Strange Events You’ve Probably Never Heard Of NOT YOUR AVERAGE OLYMPIC SPORT
During the last Summer Olympic Games, Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s performance caught the world off guard. After watching the event, many Americans wondered why breaking was added to the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is responsible for choosing the events, and they consider a wide range of criteria when considering adding or removing events. They look at how long the sport has existed, its popularity within the host country, the cost to broadcast the events, and whether an international federation governs the sport. Breaking was a hit at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and was added to the 2024 Paris Games to drive engagement with a younger audience. The IOC has already announced that breaking will not return for the 2028
games in Los Angeles, joining a list of other sports dropped from the Olympic stage. Think breaking was a little outside the box? Then you won’t believe some of the events from past Olympics. Plunge for Distance (1904): Plunging was a sport in which participants dove into the water from a spring 18 inches above the surface. They floated for 60 seconds without propelling themselves forward, and whoever went the farthest won. Only five individuals competed in the event, and all were American. Ballooning (1900): Technically an unofficial event at the 1900 games, ballooning consisted of various hot-air balloon-related activities. They held competitions for the farthest distance traveled, longest time
traveled, greatest height achieved, and landing closest to a target. Motor Boat Racing (1908): Competitors got in their boats to travel five laps around an 8-nautical-mile course in the Southampton waters of England. This event was a complete disaster. Multiple boats would start each race, but in almost every instance, only one would cross the finish line, as strong winds heavily affected the others. Ski Ballet (1988 and 1992): While never an official Olympic event, ski ballet was demonstrated at two Olympic Games, anticipating its potential as a real event. Imagine figure skating on skis instead of skates. Competitions required participants to complete a choreographed routine in 90 seconds on a smooth slope.
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Early Oral Cancer Detection Saves Lives
Sometimes, oral cancer can feel like an invisible threat: something happening inside your mouth or throat that you may barely notice until it becomes serious. But it’s helpful to know that being informed and proactive can make a difference! Let’s walk through what oral cancer is, why it matters, and what you can do to stay ahead of it. Oral cancer refers to malignant growths that can start in the lips, the front two‑thirds of the tongue, the gums, the floor or roof of the mouth, and the inner lining of your cheeks (the “oral cavity”). Another set of cancers occurs in the throat region, specifically the oropharynx, which includes the area at the back of the tongue, the tonsils, and the upper part of the throat. Why should you pay attention? Because early detection improves outcomes significantly. Every year, tens of thousands of people are diagnosed in the U.S., and sadly, many deaths could be avoided if the disease were caught sooner. While none of these mean you definitely have cancer, here are some cues that you
should give us a call and schedule an appointment to get checked out right away. • A sore or irritation in the mouth that doesn’t go away (two weeks or more) • Red or white patches on your gums, tongue, or the lining of your mouth • Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw • Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit the way they used to • Feeling like something is caught in your throat, changes in your voice, or hoarseness When it comes to risk, some people are more vulnerable than others, but the good news is that many risk factors are modifiable. Using tobacco, whether it's smoking or smokeless, is a major one. Drinking alcohol heavily adds to the risk. Also, certain infections like the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to cancers in the throat and oral region. Age or small area that looks unusual • Difficulty chewing, swallowing,
and gender also play a role, with men and older individuals being more at risk. Your dental appointments are incredibly important. We will examine all the relevant areas: lips, cheeks, gums, tongue (front and back), the roof and floor of your mouth, throat and tonsils, and the neck for any swellings. This kind of exam can catch something early, often before you even notice a symptom. So, keep an eye on your oral health, attend regular dental visits, and if something seems off and doesn’t fix itself in two weeks, don’t wait. Early detection can make a significant difference when it comes to oral cancer. –Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
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