PREMIER DENTAL N EWS L E T T E R
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EDITION 8
Peter and Dr. Hema Gopal Tour the Dutch Countryside This Summer ADVENTURES IN THE NETHERLANDS
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There’s something about Europe that evokes an old-world feeling. Peter and I experienced the old-world charm of Europe this summer when we visited the Netherlands from the end of June through early July. We have also been to Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, and Italy. The atmosphere of these countries are mellow and fit our vacationing style. A visit to the Netherlands has been on our bucket list for years for no particular reason other than that it’s a beautiful country. Our vacation there did not disappoint. We stayed in Amsterdam and took public transportation around the small country. Of course, we had to spend one of our days touring the structures that the Dutch are known for: windmills! We spent a day in Zaanse Schans, a windmill village. We didn’t go inside every windmill, but we learned so much in the ones we did explore. I was particularly fascinated by how ancient citizens used windmills to grind minerals into paints. Throughout much of Dutch history, these windmills were useful and powerful tools for the country. We also toured Royal Delft, a ceramics factory just an hour outside of Amsterdam. Their claim to fame is that at one point, every royal family in Europe had pieces of their famous plates and china. The deep, royal blues on top of the white background are crafted precisely and elegantly. We especially enjoyed speaking to local artisans who were working on the pieces. The process was fascinating, and it was fun to see the products come to life. Naturally, we visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which is famous for its exhibitions of the famed painter Vincent Van Gogh. We also stopped at the nearby Rijksmuseum, which featured more Van Gogh works, along with pieces by well- known artists Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer. (I guarantee you know a few of their works!) I was entranced by
the various pieces on display by these immensely talented Dutch artists.
For fun, we also visited Madame Tussauds Amsterdam. Famous for their wax figures, we found that some of the wax replicas of famous people were
• 1 WWW.BORDENTOWNDENTIST.COM After a whirlwind weeklong trip to the Netherlands, I’m excited to say we can cross another country off our bucket list. Given the opportunity, we would go again. If you ever get a chance, visit the Netherlands! I’d love to hear about your adventures. –Hema Gopal, DMD spot-on, while others fell just a little short. We had a great time snapping selfies with celebrities from all over. Peter got a picture with Marilyn Monroe and Pierce Brosnan, while I posed with Daniel Craig. I recommend checking it out if you ever find yourself in Amsterdam. Finally, we spent some time living like the locals do. We rode the tram and toured the local flower market. We were disappointed that we missed the Netherland’s famous tulip season, but the flower market made all varieties of tulips come to life. What gorgeous flowers! We also spent a day in the small fishing village of Volendam. While in Volendam, we sampled the local fare of fish and chips for lunch. It was delicious!
HYGIENISTS
CHARLENE PRACTICE MANAGER PETER
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THE 4-LEGGED HEROES OF GROUND ZERO Honoring the Canines of 9/11
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. STAYING CONNECTED Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service. Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts. Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up.
Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and
rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes. After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and
MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT
As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship.
mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org
HUG IT OUT
Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
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STOP THE SPREAD Prevent Colds and the Flu With Kid-Friendly Teaching Tools
School is back in session, but your child may be bringing home more than just random facts. Germs and bacteria that spread the common cold and flu are most prevalent in schools, but while these illnesses are strong, prevention is simple. Teach your kids how to prevent the spread of bacteria this season with these helpful tips.
sneeze. (According to research, sneezes can travel anywhere from 19–26 feet at 100 miles per hour!) For crafty kids, let
BUT MOMMY DOESN’T COVER HER NOSE!
them decorate tissue boxes or hand sanitizer
Kids learn more by watching what you do rather than listening to what you tell them to do. Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Make hand sanitizer and facial tissues readily available in your home and be sure to wash your hands before every meal. In addition, stick to healthy habits when you do feel sick. Drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention when it’s warranted. If your children see you taking care of yourself, they will be more likely to do the same for themselves in the future.
containers to give hygiene some flair. Soon enough, you’ll find them being smarter about their health.
AHH ... AHH ... ACHOO!
As kids pack into classrooms this fall, germs will fly faster than this past summer did. Prevent
Hand washing and nose blowing are about as fun as …well, just that. It’s no wonder children don’t want to take time out of their busy play schedules to combat nasty germs. Instead of making these important steps a chore, make basic hygiene fun. Use fun songs to teach the proper way to cover a sneeze, or do a science experiment to teach your children about how germs spread through just one
the spread of the common cold and flu by learning more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.
CACIO E PEPE
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by Bon Appétit
Ingredients
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6 oz pasta, ideally spaghetti or bucatini
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3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed and divided
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1/3 cup finely grated pecorino cheese
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste
Directions
1. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stopping 2 minutes short of desired doneness. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. 2. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add pepper and cook until toasted and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. 3. Transfer pasta and remaining butter to pan and reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan and cook until melted, tossing pasta throughout. Remove pan from heat and add pecorino, continuing to toss until cheese is melted and sauce coats pasta. 4. Transfer to bowls and serve.
Solution on Page 4
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INSIDE 1
Adventures Abroad with the Gopals
2
Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World Honoring the Canines of 9/11
3
Teach Your Kids Flu Prevention Cacio e Pepe
4
The Vibrant Colors of America’s National Parks
THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS FALL
Have you ever wanted to experience the colors of a Boston fall while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors? Autumn
colors in full effect, take a drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, and watch the sun crest over the vibrant leaves. To fully experience fall in the Northeastern U.S., Acadia National Park is a must-see. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina Further south, the autumn colors of the Smoky Mountains are no less breathtaking than those in the Northeast. This park offers many scenic lookout points accessible by car, so don’t worry about hoofing it into the forest if that’s not your thing. Park wherever you like and watch the warm colors of ancient maples, oaks, and cedars change before your eyes. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming While the West might typically be associated with evergreen pines, the deciduous trees of the relatively small Grand Teton National Park pack a colorful punch starting around the third week of September. It’s also breeding season for elk in the area, and their high, eerie whistles can be heard in the evenings. Popular destinations in the park include the Christian Pond Loop and String Lake. Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean you have to abandon your favorite national parks until next summer. The natural beauty of America can be experienced at any time of the year, so start planning your next autumn outdoor excursion!
leaves are a universally appreciated sign of the
changing seasons, and there’s no better place to see those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds on display than in one of America’s national parks. So, if you’ve got some free time this autumn, here are some parks worth seeing.
Acadia National Park, Maine While the maple, birch, and poplar trees of Acadia begin to change color in September, mid-October is the best time to witness autumn in full swing. The park is crisscrossed with unpaved trails that date back to a time of horse-drawn carriages, preserving an idyllic setting. If you want to see the
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