Pitner Orthodontics August 2019
THE STRAIGHT UP
August 2019
Best Dog in theWorld Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer
Did you know the dog days of summer (July 3 to Aug. 11) have nothing to do with real dogs? These sweltering weeks get their name because, during this time of year, the sun is in the same part of the sky as Sirius, the “dog star.” I figured that these dog days are a pretty good excuse to share stories about Buster — not that I need an excuse to talk about Buster. First, I want to give a shout out to my patients who are cat people. Cats are wonderful pets, and I have met some very cool cats in my time. Unfortunately, I have a little bit of resentment towards cats because I’m severely allergic to them. It’s hard to love a creature when your throat is always closing up around them. The truth is that I’m actually allergic to dogs too. Fortunately, labradoodles are hypoallergenic. That’s why I picked out Buster. I can cuddle with my doodle all day without my throat closing up. This is just one reason why Buster is literally the most perfect dog in the world. “THIS IS JUST ONE REASON WHY BUSTER IS LITERALLY THE MOST PERFECT DOG IN THE WORLD.”
Buster is on summer vacation right now, but many patients have met him because he’s the office therapy dog. I’ve had people ask me if he’s therapy for the patients or for me. Well, the honest answer is both. It’s great to get some puppy time and pet Buster’s head during a stressful day. A 2001 study published in the journal Hypertension found that people who own pets are able to maintain lower blood pressure during times of mental stress than those who don’t have pets. I know I definitely feel less stressed after a long day when I walk through the door and Buster comes racing down the hall to greet me with his tail wagging like crazy. It’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve often asked my husband why he doesn’t greet me the same way. It’s amazing how good dogs are for our health. In addition to reducing our stress levels, owning a dog can honestly help you live longer! Experts recommend 150 minutes of exercise each week. Taking Buster on walks certainly helps me reach that goal. An article in the NewYork Times reported that people who have dogs walk four times more than people who don’t have dogs. Getting this exercise helps dog owners stay fit and improves their heart health. Plus, we’re outside in the sunshine! There’s no better way to get that good vitamin D and meet your neighbors than by walking your dog.
When I first got Buster, I was so freaked out. I worried about the responsibility and the changes he would bring. Today, my husband and I can’t imagine our lives without Buster. He certainly brought a lot of changes, but he also brought so much joy. Making sure he lives his best doodle life helps me live my best life, too. There’s a wonderful quote I heard once: “Everyone thinks they have the best dog in the world, and everyone is right.”Whenever you’re in the office, feel free to share stories or pictures of your amazing dogs — just be ready to hear some Buster stories in return.
–Dr. Leslie Pitner
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Staying ‘Cool’WithYourCanine
ENJOY THEWEATHERWHILE KEEPING YOUR PUP COMFORTABLE With all this late-summer sunshine, it’s the perfect time to take your dog out for some fun. And while spending time basking in the summer. For starters, always make sure they have ready access to drinkable water. If you are going on an adventure, consider bringing a collapsible water bowl. If you are doing some backyard chilling, consider filling up a small wading pool with water for your pooch to splash or lounge in. Some Invaluable Inventions Time Is of the Essence
While fun water toys and helpful cooling inventions are great, the best thing you can do to keep your dog cool is be careful about when you decide to go outside. Taking your pup out in the early morning or later in the evening, when the sun isn’t at its highest point in the sky, will help keep them cooler in the long run. Additionally, keep in mind that some breeds deal with the heat better than others. If you’re unsure, do a little research to determine your dog’s susceptibility to heat exhaustion.
nature’s beauty can be a great source of fun and exercise for you and your pets, it’s important to keep a careful watch on your dog’s core temperature to prevent heat exhaustion. There are several detectable signs of heat exhaustion that you can watch for, including abnormal lethargy, vomiting, or a brightly colored blue or red tongue. Here are some tips to keep your canine cool this summer. Water in All Its Forms
There are many contraptions to help you keep your canine cool in the summer heat. Booties to insulate their toes and protect their paw pads from the hot asphalt, cooling vests that reflect sunlight off darker fur, and pressure-activated cooling pads are just a few of the gizmos you can purchase to stave off those scorching temps. The Dog People, a website powered by Rover.com, also recommends making frozen “pupsicles,” a yogurt-based frozen treat that can satisfy doggy cravings while keeping them cool.
Just because the heat is sizzling doesn’t mean your dog should be! Keep these tips in mind before taking
While certain dog breeds thrive in hotter climates, all pups need a little extra care when it comes to staying hydrated during your canine out in the summer sun. They will thank you for it! FROM THE OFFICE OF BUSTER Top Summer Snacks: Braces Edition G’DAY, MATE! Say Cheese!
an excellent source of vitamin C, which is great for maintaining healthy gums. And unlike apples, the soft flesh of watermelon won’t get stuck in your braces. An Edible Blizzard In the hot summer sun, it’s really tempting to bite down on some cool ice. The trouble is that crunching on ice is terrible for your teeth! It can hurt your enamel and damage your braces. Snow cones, or shaved ice, are great alternatives. They’re cool and refreshing, but the ice has been ground to a soft powder, so it won’t hurt your teeth. That said, snow cones are usually made with sugary syrup. If you can, use real fruit juice to flavor your shaved ice and be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Cheese is my favorite treat on this list! First, it’s low in
This month, I want to talk about treats. As a dog, I’m a big fan of treats, and in the summertime, the treats are extra tasty. Whenever my mom and I go for a walk, I can smell the good food from summer barbecues all over town. I’m sad to say that if you wear braces, you have to avoid some of these summer favorites, like corn on the cob. Fortunately, there are plenty of great treats that everyone can enjoy, even if you have to wear braces this summer. RefreshingWatermelon All fruits contain a little bit of natural sugar, but watermelon is great because it’s mostly water — it’s literally in the name! A slice of watermelon is 92%water, helping you stay hydrated on a hot day.Watermelon is also
sugar and rich in calcium and phosphate,
which can help strengthen your bones and enamel. Cheese also helps balance the pH level in
your mouth. This means there’s less harmful acid sticking
to your teeth, reducing your chances of getting a cavity. Best of all, cheese is delicious, and you can eat it any time of the year! Here’s to a summer of great treats and big smiles! –Buster
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Perfect Pairings Ingredients for Better Body Balance
We seek balance through many methods, like morning yoga poses and guided meditations before bed. But another important part of a balanced, holistic lifestyle is diet.When your body is missing nutrients, you suffer from all kinds of physical and mental ailments. Based on a holistic nutrition perspective, here are some foods you can pair together to promote better body balance from the inside out. Citrus Fruits and Dark, LeafyGreens The vitamin C in citrus fruits helps your body absorb the iron in kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. Unlike the iron found in animal proteins, the iron in leafy vegetables isn’t as easy to absorb. Get the most out of those greens by tossing your spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette or brush some lemon or orange juice onto your grilled kale.
Beans and Rice This simple staple meal for many LatinAmerican families is prevalent for a reason. Together, beans and rice make a nutritious and protein- packed meal to fuel your body. Keep this dish interesting by creating new combinations with avocado, zesty sauces, cilantro, and radishes. Peas and quinoa is another pairing that completes the essential amino acid profile, and the two work well together in a salad or scramble. Cherries and Spirulina You may not always think about your blood health, but you should because your blood distributes crucial nutrients throughout your body and floods toxins out. Iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12, and protein are the building blocks for better blood.You can find these nutrients
in dark red foods, such as cherries, raspberries, beets, and kidney beans, and in dark green foods, like spinach, spirulina, and wheatgrass. Holistic nutritionist Sarah Britton, author of “My New Roots: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes,” suggests starting the day with a refreshing smoothie made with some of these foods. These ingredient combinations bring out the best in each other, so your body can function at its best. Pair them together and enjoy!
VEGAN GREEN SMOOTHIE
This delicious smoothie is packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s an easy, tasty way to get a dose of healthy fruits and vegetables in your diet.
INGREDIENTS
• • •
1 cup coconut water 1/2 cup mango juice
• • • • • •
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, packed 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
2 large Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped 2 cups romaine lettuce, packed 2/3 cup parsley leaves, packed
1/4 cup avocado
4 tsp fresh lemon juice
• •
1 tbsp turmeric 5 large ice cubes
DIRECTIONS
1. In a blender, combine all ingredients, beginning with coconut water and mango juice. 2. Blend on high until smooth.
3. Pour into glass and serve. Any
leftovers will keep for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Inspired byOhSheGlows.com
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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.
Who’s the Best Dog in the World?
Staying ‘Cool’ With Your Canine This Summer
Summer Treats That Are Safe for Braces
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The Ingredients for Holistic Health Vegan Green Smoothie
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Local Events
A Taste of Summer
Local Events to Sample Life’s Flavors
2nd Annual Taco Crawl Where: TheVista When: Saturday, Aug. 24; 12–6 p.m. Admission: $20–$40 Website: BarCrawl-USA.com
Cupcakes & Cocktails Evening Social Where: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center When: Saturday, Aug. 31; 7 p.m. Admission: $25 Website: CupCakeBattle19.eventbrite.com Looking for a delicious way to end the summer? Then grab your tickets to the 6th Annual Cupcakes & Cocktails Evening Social! There will be over 3,000 cupcakes on display in one room as bakers compete in Cupcake Battle 2019 to see who will be crowned the true cupcake champion. Let your sweet tooth run wild at the sweetest event of the summer.
Must Love Food: BaristaTechniques Where: Richland Library Northeast When: Thursday, Sept. 5; 6–8 p.m. Phone: See website for registration Website: RichlandLibrary.com/events The Richland Library’s adult cooking class is celebrating National Coffee Day a couple weeks early! For this month’s lesson, a professional barista will be teaching the class how to make lattes, cappuccinos, and chai tea lattes. Space is limited, so if you’ve ever wanted to make the perfect cup of joe right at home, be sure to register in advance.
This is nacho average bar crawl! The Taco Crawl returns to Columbia for another year of great drinks and tasty tacos. Join the party as you stroll throughTheVista enjoying live music, dancing, photo-ops, and the best tacos in Columbia. This is a 21-plus event, so don’t forget to call the babysitter.
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