Kenneth Woo, DDS - November 2019

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WOO’S NEWS NOVEMBER 2019 mybestdentalcare.com

Grateful for Support ROSEY BATRES THANKS THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED HER

As Thanksgiving comes around, I can’t help but think about what I am thankful for. For the past eight years, I have been going to school to become a dental hygienist — I could only take one class each semester until recently, so I could still work and go to school — and I have had nothing but support from my coworkers, family, and my son.

17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240.683.3833 3704 Perry Ave Kensington, MD 20895 301.933.1833 2 Locations

I put my son and my family into two different categories, only because I am so proud of the little boy my 10-year-old son has grown into. I joke that he doesn’t need me to care for him, but really, he’s an independent, supportive kid who understands that between school and work, his mom is busy. He gets himself up for school, completes his homework without being asked, and gets ready for soccer on his own. He makes my life easier each day, and I don’t know how I got so lucky to be his mom. But my work family makes me feel incredibly lucky, too. For the past seven years, I have worked as a dental assistant at Woo Wang Dental. I don’t see the people I work with as just coworkers; I see them as friends. I feel comfortable and excited to come to work every day.

supported me through my schooling endeavor, and I am so grateful for their flexibility.

Even better, I’m excited to come back to Woo Wang Dental in a full-time capacity once I graduate this May. And this time, I get to return as a dental hygienist! There are many exciting changes coming to our practice that I can’t wait to be part of and put my own spin on. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank my family for all they do. My son and I currently live with my parents, and their support and willingness to babysit have made my journey these past 10 years much easier. They are so understanding when I need some extra support. Because of them, I was able to work while going to school. This means I will hopefully graduate debt-free! It’s a huge burden I’m lucky to not have to bear. When I receive my degree next May, it’s going to be a surreal feeling. It’s going to be one of the most memorable moments in my life, and I already feel like I have learned so much that I can bring back to my patients.

This past August, I was accepted into the dental hygienist program at Howard Community College, after being a dental assistant for 10 years. Woo Wang Dental was so understanding about my need for a part-time schedule, and

it’s made this entire process that much easier. They have

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. Because of you, I am able to achieve my dreams.

–Rosalbina Batres

"... I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT SUPPORT FROM MY COWORKERS, FAMILY, AND MY SON."

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5 Simple Ways to Stay Active Too Busy to Work Out? Reduce TV time. It can be tempting to plop down in front of the television after a long day at work or after dinner, but you can also use this time to be active. Get the family together for a walk around the neighborhood, take a few minutes to dance to some of your favorite tunes, or do some light cleaning around the house. Put a spin on date night . Forget dinner and a movie. Instead, try taking your date out for a round of miniature golf, indoor rock climbing, an evening stroll, a bike ride, or dancing. You’ll have more fun while doing your body good. Grab a leash . Having a dog gives you plenty of opportunities to stay active. If you don’t have a dog, try asking a neighbor or friend if they would like their dog walked, start a dog-walking service, or volunteer at a local animal shelter. There are plenty of ways to make staying active a part of your daily routine! With enough creativity and motivation, you can turn any activity into an active one.

Being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every single day. An active lifestyle can be as simple as going for a walk around the neighborhood for a few

minutes a day. There are plenty of ways to exercise during daily activities like shopping, spending time with your kids, or hanging around the house.

The biggest meal of the year is just around the corner, and your task list might be growing longer and longer. Instead of panicking about how you’re going to manage to keep the turkey tender while preparing hordes of side dishes, look to those little helpers in your home. Getting your kids involved in Thanksgiving preparations can be advantageous for your meal, and it also creates lasting memories and traditions. Get the Kiddos Involved in Thanksgiving This Year YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL YOURSELF Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just any regular old meal. Make it special by getting your kids to decorate your home for the big day. Create paper turkey name cards by tracing their hands, having them decorate the paper gobblers, and writing each guest’s name on a turkey. You can also have kids create sponge-painted leaf creations or draw masterpieces on place mats for each guest. If you’re really trusting, give them the full run of decorating the table for your feast. Keep it a surprise from your guests and “wow” them with your children’s creations. Park farther away . A lot of people will spend several minutes trying to find a parking space as close as they can to the entrance of a store. However, parking a little farther away will help you score a better parking space and make sure you get your steps in for the day. Do some yoga . You don’t have to push yourself to your absolute limit in order to stay active. There are other, gentler ways to exercise than running 5 miles a day. Tai chi or yoga are excellent low-impact alternatives to keep your body fit and healthy. Start With the Decor

biscuits, or piling marshmallows on top of the sweet potato hot dish. Older kiddos can get creative with a festive meat and cheese plate or slice up some vegetables. Regardless, there’s always something kids can do to help the meal go off without a hitch.

Finally, Say Thanks

Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for what we have, and there’s no better time to instill this lesson than when your kids are young. You can have your kids express their gratitude in a number of ways, including challenging them to thank at least three people that day, or asking them to take paper leaves and write down what they are most thankful for and sticking the leaves onto a paper tree. Invite your older guests to do the same, and marvel at everything your loved ones have to be thankful for this year.

Move On to the Food

Kids love rolling up their sleeves and helping in the kitchen. Depending on the age of your children, you could offer up various tasks from your meal prep to-do list. Have little ones assist you with stirring, rolling out

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The Clock Is Ticking!

Dentist: What kind of filling do you want in your tooth?

DON’T LET YOUR DENTAL BENEFITS EXPIRE WITHOUT BEING USED

Child: Chocolate!

It’s hard to believe that we are preparing to enter a whole new decade in just a matter of months. The new year is a time for reflection on the year that has passed and anticipation for the next 365 days ahead of you. But when Jan. 1, 2020, hits, don’t look back on 2019 and wish you had done more — or regret the loss of your dental benefits.

Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine Green Beans With Ginger and Garlic

As the clock strikes midnight on the morning of New Year’s Day, your dental benefits will expire. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, less than 3% of people actually use or exceed their plan’s annual maximum. For the 97% of people who fail to use all their dental benefits each year, they do not get to stock up and save these unused benefits the following year. Instead, the benefits you have been paying for all year will not roll over, and you will start fresh with new benefits in the new year.

Turkey is, for the most part, a healthy and lean protein.

Thanksgiving sides, on the other hand, tend to be a little more

indulgent. This year, eschew the classic, creamy green bean casserole in favor of this lighter, healthier, and altogether tastier option.

So, if you get the same amount of benefits next year as you do this year, what’s the point of using up your dental benefits before 2019 is over?

There are hundreds of dollars worth of differences.

Ingredients

Depending on how much you pay each month for your dental benefits, you could be wasting hundreds of dollars by simply not using them. You have been paying for dental protection, procedures, and regular cleanings all year. Why not get more bang for your buck? Plus, when you use your dental benefits, you are making one of the best decisions you can make for your overall health. Dental experts can check for signs of oral cancers, improve your diet by updating

2 lbs whole green beans, ends trimmed

6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp crushed red pepper

Kosher salt, to taste

Directions

your smile, improve the health of those with diabetes, and monitor chronic conditions — with just one regular dental appointment.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. To the side of the stove, prepare a large bucket of ice water. 2. Cook beans in boiling water for 4 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry. 3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium- high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in ground ginger and crushed pepper. Add green beans.

That’s what you have been paying for all year!

Don’t let your money go to waste! Use up those dental benefits and schedule your last appointment of 2019 with Woo Wang Dental today. Call 301.993.1833 or 240.683.3833.

4. Cook together for 2–3 minutes. 5. Transfer to plate and serve.

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17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 mybestdentalcare.com 240.683.3833

Rosey Celebrates the Support of Her Coworkers, Family, and Son 1 Simple Ways to Stay Active Ways to Get Your Kids Involved with Thanksgiving 2 Use Up Your Dental Benefits Before They Expire Green Beans With Ginger and Garlic 3 WHAT'S INSIDE?

The Gift of Giving 4

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE YOU BELIEVE IN Celebrating Giving Tuesday

November is usually all about Thanksgiving, but it isn’t the only holiday that encourages generosity. Giving Tuesday is a phenomenal celebration in which millions of people from across the globe are inspired to spend 24 hours giving back to the communities they love. Origin and Goal Giving Tuesday is celebrated every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and this year, the holiday lands on Dec. 3! It was established in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and New York’s 92nd Street Y as a response to consumer-driven holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day and touches every person on the planet.”

Technology at Its Best Through the use of social media and technology, the organization hopes to encourage and spread generosity on a global scale using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. The website states that “... technology and social media could be used to make generosity go viral; that people fundamentally want to give and talk about giving.” Through massive social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the individuals and companies participating in Giving Tuesday can spread their missions and messages all over the world, encouraging others to do the same. How You Can Celebrate Now is the perfect opportunity to support your community and the causes you believe in. The best part of this holiday is that “giving” doesn’t just refer to donating money. People can give back by volunteering their time to help a nonprofit business, donating goods and food, or just buying a stranger some lunch. Even the smallest actions can have the biggest impact. If you’re interested in participating in Giving Tuesday, get together with your friends, family, sports team members, or neighbors to brainstorm on how you can give back. To learn more about how you can participate, visit GivingTuesday.org .

The purpose of the holiday was to spread the spirit of giving, not only for the people in our nation but individuals across the world. The goal is “to

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