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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
APRIL 2025
Growing Up With Siblings BUILT-IN BEST FRIENDS
Siblings are the best built-in friends we can’t unsubscribe from. They are our partners in crime and the only ones who can endlessly tease us while fiercely defending us at the same time. National Siblings Day on April 10 is the perfect time to celebrate these special bonds. Growing up in a Navy family, adventure was my middle name. When my dad was considering a transfer to Fallon, Nevada, he took a road trip to check it out and brought my brother, Russ, and me along for the ride. We were 8 and 9 at the time, and little did we know this trip would create unforgettable sibling memories. Once we got there, we were fascinated by the slot machines — they were everywhere, even in gas stations and grocery stores! Because we lived in California at the time, this was brand-new to us, and we were stuck on them. We had to know how the slot machines worked. We pestered our dad to let us try one despite his aversion to gambling. Relenting, he decided to teach us a lesson about how slot machines are designed to take your money. He inserted a quarter, and instantly, we won $5. His lesson backfired spectacularly! On the drive back home, our newfound interest in gambling was all we raved about. My brother and I spent the car ride playing Old Maid, wagering grapes as our currency. We had a blast, and I’m sure my dad clenched his jaw the entire ride. After my dad accepted the assignment in Fallon, we temporarily moved into base housing. Eager to explore, my brother and I
wandered the base. We went a bit too far because we wound up on the airstrip where Navy pilots trained. We didn’t know it at the time, but this is where the planes took off and landed — certainly not a spot for kids to hang out. As we played and walked around, within minutes, a military policeman arrived, lights flashing and everything. “What’s going on?”we asked in confusion. They quickly explained that this was not a playground and escorted us back to our mom, who apologized profusely. Early on, Russ and I always had a knack for finding trouble, but who better than your brother to sniff out trouble with, right? Our whole lives, Russ and I have been attached at the hip. We are only a year and a half apart, and with each passing birthday, we only grow closer. Today, we channel our shared passion for music by playing together in our band. It's nice to have grown up with Russ and have a best friend who has, quite literally, been there since the beginning. So, here’s to Russ, the only person I can ever wander around an airstrip with. Whenever I feel like gambling with some grapes, I know he’ll always be game. Happy National Siblings Day! –Dr. Elkins
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Celebrate the Small Things
WHY EVERY WIN MATTERS
Working toward big goals is a rewarding and exciting process, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get bogged down thinking about how far you still have to go, but you can use a simple strategy to maintain your momentum: Focus on small achievements. The Science of Small Wins While seemingly insignificant, celebrating small wins has psychological benefits that can carry over into every aspect of your life. When you celebrate small achievements, your brain releases dopamine, the“feel good”chemical that lifts your mood and motivates you to keep going. This positive reinforcement generates momentum, making it much easier to tackle the next step.
Acknowledging small wins also has a measurable impact on mental health. It reduces stress, improves resilience, and helps build a growth mindset. Focusing on your accomplishments allows you to alter your perspective, and you learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Practical Ways to Celebrate Small Wins Incorporating small celebrations into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, so here are three strategies to help you get started.
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Share your win with friends and family. When you celebrate your achievements with others, you strengthen personal connections and add positivity to the experience. Reward yourself. Even simple rewards reinforce the habit of recognizing progress and help make the journey more enjoyable.
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Achieving small goals is always worth celebrating. Acknowledging every step forward, no matter how seemingly insignificant, helps you stay motivated and confident while improving your overall mental well-being.
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Track your achievements in a progress journal. Seeing progress in writing can be very rewarding and provide much-needed motivation when things get difficult.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Practical Tips to Ease Your Dental Anxiety
Ask questions : Gaining a clear understanding of the procedures can alleviate fears of the unknown. Don't hesitate to ask about what to expect during your visit. Create a signal : Agree on a prearranged signal, such as raising your hand, to indicate the need for a break during the examination or procedure. Utilize Distraction Techniques Shifting your focus away from the dental procedure can help in managing anxiety. Consider the following distraction methods: Listen to music or audiobooks : Bringing headphones to listen to your favorite tunes or an engaging audiobook can drown out unsettling sounds from dental instruments. Engage your hands: Holding a stress ball or a small object like a fidget spinner can provide a great outlet for nervous energy and also help you relax. Visualize a calming scene : Imagining yourself in a serene environment, such as a beach or garden, can divert your mind from
Experiencing anxiety over dental visits is a common concern among patients. This apprehension can stem from fears of potential pain, past negative experiences, or uncertainty about the procedures involved. However, addressing and managing this anxiety is important, as postponing dental appointments can lead to more significant oral health issues over time. By implementing effective coping strategies, you can make dental visits more comfortable and stress-free experiences. Communicate Your Concerns Open communication with your dentist is key in managing dental anxiety. By expressing your fears and concerns, the dental team can tailor their approach to accommodate your needs and make the experience more comfortable. Inform your dentist of your anxiety : When scheduling your appointment, mention your apprehensions to the receptionist. Upon arrival, remind the dental staff about your anxiety, allowing them to provide additional support and understanding.
the procedure and promote relaxation.
Practice Relaxation Techniques Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation exercises can alleviate tension and promote a sense of calm during dental visits. Use deep breathing exercises : Consciously focusing on your breath can help manage anxiety. Slowly inhale, hold, and exhale, being aware of the rise and fall of your chest. Engage progressive muscle relaxation : This technique involves systematically tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in your body, promoting overall relaxation. Starting from your feet, work your way up to your head, focusing on each muscle group individually. Most importantly, if you suffer from dental anxiety, let us know! We will do all we can to help ease your tension and make your visit as easy and stress-free as possible!
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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LOW-SUGAR, NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs • 3 tbsp butter, melted • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cup milk • 1 (1 oz package) sugar-free cheesecake- flavored instant pudding mix • 2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
Directions
1. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Press evenly into an 8-inch pie pan. Refrigerate until set. 2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, then add milk and blend until smooth. 3. Add pudding mixture to cream mixture and blend on low speed until completely mixed. 4. Spoon half the filling over the crust, add a layer of strawberries, then spread the rest of the filling over them and top with remaining strawberries. 5. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
JOKES DAD
What do you call a group of bunnies hopping away from you? A receding hareline.
How did the skeleton know that April showers were on the way? He could feel it in his bones.
Did you hear about the successful florist? Business is positively blooming.
Tooth Facts Fun
DID YOU KNOW?
Nature's Way to Dental Health Strengthening Enamel Naturally
Slot Machine Fun Facts!
What is one of the best ways to protect your teeth from decay? Protect your enamel! Here are three quick and natural ways to strengthen your tooth enamel. Limit sugary and acidic foods: Reduce consumption of sugary snacks, sodas, and acidic foods, as they can erode enamel over time. Consume enamel-friendly foods: To strengthen enamel, incorporate foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, such as dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and fish. Avoid over-brushing: Brushing too hard or immediately after consuming acidic foods can wear down enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing. Increase vitamin D intake: Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption, which is essential for maintaining strong enamel. Spend time in sunlight and consume vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish.
Slot machines have been around since 1895 — crazy, right?
The first slot machine — the Liberty Bell — was created by Charles Fey in 1895. It featured three reels and five symbols: horseshoes, spades, diamonds, hearts, and a Liberty Bell. Early slot machines had a lever on the side that players pulled to spin the reels, which resembled a single arm. Combined with their reputation for taking players' money, they earned the nickname "one-armed bandits."
Lastly, in the early 1900s, slot machines were often used to dispense chewing gum with fruit flavors — who knew?
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2. The Psychology of Celebrating Small Wins
3. Low-Sugar, No-Bake
4. Mastering the Art of Nature Photography
Siblings — an Unbreakable Bond
Cheesecake
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Tooth Facts
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR PHOTOS Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,”offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes. Master Your Equipment Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth
of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus. Consider Composition In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and
minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
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