Check out our March newsletter!
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
MARCH 2024
Cherish Every Moment — Before You Blink, They’re All Grown Up
As many of you know, I have six children. Not only does it mean I’m a busy dad with an amazing wife and mother of my kids, but it also means I seize every opportunity to celebrate them! Absolutely Incredible Kid Day falls on March 16, and National Teenager Day is celebrated on March 21. My birthday also happens to be in March, which is fitting because I was an incredible kid! However, all jokes aside, I am blessed to have healthy, passionate, and kind- hearted children, and these celebrations are truly all about them. Just the other day, my teenage daughter posed a thought-provoking question: "What is your favorite age?" Confused by the inquiry, I asked her to elaborate. She wanted to know, as a dad, which age of my children I enjoyed the most. It was a
perplexing choice, as each age and moment has its own unique charm, and I used her as a prime example. In the early days of parenthood, when my daughter was a baby, the world seemed to pause as I cradled her in my arms. Her tiny body, soft and cuddly, found comfort resting her head on my shoulder everywhere we went. Even in the late night hours, those quiet moments were pure bliss. As she transitioned into toddlerhood, her wild and curious spirit emerged. It was a signal to investigate if there was silence, as our mischievous Joselyn had likely found her way into some sort of creative escapade. I distinctly recall a day when she managed to cover her entire body in Sharpie marker — a messy yet hilarious incident that, despite its frustration, became a cherished memory to share with her as she grew older. (Of course, I had to snap a photo or two.) Around the same age, clothing seemed optional for her. One early morning, my sleep was interrupted by a little hand tugging at my arm. There she stood, naked, insisting she was cold. In response, I chuckled and exclaimed, "Of course you're cold, sweetheart; you don't have any clothes on!" A lesson in dressing appropriately for bedtime followed! Fast forward to her teenage years, and a new chapter is unfolding. These years have allowed her personality to thrive. Her likes and dislikes have become pronounced, and
she has started to form her own opinions, evolving into the loving person she is today. Today, she still gives me a kiss goodnight and lets me know she loves me — and it’s the greatest feeling in the world.
Reflecting on the distinct phases of my children's lives, I've realized the
impossibility of choosing a favorite. Each moment has been priceless, from the infancy of cuddles and the chaotic adventures of toddlerhood to the blossoming personalities in the teenage years. Parenthood, I've learned, is a journey filled with lessons. The most significant among them is to embrace and savor every moment because time flies by too quickly. It's easy to reminisce or peer into the future, but the essence of parenting lies in being present and appreciating the now. They grow up in the blink of an eye — don’t miss a second!
–Dr. Elkins
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Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool-season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can also be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early to mid-March. A SPRING GARDENING GUIDE Grow Your Green Thumb This Spring
Heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness. ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Natural Alternatives to Commercial Teeth Whitening
Benefits: Hydrogen peroxide has natural bleaching properties that can lighten tooth color. Ensure proper dilution to prevent irritation. Apple Cider Vinegar Method: Gargle with diluted apple cider vinegar, or apply it directly to your teeth and rinse after a few minutes. Benefits: Despite its acidity, apple cider vinegar may have whitening effects due to its acetic acid content. However, regular use should be approached cautiously to avoid enamel erosion. Activated Charcoal Method: Brush your teeth with activated charcoal powder. Benefits: Charcoal is known for its absorbent properties, attracting stains and toxins. However, use it sparingly to prevent abrasion. Fruits and Vegetables Method: Include crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery in your diet. Benefits: The abrasive texture of these foods can help remove surface stains. Additionally,
Achieving a dazzling white smile is a common aspiration, and while commercial teeth-whitening products are prevalent, many seek natural alternatives. Here's a guide to natural solutions that may help whiten your teeth. Oil Pulling Method: Swish a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes, then spit it out. Benefits: Oil pulling is believed to reduce bacteria and plaque, promoting oral hygiene and potentially contributing to a brighter smile. Baking Soda Method: Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water and brush your teeth with it. Benefits: Baking soda's mild abrasiveness may help remove surface stains, revealing whiter teeth. However, use it sparingly to avoid enamel damage. Hydrogen Peroxide Method: Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash or mix it with baking soda to form a paste.
they stimulate saliva production, which assists in
maintaining oral health. Dietary Adjustments
Method: Limit the consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries. Benefits: Prevention is key. By minimizing exposure to staining agents, you can maintain a whiter smile. While these natural methods may offer gradual improvements, it's essential to approach teeth whitening with realistic expectations. Regular oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings contribute significantly to a healthy and radiant smile. Consult our office before trying any new whitening regimen, especially if you have underlying dental concerns.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?” For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn • 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D.
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy! Directions
JOKES DAD
What falls during March but never gets hurt? The rain.
When does a leprechaun cross the road? When it turns green!
Which type of bow can’t be tied in March? A rainbow.
Beyond the Claws — All About Grizzly Bears DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that grizzly bears can weigh up to 600 pounds? It’s true! Check out some of these interesting facts about these majestic and fascinating bears! Distinctive Hump One of the most recognizable features of a grizzly bear is the distinctive hump on its shoulders. This muscle mass provides strength for digging and gives them the power to overturn rocks and logs in search of food. Omnivorous Diet Grizzlies are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they consume both plant matter and meat. While their diet primarily consists of berries, nuts, and vegetation, they are also known to catch fish and hunt small mammals. Massive Size Grizzly bears are among the largest land mammals in North America. Adult males weigh between 400–600 pounds, while females are generally smaller. Hibernation Experts Grizzlies are known for their ability to hibernate during the winter months. Their heart rate drops significantly during this period, and they rely on stored body fat for sustenance. Excellent Swimmers Despite their massive size, grizzly bears are adept swimmers. They can easily cross rivers and lakes, and swimming is often part of their routine for fishing or simply cooling off.
Facts Tooth Fun The Ancient History of Teeth Whitening The quest for brighter, whiter teeth has a long and fascinating history that spans centuries and various cultures. Ancient civilizations employed creative methods to achieve a brighter smile. • The ancient Egyptians concocted a mixture of ground pumice stone and wine vinegar to scrub away stains from their teeth. • Romans relied on urine and goat milk to create a whitening paste. • In the 17th century, people visited barber shops to have their teeth filed and treated with acid to whiten them. • The 19th century saw the emergence of the toothpaste industry, with early formulations containing abrasive elements like chalk and soap. Today, professional teeth whitening procedures conducted by dentists and over-the-counter whitening products utilize advanced formulations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains safely.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. They Grow Up in the Blink of an Eye
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Bring Color and Joy to
Chicken Burrito Bowl
3 Pet Hero Stories
Your Garden
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
3 FURRY HEROES Jack, Togo, and Bandit Went Above and Beyond
Sometimes, heroes come sans cape but with fur, paws, and a keen sense of smell. We’ve heard the stories of police dogs, bomb- sniffing dogs, and the German shepherd Trakr, who found the last survivor on 9/11. But even untrained pets and strays can be heroic. Meet Jack, a stray dog in NewYork City known for scavenging through dumpsters. One early morning, his routine search for food took a life-saving turn. Behind one of these dumpsters was a baby, wrapped in a blanket, vulnerable and alone. Instinctively and with remarkable gentleness, Jack picked up the baby in the blanket with his teeth. Whether guided by fate, an extraordinary sense of purpose, or just because it was the closest open business, Jack took the baby to the hospital. The nurses tried to shoo him away when he first ran through the sliding doors. One nurse, noticing the bundle in the dog’s mouth, was able to get close enough
to retrieve the baby. Thanks to Jack, the baby received life-saving medical attention. In the 1920s, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, grappled with a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Children were dying, and the icebound city was inaccessible by plane or boat in the winter. The only way to deliver the needed antitoxins was by dog sled on the Iditarod Trail. Balto, a Siberian husky, received most of the fame, but Togo, another husky, led the team across the most treacherous part of the journey. These dogs delivered life-saving medicine in time and saved many of Nome’s children. Cats can be heroes, too, as proved by a calico cat who lived up to his name in the most unexpected way. One night in Mississippi, intruders were trying to break into a home. The house cat, Bandit, sensed the danger and sprang into action. The cat’s relentless
scratching and tugging at its owner’s blanket finally woke him. Then Bandit led his human downstairs to discover the attempted break- in, which also scared away the intruders. Bandit proved that size and species don’t matter in heroism. In moments of crisis, these four-legged heroes rose to the occasion, not for glory or reward but out of pure love and loyalty. They are potent reminders of the courage and selflessness that animals are capable of.
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