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July/August 2023
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF COLLEGE Live, Laugh, Learn
Many young adults, including my middle daughter, are preparing to leave home and go to college for the first time. It’s gotten me thinking about my experiences as a college student. I had a lot of great times, and they left me with several nuggets of wisdom to pass along to the next generation. (I’ve even included a few bonus tips on Page 2.) The first big crisis for many students is their first- year roommate. Who will they be? Will they be friendly? In my day, we were randomly assigned roommates and received a dot matrix printout in the mail. The letter included our roomie’s phone number, so I called him to get acquainted. Immediately off to a great start, I accidentally asked for him by his last name and ended up on the phone with his father! That was embarrassing. Meanwhile, college students today have the option to choose their roommates. My oldest daughter spent time on Facebook and Snapchat figuring it out. My middle daughter is trying to decide whether to follow that same path or go the random route I did. Whatever she chooses, I’ve got my fingers crossed for her. In my experience, though, your roommate isn’t that crucial. (Perhaps my opinion would be different if I had a horrible one.) You shouldn’t be spending that much time in your dorm, anyway! It’s great if you have a strong
connection with your roommate, but there are plenty of other ways to make close friends whose company you enjoy. My friend group came from all walks of life. I first gravitated to some other students from Iowa because we could relate to each other and carpool for visits home. But that group branched out much further; it was nothing like the high school cliques. I was a biology major, but I had friends in art, journalism, and all other areas of study. It was eye-opening to share experiences with people who see the world entirely differently from you, watch them perform on stage, or see them win the big game. Some of my favorite classes weren’t in my major, either. I loved one about British history in the World War II era. I also took a music theory class, thinking it would be a cinch. It was anything but! That class almost killed me, but I can appreciate music in depth now. It was also good for me to be challenged and expand my horizons. My advice to all college students is to branch out. Take classes and make friends you never thought you would. You might not ever get the opportunity again. One last life lesson was a lot more unpleasant. The week before finals, I got takeout and woke up at 5 a.m. with the worst food poisoning I’ve ever experienced. I didn’t feel better for a week and lost 16 pounds; I attended my finals in very baggy
clothing. Unsurprisingly, studying while ill was also difficult. Telling friends what I had just been through, they were amazed. “Why didn’t you ask to reschedule your exams until after winter break?” they asked. I had no idea that was an option. I might have done things differently with that knowledge. But at the same time, I’m a little grateful for the experience. You never know how many challenges you can overcome until you’re faced with them. Ultimately, I’ve made it through 100% of my most difficult days — and if you’re reading this, so have you. College is no walk in the park, but it’s nothing you or your child can’t handle. -Dr. Jason Schermer
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Passion, Persistence, and Patience
HOW COLLEGE FRESHMEN CAN EMBRACE A NEW CHAPTER
As many of our patients or their children prepare to embark on a higher education journey this fall, I want to share some timeless wisdom. College is a transformative and exciting time filled with new friendships, challenges, and learning. However, stepping out of your comfort zones and adapting to a new rhythm of life can be nerve-wracking. So, as you pack your bags and prepare to step onto the campus, remember to carry these “3 Ps” with you. PASSION is an inner flame that drives you toward your goals. College will provide countless opportunities to explore new fields, join various clubs, and participate in different activities. During these times, let your passion guide you. Seek courses, hobbies, and friendships that ignite that flame and excite you to get up in the morning. Do not be swayed by what others think is the “right” path. Instead, follow your curiosity and interests, motivating you and leading you to a more fulfilling college experience. PERSISTENCE is equally essential. College life can be demanding and push you to your limits. There will be tough courses, challenging projects, and a few late nights studying for exams. When you come across these hurdles, remember to persist. It’s okay to ask for help when needed; there’s no shame in seeking assistance from a professor, a tutor, or a friend. Struggling is part
of the learning process, and your ability to keep going, despite difficulties will help you grow as a student and a person.
PATIENCE is the capacity to accept delays or difficulties without getting upset. As you navigate the ups and downs of your college journey, remember to give yourself time to adjust and learn. Everyone’s college experience is different, and it’s important not to rush yours or compare it to others. Just as a flower doesn’t bloom overnight, your growth and progress may take time, and that’s perfectly alright. As you embark on your new adventure, remember your college journey is uniquely yours. Embrace it with an open mind, and keep the three “Ps” in your backpack alongside your textbooks. Remember that everyone at Exceptional Smiles is cheering you on every step of the way. May this next chapter be one of joy, growth, and discovery. Best of luck!
-Dr. Jason Schermer
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “What a journey and so worth it! Thank you, Dr. Schermer, for your patience and talent! My teeth look amazing, and I am so happy with the results.” -Cindy H. — “It was a phenomenal dental experience from start to finish. They have a beautiful office and smart, thoughtful professionals.” -Jake M.
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(440) 483-1003
EAT THIS, NOT THAT SIMPLE FOOD SWAPS FOR BETTER HEALTH
Eating well for our minds and bodies is challenging with so many options and confusing advertisements. Even foods we think are healthy often aren’t. Dr. Schermer recently shared how he began
health effects, including worsened dental health. Whole wheat options, on the flip side, help control blood sugar levels and make you feel fuller longer. You can also experiment with beans instead of rice and veggie noodles as an alternative to regular pasta. SNACK SMARTER. Our small nibbles throughout the day add up more quickly than we think. Worse, many of our favorite snacks are packed with sodium, sugar, and empty calories. Fortunately, some alternatives are just as tasty. Try nuts instead of crackers or chips to calm your craving for salt. Another alternative for chips and dip are crunchy vegetables and hummus. Meanwhile, fruit has fewer calories than granola and will also replace candy. Finally, feed your sweet tooth dark chocolate instead of milk or white varieties. We know how difficult it is to make many changes simultaneously, so pick one item on this list and start there. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can work up to another swap. Your whole body will thank you! Thank you for helping us grow our dental family! When you recommend our care to your friends and family, and they complete a new patient appointment, you will get a $50 gift card from us!
ordering Freshly lunches. When the company shut down, he subscribed to another option and didn’t notice how much fat, sodium, and sugar were in the meals until a staff member pointed it out. He’s now back to preparing his own food. It was a wise choice because our nutrition choices affect our whole lives, specifically our physical, mental, and oral health. Below are some simple food swaps that can have a larger impact. WATER IS BEST. Though it may be plain, there’s no better beverage than regular H20. Soda, juice, and smoothies all contain added sugar, harming your health and tooth enamel. Meanwhile, coffee, tea, and
wine discolor your teeth. And that’s not even to mention the excess calories! The more drinks you can substitute with water, the better off you’ll be.
DITCH WHITE FLOUR. Most pasta, rice, and bread we consume isn’t doing us any favors. White grains turn to sugar and can have many undesirable
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches
Inspired by Delish.com
This summer salad is both hearty and healthy!
Ingredients •
Q: How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? A: Ten-tickles.
1 lb skirt steak, fat trimmed 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• • • • • •
Black pepper
• • • • •
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, juiced 6 cups baby arugula
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
Q: What kind of birds write letters?
Kosher salt
Directions 1. In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic, and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature. 2. Remove steak from marinade, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. 3. On a grill or pan set to high heat, cook steak until desired doneness. Rest 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large serving bowl, add arugula, peaches, blue cheese or feta, and steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss.
A: Pen-guins!
Q: What does corn say when it gets a compliment?
A: Aw, shucks!
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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(440) 483-1003
INSIDE 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
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Dr. Schermer’s Top University Lessons
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A Special Message to New College Students
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What People Are Saying About Us
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Improve Your Health with These Food Swaps
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Grilled Steak Salad With Peaches
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Discover Your Ideal Seaside Retreat
beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. FIND THE PERFECT BEACH RENTAL LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions. SANDY TOES, SUNNY SKIES, AND BEACH BLISS
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment overlooking the
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