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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
MAY 2025
My Concert Buddy Is Graduating!
As I write this, I’m getting choked up. My fourth child, Leila, is graduating from high school this month, and boy, does it bring back a flood of memories! Leila’s story is a little different than most — she was born while I was deployed halfway around the world. We had actually planned her arrival around my Navy deployments. We wanted to time everything perfectly so I could be there, but you know how life goes — just a couple of months into the pregnancy, my deployment schedule was changed. Instead of being home, I found myself off the coast of Africa, dealing with pirate operations when Leila decided to make her grand entrance. Heartbroken was an understatement. I was lucky enough that a buddy on the ship had a secure satellite phone (pretty high-tech stuff that you're not usually supposed to use during operations), and I got to be part of the big day after all, at least over the phone. I heard Leila’s first cries from thousands of miles away, and it was a moment of pure joy mixed with a bit of heartache for not being there in person.
It’s crazy how time flies. Leila is now my concert buddy. I remember one time when she was just 13, we ended up going to a Tool concert together after my friend who was originally going to go with me got sick. Once she heard that I was left without someone to go with, her ears perked up.“What’s their music like?”she asked.
Excited, I pulled up one of their songs, and after she listened for a bit, she said it sounded“cool.”So, she tagged along and had the best time together. Since then, she’s been my concert buddy for all things rock and metal. She’s really turned into a metalhead, much like her dad. The next time Tool came to town, we went together again. We now have a whole list of concerts we’ve gone to together. It’s our thing. Now, as she’s about to graduate, she’s thinking about what’s next. Leila's weighing her options between jumping straight into college or taking time to figure out what she really wants to do. I admire her for taking it slow and making sure she’s sure about her next steps. Leila, you continue to make me so proud every day. I’m excited to see what’s next in your journey! I love you. Happy graduation! –Dr. Elkins This National Nurses Month, I want to give a shoutout to my wife, Beth. Thank you for being an amazing nurse and an even more incredible mom. You work hard day in and day out. We appreciate all that you do, both at work and at home. I’m so proud of you!
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Healthy Families Start With Smart Habits
Tips for Fighting Germs Year-Round
For families,“sick season”can seem never- ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year. Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places.You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by
having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune-system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system. Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces
germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee A Warning Sign of Gingivitis and Other Dental Issues
While experiencing bleeding gums while brushing or flossing can be a little alarming, it's often your mouth's way of letting you know something is wrong. This common issue can signify various dental or health concerns, so it’s important not to ignore it. Let’s break down what bleeding gums might mean and how you can address it! Why are my gums bleeding? Gingivitis, one of the first stages of gum disease, is the most frequent culprit behind bleeding gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along your gum line and causes inflammation. This can lead to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis, damaging the tissues and bones supporting your teeth.
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Medications: Blood thinners and other medications can increase the chance of bleeding gums.
What should you do? Improve your oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss each day to reduce the appearance of plaque and food particles between your teeth and gums that your toothbrush can't reach. Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash: Using a therapeutic mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can temporarily reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. Watch your diet: Eating a balanced diet and reducing sugar intake can help improve your gum and overall health. Foods rich in vitamin C and calcium can particularly benefit your gums and teeth. Give us a call: Don’t hesitate to contact us with any concerns you may have — including bleeding gums! We are only a phone call away.
Bleeding gums can also result from other factors, including:
• Poor dental hygiene: Not brushing or flossing regularly allows plaque to accumulate and irritate your gum tissue. • Hard brushing: Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing too aggressively can harm delicate gum tissues. • Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more vulnerable to bleeding, known as "pregnancy gingivitis." • Medical conditions: Certain conditions like diabetes, blood disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can affect your gums.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Ingredients
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
1. In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In a small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves. Directions
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
JOKES DAD
What do you call someone who raises hens? A chicken tender.
Why are libraries so tall? Because they have many stories.
I told my mom I'd call her later, but she said she prefers “Mom.”
Fun Tooth Facts FEELING VULNERABLE? What Drives Fear of the Dentist
DID YOU KNOW?
High School Grad Stats
Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, is a common anxiety that affects people of all ages. But where does this fear come from? No. 1: Fear of pain is a leading trigger for dentophobia. Many people associate dental visits with painful procedures, influenced by past experiences or horror stories shared by others. The anticipation of pain can evoke a strong emotional and physiological response and deter patients from coming into the office. No. 2: The feeling of loss of control or vulnerability when sitting in a dentist's chair can intensify anxiety. The intimate nature of personal space being invaded during dental treatments can make patients feel exposed and helpless. No. 3: Negative past experiences can leave a lasting impression. A previous encounter with an unsympathetic dentist or a painful procedure can reinforce the fear and make future visits difficult for the patient. Here at Elkins Dental, we understand that dental procedures are not easy for everyone. If you have a fear or any questions, let us know. We are here to help ease your worries!
It’s graduation season! Just like Dr. Elkin’s daughter, Leila, many high school grads are walking the stage this month. Did you know … On average, high school students in the United States attend school for about 7 hours a day, 180 days a year. By the time they graduate, they will have completed approximately 5,040 hours of school! Although schools are all structured slightly differently, a high school student will likely have had approximately 20–30 different teachers throughout their high school career! It's estimated that high school students spend an average of 1–3 hours per night on homework. This means they could spend upward of 720 hours on homework over four years!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Happy High School Graduation, Leila! 2. Everyday Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Slow Cooker
4.
Tips for
Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Engaging Your Kids in a Nature Hike
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Tooth Facts
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Help Your Kids Fall in Love With Hiking STEP BY STEP
Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy nature is a goal worth pursuing, but smartphones, video games, and social media have made it far more challenging in recent years. We celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and a nature walk is a great way to keep the appreciation for nature going. Planning games, creative projects, and other challenges to engage them during your hike can get kids involved from the start. Choose a trail that isn’t too difficult, and allow your children to wander and explore. If your children have a creative flair, encourage them to collect dried leaves, pieces of bark, seed pods, sticks, and other items to use in a collage. For adventurous kids, you can draft an age- appropriate list for a scavenger hunt to keep them from growing bored on the walk.You can include different insects native to your area, specific colors of leaves, and types of flowers, and you can even have them keep an ear out for different bird calls.
Challenge your kids to make a list of all the plants or animals they can identify while they walk. Apps like Leafsnap help you identify plants using photos of their leaves or other parts. Additionally, the Arbor Day Foundation offers an online step-by-step guide at ArborDay.org for identifying a tree by its leaves. Keep the learning going by having your kids record their distance based on trail signs or a map app on their phones and calculate their average speed.You could also invite your youngsters to become cartographers, tracing the trail and surroundings on paper, including landmarks, rivers, and lakes. Older kids can add topographical information using their phones or an altitude app such as Altimeter or My Altitude. Hiking is a fantastic activity to help your kids appreciate the outdoors rather than their phone screens, but being in nature takes energy. Remember to pack snacks and a water bottle before you leave, or pack a favorite picnic meal to savor the rewards of exploring the outdoors!
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