THE STRAIGHT UP
February 2018
sold on dogs who are bigger than me. Dogs who are smaller than me give me paws, too. In Doodleville, there were constantly litters of new puppies. Puppies are a general nuisance, and by the time I could finally go home with my mom and dad, there were 12 small pups causing chaos. I suspect all young dogs must be just as chaotic, and on principle, I prefer things to be mellow. Mom says I’m hobbit-like, by which I believe she means I do not like adventures of any sort … unless it looks really fun. A few months ago, we drove up to Chicago — car rides are awesome — we spotted large sand dunes on the beach. I was a bit suspicious of them at first, but I soon discovered how fun it is to run up one side and down the other. We played on them for a long time. My mom and dad both are so worried about taking good care of me. My mom was devastated when the vet told her I had some plaque buildup on my back molars. She has since become very strict about brushing my teeth. They drove themselves a bit crazy when I first arrived, but I convinced them to mellow out. There are so many interesting things in the world to explore! My motto is, “Something might happen, so I have to check it out.” We wouldn’t be able to investigate or learn anything with worry holding us back. Mom and Dad should really listen to me more. I am making them healthier, after all! Years ago, the American Heart Association said pet ownership, “particularly dog ownership,” was “probably” linked to a
reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers from Sweden looked into this theory and examined the national records of 3.4 million Swedish citizens over 12 years. They found that registered dog owners had a lower rate of cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of death!
A DOG’S TAIL From the Office of Buster
Good day mate!
I’m Buster, Dr. Pitner’s Australian labradoodle! I know my mom has spent the last few months sharing stories about me, and I just wanted to say how happy I am to be here now. Since I moved from Doodleville, where I was born, to live with my new parents here in Columbia, I have met so many new humans. People are great! I’ve never met a human I didn’t like. That said, I’m a bit more critical of other dogs. They seem nice, but I’m not
MOM SAYS I’M HOBBIT-LIKE, BY WHICH I BELIEVE SHE MEANS I DO NOT LIKE ADVENTURES OF ANY SORT … UNLESS IT LOOKS REALLY FUN.
This is likely because of how much exercise dog owners get. A study published in the journal BMC Public Health found dog owners tend to walk 22 minutes more a day than non-dog owners. Those extra minutes really make a difference. The brisk pace most humans and dogs enjoy on walks has been shown to be just as effective as running at lowering the risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It’s nice to know I’m making my parents healthier. Although, isn’t getting to take me on walks its own reward? They get up and out of the house early, and we meet so many new people who are out with their own dogs. It’s like being part of the exclusive dog-walker club. People are more likely to say hi to my parents when I’m around, which is great, because I love saying hi to people! –Buster
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Smile big. Smile often. • 803-781-5225
EDUCATION IN THE KITCHEN WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN LEARN FROM BAKING
WithValentine’s Day right around the corner, you’re probably wracking your brain for the perfect recipe to bake for your loved one. There’s nothing wrong with store-bought chocolate, but there’s no topping the personal touch of some homemade baked goods. If you have kids, baking alongside them can be just as rewarding as enjoying the fruits of your labor. As an added bonus, baking is a hands-on
MATH Baking is a numbers game. Just take a look at any recipe, and you’ll recognize the impor- tance of math in building a beautiful cake. Having children measure out ingredients helps them learn about fractions and ratios. You can also test your kids by doubling or halving a recipe for multiplication and division practice. With older kids, practice unit conversions by asking, for example, how many pints are in half a gallon. FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS Not unlike computer science, baking requires a strict order of operations. The wet and dry ingredients often need to be mixed separate- ly and then folded together. It only takes one deviation from the instructions for a pastry to go from delicious to disgusting. Spending time in the kitchen, then, is a great way for kids to learn the importance of reading di- rections carefully and comprehending what they’ve just read. your teeth.While you do have to clean your teeth after meals, being able to remove the plastic aligners means your dental routine is just as easy as before. 2. NO NEED TO ALTER ACTIVITIES With braces, young athletes who play rough contact sports often require extra visits to the orthodontist after damaging their brackets or metal bands. The soft but durable plastic trays of Invisalign mean you don’t have to choose be- tween beautiful teeth and your favorite sport. 3. DON’T WORRY ABOUT CHANGING THE MENU Often, we eat what’s most readily available to us. However, with braces, patients have to choose their meals more carefully, sometimes sacrificing their favorite foods. Patients who
CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING Cuisine is a fundamental part of every culture. Introducing your child to dishes from around the world will expand their horizons. Want your child to be a less picky eater? Involving them in the cooking process is the surest way to get them excit- ed about trying new flavors and ingredients. NUTRITION Now, you might not think that baking cookies will encourage greater nutritional awareness, but hear us out. Sugar is often buried within packaged foods. When you bake something at home, a child gets to see, firsthand, just how much sugar goes into certain sweets. Meanwhile, cooking
opportunity where your child can
learn all sorts of important concepts.
savory dishes also allows them to learn what constitutes a balanced, healthy diet.
Here is a short list of some of the educational lessons
hiding in your kitchen.
NO TIME TO SMILE? 4 WAYS INVISALIGN WORKS WITH YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE
Why are there never enough hours in the day? The average parent’s schedule includes waking up before dawn, getting the kids ready for school, working full time, running errands, and spending the afternoon driving the kids to after-school activities. Meanwhile, teenagers find themselves constantly caught between class, extracurriculars, after-school jobs, and college prep. Most of us barely have time to cook dinner, let alone make time for the orthodontist every few weeks. Thankfully, there are options for achieving a perfect smile without adding mountains more to your to-do list. Here are four ways Invisalign can free up your busy schedule. 1. QUICKER MAINTENANCE Cumbersome braces can make it difficult to brush and floss properly, requiring more time caring for
undergo Invisalign treatment still have their preferred meal options open to them.
4. LESS TIME AT THE ORTHODONTIST Both braces and Invisalign require follow-up orthodontic visits. However, an Invisalign pa- tient’s visits are less frequent (only every 10–12 weeks) and often much shorter. Orthodontics should make your life easier in the long run and not add more stress to your already hectic day.You don’t have to keep putting off straightening your teeth until the magical day when your schedule clears up! Give Dr. Pitner a call at 803-781-5225 and learn how convenient Invisalign really is.
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NEED A LITTLE SPICE IN YOUR LIFE?
GINGER This root is an essential natural anti- inflammatory. It can help ease an upset stomach and finally tame your nausea.You can safely eat it raw, candied, as a supplement, in tea, or in baked goods. Ginger is most effective when it’s ingested raw or in capsule form. If you have morning sickness, raw ginger might do the trick. Just ask the people of ancient China. Like many spices, ginger’s use as a supplement goes back centuries. Southeast Asian countries used it to ease their own common ailments. Call it tried and true. PEPPERMINT
Spices and herbs add much more than flavor and aroma to your favorite beverages and treats. They also offer many health benefits. When properly deployed, these spice rack staples can ease a variety of symptoms. Ready to find your new holistic health kick? Read on. NUTMEG This spice, known for its earthy, nutty flavor, has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Want to calm nagging pain? This spice has been used to treat joint pain and arthritis. It can even be used to remedy bad breath! Nutmeg is most potent when it’s freshly grated, so it’s recommended you purchase whole nutmeg seed, found in most specialty food stores.You can incorporate nutmeg into your diet by taking it as a supplement in capsule form or simply sprinkling it into your next chai tea.Your achy joints will thank you.
oil, peppermint is great for treating colds. It’s a mild decongestant,
and it helps with coughs and stuffed-up noses. It also soothes sore throats and headaches.
Rub one or two drops under your nose, on your temples, or over your sinuses and feel the relief wash over you. Even further, a study published by The BMJ found that when administered as a capsule, peppermint helped reduce the symptoms of IBS in a majority of patients.
You can use peppermint as an essential oil, steep the leaves for
tea, or take a supplement capsule. Each form comes with its own benefits. As an essential
S W E E T A N D Z E S T Y DETOX SALAD
INGREDIENTS
For the Salad •
For the Dressing •
3 cups chopped kale leaves 2 cups chopped broccoli florets 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cup matchstick carrots 1 cup chopped cilantro 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds 1/3 cup sliced green onions
1 large carrot, roughly chopped 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger 1 tablespoon white miso 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon honey
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1 diced avocado
DIRECTIONS
1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
(Recipe inspired byGimmeSomeOven.com.)
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Smile big. Smile often. • 803-781-5225
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
5953 Wescott Rd. Columbia, SC 29212 803-781-5225 Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.drpitner.com
INSIDE
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Buster’s Off the Leash
Cook Your Way to Better Grades Are Teens Too Busy for Straight Teeth? 3 Holistic Remedies Hiding in Your Kitchen Whip Up This Winter Salad in a Flash!
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Local Events
Fall in Love With These Great Local Events FOLLOW YOUR HEART
Broadway inColumbia Presents ‘Cabaret’ Where: Koger Center, Columbia When: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Admission: See website for admission Website: kogercenterforthearts.com
World Beer Festival Columbia Where: SouthCarolina State Fairgrounds, Columbia, SouthCarolina When: Saturday, Feb. 17, 12–4 p.m., 6–10 p.m. Admission: $40,VIP $85 Website: allaboutbeer.com/gather-for-beer/ world-beer-festival/columbia-sc TheWorld Beer Festival returns toColumbia for the 10th year in a row.This calls for a toast! If you enjoy a good drink, then you’re in luck.This festival offers unlimited tastings of over 200 fine craft beers! Guests can enjoy theArt of Beer Experience and try great food and beer pairings, hear local musicians, and attend educational seminars from industry experts —yes, beer can be educational. Attendees must be 21-plus to enter the festival and are required to enjoy the experience responsibly.
NewClassicCinema: ‘The Princess Bride’ Where: HarbisonTheatre at MidlandsTechnical College, Irmo When: Saturday, Mar. 3, 2 p.m. Admission: $10 Website: harbisontheatre.org Princesses! Revenge! Monsters! Miracles! In 1987, “The Princess Bride” leapt into theaters, and it would capture hearts for generations. It’s a thrilling, heartwarming story wrapped in delightful humor. JoinWesley, Buttercup, and a memorable cast of heroes and villains in the fight for “twu wuv.”This classic fairytale returns to the big screen so you and your family can fall in love with it all over again.
Come inside the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where scandalous performers sing and dance life’s cares away in pre-WWII Germany. When Cliff, a young American writer, meets cabaret performer Sally, they fall into a whirlwind romance. But outside the club, the Nazi party rises to power while the decadent life of Berlin draws to a close. Get your tickets to this celebrated musical that asks, “Is it truly wise to leave your troubles outside?”
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