Take a look at our October newsletter!
THE
BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | OCTOBER 2024
DRESSING UP WITH THE KIDS IS MY FAVORITE HALLOWEEN TRADITION LAST-MINUTE COSTUME CHAOS
Halloween is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for our family to dive into one of our favorite traditions — costume planning! Now, let me be upfront: I’m not exactly the biggest fan of dressing up. But when it comes to Halloween, I’m a total pushover for my kids. Every year, I find myself donning whatever costume they choose for me. Why? Because those laughs, the excitement in their eyes, and the memories we create together make it all worthwhile. Our family loves doing themed costumes, and we’ve had some really fun ones over the years! One year, we were all characters from “Toy Story.” I was Ken, complete with an ascot, while my wife Jessica rocked the Barbie look. Our kids were Jessie, Bullseye, and Buzz Lightyear — back when we only had three kids. Since then, our family has grown, and the costume themes have only gotten more elaborate. During COVID-19, we kept the tradition alive by dressing up as the “Scooby-Doo” crew. I was Shaggy, which, to my surprise, seemed to fit me better than anyone expected. It was a great way to keep the Halloween spirit alive, even if we were just hanging out at home. Another year,
we went all out as Charlie Brown characters. I was Pig Pen, complete with dirt marks on my face; Jessica was Peppermint Patty; and the kids were the rest of the iconic “Peanuts” gang. One of the things we love most is making our own costumes. Some years we all agree on a theme right away, like the year all our kids wanted to be “Super Mario” characters. Other years, we base the theme on whichever kid(s) has the strongest opinion about what he or she wants to be. For instance, the “Toy Story” year was inspired by our daughter wanting to be a horse, so Bullseye it was. One year, we had one child wanting to be a ballerina and another wanting to be a monkey. We talked the ballerina into being a beautiful tight- rope walker, made me a strong man, Jessica a ring leader, another daughter a bearded lady, and the baby a lion — voila! A Brooks Family Circus! Other fun themes have included characters from “Trolls” and “Peter Pan,” and the song “Old McDonald Had a Farm.” Despite all the creativity, our costume process is usually a last-minute scramble. Even when we settle on a theme early, we somehow end up frantically piecing everything together the week of Halloween.
Of course, we like to keep the Halloween spirit alive at the clinic too. Last year, the whole team dressed up as Pac-Man ghosts, with me as Pac- Man himself. The costumes are always designed to be easy to move around in because, you know, we still have to get some dental work done! It’s always a blast, especially when patients join in the fun and show up in costumes, too. Halloween is one of those days when we let loose and have fun, both at home and at the office. We’ll be open on Oct. 31, so if you want to experience Anderson Dental Care’s Halloween festivities firsthand (and maybe catch a glimpse of our costumes), feel free to schedule an appointment! We usually close up a bit earlier to let the team get home in time for trick-or-treating with their own families. So, while I may not be a fan of dressing up every day, I wouldn’t trade our Halloween traditions for anything. Here’s to another year of costumes, candy, and creating memories that will last a lifetime!
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Celebrating Our Star Hygienists This National Dental Hygiene Month MEET THE DREAM TEAM! For those who didn’t know, October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and there’s no better time to spotlight our incredible team of hygienists who make our office a welcoming and caring place for every patient. We’re lucky to have Lydia, Katelyn, and Whitney as part of our dental family, and if you’ve met them, you know just how special they are! Lydia has been with us for an incredible seven years, Whitney for six, and Katelyn for four. Over the years, they’ve become more than just our hygienists — they’ve become friends and confidants to many of our patients. They have a unique ability to remember the little details about each patient’s life, from family updates to favorite hobbies, and they always make time to chat and share a laugh during appointments. It’s this personal connection that makes visiting the dentist a positive experience for so many. Yet, these three are not just friendly faces; they are highly qualified professionals who are passionate about delivering the best care possible. Their dedication to their work is a huge part of why our practice has been so successful. We owe much of our practice’s success to these amazing hygienists. Since nearly all their patients return at least every six months and refer their friends, our practice stays extremely busy with almost no marketing. It’s a true testament to their skill and their patient relationships.
Unlock the Secrets of Animal Footprints BECOME A NATURE DETECTIVE Have you ever discovered a mysterious set of animal tracks? Reading those footprints can be your ticket to uncovering the hidden world of wildlife right under your nose. Whether you’re on a camping trip hoping to spot one of your favorite critters or simply curious about the pawprints you stumbled on at home, we’re here to show you how to become a nature detective. PREPARE AND OBSERVE You’ll have the best luck spotting tracks or other signs of animal life in places where wildlife is known to frequent. Find watering holes or other areas where animals may feed or gather. Tracks need a suitable medium, like snow, mud, sand, or soft dirt, for them to show. Regardless of where you’re heading, bring a field guide, a map of the area, hiking supplies, and tools for tracking, like a ruler, magnifying glass, and a camera. COUNT THE TOES Your main clues to the owner of these natural calling cards are the number of toe and claw marks on the print. Canines, like wolves, and felines, like cougars, all have four toes, but you can see a significant difference between their claws. Cats have retractable claws, so their pawprints won’t always have claws. In contrast, birds have distinctive tracks with three long, skinny, forward-facing toes. IDENTIFY YOUR PREY When you have identified what animal family left the print behind, you can begin to home in on its exact species. Use a small ruler to measure the size of the track to give you clues. A wolf, for example, has similar prints to a dog, but they are about 2 inches wider. Context is also a crucial factor when you’re tracking. Think about the animals that live in the area. Would there be any domesticated dogs in the woods where you are hiking? Document your tracks with photos and notes in a nature journal. If you’re still unsure, go online and look at various animal tracks. You may find what you’re looking for!
We asked our trio what messages they’d like to share during National Dental Hygiene Month, and they had three reminders:
1. X-rays are vital: They understand that some patients might feel hesitant about them. X-rays are crucial for spotting issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, ensuring that they can provide the most accurate and effective care. 2. Fluoride: Fluoride treatments are an important part of a good oral health plan, and we strongly encourage them to fight cavities. However, we’ll always respect individual patients’ choices regarding the use of fluoride. 3. Smile more: Smiling promotes blood flow to your gums and can help reduce plaque and
tartar buildup over time. It not only brightens your day, but it also helps keep your teeth healthy.
A big thank you to Lydia, Katelyn, and Whitney for all they do. Your hard work and dedication are the foundation
So, next time you stumble upon animal tracks, get out your ruler and camera! Those prints could lead you on a great adventure!
of our practice, and we’re so grateful to have you on our team!
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Be Sure to Follow These Steps!
Build Character With Manners 3 BEHAVIORS TO TEACH YOUR KIDS
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHEN SHOULD I START SCHEDULING END-OF-YEAR DENTAL APPOINTMENTS? Now! If you have insurance benefits you want to use before the end of the year, now is the time to schedule your appointment. We likely won’t have availability later in the year. WHAT ARE SOME NON-CANDY ALTERNATIVES FOR TRICK-OR- TREATING? You can most definitely hand out fun goodies that aren’t candy! Instead of the usual sugary treats, you can give kids glow sticks, plastic fangs, mini-Play-Doh, DIY bracelets, and plenty of other small toys that kids will love. Kids these days! They don’t know how to curtsy before their lords, stay stoic and straight-faced when photographed, or duel to the death when someone besmirches their honor. In all seriousness, while some courtesies have gone out of fashion, there are still manners your kids should know. Manners are essential for people of all ages and can significantly improve your kids’ social standing, success, and behavior in the years to come. Here are three need-to-know manners to teach your kids. WHAT’S THE MAGIC WORD? It may sound simple, but no common courtesy is more important than knowing when to say “Please” and “Thank you.” It also helps establish a model of good behavior and parental respect that is important to reinforce in children. When your children ask for something, remind them to say, “Please.” When someone has done something for them, remind them to say, “Thank you.” You also need to model the practice and return the same courtesy! It shows how important it is for everyone to have good manners. MAKE AN INTRODUCTION. Greetings and introductions may seem trivial; however, they are anything but. Properly introducing yourself, especially on the phone, is pivotal to WHICH IS THE LONGEST WORD IN ENGLISH? The longest English word is 45 letters long: pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (also spelled pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcano k oniosis), which is a lung disease caused by breathing in particles of silica volcanic dust. HOW BIG IS THE MILKY WAY? The disk of the Milky Way galaxy is about 100,000 light-years in diameter but only about 1,000 light- years thick. Reminder: just one light-year is about 9.5 x 10 15 meters!
starting a relationship or phone call on the right foot. It also gives you more authority and respect for the remainder of the conversation and beyond. LEARN TO BE HELPFUL. No act is more endearing to others than offering a
helping hand. Whether mowing your neighbor’s lawn, staying after class to help your teacher clean up, or
lending a hand in dinner prep with a parent, acts of kindness can help build character. They are also a great way to forge new friendships and cement current relationships, as you never know what others are going through, and a bit of help may be just what they need.
Baked Tofu Nuggets
INGREDIENTS
•
1 block (14 oz) extra firm tofu, drained and pressed 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• • • • • •
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Cut tofu into small nugget-size pieces. 3. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine. 4. Add tofu nuggets to the bowl and toss to coat. 5. Arrange tofu nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Keeping the Halloween Spirit Alive at Home and Work
2
Your Guide to Wildlife Tracking Fun
Smile Brighter With Our Extraordinary Hygienists
3
Essential Manners Kids Should Learn
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Baked Tofu Nuggets
4
Embrace the Fall Spirit With These Local Events
Discover Fall’s Finest Events and Activities SPOOKY SEASON IS HERE!
CANDLELIGHT: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS Oct. 24, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Memorial Hall OTR FeverUp.com/m/188924 Are you ready for a night of enchantment? Experience a candlelight concert at Memorial Hall OTR for a mesmerizing, multi-sensory musical journey designed to embrace the Halloween spirit, all set under the gentle glow of candlelight. Performed by the talented StringSource String Quartet, the program features hauntingly beautiful pieces like Camille Saint- Saëns “Danse Macabre” as well as
October is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to dive into the autumn and Halloween spirit! From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to glowing jack-o’-lanterns and hauntingly beautiful candlelight concerts, there’s no better season to embrace fun — and these local events offer something for everyone. So grab your sweaters and get ready to make the most of this magical time of year! FALL ON THE FARM Sept.14 – Oct. 31 Blooms & Berries Farm Market BloomsAndBerries.com/fun-things-to-do/fall- on-the-farm Experience the magic of autumn at Blooms & Berries Farm Market’s Fall on the Farm event! Explore the corn maze, pick the perfect pumpkin, and let the kids enjoy barn animals, hayrides, and the exciting Barnyard 500. Don’t miss out on seasonal delights at the market,
and savor treats available on weekends. This family-friendly event is packed with fun, but it’s only here for a limited time. Purchase your tickets online — children under 2 get in free! JACK O’LANTERN GLOW Oct. 3–6, 11–13, 18–31, starting at 6:30 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden CincinnatiZoo.org/events/jack-olantern-glow Check out Cincinnati’s newest fall tradition, Jack O’Lantern Glow, at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! This enchanting event features over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins and dazzling fall displays along a half-mile trail. This immersive adventure is perfect for all ages and transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland. Enjoy festive treats like Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate and Caramel Apples as you stroll through the magical atmosphere. Reserve your tickets online and make unforgettable memories at the Jack O’Lantern Glow!
spooky pop hits like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Perfect for music lovers aged 8 and up. Secure your tickets now and immerse yourself in this magical Halloween experience!
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