Greeley Endodontics - August 2019

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

THE ROOT ISSUE

970-515-6332 | GREELEYENDO.COM

AUGUST 2019

PLAYING IN THE DIRT, FISHIN’ FOR ROCKS, & EATING S’MORES What Better Way to Spend Your Last Summer Days?

These final days of summer, with their brisk night air and their proclivity for carpe diem sentiments, always remind me of the annual camping trips my family and I used to take. To soak up the last bit of summer vacation before the first day of school, my parents would pack up our 26-foot motor home with all the necessities for a weekend getaway in nature, and we’d head to Estes Park, CO. Situated in the foothills outside the city of Lyons, Estes Park is known as a base for the Rocky Mountain National Park, a home to wildlife including elk and bears, and its miles of trails that loop past mountain peaks, forests, and tundra. My siblings and I grew up approximately 45 minutes away from Estes Park, but every year, the sheer anticipation of camping made it seem like we were on the road for at least three hours. I remember I’d pass the time building models in the sleeper area situated above the driver’s and passenger’s seat. This was before the age of seatbelts, mind you, so I would climb up there armed with my modeling set and glue and get to work. Since I was doing precise gluing work in this small enclosed space, I remember always feeling a little too excited while putting those models together. After 45 minutes of inhaling fumes, I’d emerge with wide, red eyes, looking a little too happy about finishing the model. Probably explains why I am the way I am now, huh?

to the site’s swimming pool. But going down the rickety fiberglass slide, which never had enough water to keep your skin from coming to a screeching stop halfway down, a couple of times taught me to steer clear of that pool for good. Once we arrived at our campsite, my dad would complete all the hook-ups and get the motorhome balanced. But the second he was done, we’d unload my dirt bike, and I’d disappear into the woods for hours. The campground ran right next to the Big Thompson River, and the unfathomably long trails that ran along the riverside were a dream for a rambunctious preteen boy. I’d hang out with other kids at the campground where we’d spend most afternoons building jumps and challenging each other to see who could have the best wipeout which, again, might explain why I am the way I am today! Once the sun fully set, I’d pedal my way back to the motorhome for dinner. Our camper was a few editions too old to have side extenders, so my dad and I had to put together the dinner table before meals. But, no matter how many times we built and disassembled that table, it always wobbled a little. When I wasn’t pedaling through the seas of trees, you could find me perched next to the Big Thompson River trying my best to catch an actual fish instead of just rocks — which didn’t happen all too often. I’d also hop in the car with my family to head into town and

check out the cool local shops. My favorite stop was a sugary one named Laura’s, and it was filled wall-to-wall with mountain fudge, caramel apples, and basically anything else a kid could possibly dream of. We’d then venture back to the campsite, so my mom could cook some real food to soak up all the sugar, and we’d top the evening off with some perfectly roasted campfire s’mores. There are few childhood memories that stand out more in my mind than the ones I forged at Estes Park. While I haven’t actually been to that same campground in many years, I’m hoping to journey back there for another adventure someday soon. Maybe I’ll even catch a few more fish this time.

– Dr. Scott Lowry

My dad would check in to Big Thompson RV and Campground while I would sprint over

CALL 970-515-6332 • 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

We seek balance through many methods, like morning yoga poses and guided meditations before bed. But another important part of a balanced, holistic lifestyle is diet. When your body is missing nutrients, you suffer from all kinds of physical and mental ailments. Based on a holistic nutrition perspective, here are some foods you can pair together to promote better body balance from the inside out. CITRUS FRUITS AND DARK, LEAFY GREENS The vitamin C in citrus fruits helps your body absorb the iron in kale, spinach, and other leafy greens. Unlike the iron found in animal proteins, the iron in leafy vegetables isn’t as easy to absorb. Get the most out of those greens by tossing your spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette or brush some lemon or orange juice onto your grilled kale. BEANS AND RICE This simple staple meal for many Latin American families is prevalent for a reason. Together, beans and rice make a nutritious and protein-packed meal to fuel your body. Keep this dish interesting by creating new combinations with avocado, zesty sauces, cilantro, and radishes. Peas and quinoa is another pairing that completes the essential amino acid profile, and the two work well together in a salad or scramble. PERFECT PAIRINGS Ingredients for Better Body Balance

CHERRIES AND SPIRULINA You may not always think about your blood health, but you should because your blood distributes crucial nutrients throughout your body and floods toxins out. Iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12, and protein are the building blocks for better blood. You can find these nutrients in dark red foods, such as cherries, raspberries, beets, and kidney beans, and in dark green foods, like spinach, spirulina, and wheatgrass. Holistic nutritionist Sarah Britton, author of “My New Roots: Inspired Plant-Based Recipes,” suggests starting the day with a refreshing smoothie made with some of these foods.

These ingredient combinations bring out the best in each other, so your body can function at its best. Pair them together and enjoy!

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER ABOUT HIKING/CAMPING? The 10 Essentials, of Course!

Navigation map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger

Since Dr. Scott Lowry took a trip down memory lane to tell us about some of the best camping experiences of his life, all of us here at Greeley Endodontics figured there was no better time to talk about the basic necessities any camper, hiker, or backpacker should bring with them, no matter how long or short the trail. The original list of necessities, known throughout the outdoor community as the “10 Essentials,” was created by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers, to help people be prepared for emergency situations while exploring back in the 1930s. According to REI, back then, the list included a map, a compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra clothing, a headlamp/ flashlight, first-aid supplies, a fire starter, matches, a knife, and extra food. But as time went on, the list transformed into more of a “systems” approach, which you can see below. (Source: REI.com)

2. Headlamp plus extra batteries 3. Sun protection sunglasses, sun- protective clothing, and sunscreen 4. First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)

5. Knife plus a gear repair kit 6. Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove 7. Shelter carried at all times 8. Extra food beyond the minimum expectation 9. Extra water beyond the minimum expectation 10. Extra clothes beyond the minimum expectation

With all this excellent later summer weather and a plethora of hiking and camping options in the great state of Colorado, now is the perfect time to get make some outdoor memories. Trails located at Josephine Jones Park in Greeley, Mills Lake in the Rocky Mountain National Park, both Blue Lake or Lake Isabelle at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in the Indian Peaks, or Horsetooth Falls in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are all great places to hit the dirt and test your limits. Just don’t forget to bring your 10 Essentials along for the ride!

(can be a light emergency bivy)

These 10 Essentials can help keep you safe wherever you’re adventuring this summer.

2 • WWW.GREELEYENDO.COM

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

ARE THERE SOME IMPORTANT TEETH YOU’RE FORGETTING ABOUT?

Let’s Focus on Your Pet’s Dental Health! For as long as we can remember, dogs have been referred to as “man’s best friend.” Stories of dogs’ loyalty are the stuff of literal legends. In fact, if you look up at the stars on a clear night, you can find Canis Major — a pup-shaped constellation representing the hunting dog who was so devoted to his owner that he followed him straight up into the night sky. Since our canine friends have treated us so well over the years, the least we can do is make sure they stay as healthy as can be. Few pet owners realize that dogs have just as much bacteria in their mouths as humans do, and while there is no substitute for visits to the veterinarian, there are ways you can maintain your pet’s dental health. SHOP AROUND FOR THE RIGHT TOOLS When brushing your canine’s teeth, avoid using human toothpaste because it contains cleaning agents that can harm your dog if swallowed. Pet toothpaste comes in all sorts of fun flavors your dog will love, such as poultry and malt, and is carried in nearly all pet stores nationwide. Additionally, be sure to pick up either a specially designed canine toothbrush, a children’s toothbrush, or a finger toothbrush to make the brushing process easier on your pup’s gums. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT While the flavored pet toothpaste will certainly help get your dog a little more comfortable with the brushing process, there are other steps you can take to make the experience simpler. Start by

periodically opening your canine’s mouth with your hand, just to get them used to the feeling. Each time they let you open their mouth with ease, give them a small sample of the toothpaste. Then, put some doggy toothpaste on the special brush and lift their lip to prepare for brushing. Aim to brush all their teeth, as well as their cheeks, but try to give a little extra attention to the canines and back upper molars, as those areas tend to have the most tartar buildup. We hope this information will help you feel a little more comfortable preparing to care for your pup’s teeth. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to let us know!

WORD SEARCH

ROASTED CORN SALSA

Corn is plentiful during the summer months, and this easy-to-make salsa is sure to be a hit at your next get-together.

Ingredients

• •

2 medium ears of corn, shucked

•

1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced

1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced

• • •

•

1/2 red onion, diced

Juice of 1 lime

Kosher salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.

AUGUST BACK CHILDREN CHILLY

COOL END FALL LEAVES

SCHOOL SUMMER SUPPLIES TEACHERS

5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

CALL 970-515-6332 • 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

Fox Run Business Park 1711 61st Avenue, Suite 108 Greeley, CO 80634

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Phone: 970-515-6332 www.greeleyendo.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Playing in the Dirt, Fishin’ for Rocks, and Eating S’mores PAGE 1 The Ingredients for Holistic Health Do You Know the 10 Essentials for Hiking? PAGE 2 Important Teeth You May Be Forgetting About Roasted Corn Salsa PAGE 3 The Art of Stargazing PAGE 4

Helping Humans Slow Down and Look Up THE ART OF STARGAZING Modern humans are stuck in a routine of expected and constant industriousness. But with all this rushing, people often drag themselves home at night with no energy left to enjoy the most splendid show nature has to offer: the wondrous night sky. Most people go through life looking straight ahead, but if they would stop and peer skyward, they’d bear witness to a massive, unexplored frontier made up of the moon in all its phases, burning stars sailing through the sky, constellations with epic origin stories, and meteor showers bright enough to warrant sunglasses. If you’re looking for a hobby to help you slow down and appreciate the world around you, stargazing is a great option. Here are some tips to get you started. 1. The Higher, the Better If you’re a city dweller, meander a little way out of town or try to find a tall building to keep the light pollution to a minimum. 2. Extra Set of Eyes While novice stargazers often want to immediately throw their money at a new telescope, astronomy experts recommend starting with binoculars instead. You’ll need to identify several anchor planets or constellations to help you navigate the sky before using a telescope.

apps offers a unique benefit for aspiring stargazers.

For example, Starwalk lets you point your phone at the sky to see stars, constellations,

and planets in real time based on your location.

4. Mark Your Calendar In 1972, beloved singer-songwriter John Denver wrote about a meteor shower he witnessed during a

camping trip in Colorado. He describes the scene by singing, “I’ve seen it raining fire in the sky.” The “fire” he recounted was actually the Perseids meteor shower, the most recognized shower on Earth. This astrological wonder takes place every year from July 17 to Aug. 24. During this time, viewers should be able to see shooting stars associated with the Perseids, but the shower reaches its maximum rate of activity on Aug. 12–13 this year. Grab some friends and family, and head outdoors to put your newfound stargazing knowledge to work.

3. Utilize Assets Put your phone to good use by downloading apps like Stellarium, Starwalk, and Google Sky Map. Each of these