Take a look at the latest edition of Straight Talk!
Q4 2020
551 HARRISON BRIDGE RD., SIMPSONVILLE, SC 29680 | 864-336-2965 | WWW.MARSHALL-ORTHODONTICS.COM STRAIGHT TALK
HAPPY ALMOST-HOLIDAYS! LET US HELP WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Can you believe that it’s almost the holiday season already? In some ways, 2020 has seemed like the longest year ever, but it also feels like it has gone by at lightning speed. It’s crazy to think that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Despite the COVID-19 chaos, we’ve had a good fall season here at Marshall Orthodontics. It’s been so heartwarming to see all of our patients again after we closed briefly this spring, and my team has done an incredible job of ensuring that the office is a safe, positive place to be. That said, I know this hasn’t been any easy time for everyone. Because of the pandemic, a lot of our patients have lost their jobs or taken hits to their income. It’s been hard for us to see, and we’ve been trying to figure out a small way to help. After a lot of discussion, we’ve decided to change up our holiday contest. Instead of a basket of gifts or stocking stuffers, we’re giving away a $250 Visa gift card that the winner can put toward anything — rent, bills, or Christmas presents. To enter, all you have to do is pick up a red contest
card from our office on your next visit, write your name on it, and pass it on to a friend or family member. If they start treatment with us and hand in the card, you’ll both be entered into the Visa drawing. You can refer as many people as you want for more chances to win! Just make sure you pick up all the cards you need from our front desk.
Of course, we’d definitely still encourage you to load up on dental stocking stuffers this holiday season if you have the means. Gifts like toothpaste in funky flavors (Amazon stocks chocolate and licorice among others) or bamboo toothbrushes (for the eco-friendly person in your life) are as useful as they are fun. As a bonus, good oral hygiene is an immune-system booster, so these gifts will help keep your loved ones healthy and safe this season.
annual holiday celebration at the office. Every year, we do a fun competition or activity to get into the holiday spirit. Last year, we all competed to see who could find the ugliest Christmas sweater to wear, and I’m looking forward to what our team comes up with for this year’s activity. There’s usually a way for you to get involved in the fun, too, so keep an eye on our social media pages for updates. If you’re not already following us, you can find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MarshallOrtho/ .
Last but not least, on top of the Visa gift card giveaway, my staff is planning an
Happy holidays, and best of luck with our Visa giveaway! I’ll have my fingers crossed for you.
“Instead of a basket of gifts or stocking stuffers, we’re giving away a $250 Visa gift card that the winner can put toward anything — rent, bills, or Christmas presents.”
– Dr. William Marshall
864-336-2965 • 1
THE BEST FALL SPICES TO BOOST YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
It’s the season of fall spices. Pumpkin spice — which is actually a mix of many different seasonal spices — is a favorite, but it’s not the only one we should try this year. Seasonal spices are a fun way to literally spice up your meals, and many of them also have surprising health benefits! SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART: CINNAMON Cinnamon can actually help lower your blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for folks with Type 2 diabetes. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website also reports that cinnamon has heart-healthy benefits. For example, studies show that cinnamon can reduce high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus decreasing the risk of developing heart disease. How to add more cinnamon to your diet: Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal or plain yogurt for a warming boost of flavor. You’ll also find cinnamon in pumpkin spice, a seasonal favorite. SOMETHING FOR YOUR BRAIN: TURMERIC Recent research has found that turmeric can reduce inflammation. A compound in turmeric called curcumin has been shown to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. The anti-inflammatory
properties of turmeric may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to depression and Alzheimer’s.
How to add more turmeric to your diet: Homemade curries are a great way to get a good dose of turmeric. You can also add turmeric to roasted vegetables or taco seasoning. SOMETHING FOR YOUR STOMACH: GINGER If you’ve ever drunk ginger ale on a plane to calm your upset stomach, then you’ve already experienced the healing properties of ginger. Ginger can be used to treat nausea, including nausea due to motion sickness and pregnancy. Studies show that ginger can also offer relief to cancer patients suffering from nausea caused by chemotherapy. How to add more ginger to your diet: There are many baked goods that call for ginger. Your morning coffee or tea could also benefit from a hint of ginger.
These are just a few spices that are also superfoods! Do some research to discover the secret benefits of your favorite spices.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KRISTEN TREATMENT COORDINATOR, SINGLE MOM, AND ALL-AROUND SUPERWOMAN
From the time she was a little girl, Kristen Morton dreamed of being a teacher. She set off to college with that goal in mind. “My whole first year of college I took early childhood education classes. Then, one day I just decided that wasn’t what I wanted to do any more,” she remembers. “I changed my major a couple of times before I landed on dental assisting.” When Kristen meets someone new, her eyes immediately go to their smile. She’s always found dental work interesting and ended up falling in love with the process of orthodontics. “It’s just really great to see how, when someone goes through treatment, it can change not only their smile but their confidence,” she says. As you might have guessed by now, Kristen is one of our team members here at Marshall Orthodontics! After working at another practice for more than seven years, she joined us a year and a half ago as a dental assistant. Before long, we moved her to the post of treatment coordinator, where her people skills can really shine. “I feel like in this treatment coordinator
role having a dental assistant background is an advantage because I know the processes, the types of appointment, and the steps you go through with braces. Having that background helps me explain things to patients,” Kristen says. “I’ve also had braces twice and in-house aligners as well, so I know what the patients are going through.” When she isn’t at the office, Kristen spends most of her time with her 6-year-old son, Kohen. He loves to swim, ride bikes, and play basketball, so they spend a lot of time outside together cycling around the neighborhood or splashing in her parent’s pool. Kristen says that tackling virtual learning this year has been a challenge, but thanks to Kohen’s helpful day care center, they’re handling it well. Every day, Kristen juggles working, being a single mom, and handling the curveballs of a pandemic. In our eyes, that makes her an all‑around superwoman! If you see her next time you come into the office, be sure to say hello.
2 • WWW.MARSHALL-ORTHODONTICS.COM
U.S. PRESIDENTS AND THEIR TOOTHY SECRETS 5 FUN DENTAL FACTS YOU’D NEVER GUESS ABOUT OUR LEADERS The 2020 presidential election is just around the corner. Every election is a landmark occasion in American history, and this one is no different. To commemorate the political face-off, we thought it would be fun to take a look at presidents past — specifically, at their teeth! Our office got a kick out of these dental facts about our commanders in chief, which come courtesy of the Tufts University Dental Alumni Association. Check them out, and next time you stop by the office, let us know if any of them surprised you!
1. President George Washington only had one tooth of his own left when he was inaugurated. He wore dentures through his whole presidency, and they were made of some crazy stuff! The materials included human teeth (from other people, of course), hippopotamus ivory, brass screws, and lead wire.
2. While he was fighting in the Civil War, President Ulysses Grant carried his toothbrush into battle! Unfortunately, despite this diligence he eventually died of throat cancer. 3. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower had to be rushed to the dentist after he lost a crown biting into a piece of chicken. The secret trip caused all kinds of rumors, including that he’d died of a heart attack and/or was conducting a meeting with aliens.
CLASSIC PUMPKIN SOUP
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
Pumpkins aren’t just for pie — they make delicious soup, too! This fall, try your hand at this healthy soup recipe and warm up with a bowl.
4. President Harry Truman had two dead, discolored teeth.
INGREDIENTS
According to one faculty member from Tufts, this imperfect smile signaled that Truman was “a man of the people.”
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 1/4 cups pumpkin purée (homemade or canned) • 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup canned light coconut milk • 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 tsp sea salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1/4 tsp cinnamon • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
5. Though many never guessed it, President Grover Cleveland had a prosthetic jaw. He was diagnosed with oral cancer in 1893, and had five teeth and part of his jaw removed to combat it. The secret surgery happened on a yacht in the middle of Long Island Sound while the president was supposedly “on a fishing trip.”
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté olive oil, shallots, and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
3. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée. Pour the blended soup back into the pan. 4. Cook over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired, then serve!
We can’t wait to see what new facts about presidential dentistry come out in the next few years. We’ll keep you posted if we learn anything interesting!
864-336-2965 • 3
864-336-2965 WWW.MARSHALL-ORTHODONTICS.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
551 HARRISON BRIDGE RD., SIMPSONVILLE, SC 29680
HAPPY ALMOST-HOLIDAYS! THIS ISSUE INSIDE
1 2 2 3 3 4
3 HEALTHY SPICES TO TRY THIS FALL
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: KRISTEN
CLASSIC PUMPKIN SOUP
5 FUN FACTS ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL TEETH
BLOGGING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
BLOG YOUR WAY THROUGH THE PANDEMIC THE POWER OF WRITING
EXPRESS YOUR ANXIETIES. Writing helps people cope with stressful experiences, and the pandemic has ushered a huge amount of uncertainty into their lives. Many people have felt afraid and anxious in the last eight months, and they continue to wonder what the future may hold. Your blog gives you a chance to express those fears and ease your stress. Harvard Medical School studies have shown that writing your thoughts down helps you organize ideas and even regulate emotions. With less on your mind, your body can relax.
Everyone has faced trying times over the past few months. While many activities help get us through these challenges, blogging can be one of the most impactful. Writing enables you to express your feelings and experiences, and blogging allows you to share them with others. Here are a few reasons why starting a blog can be an important part of coping with the pandemic. CONNECT WITH YOUR READERS. At times, it can feel like you are alone in the world, especially now. However, your blog can reach people who feel the same as you or who have had similar experiences as you. Also, writing down your story will inspire other people, and they may even start their own blog. In this way, you not only help yourself and others, but you also spark change in their lives. MEET NEW PEOPLE. In addition to encouraging others, you might find a community of like-minded people through sharing your blog. You never know — from new readers and followers, you might learn of support groups to provide additional insights to your experiences. You can also find empathy and provide support to others. An online community can help you feel less isolated due to the pandemic or provide support through other challenging aspects of your life.
Write out your experiences, no matter what situation you find yourself in. You will help other people and especially yourself.
4 • WWW.MARSHALL-ORTHODONTICS.COM
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker