MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST
3WIVES’ TALES PROVEN TRUE
“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this fromMom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives’ tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. GARLIC CURES COLDS For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw
garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet.
HEARTBURNMEANS A HAIRY BABY It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd are legitimate. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. JOINT PAIN PREDICTS THEWEATHER Did you ever look at your momwith skepticismwhen she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during stormweather causes pain in arthritic joints.
How To Have a Bright 2019
ADVICE FROM ASCHLI January is the perfect time to establish great oral care habits to last you the entire year and beyond. Everyone already knows you should be brushing and flossing regularly, but I wanted to offer a few tips to take your dental hygiene to the next level in 2019. Follow these tips and you’ll have plenty of reasons to smile.
UPGRADE YOUR TOOLS One of the best ways to improve your brushing habits is to purchase an electric toothbrush. Highly advanced options are available much cheaper than ever before, with features that will time your brushing and tell you if you’re scrubbing too hard. There’s also a new company called Quip that sends electric toothbrush kits and replacement heads right to your door. In terms of flossing, good old-fashioned string floss is perfectly effective, but many people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. If you fall into that camp, consider switching to floss picks or a water flosser. Any device that will encourage you to clean between your teeth more often is a worthwhile investment. MONITOR SUGAR AND ACID When it comes to foods that have a negative effect on your teeth, those high in sugar and acid are the biggest culprits. These compounds create
an environment that bacteria flourish in, so it’s important to consume them in moderation. You should also try to eat them alongside other, more neutral foods to limit the impact on your mouth. GRAB SOME GUM Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, is a great way to neutralize the pH level in your mouth and inhibit bacterial growth. While you used to only find this type of gum in speciality shops, it’s now everywhere. Check the ingredient list the next time you pick up a pack. If you see xylitol, you’ll know it’s good for your teeth. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS If you didn’t schedule your next appointment at the end of your last, it’s time to get on the phone. Give us a call today to set yourself up for a year of success.
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