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ELKINSDENTAL.COM
AUGUST 2024
THE JOY OF GROWING UP WITH DOGS BY MY SIDE Man' s Best Friend
Home is where the dog is! Growing up, I always had a dog by my side, and they truly are man's best friend. For every milestone in my life, there was a four-legged friend by my side or waiting at home to greet me — even if I’d only been gone for 15 minutes.
What made it even funnier was our miniature schnauzer, Heidi, who insisted on joining us with the pigs. Whenever we let the pigs out, Heidi would trot right behind them, grunting along as if she were one of them. She figured that’s just what you did when running around the yard. Heidi must have been part pig because she really sounded like one of them.
Having a canine companion by my side at all times undoubtedly made my life better — they were always there to cheer me up or
give me a laugh when I needed it most. When I think back to all the dogs in my life, I’m reminded of one of my greatest childhood memories.You might recall me mentioning that my siblings and
Growing up, each of our dogs was a different breed. We had mutts whose breeds were anyone’s guess
and a beagle-basset hound mix that barked more than any dog I’ve ever known. After finishing dental school, I finally got a pup of my own — a boxer. I fell in love with him instantly. We had him for about 10 years, and after he passed away, we got
I raised pigs for 4-H livestock projects. We spent a lot of time training these surprisingly intelligent animals. Their intelligence made them fun to hang out with, walk around the yard, and train for 4-H competitions. It was always a blast to spend time with them. As teenagers, it didn’t feel like a chore at all — we genuinely enjoyed it.
another boxer, who’s been with us for seven years now. Boxers are a great breed with such funny personalities — they’re truly 80-pound lap dogs.
Our current boxer is named Kuzco, after the character in“The Emperor’s New
Like clockwork, every time we came out to let the pigs out of the pen, once they
Groove,”one of my favorite movies. We also have Prince, an 8-year-old Havanese. Dogs are the best! From running around the house grunting like pigs to winning over your heart with endless snuggles, they bring so much joy and laughter.
tasted a bit of freedom, they let their pent-up energy soar. As soon as you’d unlock the pen, all four (we always kept four pigs at a time) would take off running and sprinting around our .75-acre yard.
They’d run a few laps around the house as quickly as they could. As if watching these little pigs with their tiny legs run as fast as they could wasn’t funny enough, with every stride they took, they’d make a pig grunting sound. As they’d run, you’d hear them all grunting together in a little group. It was funny every single time, no matter how many times we witnessed it.
Life without a dog? I can't imagine it! They’re the best pals anyone could ever ask for. –Dr. Elkins
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ESSENTIAL END-OF-SUMMER TIPS FOR GARDEN GREATNESS Put Your Plants to Bed
parts of the plant and dispose of them so the problems don’t spread.You must also prune plants to encourage new growth and prepare them to survive the coming winter. Save your seeds and soil. Though some of your favorite blooms may be done for the season, you can collect seeds from your plants that performed well to grow later. Collect and preserve them by storing them in an envelope labeled with the species and date you harvested them so they’ll be ready to plant next year.You can also preserve and strengthen high-quality soil for the coming months. Start or add dead leaves and plant debris to a compost pile so it can break down over the winter into a superfood for your garden.
Choose the proper plants. The fall garden of your dreams starts now, and you can even get a head start on your spring blossoms! If you are planting perennials or spring-flowering bulbs, get them in the ground before mid-September so they have enough time to establish roots before the frost.You can begin planting delicious cool-weather vegetables like carrots, spinach, and radishes. Fall veggies should be seeded 90 days before the first frost in your area. With these end-of-summer chores, your garden can snooze through the cold months and reveal a beautiful fall crop. With tidying up, seed-saving, and preparation, you lay the groundwork for a thriving garden every season.
As summer’s sunny days fade, it’s the perfect time to put your garden to bed and prepare for fall. From tidying up to planting late-season blooms, these end-of-summer gardening tasks ensure your plants stay healthy and ready to welcome the next season with open petals. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into three chores you must complete for a plentiful fall harvest. Time to tidy up. One of your garden makeover's most important steps is tidying up after summer. At least some of your plants likely succumbed to the summer heat. It’s crucial to remove any dead branches, blooms, or leaves. If you spot any signs of disease in your garden, remove the affected
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Why Are Your Gums Bleeding? Common Causes and Solutions
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during different life stages or pregnancy can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. Maintaining good oral hygiene during these times is very important! Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of essential vitamins, particularly vitamins C and K, can lead to bleeding gums. A balanced diet rich in these vitamins supports gum health. While occasional gum bleeding might not always signal a severe problem, persistent or frequent bleeding is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Here are some signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment:
Do your gums easily bleed? Bleeding gums can be concerning — however,
they’re more common than you may think. At Elkins Dental, we believe in proactive oral health care, so it's essential to understand the reasons behind bleeding gums and when to make an appointment for us to take a look. Common Causes of Bleeding Gums Gingivitis: Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is a leading cause of bleeding gums. It results from plaque buildup at the gum line and causes inflammation, redness, and bleeding — especially during brushing or flossing. Periodontitis: If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe type of gum disease. Periodontitis damages the bone and soft tissues that support teeth, and over time, this can cause your gums to bleed or recede. Improper Brushing/Flossing: If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush or brush or floss aggressively, you may irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. To maintain gum health and reduce bleeding, you need to be gentle and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medications: Sometimes, medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the likelihood of your gums bleeding. To manage this side effect, give us a call to consult with Dr. Elkins!
• Consistent bleeding • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Persistent bad breath or taste
• Receding gums • Loose teeth
At Elkins Dental, we prioritize your oral health. Regular dental cleaning, check-ups, and proper oral hygiene can help prevent and treat gum complications. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Legendary Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
•
4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?” • 1 tsp cumin • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 cup cooked rice • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • • 1 lb ground beef 1 onion, diced • • 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp chili powder
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D.
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat. 4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, rice, salt, and pepper. 5. Fill the 8 bell pepper halves with the beef mixture, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Directions
JOKES DAD
Why is there gold blowing through the wind? Because it’s August.
What do you call a Labrador at the beach in August? A hot dog!
Why do bananas use sunscreen in August? Because they peel.
DID YOU KNOW?
Tooth Facts Fun Beyond a Bright Smile: Oral Health Affects Your Entire Body
Decoding Dog Ears
Taking great care of your teeth doesn’t just result in pretty pearly whites — it impacts so much more! Research has shown that poor oral health can contribute to various health conditions! Let’s take a quick look at some of the connections between oral health and your overall well-being! Heart Health: Periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the gums, has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. Pregnancy Complications: Oral health issues can potentially affect pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight babies.
Did you know that dogs use their ears for more than just hearing? Their ears play a large role in expressing their feeling and intentions. When a dog’s ears are relaxed and in their natural position, it usually indicates the dog is calm and content. Ears perked up and facing forward often signal the dog is alert, curious, or focused on something. Conversely, ears flattened against the head can indicate fear, submission, or anxiety. Ears held back but not flattened may show that the dog is feeling friendly or submissive without being fearful. Observing the positioning of a pup’s ears can give you a lot of insight into a dog’s temperament and intentions. How cool!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. The Unforgettable Dogs of My Life 2. Transition Your Garden From Summer to Fall A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Legendary Stuffed Peppers
Liven Up Back-to-School Prep With Fun Rituals
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Transform Back-to-School Blues With Creative Summer Traditions START THE SCHOOL YEAR RIGHT!
As summer's lazy, hazy days begin to wane, the buzz of back-to-school preparations starts to fill the air. This can be a bittersweet time for kids and parents alike — excitement mixed with a touch of end-of-summer blues. To make this transition smoother and even fun, why not start a back-to- school tradition? These rituals can set a positive tone for the upcoming school year and create lasting memories for you and your children. The Back-to-School Countdown Calendar Who says advent calendars are only for December? Create a back- to-school countdown calendar that builds excitement as the first day of school approaches.You can fill it with small treats, inspirational quotes, or fun school supplies. Each day, your child can open a new compartment, counting down the days with a bit of surprise, making the impending school year feel like a celebration rather than a chore.
let your children choose a special new outfit or backpack. This makes the shopping trip more exciting and gives children something to look forward to using in the new school year! Decorate the Workspace Party Another fun tradition is to have a“Decorate the Workspace Party.” Before school starts, set aside a day to organize and decorate where your child will do their homework. Let them choose new items to personalize the space, such as colorful organizers, fun pens, or decorations. This gives them a sense of control and pride over their study area, which can be incredibly motivating. Back-to-School Breakfast On the first day of school, wake up early and prepare a special breakfast. Pancakes, waffles, or even a DIY breakfast sundae bar can start the day on a high note.You can make this an annual tradition where the kids decide the menu, giving them something exciting to wake up to on a potentially nerve-wracking morning. Starting back-to-school traditions can transform the end-of-summer blues into anticipation and excitement. It’s about building joy and making memories your children will carry with them long after the school year begins.
Shopping Extravaganza Day Make back-to-school shopping a special event rather than a stressful errand. Dedicate a day to shop for school supplies and clothes, but do it with a twist. Perhaps end the day with a favorite meal or treat, or
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