FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM MAY 2020
WHAT DO YOU DO WITH MORE TIME ON YOUR HANDS?
You Build a Guitar!
Hello there! How are you doing? I can imagine you’re going through some of the same things we are, with daily routines looking a little different than they used to. A lot of the activities we look forward to in the spring haven’t been part of it this year. We were only two practices into baseball season before we had to stop playing. Still, I’m grateful that the sun has been shining, the flowers are blooming, and I get to spend more time with my family. One of the silver linings of having extra time has meant getting to work on creative projects that I probably wouldn’t have gotten to otherwise. Last month, I got to work on building my second guitar.This one is for a friend of mine who served as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Army.The guitar is themed around these two aspects of his life. Like my first guitar, I made pearl inlays, and this worked well for making the helicopter. But when it came to making the Army star that’s red, white, and blue, I realized I didn’t have enough red or blue pearl, so I got a little creative. I cut out pieces from a pickguard (the plastic piece on the body of a guitar that protects it from the pick) to create the star. I think it turned out pretty well, no? We’re all getting a little creative with what we have on hand! My friend’s wife has
Around our house, everyone is trying to find activities to keep themselves busy — sometimes with not-so-gentle encouragement from me and Beth. We’re doing all we can to find projects that keep the younger kids engaged and don’t involve just sitting in front of the TV, but it’s not always easy, especially when they can’t just go play with friends! I can imagine maybe you’ve had some of the same challenges. Fortunately, the one thing there’s always plenty of (especially with everyone at home) is dishes! So if you ever hear the response, “I’m bored,” you can always suggest they help out with some of the stack that’s building up in the sink. We’ve been trying to make sure the kids are keeping up with their chores because it also gives them a little bit of routine. Don’t worry, though, it’s not all work around here.The kids have had fun drawing with chalk on our driveway and finding outdoor activities in the yard. We’ve been playing a little baseball to help Russell keep his hand-eye coordination consistent, and it’s been nice to get outside. How have you been passing the time? I hope you’ve found some projects that bring you joy and help you stay positive. If you’re interested in learning about how to build a guitar, well, let me know! Wishing you a healthy and happy month,
been stationed in Italy, so they had to adhere to some serious quarantine guidelines with everything going on there. I’m grateful that I’ve gotten to stay in touch with him through WhatsApp. We’ve been doing video chats and messaging back and forth to talk about the guitar, and it’s been nice to keep in contact. He’s been one of my best friends since we were in grade school, and I’m excited to show him the guitar once it’s all finished.
–Dr. Elkins
Elkinsdental.com | 1
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY GARDENING
Give Your Kid the Gift of a Green Thumb Springtime often means nicer weather and more time spent outside, but it also
Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child's Developing Immune System.”The two found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set.Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries.The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants. Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!
means it's gardening season.That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development. Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves.
CleanWith Kalie Helping Your Littles Develop Good Oral Hygiene Habits
face or star on that date. Use these images as positive encouragement to help them stick with it. At our house, something we’ve found successful for getting our kids into brushing is a kid-sized electric toothbrush. My daughter loves brushing her teeth so much more since we got her one! It makes it more fun for her to brush and a little easier to focus on the task. Since most electric brushes have a built-in two-minute timer, it eliminates some of the guesswork too. If you don’t have an electric toothbrush, then try using a phone or sand timer, like those you find in board games. Even better, put on a fun song for two minutes. Get your kids into the habit of brushing when the song starts (it’s okay if you all dance a little too). By helping your child create a positive relationship with their oral hygiene, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of smiles!
Just like for adults, brushing twice a day for two minutes each time will help your kids' teeth stay healthy and cavity-free.These early brushings will begin to build a habit that they’ll follow for the rest of their lives.
I know it’s not always easy for kids to stick with this routine. Sometimes, we need to get a little creative to help kids associate brushing their teeth with something fun and positive. Your kids will follow what you do, so set a good example for them. After they’ve watched you do it a couple times, have them brush their teeth with you in the morning and evening. Try brushing and flossing about the same time every day.This will help get your kids in the routine of it and make it a natural part of their day. Smile at each other when you’re done to show how clean your teeth are. Plus, smiling just feels good! You can also make a game of it by using a calendar or chart to mark their progress. For each day they do their brushing and flossing, put a smiley
-Kalie and Caryn –Kalie
2 | Elkins Dental
STICKY AND SWEET PORK ‘RIBS’
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients
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?” 4. Using a convection plate on the grill, cook pork until the thickest part reaches an internal te perature of 140–145 F. 5. In a large saucepan, simmer brown sugar, molasses, and reserved marinade for 6–8 minutes. 6. Baste the pork with the brown sugar glaze for 2 minutes before serving • 2/3 cup honey • 2/3 cup rice wine • 1/2 cup chili oil • 1/3 cup oyster sauce • 1/3 cup toasted sesame oil • 5 lbs boneless pork shoulder, flattened • 3/4 cup brown sugar • 1 tbsp molasses
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 heads garlic, cloves separated • 3 thumbs ginger, chopped • 1 cup oisin sauce • 3/4 cup fish sauce
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. Directions
1. In a blender, purée garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine, chili oil, oyster sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth. 2. Reserve and chill 1 1/2 cups for later use. 3. In a bag, add th remaining mixture and pork shoulder. Marinate for at least 8 hours.
GEM STATE? WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE
STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING FUN EVENTS!
DID YOU KNOW?
WHAT TO PLANT THIS MONTH Growing your own garden will not only add beauty to your backyard, but it will also give you fresh produce that you can enjoy all summer long. Here in the Treasure Valley, May offers up prime planting season for many of our favorite crops. Here are a few you can start planting this month: Peas Spinach Watermelon Squash Pumpkins Cucumbers Corn Cantaloupe Beans Beets Potatoes For most plants, you’ll want to wait until the threat of frost has passed, which is typically around the second half of May in the Treasure Valley. Consult the Farmers' Almanac or a local growing guide to find specific dates, and in a couple months, enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor!
Elkinsdental.com | 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. 2.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3.
4. How to Avoid Allergies This Spring
Dr. Elkins Gets Creative With His Time
What Is
Sticky and Sweet Pork ‘Ribs’
Gardening Good For?
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Kalie
Did You Know?
Happy Mother's Day From Elkins Dental
208-369-4532 Elkinsdental.com
TACKLE ALLERGIES THIS SPRING With These 3 Strategies
gym instead of running outside. In general, pollen counts are highest on warm and breezy mornings and lowest when it is cool and rainy. Plan your outdoor pursuits accordingly. CHANGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SPENDINGTIME OUTDOORS. If you suffer from seasonal allergies but still love to exercise outdoors, build a habit of showering and changing immediately after coming back inside. While you were out crushing that 30-mile bike ride, pollen was slowly accumulating in your hair and on your clothes. And while 30 minutes of outdoor exercise will, according to WebMD, completely coat your nasal membrane with allergens, showering and laundering your Depending on the severity of your allergies, medication, not prevention, will likely provide the best relief available. Every person is different, so ask your doctor about the best medicine for you, and make sure you understand how you’re supposed to use it before dismissing its efficacy. Some allergy medicines can take as long as three weeks to reach their full effectiveness. clothing will limit your exposure while indoors. MEDICATE, MEDICATE, MEDICATE.
Spring has officially sprung. Grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and longer days are here again. And while the arrival of spring is a cause for celebration, for outdoor enthusiasts who suffer from seasonal allergies, the season is bittersweet. For many, this time of the year is characterized by stuffy noses, burning eyes, and sneezing. But according to WebMD, even severe allergy sufferers can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about allergies by taking the following precautions. WATCH POLLEN COUNTS. You can usually find information about local pollen levels on the internet or in your local newspaper. If pollen counts are through the roof, consider hitting the indoor
4 | Elkins Dental
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker