January any time. KEEP WARM Maintaining heat in winter is at the forefront of all concerns, and your winter picnic is no different. Be sure to pack hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, socks, and an extra set of clothing for unexpected changes in the weather. Believe it or not, a large beach umbrella is extremely helpful in protecting you from the winter elements. You can even plan some active picnic games to keep your body moving and the heat flowing! LIGHT A BONFIRE If the location of your picnic permits, light a fire to cozy up next to. Some beaches and campgrounds have designated firepit areas to start a fire while enjoying a warm winter meal. You can even cook your food over the fire! Remember to be careful when building a fire in the wilderness and take proper safety precautions. It’s Cozy Season! 4 TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL WINTER PICNIC
PACK HOT MEALS Picnics are all about ease and relaxation! Here are some toasty and hearty winter picnic meal ideas to help warm you up:
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Soup Stew
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Baked mac and cheese Loaded baked potatoes
Pot pie
Quiche
Toasted sandwich or panini
Chili
Warm brownies
KEEP IT SIMPLE Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated! Even just a thermos of hot chocolate; some warm, freshly baked cookies; a bunch of blankets; and hats and gloves are plenty for a winter picnic — ultimately, it’s all about soaking up the beauty of the most wonderful time of the year!
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW
Easy Cherry Cobbler
WHAT DOES THE MERCEDES-BENZ LOGO STAND FOR? When Emil Jellinek, Gottlieb Daimler, and Carl Benz founded one of the world’s first luxury car companies in 1926, they wanted to commemorate the occasion. So, they made their logo a three-pronged star to symbolize universal motorization. The three prongs stand for land, water, and air. CAN FROGS BREATHE UNDERWATER? Most frogs and toads can breathe through their skin. But they also have lungs they can use to breathe with. When the amphibians stay submerged underwater or buried in soil for long periods, they use their skin to breathe. DO BEARS SLEEP ALL WINTER LONG? A common misconception about black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears is that they hibernate during the winter. Hibernation is when an animal will “sleep” through the winter, but bears don’t do this. While they slow down and are less active in the colder months, they don’t hibernate all winter.
INGREDIENTS
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1/4 cup salted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp baking powder
1 cup cake flour or all- purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 21-oz can cherry pie filling
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In the bottom of a 2.5-quart baking dish, pour melted butter. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk until combined. 4. In the baking dish, pour batter over the butter, and don’t stir. Then, pour the cherry pie filling over the batter, and don’t stir. 5. Bake 45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Inspired by Life-In-The-Lofthouse.com
513-438-8152 • 3
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-438-8152 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
This Strategy Makes Me Less Stressed!
Ice Cream Made From Snow!
Should You Use a Standard or Electric Toothbrush?
3
Tips for a Cozy Winter Picnic
Your Monthly Need-to-Know
Easy Cherry Cobbler
4
3 Events Taking Place This Month
3 JANUARY EVENTS What’s Going On, Cincinnati?
Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s start 2023 right with some local events for the entire family to enjoy. This month, a wide range of events will help you and your loved ones create long-lasting memories. Here are some of our favorites. CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: TCHAIKOVSKY & PROKOFIEV Jan. 21–22 Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. CincinnatiSymphony.org/tickets-and-events/ buy-tickets/cso/2223-cso-season/tchaikovsky-- prokofiev Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is a famous Russian composer who left a lasting impression on music worldwide. Some of his most popular compositions include music for several ballets, such as “Swan Lake,” “Sleeping Beauty,” and “The Nutcracker.” Likewise, Sergei
Prokofiev is another Russian composer who was very prominent in the 20th century. Two of his most famous compositions include the ballet soundtrack for “Cinderella” and “Romeo and Juliet.” Now is your chance to hear these incredible compositions by our amazing orchestra. This is an event you don’t want to miss! KROHN CONSERVATORY: CERAMICS IN A GARDEN Jan. 23–June 18 Eden Park, 1501 Eden Park Dr. Cincinnati-Oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find- a-parkfacility/krohn-conservatory There’s always something fun and exciting to do and see at the Krohn Conservatory. This month, you can experience ceramic sculptures by three regional artists: Roy Cartwright, Lisa Merida-Paytes, and Robert Pulley. You can see both indoor and outdoor plant ceramics that
will leave you in awe. These sculptures will be everywhere in the lobby, patios, walkways, and other areas.
CINCINNATI OBSERVATORY 3489 Observatory Pl. CincinnatiObservatory.org
If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids, consider going to the Cincinnati Observatory. You and your family can learn more about astronomy and science through various interactive activities. There are many fun and informative events you can participate in both during the day and at night. You can even take a self-guided walking tour of the historic observatory that will make you feel like you went back in time.
4 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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