Briarfield Dental - April 2018

Searching for Spring

Family Scavenger Hunts Made Easy

Spring is in bloom, and there’s no better time to get some fresh air. If you are looking for a way to get your family outside and away from their screens, why not plan a spring-themed scavenger hunt? More than just a fun way to spend the afternoon, scavenger hunts build problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and get your family to exercise their minds and bodies. Here are some tips on how to plan a memorable family scavenger hunt. Play in Teams Your whole family can participate together, but it can also be fun to strike up some friendly competition with teams. Have at least one parent or an older, responsible sibling on each team to make sure everyone stays safe and follows the rules. Take Pictures Since everyone has a camera on their phone, why not use it? By taking pictures, you don’t have to worry about losing anything you find, and your teams can more safely collect certain items. For example, bird feathers are a great item for a spring scavenger hunt, but you don’t want your kids to touch

them. Make a rule that a team member must appear in every picture so no one can cheat by finding photos online. Customize Your List There are plenty of scavenger hunt lists online, but it’s more fun to brainstorm with your family. Have everyone think of three to five spring-related items, like yellow flowers, a kite, or a rabbit-shaped cloud. Do some research into your local flora and fauna. If you put a bluebird on the list, you might want to make sure there are bluebirds in your area. Don’t Forget the Prizes!

Prizes don’t have to be elaborate to be fun. It can be something simple, like Popsicles or fake medals, or maybe the winning team gets to pick a restaurant for dinner. Scavenger hunts are one of the best ways to create lasting family memories this spring without breaking the bank. Just get your list, gather your family, and have fun. Happy hunting!

Who Has Time to Catch Some Zzzs? Ann Banks: Dental Sleep Medicine Coordinator Doesn’t Rest

you so far. As a sleep coordinator at Briarfield Dental, I work with patients who struggle with sleep breathing disorders and help them get fitted with an oral appliance to address their condition. A friend of mine introduced me to the field of sleep around 10 years ago. I wanted to go into the medical field to help people solve their problems and feel better. Suffocating in your sleep because of sleep apnea is a pretty big problem, so I started to work for a sleep lab, fitting patients with CPAP machines. Then, my friend Jenny, who works here at Briarfield, told me Dr. Stuckey was looking for a sleep coordinator. I met with Dr. Stuckey, we hit it off, and I celebrated my one-year anniversary with Briarfield in March. I really love my job, and I have some pretty great friends to thank for helping me get here. It was different to transition from working with CPAPs to oral appliances, but I really like how effective the appliances are. They are simpler

and look more comfortable, yet they still help people sleep better. It’s fascinating how the oral appliance can keep someone from choking in their sleep by just pushing the jaw forward a little, and it actually helps them enjoy a full night of rest. I greatly value a good night’s sleep, because I’m the sort of person who’s always on the go. My husband, my 16-year-old daughter, and my 10-year-old son keep me going constantly. We’re a big sports family, so being active is basically a family trait. When I leave the office for the day, I’m always heading to the field for a baseball game or to the court for a basketball game. Both my kids are in sports, and I play on a summer softball league. We’re always busy after school and on weekends with practice, tournaments, and games. It demands a lot of energy, but I wouldn’t change a thing! I love being outside, playing with my kids, and being on a team.

Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite subject: sleep. Unless you’re the rare morning person,

Disney mug, but if you’re battling a sleep disorder every night, caffeine can only take

It’s a wild life, and I am loving every moment of it.

2 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 419-866-6985

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