Advanced Nerve & Laser February 2019
FEBRUARY 2019
3941 FM 2181, Corinth, Texas 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com
Wishing You Good Fortune
MEMORIES OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR
Happy New Year!
The Lunar New Year is also full of traditions, though Asian traditions often include a few superstitions. For example, on the eve of the new year, everyone leaves the house. At midnight, the first person to re-enter the home should be someone who enjoyed the most good fortune during the previous year. This is symbolic and meant to represent the invitation of good fortune into your home. One tradition I’ve always really enjoyed involves the exchange of wealth and good fortune. Adults give younger kids small red envelopes with money inside. In return, the child wishes the older person — usually their parent or grandparent — health, happiness, and good fortune in the coming year. This is a tradition my family practiced when I was growing up. My parents wanted to keep it as traditional as possible: My siblings and I couldn’t have our envelope until we wished them good fortune in Vietnamese. Keep in mind that, while my parents came to the United States from Vietnam, my siblings and I were all born in America. We grew up speaking English at school and with each other, so my Vietnamese wasn’t the best. One year, I tried to wish my parents great health, but it came out wrong: I told them to stay fat and happy. My parents burst out laughing. My sister teases me about it to this day, but over time my embarrassment has become a fond memory. The Lunar New Year is all about starting the new year off on the right foot by spending time with friends and family, sharing big meals together, and bringing happiness and warmth into our lives. I love all these traditions, and each year I look forward to sharing them with Connor. It’s important to remember our heritage as we look toward the future. Knowing where we come from helps us chart a course to where we want to go.
Don’t worry, your newsletter isn’t arriving a month late. My family is Vietnamese, so every year we celebrate the new year twice — once on Jan. 1 with the Gregorian calendar, then again a few weeks later with the start of the Lunar New Year. Most people in the U.S. might be more familiar with the Lunar New Year as the Chinese New Year, but many East Asian countries observe the lunisolar calendar, celebrating the start of the new year in late January or early February. This year, the Lunar New Year starts on Feb. 5 as we begin the Year of the Pig. In Vietnam, this celebration is called Tet Nguyên Dán, or Tet Holiday.
Holidays as a whole tend to be full of traditions. For example, on New Year’s Eve, I like the tradition of sharing a kiss with my wife at midnight.
“The Lunar New Year is also full of traditions, though Asian traditions often include a few superstitions.”
I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year! May the Year of the Pig bring you health, happiness, and good fortune.
–Dr. Bao Tha i
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3 WAYS CONTACT WITH NATURE IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH AWalk in the Woods Is the Prescription
Our ancestors were deeply connected to their natural environment, mostly because their survival depended on it. With no Whole Foods available, those who could best track a mammoth, find water, and forage for edible plants kept themselves alive and passed on their genes. Given our history as hunter-gatherers, it’s no wonder contact with nature provides us with several health benefits. A Memory Boost In a University of Michigan study, a group of students were asked to take a memory test that involved repeating numbers back to researchers. Next, researchers separated the students into two groups. Group A took a walk around an arboretum and Group B walked along busy city streets. Afterward, they were asked to take the memory test again. Group A, the students who had walked in the arboretum, performed 20 percent better on the memory test. Group B didn’t show any marked improvement. Additional research has corroborated the memory-enhancing effects of nature. A Mood Boost Observing the benefits nature has for cognitive function, scientists wondered what effects it might have on individuals diagnosed with depression. In one study from the University of Essex, participants with major depressive disorder reported an improvement in self- Pets are more than furry friends to cuddle with during a Netflix marathon or spunky critters to watch dash around woodchips and newspaper shavings. These creatures, no matter how small, can benefit the entire family. Just taking care of a pet is rewarding in and of itself, and all that responsibility can do wonders for your children. But, no matter what type, age, or temperament of pet you choose, you will need to devote time, money, patience, and commitment into that relationship. Although no pet is commitment-free, some are better than others for children who need to ease into their new role as a pet owner. Brine Shrimp These tiny crustaceans, better known as sea monkeys, are foolproof starter pets for kids who just aren’t ready for the full commitment other pets require. Usually available in kits, children need only add water, and soon, they’ll watch their tiny sea monkeys emerge, become active, and grow. Maintenance for these creatures involves once-a-week feeding and occasionally adding water. A whole colony of these shrimp can thrive for a year or more with minimal care. Leopard Geckos The appeal of cold-blooded creatures may be less obvious than fluffy, cuddly mammals, but reptiles make cool pets. When shopping for one, consider looking at small lizards like leopard geckos. These docile reptiles are low maintenance compared to larger lizards, snakes, and turtles. Though they are delicate in infancy, they grow into resilient and hardy adults.
esteem and mood after spending time in nature. Exercising while in nature resulted in even more of a mood boost for participants. A Calming Effect
Research also shows that spending time in nature reduces stress. In a study conducted by Chiba University in Japan, participants spent two nights in the forest. Researchers evaluated their levels of stress hormones during and after this period and compared it to their normal work days in the city. Across the board, participants’ stress levels were much lower during the days spent in the forest and for several days afterward. Today, we’re less connected to our natural environment than our ancestors were. Modern comforts and technology mean we don’t have to go outside to get our food. But nature is still accessible and you don’t have to go far to find it. In many of the studies, even minor exposure to the outdoors, like adding plants to your home or looking out a window during work, showed health benefits. This winter, find ways to bring a little more nature into your life each day. Your brain will thank you.
Which Furry or Speckled Friend Is Best for Your Child?
TEACH YOUR K I DS RESPONS I B I L I TY WI TH PETS
Guinea Pigs Often overlooked for their smaller cousins, these gentle rodents make great pets for kids. Guinea pigs rarely bite, and they interact with humans by squeaking and playing hide-and-seek. These rodents prefer to live in groups, so consider adopting two female guinea pigs. In addition, long- haired guinea pigs require daily grooming, which is great practice for those children yearning for a dog. Older Dogs and Cats Though the overwhelming cuteness of puppies and kittens is quite tempting, they don’t make good starter pets. These furry friends require a lot of patience and training if you want them to grow into well-adjusted pets. Instead, adopt an adult dog or cat from an animal shelter. Older animals tend to be more tolerant of children, and trained and socialized animals are easier for kids to take care of. But, even the gentlest dogs and cats require a lot of work, so they are better suited for older children.
Caring for a pet can be an incredibly rewarding learning experience. Pets provide companionship, entertainment, and educational opportunities for kids who are ready to meet the challenge. Taking
on the responsibility for an animal can teach your child to feel empathy for others, and that everlasting bond can provide immeasurable fulfillment for everyone in your family.
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CAN CBD OI L HELP TREAT NERVE PA I N? The ABCs of CBD
Can CBD help me? CBC oil is not a miracle cure-all, but it does show immense promise for addressing some health concerns. In a recently published a survey, AARP found a growing number of baby boomers have started using CBD oil to treat arthritis pain. Also, the FDA has approved a CBD medication to treat certain forms of childhood epilepsy, and there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence to support the claim that CBD oil can help treat depression or anxiety. In our office, we have seen enormous improvement in some patients who have begun to use CBD oil or cream to treat their nerve pain during treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about CBD oil, we can help. Right now we’re offering patients 20 percent off all CBD products in our office! Give us a call at 940-202-1218 and ask if CBD can help manage your pain.
There’s always some miracle remedy trending on social media. We’ve seen people swear that acai berries can slow the aging process, and we’ve heard that brushing your teeth with charcoal will “draw out impurities.” Well, the latest magic elixir is CBD oil, and it’s suddenly in everything from bath bombs to dog treats. Despite some controversy — CBD is an extract of cannabis — there are those who claim that a little CBD oil will cure all that ails you including acne, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD. A lot of the hype comes from companies getting on board with the latest trend, but there are some potential health benefits to using CBD. Here’s what you need to know. Will CBD get you high? No. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical found in cannabis, but it’s not what makes cannabis Snoop Dogg’s favorite herb. The psychotropic part of cannabis is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD doesn’t interact with the same neuroreceptors as THC, so using CBD oil or cream won’t get you high. That said, CBD does seem to positively interact with serotonin and pain receptors in the human brain. This is why many people attribute so many health benefits to CBD.
SP I CY SA LMON TARTAR E
SUDOKU
Inspired by Epicurious This delicious tartare is the perfect healthy alternative to gut-busting game-day dips. Serve alongside your favorite chips or crackers for an appetizer that’s sure to impress.
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1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced 3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil
INGREDIENTS
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1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet
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1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1/4 teaspoon lime zest
1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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Crackers or chips, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When
finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.
Answer on back
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3941 FM 2181 Corinth, TX 76210 940-202-1218 www.nerveandlaser.com
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Sudoku answer from page 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Celebrating the Year of the Pig
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A Walk in the Woods Is the Prescription Looking for Your Next Family Pet?
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CBD Oil and Neuropathy Spicy Salmon Tartare
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Temporary Doesn’t Mean Unimportant
3 Things You Didn’t Know About Baby Teeth THE THAI REPORT:
Dental and oral health advice from Dr. Bao Thai’s other half at Swisher Dental. A few years ago, my family took an amazing trip to Italy. We had the best time, but one thing that really surprised me was how often people complimented my son’s teeth. Connor does have very nice teeth, but people were surprised that we bothered to take care of him. Apparently, in Italy, most people believe that since baby teeth fall out anyway, they are not important and, therefore, parents do not have to worry about their children’s oral health until their permanent teeth start to come in. This was a huge culture shock and a reminder that a lot of people, even here in the United States, do not realize how important baby teeth really are. This month, I want to talk about three ways baby teeth affect our oral health of the rest of our lives. • Dr. Maria Lopez-Howell of the American Dental Association has described baby teeth as “nature’s braces.” Baby teeth save space for permanent teeth and help guide them into place when they come in. If a baby tooth is lost early due to damage or decay, the permanent tooth can drift below the gums or grow in crooked.
• Strong, healthy baby teeth encourage good nutrition. Dental pain from cavities can make it hard for kids to chew, leading to nutrient deficiencies during their formative years.
• Your teeth are as important as your lips or tongue when it comes to speaking. Baby teeth help kids learn correct pronunciation. As a dentist, my associate Dr. Jennifer Joung and I take care to teach our young patients how to take care of their baby teeth. That said, it is so important that parents and grandparents also teach children good oral health habits. Right now, parents who schedule an appointment for their kids to see Dr. Joung for the first time can get $100 off the bill. Call Swisher Dental at 940-312-6939 and learn why there is no such thing as “too young” to start taking care of your teeth.
–Dr. Suzanne Thai
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