Take a look at our July 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 | JULY 2024
THE SERIOUS BENEFITS OF BEING SILLY Rediscover Your Inner Child
Remember when you’d spend all day under the sun or stay glued to your video games for hours? With July 8 being Be a Kid Again Day, I’ve been reminiscing and thinking about what it means to embrace that childlike spirit. As a dentist, my days are filled with appointments, treatments, and managing a busy practice. But let’s switch gears and talk about something a little lighter — what it means to be a kid again, not just for a day, but in the little moments that life gives us.
can do whatever we want without that nagging feeling of guilt. Believe it or not, I find that after a good day of play, I’m more energized and productive when I return to work. Speaking of play, my hobbies might surprise you a bit. Sure, cross stitching isn’t really my thing (I tried it, but it’s not for me), but playing guitar, reading, and, yes, even knitting, are hobbies I enjoy when I can. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I bought a whole lot of tools and learned some handyman skills thanks to a not-so-fun flood at home. It was a perfect reminder to allow myself to be a beginner at any age.
As the youngest of four kids, growing up was a mixture of fun, chaos, and a bit of pressure. Everyone
in my family excelled at something, be it academics or sports. And with a mom who was both a teacher and wonderfully task- oriented (homework first, play later!), you can bet that structure was a big part of my upbringing. But when I did get time to myself, I’d lose hours riding my bike around town or diving into the digital worlds of video games. These were my little escapes, my adventures beyond the backyard. It was a time when the only deadlines were making it home for dinner and maybe squeezing in one last game before bedtime.
And video games? Still a fan. When winter rolls around, you’ll find me revisiting classics on my original NES, GameCube, or SEGA. These games are a blast from the past and a perfect way to unwind. Plus, it’s a joy to introduce my kids to the games of my youth through our Nintendo Switch. We also love playing baseball in our not-so-big backyard with some squished-together bases, gardening, and picking raspberries. These activities might seem simple, but they’re the stuff of life — the moments where we learn, laugh, and let loose.
Fast-forward to today, and I often battle that ingrained voice saying, “Work first, play second.” But
So this July, let’s make a pact to sprinkle a little bit of that childlike wonder into our everyday lives. Whether picking up a new hobby, revisiting an old one, or just allowing ourselves to splash in a pool without a care, here’s to being a kid again, if only for a day (or two). Remember, the best parts of life aren’t always scheduled or structured — they’re often found in the joy of play.
here’s something I’ve realized: There’s no real way to measure the productivity of play, is there? Society might try to make us feel guilty for enjoying some free time as if being perpetually busy is a badge of honor. But I’m learning that the days spent playing with my kids in the backyard are just as important as those spent at the office.
So, this Be a Kid Again Day, I’m all about embracing play and free time — personally and as a family. We must remember to schedule days when we
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ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGES WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR SMILE Sip Smarter This Summer
Nothing beats building lasting bonds and creating colorful memories while having fun with your kids. And one of the best ways to do that is with activities that ignite their imagination and spark their curiosity. One activity you can do together is making and experimenting with rainbow bubble foam. This sensory-driven craft combines vibrant colors with fluffy bubbles, stimulating creativity and fine motor skills while providing multisensory exploration. Children will be transported to a world of wonder, from the mesmerizing swirls of bright colors to the sensation of squishy foam between their fingers! Here’s a simple recipe to get the foamy fun started. 1. Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of child-safe bubbling body wash to a large mixing bowl. 2. Add food coloring of your desired color (the amount can vary, but more dye means more vibrant colors). 3. Mix with an electric mixer until stiff, foamy peaks form. 4. Repeat the previous steps for each color of foam you want to add to playtime. It’s that easy! To make the experience even more fun, provide scoops, cups, utensils, and other play items to mix in the foam and let your child’s imagination run wild. You can direct them to paint their best picture using the different foam colors, or if you don’t mind a little bit of mess, you can start a mini foam fight in your backyard or bathtub. (Food coloring stains can be removed from clothing with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda added to laundry detergent.) These fun playtime memories will stick with your child for the rest of their lives. The beauty of parenthood is helping kids embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, and an adventurous spirit. SAVORING THE SWEET MOMENTS OF CHILDHOOD RAINBOW BUBBLE FOAM FUN FOR THE FAMILY
Summer is in full swing, and with it comes the season of refreshing beverages — from sugary lemonades to sports drinks. While these drinks are a delightful respite from the heat, it’s essential to understand how they can impact your dental health. Let’s explore how these tasty temptations can affect your teeth and share some tips on enjoying them responsibly. THE SWEET SIDE OF SUMMER DRINKS Lemonade, sweet iced tea, and sports drinks like Gatorade are staples of summer hydration. However, these beverages tend to be high in sugar. When sugar sits on your teeth, it feeds bacteria that produce acid, leading to tooth decay. Many of these drinks also contain citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel over time. TEMPERATURE AND SENSITIVITY Another aspect of summer drinking habits is the temperature of the beverages. Everything’s over ice, which might be causing more than just a brain freeze. Many people experience increased tooth sensitivity in the summer due to the consumption of cold drinks and treats. This heightened sensitivity can also make pre-existing dental issues more apparent. SPORTS DRINKS: ARE THEY NECESSARY? Sports drinks might seem essential for the athletes, but they aren’t always necessary, especially for casual exercisers, as they are sugary and acidic. During workouts, reduced saliva flow fails to neutralize these acids, which increases the risk of enamel damage. We often see athletes in great physical shape but with a mouth full of cavities from regularly consuming these performance enhancers. MODERATION AND CARE Even summer alcoholic drinks like frozen margaritas and just simple iced teas can stain your teeth and contribute to acid wear. The key is moderation. To protect your oral health while still enjoying your favorite summer drinks, try to: 1. Rinse Your Mouth: After indulging in a sugary or acidic drink, rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acids and wash away sugars. 2. Use a Straw: This can minimize contact with your teeth, especially when drinking acidic beverages. 3. Wait Before Brushing: After consuming acidic drinks, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damaging softened enamel. 4. Stay Hydrated With Water: Water is the best choice for staying hydrated. It helps produce saliva, which naturally combats the bacteria in your mouth. Remember, while summer drinks are enjoyable, taking care of your dental health is essential. Enjoy your favorite beverages, but be mindful of their impacts on your teeth. Cheers to a healthy, happy summer smile!
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From Challenges to Triumphs THE REMARKABLE STORY OF JEREMIAH FENNELL
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS WHEN WILL THE ANDERSON DENTAL CARE OFFICE BE CLOSED THIS JULY? Our office will be closed on July 3 and 4, as well as the 22 through the 26. Other days will follow our normal business hours, and we’ll be grateful to serve you then. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SCHEDULE BACK-TO-SCHOOL DENTAL CHECK-UPS? Now! Our July and August schedules are already full, but call us to see if we have any openings or to be put on our waitlist. That way when the schedule shifts with cancellations and reschedules, you’ll be the first ones we call to make sure we can get you and your kids seen before school starts again. And yes, we sign sports and school physical forms! WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE LARGEST TREE IN THE WORLD? Located in Sequoia National Park, this massive sequoia tree is known as General Sherman. The humongous tree is 52,500 cubic feet, and to keep this landmark safe from potential wildfires, park rangers wrap protective foil around the base of the tree. If you were not already working your dream job before finishing elementary school, then I’m afraid to say you may be an underachiever compared to one young man. Jeremiah Fennell of Las Vegas, Nevada, is four years into his dream career in sports journalism. This would be impressive for anyone, but Jeremiah is only 11 years old and started working in sports journalism at 7. Despite his astounding accomplishments, doctors thought Jeremiah’s prospects, both mental and physical, would be minimal. Before he was born, they told Jeremiah’s parents he was missing a gland from his brain and might be born deaf. Additionally, bloodwork showed he had a detached right clavicle, which would make playing contact sports a near impossibility. Because doctors told Jeremiah’s parents he would likely lose his hearing due to his health issues, they initially taught him American Sign Language or ASL. He struggled with language at 2 years old, but everything changed once he started watching football. When his parents put a Las Vegas (formerly Oakland) Raiders game on the TV, Jeremiah became animated and loved to comment with the announcers. By the time he was 4, he was performing mock interviews with NFL players, changing his voice depending on whether he was asking or answering the questions.
Then, at age 7, Jeremiah started his own YouTube channel, which put him on a path to sports journalist
stardom. Fast-forward to 2022, FOX5 Vegas surprised Jeremiah with tickets to the final game of the Raiders’ regular season against their division rival,
the Kansas City Chiefs. After that game, Jeremiah got his first big interview with Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams. That interview went viral, getting millions of views on social media.
Jeremiah went on to attend media day at this year’s Super Bowl and has now interviewed some of the biggest football stars in the NFL, including Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, Brock Purdy and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, and Maxx Crosby of the Raiders. Jeremiah
has defied all expectations and become a media sensation, proving to the world that he is capable of more than anyone thought possible.
QUINOA VEGGIE BOWL Inspired by McCormick.com
This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner!
INGREDIENTS
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 cup diced mushrooms
1 red bell pepper, diced 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste 2 cups cooked quinoa
1 cup diced zucchini
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and
mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add oregano, salt, and
pepper and stir to combine. 4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
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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
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
Life Lessons Learned From Being a Kid Again
Colorful Bubble Fun
The Truth About Summer Drinks and Your Dental Health
3
Young Sports Journalist’s Heartwarming Success Story
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Quinoa Veggie Bowl
4
A Treasure Trove of July Trivia!
EXPLORE JULY’S RICH HISTORICAL TAPESTRY JULY IS MORE THAN JUST INDEPENDENCE DAY
HOT DOG SEASON July is National Hot Dog Month in the United States, celebrated with hot dog eating contests and summer cookouts nationwide. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans typically consume about 150 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July alone!
July is not just about fireworks and barbecues — it’s a month rich with history and quirky facts that make it unique. Whether you’re enjoying summer vacation or looking for conversation starters at your next family gathering, here are four fun facts and trivia about July that are sure to entertain and inform. THE ORIGINS OF JULY July was named in honor of Julius Caesar following his reform of the calendar system. Before these changes, the year began in March, and July was originally called Quintilis, which means the fifth month in Latin. After Caesar’s death, Quintilis was renamed July to celebrate his achievements, most notably the introduction of the Julian calendar. A MONTH FOR PRESIDENTS July has presidential significance in the U.S. It is when Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two signatories of the Declaration of Independence and former presidents, died within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. Remarkably, another early U.S. president, James Monroe, died on July 4, five years later in 1831.
LITERARY BIRTHDAYS July has been a significant month for the birth of several famous authors. Ernest Hemingway, the American novelist, was born on July 21, 1899. Beatrix Potter, known for her charming children’s books featuring animals like Peter Rabbit, was born on July 28, 1866. Other celebrated writers born this month include Emily Bronte, Henry David Thoreau, and J.K. Rowling! From historical anniversaries to cultural celebrations, July offers more than just summer heat — it’s a month of history and excitement. So, as you enjoy your summer activities, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of events and milestones that make July truly special!
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