Anderson Dental Care - February 2020
BRUSH - UP
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | FEBRUARY 2020
4 TIPS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES
The movie “Groundhog Day” is one of my favorite films. Its main character is an egotistical weatherman, and he’s sent to the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover their Groundhog Day celebration. But once in Punxsutawney, he finds himself inexplicably reliving the same day over and over again. Every day, he is forced to see the same people do the same things, and he has no control over what the future will hold. It’s maddening. Sometimes, this time of year in Cincinnati, it starts to feel like we’re also stuck living the same day over and over again. You go to work, it’s dark, and you get home, and it’s already dark again. It’s too cold to do much of anything outside, and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. In that spirit, here are my four tips to help you beat the winter blues. Bundle up, get outside, and breathe in that cool winter air. The winter world is beautiful, and besides, it’s all relative. I was born and raised in Northern Indiana where they get significantly more snow and colder temps. When I moved to Cincinnati, it felt like I had just moved to Florida. That might be a slight exaggeration, but we really have such mild winters that we should try to enjoy the short winter season while it’s here. EMBRACE THE COLD
all the lights and eating dinner or playing games by candle light. Try lighting candles (it’s extra “fancy”) at dinner or build a fire and snuggle with a book. There is nothing like the flicker of a flame to warm your day and burn back the winter blues!
GET OUT — INSIDE
Go do something new inside. This is a fantastic time of year to go see a basketball game at the UC or Xavier. If sports aren’t your thing, you might check out a new art gallery or go see a musical performance. What you do when you go out doesn’t matter as much as making sure you’re getting out of the house and into the many indoor opportunities our community offers. You don’t have the sun this time of year, but you do have relationships. Winter is an excellent time to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while. Host a game night or a dinner party. The darkness leaves plenty of room for the light of human connection. In “Groundhog Day,” the main character uses all his energy to do self-serving things at first, but then he is miserable because he is only focused on himself and how much he hates his situation. Eventually, though, he learns he can still serve other people, and he starts focusing his energy outwardly — and is much happier for it. Likewise, the winter blues can drive us deep down into REKINDLE RELATIONSHIPS
ourselves and our own private challenges. It’s easy to forget the world around us and all the opportunities we have to still enjoy ourselves even when it’s cold and dark out. Since it’s February, and we’ve had a mild winter overall, you might be like me and finally settling into winter. But this last month, before Spring starts to peek through, can be a long one. So don’t get stuck living the same day over and over again. Do yourself a favor — get out of the house, light up the darkness, and be with your loved ones.
LIGHT UP THE DARKNESS
– Dr. Brooks
My wife and I have four kids, and we can all agree that a favorite winter activity is turning off
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In the U.S., there’s nothing we love more than our large meat-and- potatoes dinners, but, according to nutritional experts, American-style meals are expanding our waistlines and leading to chronic medical conditions. Push back against these unhealthy habits by checking out these healthier food traditions from around the globe that your whole family will enjoy. JAPAN: THE APPEARANCE In Japanese culture, an emphasis is placed on the look and color of the meal instead of the portion size. Japanese chefs opt for smaller portions of colorful fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish to create gorgeous, nutrient-packed meals. The result is a dish that is as beautiful as it is nutritious. You Try It: Learn the art of making sushi and other Japanese meals with your family. See what creative combinations your family can create, and vote for the best one! As an added bonus, since portions are small, meals are easily transportable to school and work. INDIA: THE SPICE Delicious spices comprise the bold flavors in traditional Indian dishes, and many even boast health benefits. Common ingredients like ginger and turmeric can decrease inflammation in the body while curry powder can aid in digestion and strengthen your bones and heart. You Try It: Using your own spices, have a spice-blending competition. Taste-test the creations and decide which recipes are good enough for a repeat and which ones will go down in family history as lofty experiments. Who knows? You may just discover your family’s next favorite meal. MEXICO: THE LUNCH Diners in Mexico often step away from the hustle and bustle of their busy days to enjoy their largest meal of the day: lunch. Though it may surprise you, this cultural tradition has surprising health benefits. Nutritional experts point to making lunch the largest meal of the day as the healthiest dining option, especially to control weight. More calories at lunch keep hunger at bay, which means less afternoon snacking and fewer daily calories overall, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. You Try It: Short of packing bigger lunches for your kiddos, try out this style of eating during the weekends. Enjoy large, family-style midday meals and smaller dinners with your loved ones on Saturdays and Sundays to reap the nutritional benefits of a large lunch. HEALTHY EATING HABITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD STICK A FORK IN IT
4 CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY Do you ever wonder what causes that shooting pain in your teeth every time you take a drink of ice water or bite into a sweet treat? Many different mechanisms can cause sensitive teeth, but they all have one thing in common: They all wear away the protective enamel on your teeth. But don’t panic. If you have tooth sensitivity, your condition is treatable and, with the proper care, it can improve. Here are three potential causes of your tooth sensitivity. CAVITIES Cavities are the number one reason people experience tooth sensitivity. If the bacteria that caused the cavity have made its way through your tooth to the dentin, your teeth will be sensitive. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year can help you prevent cavities from sneaking up on you, and a solid oral hygiene routine helps, too. BRUSHING TOO HARD Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with inappropriately hard bristles wears down your tooth enamel, which protects against sensitivity. Rather than cleaning your teeth with force, try using a gentle, circular motion, and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even better, get an electric toothbrush. Most modern electric models let you know if you are brushing too hard, so they help prevent the problem before it begins. TEETH GRINDING OR CLENCHING If you grind your teeth at night, you are slowly wearing away at your enamel. All that pressure and movement typically results in cold sensitivity, and the only way to protect against it is to get a custom night guard that is comfortable for you — so you will actually wear it at night. GUM RECESSION Gum recession is common in people who suffer from periodontal disease. Brushing too hard and tooth decay both contribute to the problem, which then leads to sensitivity. Dr. Brooks screens for gum recession in all of his patients, and their previous dentist commonly missed the warning signs. Make sure your dentist is screening you properly for periodontal disease! The only way to improve tooth sensitivity is to understand what is causing it and developing a treatment plan to fix the problem. Tooth sensitivity is a common condition with symptoms that can be improved, but it’s also a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Visit our Atowndental.com/blog to learn more about tooth sensitivity.
For more information and tips on how to transform your eating habits, visit DoSomething.org.
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VALENTINE’S DAY TREATS FOR YOUR KIDS
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR LITTLE VALENTINE THIS YEAR
Valentine’s Day isn’t just observed between romantic couples. It’s a day for celebrating the love you feel for people in all areas of your life. And if you have kids, Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate your love for them and let them know how special they are to you. Here are a few ways to make this Feb. 14 the most memorable one yet for your little ones. GIFTS AND BALLOONS Surprise your little ones the morning of Feb. 14 by decorating their room with their favorite treats and balloons. Tie their favorite candy bar or a small toy they’ve had their eye on to the bottom of one or more balloon strings. Then, place the balloons around their bedroom for them to find.
in the shape of a heart! You can write words of encouragement, love, and support and set the display up for them the night before. It’s a fantastic way for them to start their day. LET YOUR KIDS BE IN CHARGE Valentine’s Day lands on a Friday this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate over the weekend. Let your kids plan a day of fun by creating a list of activities they can choose from. Let them decide whether you all spend a few hours together ice skating, watching a movie, going to the park, or visiting an amusement park. To add a little more fun, create a “menu” they can look at and choose what they’ll have for dinner that night.
can cook bacon, pancakes, eggs, and toast all in the shape of hearts. For extra love, add strawberries or raspberries to complete the Valentine’s Day vibe. REFLECTIONS OF LOVE While you’re busy cooking up a feast, your kids will most likely visit the bathroom to get ready for the day. What will they see when they walk in? Their mirror covered in sticky notes
Enjoy this day of love with all of your special someones this year!
A HEARTFELT BREAKFAST Take the time to whip up their favorite
breakfast and try to add a little bit of Valentine’s Day cheer. If you want to get extra crafty, you
APPLE CIDER CHICKEN AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW!
INGREDIENTS
We’re giving away $25 every week! Just check our Facebook page every Tuesday to play our Tuesday Trivia contest. We’ll post a question, you post the answer, and you’re entered to win! Every Wednesday, we’ll post the answer, some additional info and announce the winner of a $25 Amazon e-gift card. Visit our page at Facebook.com/atowndental. FACT ALERT! Did you know that one algae is called an alga? According to Kiddle.com, recent estimates suggest that there are 72,500 different varieties of algae on the planet. While many species of algae are microscopic, kelp is the largest type of algae and can grow as big as 200 feet long. And if you think you’ve never eaten algae, think again. The nutrition industry uses these photosynthesizing organisms in a variety of applications. Algae is used to make a thickening agent used in ice creams, pastries, and other desserts and to make vegan fish oil replacement!
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1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved 2 gala apples, cut into wedges 1 red onion, cut into wedges
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4 boneless chicken breasts
1 tsp rosemary leaves, finely chopped
2 sprigs rosemary
2 tbsp butter, divided 2/3 cup apple cider 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. On a baking sheet, toss Brussels sprouts, apples, onion, and rosemary sprigs in olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Roast vegetable and fruit mixture until tender, about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. 4. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary. 5. In an ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on one side. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. 6. Pour cider onto chicken. Roast in the oven for 12 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest on cutting board. 7. Return skillet to stove on medium-high and simmer sauce until reduced by half. 8. Swirl remaining 1 tbsp of butter with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slice chicken and divide among plates with roasted vegetables and serve.
Inspired by Food Network
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513-438-8152 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255
4 Tips to Upgrade Your February INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2 2 3 3 4
International Eating Habits Every Family Will Enjoy!
4 Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Your Kids Deserve Valentine’s Day Treatment, Too!
Apple Cider Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
February Events in Cincinnati
FEBRUARY EVENTS IN CINCINNATI
HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT OUTTA’ THE UNDERGROUND
LES MISÉRABLES
When: Feb. 6; 4–5 p.m. Where: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Wyoming Branch Meeting Room Admission: Free
When: Feb. 11–23; times vary Where: Aronoff Center Admission: Tickets start at $31
“Les Misérables” is set in 19th-century France and tells a tale of passion, loss, human suffering, and redemption. Seen by more than 70 million people worldwide, “Les Misérables” remains the most popular musical of all time. Although it is in its 32nd year of production, new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo have reinvigorated this classic for new and repeat viewers alike.
What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to see a play that celebrates Harriet Tubman? This one-woman interactive storytelling experience tells Tubman’s story and uncovers the truth about America’s
MY FURRY VALENTINE 2020 MEGA PET ADOPTION EVENT
200-year struggle with slavery. Learn how Tubman earned the
When: Feb. 15–16; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days Where: Sharonville Convention Center Admission: $5 per person, ages 5 and up
nickname “Moses,” gained her own freedom, and went on to travel up and down the Underground Railroad more than 19 times to help free over 300 slaves. This presentation is targeted at school-aged children, but all ages will enjoy it!
This companion animal adoption event is responsible for helping over 6,000 pets find new homes since it began in 2012. The event’s goal is to save healthy, adoptable pets from euthanasia at shelters and rescues. Adoptable pets will include dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and other small animals. The environment will be festive. This event features free kids’ activities, adopter swag bags, vendor booths, and raffle prizes.
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