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Our Adventure in Barcelona and Madrid A Smooth Journey Through Spain’s Rich History
This year, for our July vacation, Peter and I traveled to Spain. This is another country on our bucket list, so we booked tickets for Barcelona and Madrid. We would have liked to travel to some of Spain’s southern cities — like Valencia, Seville, and Granada — but there simply wasn’t enough time. Our flight from Newark Airport was smooth and surprisingly uneventful. In Barcelona, we hailed a taxi, and the driver took us to our hotel. The ride to the hotel gave us that familiar feel of Europe, a place where past glories and the present world live together. Sprinkled among modern buildings were ornate courtyards, old-world plazas, monuments to past heroes, and intricately crafted museums, homes, and government buildings.
Our first trek outside our hotel was to walk along Las Ramblas, a nearby pedestrian-only street. In the late afternoon, Las Ramblas bustled with life. Locals and international travelers mingled, and everyone was walking, talking, and exploring the numerous shops and restaurants along the way. Waiters, trying to entice us into their restaurants, hawked their menus. We saw actors dressed as statues who suddenly came to life. We saw the Gran Teatre del Liceu (theater), the Palau de la Virreina (palace), and La Boqueria farmers market. We ambled for a mile until we came to a marina at the water’s edge (Mediterranean Sea), where we sat and people-watched for a while. On our way back, we found a small restaurant that catered to different tastes. Peter had a Caesar’s salad, and I had a torta — a Spanish dish made of potatoes and eggs. It was delicious! The next morning, we had breakfast at our hotel’s breakfast buffet. If the first meal of the day is in the hotel, the rest of the morning is free to explore without wasting much time. As usual, the buffet had an extensive selection, but Peter and I ate lightly so we could actually walk around and enjoy some sights.
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At the Picasso Museum in Barcelona
We went to the Picasso Museum first. The works in this museum
were donated by Picasso to Barcelona and show his
experimentation with artistic styles and his evolution from traditional art to cubism. It was Picasso before he became Picasso! The next day, we went to La Sagrada Familia, the famous Roman Catholic cathedral designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. It was raining and overcast, but you couldn’t miss the absolute majesty of the towers reaching above you deep into the sky. Built in the unique Modernista style, La Sagrada is stunning and otherworldly, both externally and internally — unlike any cathedral we had seen before. The most surprising thing for me was that, rather than being on a lofty hill or remote mountaintop, La Sagrada took up a few blocks in a typical neighborhood in the suburbs of Barcelona!
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MICHELE ROBERTA DENTAL ASSISTANT KARIN HYGIENISTS CHARLENE CHERYL PRACTICE MANAGER PETER
The Gala Dining Hall at the Royal Palace, Madrid
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Crocheting His Way to Success
The Inspiring Story of Jonah Larson
Giving Back to Those in Need Jonah’s success is not just about his personal achievements; it’s also about his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. In 2018, he used
At just 14 years old, Jonah Larson has already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. From discovering his passion for crocheting at 5 to becoming a social media sensation, published author, and philanthropist, Jonah’s journey is truly remarkable. The Prodigy Crocheter Jonah’s love for crocheting began when he discovered an abandoned crochet hook in a bag of craft supplies. With the help of YouTube tutorials, the La Crosse, Wisconsin, native taught himself the basic stitches and quickly mastered the craft, creating flawless dishcloths and hats. By 8, Jonah had already crocheted a stunning Scandinavian throw, showcasing his exceptional talent. Sharing His Passion With the World Jonah’s mother, Jennifer, initially shared his creations on Instagram, and the response was overwhelming. Thousands of followers and fans were captivated by his skill, leading to a thriving social media presence, an online store (JonahHands.com), and even a popular catchphrase, “Buy and crochet with Jonah’s Hands.” Jonah’s influence extended beyond the online realm, as he started a trend with his signature “cowl neck” design, widely replicated by his growing fan base.
his platform to raise funds for a library in Ethiopia, his birth country, providing access to education for children in need. Additionally, Jonah has authored two books, sharing his crochet expertise and inspiring others to pick up the craft. The Next Chapter With his sights set on attending West Point and becoming a surgeon, Jonah’s ambitions extend far beyond the world of crocheting. However, his passion for the craft remains a vital part of his journey, one that has brought him personal fulfillment and touched the lives of countless individuals around the world. Jonah’s story is a testament to the power of passion, determination, and the ability to turn a hobby into a means of making a positive impact. As he continues to pursue his dreams, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable young man.
The Grand Old Man of Dentistry Pioneering the Future of Oral Health
medical practitioner. Here, Black’s insatiable curiosity and deep appreciation for the natural world shaped his approach to dentistry. Elevating Dentistry to an Art Form Rather than viewing teeth as instruments for chewing, Black recognized their vital role in overall health and well-being. He set out to revolutionize the field, codifying dental terminology, inventing groundbreaking instrumentation — such as a cord-driven foot engine — and establishing innovative treatment methods. He was among the first to use nitrous oxide gas as an anesthetic for dental patients. He also developed a cavity preparation standard, patented dental drill improvements, and was the author of several dental textbooks. A Renaissance Man of Dentistry Black’s influence extended far beyond the confines of the dental chair. A true Renaissance man, he was an accomplished sailor, musician, and prolific writer, penning works such as “Formation of Poisons by
MicroOrganisms” and “The Periosteum and the Peridental Membrane.” His multifaceted interests and boundless energy allowed him to leave an indelible mark on dentistry while also contributing to the broader realms of science and culture. Enduring Legacy, Enduring Impact Today, over a century after his passing, we still feel the impact of G.V. Black’s work. Many of his groundbreaking techniques and innovations remain the foundation of modern dentistry, serving as a testament to his visionary thinking. The statue in Lincoln Park stands as a symbol of his enduring legacy, inspiring future generations of dental professionals to carry on his work and continue pushing the boundaries of oral health care. Along with exploring the remarkable life and legacy of G.V. Black, we invite you to join us in celebrating the pioneers who have shaped the field of dentistry. We encourage you to visit the statue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park and learn more about this remarkable individual.
In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park, a towering bronze statue is a testament to one of the most influential figures in the history of dentistry. This is the monument to Dr. G.V. Black, hailed as the “Father of Modern Dentistry,” whose extraordinary accomplishments and visionary approach transformed an often- overlooked field into a cornerstone of comprehensive health care. Humble Beginnings, Extraordinary Vision Born on a farm in 1836 in rural Illinois, Black’s path to greatness was anything but conventional. With limited formal education, he found his calling through an apprenticeship with his brother, a
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... continued from Cover Over the next several days, we visited other Gaudi works, such as Park Guell, a distinctive nature park with fantastical designs, and La Pedrera, a futuristic building with a unique rooftop. On our final day in Barcelona, we saw the Santa Caterina Market, another structure with a unique roof. Once we were done, we walked down the road looking for a taxi and suddenly ended up in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. Imposing and impressive, it is a colossal Gothic structure completed in 1448. Equally impressive was the impromptu concert by a man playing the electric guitar in the cathedral courtyard! The sound of guitar riffs juxtaposed against the hallowed silence of the church was just … indescribable but so much fun! It’s one of the things I love about traveling — you never know what’s around the next corner. We sat in the courtyard and enjoyed the afternoon sun and the concert. The next day, we traveled to Madrid by train. It was a lovely, almost three-hour train ride on a high-speed line, where views of the suburbs, countryside, houses, gardens, fields of crops, and olive groves breezed by us. In Madrid, we took the taxi to our hotel, the Hotel Opera (because it was literally a block away from Madrid’s opera house, Teatro Real). Since we hadn’t eaten lunch, we went down to the hotel restaurant, sat in their outdoor café, and ordered coffee, cheesecake, and carrot cake for an afternoon snack. Not very Spanish but just what we needed at the moment. Over the next two days, we toured Madrid. Madrid definitely felt like an older city than Barcelona, with narrow, labyrinthine streets and underground tunnels. We were startled the first time our taxi drove underground, but it bypassed a lot of traffic. There was a lot to see in Madrid, but since we had limited time, we chose the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Prado Museum. A palace is always interesting to visit because, unlike a museum, real people live there, and echoes of past generations are in every room and hallway. A vast structure, we saw room after room of portraits, period furniture, and collections of crowns, silverware, and china from different eras. The Prado Museum houses collections of European art, but, importantly for me, it has the single best collection of Spanish art, with numerous works by Francisco Goya, El Greco, and Diego Velazquez. I found much pleasure in viewing the different techniques of artists I had only studied in books. By the time we left Spain, we had a good understanding of the country. It has always held a certain mystique — the land of flamenco dancers, bullfighters, tapas, and paella, with deep influences from Europe and the Middle East. Its vast history includes being conquered by the Moors and then united under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1480. Then, Christopher Columbus explored the New World under the patronage of Ferdinand and Isabella. It is impossible to take everything in at once, but I’m happy we were able to explore this very diverse country. –Hema Gopal, DMD
Make no bones about it; our skeletons are a real rib-tickler of fascinating facts! From the impressive strength of our thigh bones to the tiny marvels of the inner ear, your bones are the unsung heroes of your body. So, rest your bones in a comfy chair because we are about to dig up some of the most shocking skeletal secrets. Babies have more bones than adults. Although babies are tiny, their bodies have many bones in a pudgy, little package. Human babies have about 300 bones compared to an adult’s 206. Many extra bones are entirely or partly made of cartilage, allowing the baby to stay flexible in the womb. Over time, the bones fuse and decrease in number. Fracture rates are highest when kids are around ages 11–15, the critical time for significant growth spurts Exploring the Marvels of Your Skeletal System! ‘BONE’ VOYAGE
thanks to growth plates that close as we age. Half of our bones are in our feet and hands.
Did you know that many of our bones are in the smaller extremities of our body? Nearly half of our 206 adult bones are in our hands and feet! Each foot has 26 bones, and our hands both have 27 bones, which is 106 bones. Our hands even have a bonus bone called the pisiform, located on the
outside edge of our wrists. The funny bone is a nerve.
Have you ever hit your funny bone? Well, you are not hitting a bone at all. This area on the body is part of the ulnar nerve, which goes from your neck to your hand. Bone, muscle, and fat typically protect nerves, but a small portion of this nerve on the back of your elbow is more exposed. So, when you hit your funny bone, named for its location near the humerus bone (a homophone of “humorous”), you’re really bumping into the ulnar nerve. So, now that you’ve “boned up” on the most fascinating fossil facts, give your skeleton a little nod for the incredible things it does to support you and keep you moving!
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Inside
DR. HEMA GOPAL: 25+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
This Issue
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Our Spanish Adventure
The Incredible Story of Jonah Larson
Discover the ‘Father of Modern Dentistry’ Fascinating Facts to Make Your Bones Rattle Embrace the 3-Step Regimen for a Dazzling Smile
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Dental Dilemma Solved
THE PERFECT ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE
practice removes plaque, fights bad breath, and keeps your gums healthy. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, the key is to brush for at least two minutes, ensuring you cover every nook and cranny of your mouth, including your tongue. Flossing Though often overlooked, flossing is a crucial component of your daily oral care routine. This meticulous task targets the spaces between your teeth the toothbrush can’t reach. By dislodging trapped food particles and plaque, flossing helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria that can lead to gum disease and cavities. Mouthwash After thoroughly removing plaque and debris through brushing and flossing, mouthwash provides a comprehensive
cleansing. By killing off the remaining germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gum disease, mouthwash completes oral care and leaves you with fresh breath. Striking the Right Balance While the order of brushing and flossing may not be set in stone, experts recommend starting with brushing, then flossing, and concluding with a swish of mouthwash. This approach ensures you’ve covered all the bases, leaving your mouth fresh and protected. Integrating brushing, flossing, and mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene regimen is the key to a dazzling smile. Whether you prefer to tackle these tasks in the morning, evening, or both, the consistent practice of this three- step routine will keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, preventing the onset of dental problems.
In the pursuit of a radiant, healthy smile, the age-old debate surrounding the order of brushing and flossing has left many scratching their heads. Does it matter whether you floss or brush first? And where does mouthwash fit into this oral hygiene conundrum? Fear not, for we have the answers to unlock the secrets of dental health. Brushing Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the cornerstone of maintaining a sparkling smile. This simple but effective
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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 25+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
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