A+ Family December 2017

A+ Family Dentistry's online newsletter for December 2017

San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1

Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100

San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467

A YEAR IN THE LIFE SAYING GOODBYE TO 2017 The Happy Tooth

How will you remember 2017?

didn’t find the crayons waiting for me, I felt so disappointed. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for my parents to be unable to give their child even a box of crayons for Christmas.

For me, 2017 was the year I realized I wasn’t as fit as I used to be. I started struggling with back problems, likely due to the fact I’m not as young as

I once was. In 2017, I made my health a priority, and I didn’t even have to invest in an expensive gym membership or new workout equipment. I began to stretch every day, and I saw promising results in just a few weeks! This is something I plan to carry with me into 2018.

“Toys for Tots aims to spread a message of hope and kindness, and we’re excited to be a part of delivering that message for the third year in a row.”

We also made some changes around the office, particularly in the way we use social media. Hopefully, patients don’t need to come see us every day, but we love to keep in touch. This year, we hit Facebook hard. On our page, facebook.com/AplusFamilyDentistry/, we’ve posted pictures of office happenings and shared patient success stories. Success stories really help motivate our team and remind us of our role in helping a patient with their health and confidence. What’s more, I know how much it can help someone to realize they aren’t alone in their dental struggles and to see how it’s possible to achieve your ideal smile. This is our way of bringing a little positivity into the online world. 2017 is almost over, but there is still time to experience other positive things worth remembering. One event I look forward to all year long is our annual toy drive. By teaming up with the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive, we have the opportunity to help less fortunate children in our community. This is a cause dear to my heart, because I know what it is like to be a child on Christmas morning and feel like you’ve missed the magic of the holiday. I grew up in Vietnam, right after the Vietnam War. My family was very poor, and the holidays could be hard. When I was 6 years old, I wished for a box of crayons or colored pencils so I could draw. After being extra good all year, I truly thought I would get them. That Christmas, when I woke up and

Falling on hard times shouldn’t take away the magic of the holidays. I am proud to have an opportunity to help kids and their families who are in a position similar to what my family experienced in Vietnam. Toys for Tots aims to spread a message of hope and kindness, and we’re excited to be a part of delivering that message for the third year in a row. The drive needs toys for children of all ages, but this year, they especially need toys for boys and girls ages 6–12. If you would like to donate, we will continue to collect new, unwrapped toys at our offices in San Diego and Poway until Dec. 21. Our office will match every donation received, and together, we can help families across our community have a happy holiday.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2018!

–Dr. Justene Doan

December 2017 Edition

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1

Brown Paper Bags With the holiday season comes holiday shopping, and if you opt out of plastic grocery bags, you’re sure to have a surplus of brown paper bags in the pantry. Drop a present into the bag, tape it shut, and you’re good to go. Add some simple lace or a ribbon for an old-timey feel or get creative with stamps and hand-drawn artwork. This wrap job lets your imagination run wild. Old Maps and Calendars These days, pretty much every phone has a built-in GPS, so you probably won’t need the map from your 1999 road trip anytime soon. If you still have an old map, why not use that for wrapping? The unusual designs guarantee your gifts will be one of a kind. And don’t worry if there are notes scrawled across the paper. Old events or directions will add some unique flair to the presents. Furoshiki Fabric is an excellent substitute for wrapping paper. You can use a scarf to create two gifts in one or pull out scraps of fabric from old projects. The traditional Japanese practice of furoshiki is all about wrapping goods in fabric. Described as “functional fabric origami,” you’d be amazed at how a few well- placed folds can turn your gift into a work of art. Learn how to wrap anything, from boxes to bottles, at ceas.ku.edu/furoshiki-instructional-videos. You don’t have to follow the same gift wrap habits year after year. After the effort you put into finding just the right present, you should be able to make your gift wrap just as special. Find a method that’s uniquely you and get started! We want to thank all of our patients who put so much faith in us by recommending our services to their friends and family members. Last month, our referrals came from these amazing patients: A+ Referrals

3 Creative Gift Wrap Alternatives

There’s something magical about seeing a stack of presents wrapped in bright, multicolored paper. However, that enchanting scene quickly evaporates a few hours later when all those wads of wrapping paper and plastic bows are chucked unceremoniously into the garbage. What if we told you there are countless ways you can still enjoy wrapping and unwrapping presents, without all the waste? Here are a few creative gift wrap alternatives to consider this holiday season.

“Me and my family have been going here for five years now. Always treated very well and receive detailed care for our teeth and kind attention from all the staff.” –Misty P. “My entire family goes to this dentist’s office. They are so friendly and compassionate, and they do care about what they do. The whole team in the office provide excellent service. I have no complaints whatsoever. This is the best dentist’s office. I feel happy about my dental care, and I do not have to worry anymore when I have to go to the dentist. A+ Family Dentistry is truly family oriented. Keep up the good work!” –Leonise D. TESTIMONIALS See What Others Are Saying

Marco A. Henrique A. Nicholas A. Julia B.

Chelsie E. Jennifer G. Flor G. Irene G. Brianna G. Michelle H.

John K. Narmi L. Alyssa L. Tony M. Jessica P. Chantal P.

Nissy S. Leonise S. Mashette S. Naomi U.

Maggie B. Dennis D.

And the winner of October’s referral prize (a free cleaning with laser and antimicrobial medication valued at $225): Lupe C.! Thank you to all of our patients who continue to support us. Check back next month when we will announce the winner of our next referral prize, a free Glo in-house whitening.

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Smile More in 2018 3 Ways to Ensure a Successful New Year’s Resolution

Did you know 88 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail? This is according to research conducted at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK. But this doesn’t mean your healthier diet, new workout routine, or dream smile is over before it even began! Here are three steps you can take to help your New Year’s resolution beat the odds. Be Specific. According to Dr. BJ Fogg of Stanford University, most New Year’s resolutions fail because “people aren’t picking specific behaviors; they’re picking abstracts.” This means we’re identifying vague destinations without creating a map

of how we can get there. When you pick a resolution, ask which action steps you will take to make it a reality. Don’t View Setbacks as Failures. We’re only human, and we’re going to make mistakes. Just because you skipped a workout or missed your six-month checkup doesn’t mean your resolution is finished. A New Year’s resolution fails only if you stop trying. Don’t Wait! A lot of people wait until Jan. 1 to get started on their New Year’s resolution, but why would you wait to improve your life? If bad teeth have got

you down, you don’t have to wait until next year to start smiling again. Schedule an appointment today, and let your dentist help you plan your path to a beautiful smile. Some arbitrary day on the calendar shouldn’t dictate when you change for the better. To help existing patients get a head start on their dental New Year’s resolutions, we’re offering a special year-end deal. Get $50 off your next treatment of $300 or more. Some restrictions apply. Bring in this newsletter to take advantage of this limited offer. While you’re here, tell us about your other New Year’s resolutions. We’d love to root for you!

Thai Spaghetti Squash With Peanut Sauce

Have a Laugh!

Ingredients

Peanut sauce: •

• • • • • •

1 medium spaghetti squash

Olive oil

1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk ¾ cup unsweetened peanut butter ¼ cup coconut sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons white vinegar 2 teaspoons sesame oil 2 teaspoons red curry paste

Salt

1 garlic clove, minced ¼ cup chopped parsley

• • • • •

2 tablespoons crushed peanuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Half squash and scoop out seeds. 2. Drizzle inside of squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place squash on baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. 3. Let cool. Using a fork, scrape out spaghetti squash strands. 4. Place sauce ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high

heat. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. 5. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, parsley, and ¼ of the peanut sauce and combine. 6. Add spaghetti squash and crushed peanuts. Stir to combine until heated through, about 2 minutes. Once served, drizzle with more peanut sauce. (Recipe inspired by Leelalicious.com.)

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3

Office Hours: Mondays: Closed

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105

Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467

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Inside This Issue

365 Days Later Page 1

Stop Wasting Gift Wrap! Page 2

December Testimonials Page 2

Are You Tired of Failed Resolutions? Page 3

Thai Spaghetti Squash With Peanut Sauce Page 3 Start the New Year in the Magic Kingdom Page 4

The office be closed Dec. 23-25. Schedule your next appointment today to beat the holiday rush!

Disneyland? IS JANUARY THE BEST MONTH FOR

Let’s Talk About the Weather Does January sound cold and rainy? Don’t worry. The average temperature is still a balmy 66 degrees, and January gets just as much rainfall as peak months like December (winter break) and March (spring break). Check weather reports since the rainfall varies greatly depending on the temperature of the ocean that month. But bear in mind, Disneyland is the No. 2 theme park on the planet, raking in 18 million visitors a year. It wouldn’t attract such huge crowds if the weather wasn’t theme park-worthy 99 percent of the time. So, what’s the best month to visit Disneyland? It’s a trick question. The real answer is whatever month you go. Disneyland is magic! But if there’s a month that’s better than the rest, we’ll say it’s January.

January isn’t known for much — broken resolutions and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, mostly. But if you’re looking to escape the cold or take your family on a post-holiday adventure, next month might be the best time to travel to the Happiest Place on Earth. The Best Crowds According to Disneyland’s own figures, the first full week of January through the middle of February is the slowest time of year at the park. Visitors report never spending more than 15 minutes waiting for a ride. The Fourth of July, however, finds visitors waiting over two hours for Star Tours and Splash Mountain. In Winter, Disneyland closes a little earlier. But if you have young kids, this won’t affect your plans much. They often close rides for maintenance during this time, but never more than one or two at a time. With all the open options, you won’t feel robbed.

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