FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
APR 2018
PRANKS AND PRAISE
around Easter, so I stock up. Beth and the kids know not to touch the extra bags I’ve stashed in the cupboard. On Easter morning, we hide plastic eggs filled with goodies inside the house for the kids. We tried hiding eggs outside one year, but it didn’t work out.The combination of morning dew and animals did not mix well. So, instead, the kids get to run up and down the stairs to find all the Easter eggs. It’s a pretty funny coincidence that Easter and April Fools’ Day were on the same date this year; you’d almost think my mom is behind that one.This joke is on the Easter Bunny, I guess.
our cereal, it had gone sour. Another year, we woke up to discover he’d drawn mustaches on his sisters. None of us thought that one was as funny as he did. I guess the prankster gene skips a generation. I’ve never been one to pull pranks, but my mom loved being a trickster. She is the master of little pranks. As kids, we’d head to bed on April 1 only to find that we couldn’t get in because she’d short- sheeted our beds. She never did anything really serious; the jokes were always light and perfect for a good laugh. One year, I woke up to her announcement that the hot water heater was broken. We’d have to take cold showers, she told us. “Oh man,” I groaned. I didn’t remember that it was April 1, but my mom sure did. I’m all about a joke in good fun, but I get more excited about Easter than April Fools’ Day. One of my favorite candies in the whole world is Robin Eggs — you know, those Whoppers covered in colorful shells? You can only get them
Now that it’s officially spring, let’s bring on the warmer weather! The snow last month was quite a surprise, wasn’t it? If you’re a skier, the snow-covered hills were probably a happy sight. Russell had baseball tryouts on the day it started snowing, so for him, it was a little less pleasant. Still, he went out and did his best, and he ended up doing a great job. We also got to see Evie take the lead in “Anything Goes.” It was her last high school performance, so it was extra special. We’re jumping into April with happy feelings — well, most of us, at least. Just a couple weeks ago, our daughter Leila told us that April is her least favorite month. “What’s so bad about April?” Beth and I asked. All Leila had to do was glare at her brother, Russell, who loves April Fools’ Day. He takes pranks very seriously. Whatever he can think of, he’ll try and pull it off. He tries to play jokes on his sisters all the time (he’s smart enough not to do anything to his mom or me). One year, Russell put lemon juice in the milk, so when we poured it into
Happy April,
–Dr. Elkins
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GARDENING: BRINGING FAMILY TOGETHER
It’s a chance to get the whole family involved with a single project, and you can literally share the fruits of your labor. DECIDING ON PLANTS When it comes to deciding which plants you want in your garden, there are many variables to consider. Do you want to grow edible plants, ones that have magnificent blossoms, or ones that are easy to care for? Flowers are a good start if you want a plant that grows a little faster; plus, they lend a pop of color to your garden. Growing vegetables is also rewarding, as the kids will take great pleasure in eating what they’ve grown. Other possibilities include sunflowers, blackberries, peas, and lettuce. You might be surprised at how willingly children eat their greens when they’ve had a hand in growing them.
After spending a winter cooped up inside with your family, there might be a little tension between everyone. Fortunately, it’s spring, and the warm weather, melting snow, and blooming flowers offer a good way to ease the restlessness.This season, why not bring your family closer together by starting a family garden?
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE Nearly every step in the gardening process can be a learning experience for kids and parents alike. Begin by discussing where you should start and why, what supplies you’ll need, and the types of plants you want to grow. Gardening also offers opportunities to learn about science, ecology, and nutrition. COLLABORATION Gardening gives your family a chance to collaborate. When you’re stuck inside for long periods, you may be spending time together, but it’s usually not quality time. Working in a group to create and maintain a garden is a hands-on experience for everyone.
Family gardens can bring something new and fresh to your home. So, get outside, enjoy the sun, and discover the joys of plants and gardening.
A Word From
Kalie and Caryn
gingivitis in the future. We will also make recommendations about which products and tools will work best for you. After that, we’ll scheduled another checkup within six weeks, just to make sure gingivitis is no longer present. Gingivitis can usually be reversed within two weeks of a professional cleaning with improved brushing and flossing. It is very important that you get back to your regularly recommended cleanings if you’ve had gingivitis. While it is reversible with treatment, if left untreated, gingivitis will lead to gum disease. There’s no bone loss associated with gingivitis, which makes it easier for us to remedy. If it’s been a while since your last professional cleaning, don’t worry. We’ll make getting back on track quick and easy for you. When we’re able to treat it early, gingivitis can be reversed, and your mouth will be back to feeling fresh and clean.
Hello, there! We’re back to share more about the different types of professional cleanings
we provide. Today, we’re discussing the second type of cleaning, gingivitis. It’s the kind we offer when we notice red, irritated, bleeding
gums. With this professional cleaning, we’re usually able to clear up gingivitis in as little as two weeks. Thankfully, most insurance plans are now covering this treatment. A professional cleaning for gingivitis is similar to the prophylaxis cleaning. We focus on cleaning the area above your gums as we remove the hard deposits from your teeth and send you with a medicated mouth rinse. During this cleaning, we’ll also talk about what your brushing and flossing habits are at home to determine how we can help you avoid
–Kalie and Caryn
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Ingredients
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON BREADCRUMBS
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 2 teaspoons lemon zest • Juice of one lemon (not packaged lemon juice)
• 2 pounds asparagus • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Kosher salt
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. Heat oven to 425 F. Toss asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20–26 minutes, turning asparagus halfway through. 2. When asparagus is nearly done, heat remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add breadcrumbs and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and fold in parsley and lemon zest. 3. Transfer asparagus to serving platter, drizzle with lemon juice, and top with breadcrumb mixture. Recipe inspired by Food and Wine Magazine • Freshly ground pepper • 2 garlic cloves, minced
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! Instructions
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.
GEM STATE? WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE Wings & Wheels 10th Annual Show Where: Emmett Municipal Airport When: April 16, 2016; 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Run for Autism Where: Julia Davis Park When: April 21, 2018; 8:00 a.m.
5 FUN FACTS
ABOUT IDAHO
We are giving away an all-inclusive seven-night MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE!
Many states have their claims to fame, and Idaho is no exception. We’ve managed to pick up acclaim for our stunning mountain views, skilled outdoorsman, unique celebrations, and sometimes, strange laws. Here’s a look at a bit of the history that’s made our state what it is today. 1. Since 1953, Weiser has been home to the National Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest & Festival.The event continues to draw huge crowds to Weiser each June. 2. We have President Roosevelt to thank for many of our national forests, including the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in southeast Idaho, right next to Yellowstone. 3. In Idaho, it’s illegal for one citizen to give another citizen a box of candy weighing more than 50 pounds. We did say it was strange, didn’t we? 4. Bruneau Sand Dunes is North America’s tallest sand dune. If you visit during the summer, be sure to stop at the Bruneau Dunes State Park Observatory to see the spectacular nighttime views through the park’s 25-inch telescope. 5. Sun Valley was the nation’s first destination ski resort. After it opened in 1936, the resort became a hot spot for artists and celebrities — including Ernest Hemingway, who eventually made Idaho his home.
Give us a Google or Facebook review for two bonus tickets to win!
Call our office to learn about more chances to win.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. April Shenanigans 2. Gardening: Bringing Family Together Kalie and Caryn on Gingivitis Cleanings
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3.
4. Have You Tried This Natural Healing Remedy?
Roasted
Asparagus
Did You Know?
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Elkins Dental wishes you a
Happy April
208-369-4532 elkinsdental.com
EARTHING:
Sleep Like You’re on Vacation
published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found earthing helps reduce blood viscosity, which is a major factor in cardiovascular disease. Another study in the Journal of Inflammation Research showed that earthing might speed up healing. Firsthand accounts from individuals who practice earthing often report lower stress levels, increased energy, and better sleep. Many people who practice earthing make it a point to walk outside barefoot on grass, soil, or sand at least once a day. You have to be careful where you walk, as you don’t want to get cut on sharp rocks or broken glass. An alternative to walking barefoot is to use an earthing pad, which can imitate the negative charge of our planet inside your home. Earthing is quickly gaining a following in the health community. If you are looking for a natural way to improve your overall health and sleep better, why not try taking a walk? Just remember to leave your shoes behind.
Earthing, sometimes referred to as “grounding,” helps bring our bodies into a natural balance. The theory states that our bodies naturally develop a positive charge. As leading nutritionist Dr. John Briffa explains, “During the normal processes of metabolism, the body generates what are called ‘reactive oxygen species,’ which are commonly referred to as ‘free radicals’ ... Free radicals lack sparks of energy known as ‘electrons.’”When a molecule lacks electrons, it gives off a positive charge. An unbalanced positive charge contributes to inflammation, which can then cause many chronic diseases, including heart disease. You should balance your natural positive charge with a negative charge. How can you safely expose yourself to a negative charge? Just let your skin touch the earth. Earth gives off a mild electric charge, with plenty of electrons to balance out our overabundance of free radicals.There has yet to be a large-scale scientific study about the benefits of earthing, but current research is promising. One study
Have you ever fallen asleep on the beach after swimming in the ocean? If you have, you know it’s the most restful and relaxing sleep imaginable. You might have thought it was just the result of warm sunlight and vacation vibes, but research suggests you may have been experiencing the effects of a practice called “earthing.”
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