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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM DECEMBER 2023
An Elkins Family'' Twist on the 'T' welve Days of Christmas''
As the holiday season approaches, memories of past Christmases come flooding back, each carrying unique charm and warmth. One of my most cherished Christmas memories is a tradition my family carried out for many years during my childhood. Do you know the“Twelve Days of Christmas”song? This familiar tune became a huge part of our holiday season for many years, and we put our own Elkins family spin on it! For those unfamiliar with the original song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a classic carol that lists a series of gifts received from a loved one over the twelve days following Christmas. Our version wasn't about receiving; it was about giving and spreading holiday cheer. Every year, my family chose a family we knew well, one that held a significant place in our hearts or had experienced a challenging year. The goal of this tradition was to secretly shower them with twelve gifts over the twelve days leading up to Christmas. Our preparations would begin well before December, as we carefully selected the
recipient family and brainstormed gift ideas. The chosen family often had no inkling that they were the focus of our holiday project, which added an extra layer of excitement to the process. We aimed to make each gift special and thoughtful, often crafting them ourselves. Some gifts were modest but filled with love, and some were tasty treats. Our goal was to bring joy and warmth to their hearts during the holiday season. The most important factor in our“On the first day of Christmas, my true friends gave to me”game was the element of surprise, and we took great delight in finding ways to sneak over to the recipients' houses to deliver the daily gifts. This involved strategic planning and a dash of mischief, making it especially thrilling for us as kids. One night, we reached the fifth day of our Christmas gifting, traditionally represented by "five golden rings." However, our interpretation was a bit different. Instead of rings, we gave the family donuts we made ourselves. We were determined to deliver them at night so nobody could see us. On this particular night, my youngest brother, around 5 years old, was eager to take the lead in delivering the donuts. However, it was dark outside, and his vision was limited. As we stealthily approached the recipient's door, we were met with an unexpected turn of events. We heard a sudden exclamation of "Oh no" behind us, followed by a crash as my youngest brother stumbled, and the box of donuts tumbled to the ground. We were so
upset as we looked at the donuts strewn across the ground. Thankfully, our parents were parked right there in our 1984Volkswagen van with the sliding door wide open, ready for our quick escape. We dashed toward the van and hopped inside, and our parents whisked us off to the store to purchase replacement donuts. The donut mishap, while disheartening at the time, became a part of the story we would fondly recount in the years to come. We continued our tradition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" for many years. Many families never figured out it was us gifting them, which made it all the more fun. However, there was one year when a recipient family was determined to uncover the mystery behind it. On the last night of our twelve-day gifting spree, the family we were gifting were all waiting for us to arrive, and as soon as we dropped off the last gift, they came rushing out. That was the only year we were ever caught! This fun tradition holds a special place in my heart as one of my favorite Christmas memories and is always exciting to look back on. It reminds me of great times with my siblings and parents. As I reflect on this favorite Elkins family tradition, I extend my warmest wishes to all of you for a Merry Christmas and a season filled with love, laughter, and the joy of giving. Happy holidays!
–Dr. Elkins
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5 Must-Have Tech Gifts for Christmas 2023
As Christmas shopping gets increasingly hectic, knowing what to get for the tech lovers in your life can feel impossible. New devices and gadgets hit the market daily, and following tech trends might not
Headphones 700 are an excellent choice with crystal clear sound and over 20 hours of battery life.
LED technology to sanitize the water and the inside of the bottle regularly. The LARQ Bottle PureVis is a popular choice as it also can keep beverages cold for 24 hours. UV Phone Sanitizer Did you know your smartphone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat? This year, grab a UV phone sanitizer for yourself and your loved ones that can remove 99.99% of bacteria. The PhoneSoap Pro can clean your phone and other small items with its sleek design. Pet Camera With Treat Dispenser Do you know a tech lover who also dreads leaving their furry friend home alone? A pet camera strapped with a nifty treat dispenser might be their favorite gift of 2023! A small surveillance camera allows pet parents to keep an eye on their fur babies, and Petcube's Bites 2 also lets them dispense a small treat to keep their pets happy.
Smart Alarm
Give the gift of a good night’s rest and a peaceful morning! Smart alarms have been a popular gadget this
be part of your daily routine. Fortunately, 2023 has brought some standout innovations anyone would love to unwrap on Christmas Day.
year, with features like white noise sound, artificial sunrises, Bluetooth speakers, and gentle morning wake-up calls. For a sleek design, try the Loftie Clock with its all-black look. For a faux
Noise Canceling Headphones
Considered a modern staple, noise-canceling headphones are the perfect gift for a special someone who
sunrise to fill the room, go for Philips HF3670/60 SmartSleep.
Self-Cleaning Water Bottle These days, everyone is carrying around their oversized water bottles. Let your tech-lover be ahead of the curve with a self-cleaning water bottle! These innovative bottles use UV-C
needs a break from the chaos and a way to focus.You can find a variety of headphones in different price ranges, so staying within your budget is easier. However, if you want to splurge, Bose Noise Canceling
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee The Late Bloomers — Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars in the back of the mouth. While they were once essential for our ancestors, who had a diet of raw plants and uncooked meat that required more chewing, they serve little purpose in the modern human diet. In fact, wisdom teeth are frequently problematic and necessitate removal. When Do Wisdom Teeth Appear? Wisdom teeth usually make their presence known between the ages of 17 and 21, although the timing can vary from person to person. The emergence of these teeth is a painful and uncomfortable experience for many individuals. Due to their late arrival, there is often limited space left in the mouth for them to grow correctly. Why Might Wisdom Teeth Need Removal? Impaction One of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth removal is impaction, which occurs when there isn't enough space in the jaw for these late molars to emerge
fully. Wisdom teeth might partially erupt, remain trapped beneath the gum line, or grow in at odd angles. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and potentially more severe issues, like infection or damage to neighboring teeth. Crowding Wisdom teeth can also contribute to overcrowding in the mouth. Their growth can push adjacent teeth out of alignment, leading to orthodontic issues and the need for braces or other orthodontic treatments. Infection and Gum Disease Due to their location at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are often challenging to clean properly. This can make them more susceptible to bacterial buildup, resulting in gum disease, cavities, and infections. Removal may be recommended to prevent or address these oral health problems. Pain and Discomfort Wisdom teeth can cause persistent pain, discomfort, and swelling, disrupting daily
life and quality of sleep. Removing these teeth can alleviate such symptoms. Cysts and Tumors In rare cases, cysts and tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth. These growths can damage the jawbone and adjacent teeth and require surgical removal. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, reaching out to Elkins Dental as soon as possible is essential so we can help you determine the best course of action! Before making any decisions, we will examine your mouth and take an x-ray to consider all possible options!
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped • 4 tbsp butter • 4 large eggs, separated
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1/2 cup heavy cream
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”
1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.
JOKES DAD
Why do reindeer like Beyoncé so much? She sleighs.
What's Santa's go-to fast food order? A frosty.
What is Santa's favorite state? Ida-ho-ho-ho!
Facts Tooth Fun Battle of the Bacteria Dental plaque, a sticky and colorless film of bacteria that thrives on the sugars and carbohydrates found in food, is common. As you enjoy a meal or snack, these bacteria quickly feast on the remnants, producing acids as byproducts, posing a threat to your tooth enamel. Did you know that dental plaque can start accumulating on your teeth' surfaces within 20 minutes of consuming food? That’s why it’s important to drink plenty of water after each meal and consistently brush and floss your teeth!
Fun Facts About 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Song DID YOU KNOW? The“Twelve Days of Christmas”song, with its whimsical lyrics and catchy tune, has some fun facts that add to its charm. Here are some intriguing tidbits: • The song’s exact origins are a mystery. While it’s commonly believed to have originated in England, its roots can be traced back to the 18th-century French and English folk songs. • If you add up all the gifts received over the 12 days, you’ll get a grand total of 364 gifts, one for each day of the year, excluding Christmas. • There are numerous regional variations of the song, with different gifts and verses. For example, some versions replace the partridge with a peacock or canary.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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3. Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse
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Looking Back on the Elkins Family's Favorite Christmas Tradition
Give the Gift of Innovation
Use Thiago’s Story as a Reminder
This Christmas
for Elevator Safety
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Tooth Facts
Did You Know?
PLEASE NOTE: We will be closed Dec. 21-Jan. 1 to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
THE HEROIC ACT OF A YOUNG BOY How Thiago Saved His Dog From an Elevator Tragedy
As pet owners, you’ll do anything in your power to ensure the safety of your four- legged family members — even if that means acting quickly to get them out of harm’s way. And 11-year-old Thiago Magalhães had to do just that for his dog, Milú, when she nearly suffered a fatal accident.
room to breathe. Thiago himself was even lifted into the air trying to save Milú’s life. Thinking quickly, Thiago fidgeted with Milú’s collar until it snapped, causing him and his furry friend to fall. After hitting the button requesting emergency assistance, first responders rushed to the scene to ensure Thiago and Milú were safe.
been fatal for both the dog and my son.” Fortunately, Thiago and his four-legged companion weren’t injured. Accidents can occur when you least expect it, so it’s vital you take preventive measures to ensure the safety of yourself and your pets. If you are traveling with a loyal companion, please remember these elevator safety tips.
Everything was calm as Thiago entered his apartment’s elevator on the way to take Milú for a walk. However, he didn’t realize that Milú’s leash dragged on the ground and got caught in the elevator doors. Suddenly, his furry friend’s leash rose as the elevator began descending. Milú was quickly propelled into the air, dangling on what was left of her leash. Thiago sprang into action and held onto her collar as he attempted to give her enough
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Let people off the elevator before you enter with your dog. Keep the leash and your dog close to your side. Allow your dog to enter first and hold the door open until you and the leash are safely inside the elevator.
When speaking to Brazilian outlet G1, Thiago said,“I don’t know where I got the courage. I went on impulse.” The boy’s father, Rodrigo, said,“I was very scared of what happened and realized that the situation was very serious and that it could have
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We applaud Thiago for his bravery and hope this story can be a reminder for pet owners everywhere!
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