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APRIL 2019 Tooth Be Told
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www.elizabethdulingdmd.com
I had a really awful dentist when I was growing up. He was the kind of dentist who promised something wouldn’t hurt, even though it actually hurt a lot. All these years later, I still get nervous when I go to the dentist. My hands get sweaty, and my heart starts to race. When nervous patients come into my office, I really sympathize with them. After my terrible experiences as a child, I never could have guessed I would love being on the other side of the chair! I started college in pre-med, but it was a liberal arts school, which meant I was required to take an art class for the first time in my life. My parents thought art was a waste of time, so I never took art in high school. After my first class, I fell in love. I took as many art classes as I could and wanted a career where I could be My Unexpected Journey HOW AN ART CLASS TURNED ME INTO A DENTIST
dentists take, but serving on active duty helped pay for my student loan debt. I had not been around the military at all until that point in my life. It was a major culture shock, but I loved it. Being an Army dentist was a great experience because you don’t have
to worry about what insurance will cover or what the patient can afford. When a patient and I agreed on the ideal treatment for them, we could make it happen right away! At the same time, I was able to work alongside specialists in all areas of oral health. I ended up learning a lot from them. For example, in dental school, I hated doing root canals. While in the Army, I was stationed with an endodontist who created a side program for me. He gave me articles to read and let me do root canals with him. Now I love doing root canals, and I’m happy I can offer this important treatment to my patients today. The very best part about joining the Army was meeting my husband, Chris. He was a helicopter pilot and we met when he needed two crowns. After I got out of the Army, we moved around a lot because my husband was still on active duty. That’s how we ended up in Huntsville, a place I’m happy to call home. It’s a wonderful area, and I love being able to run my own practice. We’re a small office, which means we’re able to give patients a more personal experience. I became a dentist for the artistry, but what I love most today is getting to know my patients. I love learning everyone’s names, hearing stories about their kids, and being able to help them every time they come in. I know firsthand how difficult going to the dentist can be. If I can give my patients a good experience and help them feel less nervous about going to the dentist, then I’ve done my job well.
creative. My friend’s father was a dentist and he suggested I look into dentistry for myself. Despite my bad experiences with dentistry, I gave it a chance. Turns out he was right! Dentistry is this wonderful blend of art and science. I’ve always enjoyed using my hands to build models and work on craft projects. Being a dentist felt like doing a hobby I already loved, and I could help people get out of pain at the same time. I applied to dental school, and I was so excited when I got in.
“Being a dentist felt like doing a hobby I already loved …”
After dental school, I joined the Army. That’s not the path most
—Dr. Elizabeth Duling
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IT’S A BIRD! IT’S A PLANE! IT’S …
3 Great Family-Friendly Superhero Comics
It’s no secret that superhero movies are dominating the box office. The highest-grossing movies of 2018 (and the third and fourth highest- grossing of all time) were “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” There’s never been a better time to be a fan of superheroes or to become a fan of superhero comics. If your kids are interested in reading more about superheroes, here are a few great titles your whole family can enjoy together.
world, these super sons must learn to trust each other — and themselves — to save the day. Based on the hit “Super Sons” comic book series, “Super Sons: The Polarshield Project” doesn’t hit shelves until April 2, 2019, which means you and your kids have plenty of time to reserve a copy of this graphic novel at your local comic book shop! ‘Champions’ “Champions” is a story about teenage superheroes, but don’t expect pizza or relationship drama in these panels. These
‘Ms. Marvel’ Since her debut in 2013, Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel, has been a wildly popular character, and her comic has gained critical acclaim. A 2015 Hugo Award winner, “Ms. Marvel” explores what it means to be a teenager, a first-generation American, a friend, and a superhero. The storylines promote an important message: “Good is not a thing you are, it’s a thing you do.” In just a few years, Ms. Marvel has become an established superhero in comics, and it won’t be long before she steps onto the big screen with a live-action movie.
comics tackle how young people today approach problems with a readiness to rally together and take matters into their own hands. “Champions” doesn’t shy away from hard topics, making it more appropriate for older kids and teens. But that doesn’t mean this story lacks heart or
humor. Featuring comic favorites like Ms. Marvel and Spider-Man as well as popular newcomers, “Champions” is about identity, purpose, and what it really means to save the world.
‘Super Sons: The Polarshield Project’ Jon Kent, son of Superman, and Damian Wayne, son of Batman, couldn’t be more different. But when a mysterious force threatens the
Find these titles and other incredible stories at your local comic book shop.
BIRD
HOUSE HUNTING WITH EASTERN BLUEBIRDS
Like most dental offices, Cove Family Dentistry wanted to be in a great location for our patients, and it just so happens that we’re also in a great location for birds! All day, we’re able to look out our office windows and spot many different species of bird. This month, we’re watching the Eastern bluebirds. Over the last few weeks, we’ve started seeing these brightly colored birds fluttering by and checking out the nest boxes we have in the trees around the office. This is the time of year when bluebirds mate. Male Eastern bluebirds pick a nest site in the holes of trees or a snug nest box and then try to attract a female. If the female picks the location, the pair become bonded. The female bluebird then builds the rest of the nest for their eggs. In the early 20th century, non-native species like the European starlings and house sparrows were introduced to the area and took up much of the available nesting holes. This caused the population of Eastern bluebirds to fall dramatically. Fortunately, the success of nest box campaigns designed specifically for the smaller Eastern bluebird helped save the beautiful bird from extinction. Today, you can spot Eastern bluebirds nesting and raising their young all through the spring and summer. Eastern bluebirds prefer bugs and berries, so they don’t often stop by bird feeders to eat. If you want to see these bright, beautiful birds in your own yard, we recommend putting up a nesting box! You can find tips for placing a nest box and building you own at NestWatch.org/learn/all-about- birdhouses/birds/eastern-bluebird . After mating, Eastern bluebird pairs often return to the same nest to hatch their eggs for several years. We’re really hoping a pair will pick one of our boxes so we can enjoy them for years to come!
WATCH
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Why Do You Ask if I Snore?
SOLUTION ON PG. 4
Pasta Primavera Inspired by Food Network
Snoring is a problem many couples face. When a bed partner’s loud, erratic snoring keeps you up at night, the couch suddenly seems far more comfortable than your own bed. But whether you’re the person who’s snoring or the person being kept up, it’s important to realize that snoring is more than just an annoyance. Erratic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that can threaten your life. An estimated 22 million U.S adults have OSA. 17.7 million of those patients are not yet diagnosed and continue to suffer from the social and health effects. The ADA now mandates all dentists to screen for OSA just as we have always screened for oral cancer. It’s just snoring, right? Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, but it’s not what makes this condition so dangerous. When someone suffers from sleep apnea, it means they are physically unable to breathe. Patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea essentially suffocate in their sleep and suffer from oxygen deprivation every night. The oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea puts a strain on your entire body. Patients with untreated sleep apnea can suffer from higher blood pressure, are more likely to struggle with Type 2 diabetes, and face a higher risk of heart attack and death by stroke. Do I have sleep apnea? Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Other warning signs of sleep apnea include: THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF SLEEP APNEA
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • • • • •
12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli 1/2 pound broccoli florets
2 carrots, shredded
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
•
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time. 2. Drain the pasta and veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water. 4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese, and serve.
• Feeling exhausted after a full night’s sleep • Difficulty concentrating • Trouble keeping your eyes open at work or
• Irritability • Morning headaches • Obesity • Impotence
while driving • Memory loss
Can you cure sleep apnea? There are many treatment options available. The CPAP is one of the most well-known treatment options, but it is not for everyone. A professionally made oral appliance is another option. Weight loss, surgery, and lifestyle changes can also be used to treat sleep apnea. It doesn’t matter how you treat sleep apena, just get treatment — your life depends on it! If you or a loved one needs more information about sleep apnea, visit elizabethdulingdmd.com or talk with your physician. If you would like more information about oral appliances give us a call at 256.534.1475.
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www.elizabethdulingdmd.com
210 Sutton RD SE Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 256.534.1475 www.elizabethdulingdmd.com
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Inside
A Dentist Who Doesn’t Like Going to the Dentist
Super Comics for Your Super Family Have You Met Our Bluebirds?
Do You Snore? Your Health Might Be at Risk! Pasta Primavera
3 Places to View Natural Wonders
ONE-OF-A-KIND If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you might see rare magical sights, like baby turtles scuttling toward water, glowing lagoons, or a shimmering sky. But when and where do you need to be to catch these natural wonders? SEA TURTLES HATCHING IN HAWAII On Oahu’s North Shore, head to Turtle Beach, which gets its name from the many turtles that nest along its shores. During late spring and summer, the waves subside, allowing turtles to crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs. Baby turtles hatch at night and make their way to the water by the light of the moon. If you do head to the beach at night to see this spectacle, don’t use white light, as it can disrupt the turtles’ progress (that means no flash photography). BIOLUMINESCENT PLANKTON IN JAMAICA Imagine looking out at the water as the sky gets dark and seeing it turn a bright, glowing blue. That’s the sight you might be treated to at Luminous Lagoon in Jamaica, where dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms in the water, light up the lagoon through bioluminescence. These tiny organisms thrive in areas where salt water and fresh water meet, making the lagoon in springtime an ideal place to see them. Eco tip: Look, but don’t touch! It’s illegal to touch a sea turtle in Hawaii.
Naturescapes
NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SCANDINAVIA One of the most elusive natural wonders, the aurora borealis, can only be seen on dark nights in the most northern parts of the world. That makes Sweden and its Scandinavian neighbors a great place to see the phenomenon. From December through April, you’ll have your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Sightings are dependent on solar activity, so it’s impossible to predict the exact timing and location, but the longer, darker nights of winter and early spring provide a higher likelihood of a sighting.
Eco tip: Book your trip through a reputable travel agency, such as those that practice a fair-trade policy.
Eco tip: To ensure this magical sight will remain for years to come, travel with a “leave no trace” mentality.
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