Take a look at our May 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 | MAY 2025
THE TEEN YEARS BEGIN Surprising Lessons My Teen Daughter Is Teaching Me Thirteen. It’s the number my daughter has been waiting for, and the one my wife and I have been quietly bracing ourselves for. Lydia has called herself a teenager since she turned 10, convinced that being in the double digits was close enough. We held the line as long as we could, but here we are — our first teen in the house. It is funny how parenting works. You spend years figuring out the young child stage, only to realize that just when you think you have a handle on it, everything changes. My daughter is stepping into a new phase of independence, confidence, and curiosity, and we are along for the ride. She is navigating friendships, growing into her interests, and making her own decisions — sometimes even challenging ours. It is exciting and more than a little bittersweet. Her personality is starting to shine. She has tried out different activities over the years, and now is starting to settle into the things she truly loves. Soccer is a big one, and she is already considering high school tryouts. She has also taken up horseback riding recently, and I can see the excitement in her eyes when she talks about it. And, of course, she still does not have a smartphone, but that has not stopped her from constantly borrowing my wife’s to text her friends. What has been most surprising is how fast everything seems to move now. When she was little, it felt like we had all the time in the world. Graduation, college, and adulthood seemed so far away. But now, we are counting down the years until she gets her driving permit. It feels like a snowball effect — picking up speed faster than we are ready (especially for my wife, who tends to get misty-eyed at the thought). One of the biggest changes is how Lydia questions everything now. Mom and Dad had all the answers when she was younger — no debate. Now, she challenges us. When she asks us a question, we give her an answer, and she comes back with her own take. Most of the time, she fact-checks, and lo and behold, she’s right! I love watching her think critically, form her own opinions, and become more engaged in the world around her.
Despite the changes, one of the best parts of this transition is seeing her become not just my daughter but also my friend. We have real conversations now about life, big ideas, and things she is passionate about. She and I love diving into deep discussions about finances and philosophy, and I can see glimpses of the kind of adult she will become. It is a sneak peek into our future relationship, and I hope we will always have this kind of connection. For her birthday, things are shifting, too. Gone are the days of big, themed parties with balloons and games. Now, she just wants to hang out with her friends. She loves baking, so she will likely give her mom a break this year and make her own cake as she perfects her baking skills more and more. She has also mentioned taking friends horseback riding. It is all much simpler now but just as meaningful. Watching her step into her teenage years is a mix of emotions. It is exciting, humbling, a little nerve-wracking, and incredibly rewarding. This is the beginning of a new chapter, and while it may come with a few growing pains, I cannot wait to see where it takes her.
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Spring-Cleaning Is Not Just for Your Home! Every season brings its own traditions and helpful reminders, and spring is all about fresh starts. We shake off the winter frost and remember to clean out our closets, deep-clean our homes, and embrace the season of renewal. But while you are tackling your spring-cleaning checklist, there is one thing you should not forget — your dental cleaning! With warmer days ahead, your calendar is likely filling up with exciting events like weddings, senior pictures, vacations, graduations, and family gatherings. These are the moments when your smile takes center stage, whether it’s in a professional photo or a candid vacation snapshot. What’s the best way to ensure a bright, healthy smile for all those special occasions? A professional cleaning and dental checkup! Beyond just a picture-perfect smile, a spring dental visit is vital for preventing problems before they start. If you have a trip coming up, the last thing you want is to deal with a painful toothache during your exciting vacation. A simple exam can help catch small issues before they become big, inconvenient problems. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your oral health is in great shape is priceless, especially when you are miles away from home! During your appointment, our team will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, check for cavities, and assess your gum health. Think of it as spring-cleaning for your mouth as we sweep away what does not belong and leave behind a fresh, healthy foundation. Plus, there is something undeniably satisfying about that just-cleaned feeling after a visit to the dentist! Appointments fill up fast this time of year, so do not wait until the last minute! Call us today to schedule your spring cleaning and start the season with a refreshed, confident smile! SPRING FORWARD WITH A HEALTHY SMILE
HELP YOUR KIDS FALL IN LOVE WITH HIKING STEP BY STEP
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal
worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years.
We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a
great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start.
Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age-appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk. You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls. Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step-by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average speed. You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers, and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude. Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
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Spring Family Picnics Made Easy DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. PICK THE PERFECT PICNIC SPOT. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. DON’T OVERTHINK THE MENU. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers.
For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup.
CREATE A COZY, KID-FRIENDLY SETUP. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. DON’T FORGET — IT’S ABOUT FAMILY! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS
Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
IMPORTANT OFFICE HOURS TO KNOW: Our office will be closed from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, May 12! We’ll also be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. CAN YOU REALLY LOSE YOUR VISION BY STARING AT A SOLAR ECLIPSE? While warnings of complete blindness are exaggerated, solar eclipses can damage your eyesight. Solar retinopathy is when bright sunlight damages the retina on the back of your eye. Always wear your eclipse goggles! HOW MANY DREAMS DOES THE AVERAGE PERSON HAVE IN ONE NIGHT? While you may only remember a single dream from last night, the average person has 3–5 dreams every night! The length of a dream can range from just a few seconds to 30 minutes. WHERE IS THE FOGGIEST PLACE ON EARTH? Head to the easternmost province of Canada, the island of Newfoundland, to visit the foggiest place on Earth: the Grand Banks. Due to the cold northern Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream from the south, the Grand Banks spends nearly 200 days a year in complete fog!
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS
1. In a medium saucepan over medium- low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm. DIRECTIONS
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1/4 cup butter
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces 1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup cashew halves
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 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
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The First Teen in the Brooks’ Household Brings a World of Change
2
Tips for Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike
Schedule Your Spring Dental Cleaning!
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Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
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May’s Historic Events and Wacky Holidays
THE MAGIC OF MAY GOLDEN BRIDGES, GREAT RACES, AND NO SOCKS?
May is more than just blooming flowers and warmer days — it is packed with history, milestones, and quirky celebrations. From groundbreaking firsts to traditions that have stood the test of time, let’s dive into some fascinating facts about this merry month! One of the most honored traditions tied to May began on May 5, 1865, when Decoration Day was first observed. What started as a way to honor Civil War soldiers by adorning their graves with flowers evolved into modern Memorial Day. Over time, the tribute expanded to include those who served in both World Wars, and in 1971, Congress made it an official holiday observed on the last Monday of May.
Speaking of historical milestones, on May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela made history as he was inaugurated as South Africa’s first freely elected president. After years of imprisonment and tireless advocacy for equality, Mandela’s victory signaled a new era for the country, proving that justice could triumph. For sports fans, the first Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 17, 1875. Spectators had no clue they were witnessing the beginning of what would become one of the most famous horse races in the world. For aviation enthusiasts, May 20, 1932, marks Amelia Earhart’s solo flight across the Atlantic. Departing from Newfoundland, she landed
in Ireland 13 hours later, paving the way for generations of female aviators.
And let’s not forget May 27, 1937, when San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public. A massive celebration allowed 200,000 people to walk across the new bridge, creating a once-in-a-lifetime pedestrian parade. But May is not just about serious history — there are plenty of lighthearted ways to celebrate, too! Ever wanted an excuse to ditch your socks? May 8 is No Socks Day! Do you feel like pulling off a ridiculous dance move? May 14 is Dance Like a Chicken Day! And for anyone who loves their dentist, Root Canal Appreciation Day falls on the second Wednesday of May.
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