A+ Family Dentistry June 2018

San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1

Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100

San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467

The Happy Tooth

HARD DECISIONS AND ENDLESS LOVE LESSONS FROM MY FATHER

The first time I heard my dad making jokes around the Sunday dinner table, I was shocked. Throughout my whole life, Dad had always been a quiet, reserved man. To see him laugh and joke around with my mom was a huge surprise. Of course, these jokes were made after we moved to the United States. When we still lived in Vietnam, I only got to see my dad briefly during the year, when my siblings and I would visit him in the summer. My dad fought for the South Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War, and

“My dad is a great role model and the kind of man who knows how to make tough decisions that will benefit his family in the long run.”

wanted us to live where we would have to learn English and assimilate into the culture so our family could better adapt to life in the U.S. It was hard, but today I’m grateful my dad made those hard choices so we could have a better life here. I have learned so much thanks to my dad, through the decisions he made, the lessons he taught me, and by watching who he is as a person. My parents have been happily married for 45 years, and I think that has to do with how committed my dad is to my mom. Both my mother and I can be strong- willed, and I don’t imagine we’re always the easiest people to get along with. But I’ve seen how my dad makes things work by letting my mom be who she is. During the time when my husband and I went through a rough patch, I tried to take a page from my dad’s book and be patient, loving, and let my husband know how much I care about him.

after the war, the government never let him come back to the city. Much like my relationship with my mother, I wouldn’t get to know my father well until our family moved to the United States when I was 16. One of the first real father-daughter memories I have with my dad is when he taught me how to drive. In Vietnam, my grandfather taught me how to ride a bike. It took a month because I’m a slow learner when it comes to vehicles, and I kept looking at the road and falling. When I was a teenager in the U.S., my dad took on the challenge of teaching me how to drive a car. It took a bit longer than when I learned how to ride a bike, but my dad was very patient with me. He wanted to make sure I would always be able to take care of myself. A few years later, when I was going into my second year of college, my dad said I could have the car, but only if I learned how to change a tire myself. I insisted I would never need to change a tire, and if I did, I would have a friend do it for me. Dad wouldn’t budge, so I eventually relented and learned. I’m glad I did, because I ended up getting a flat twice while I was at school. Thanks to my dad, I was able to change it to the spare all by myself. My dad is a great role model and the kind of man who knows how to make tough decisions that will benefit his family in the long run. When we first came to California, I wanted to live in an area where there were other Vietnamese immigrants so I could feel more at home. But my dad

This Father’s Day, I want to celebrate my dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support and guidance.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I love you.

–Dr. Justene Doan

June 2018 Edition

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1

Lay Some Shade on Me

As a general rule, leafy greens do better in shade and milder temperatures than other vegetables. Flowering plants and vines, such as cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes, need more hours of sunlight per day in order to thrive — about six hours or more. Herbs While many herbs, such as basil, are better suited for sunnier conditions, there are a few that will do great in shade. These include chives, cilantro, golden marjoram, mint, oregano, and parsley. (Hours of sun per day: 3) Kale Typically, kale does well in partial shade. When kale is grown in full shade, the leaves tend to be slightly smaller, but this can be offset by growing additional plants. (Hours of sun per day: 3–4) Peas Like kale, when grown in shade, peas and beans won’t grow quite as full, and plants may take longer to mature, but with proper planning, you’ll still reap a plentiful harvest. Bush and dwarf varieties are recommended over their pole counterparts. (Hours of sun per day: 4–5)

The Best Vegetables to Plant in Shady Spots

Potatoes Root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and beets, will grow in partial shade, but they may take a few more weeks to mature, and they

may produce fewer vegetables. However, as most gardeners agree, the results are still worth the effort. (Hours of sun per day: 4–5) Spinach Like most leafy greens, spinach does very well in shade, particularly baby spinach. The plant will continue to produce leaves for an extended period of time if you regularly harvest the outer leaves. (Hours of sun per day: 3–4)

There’s nothing quite like growing your own vegetables, but if your home doesn’t get the best sunlight, what can you do? It’s a problem many gardeners face. Even if you live in a sunny area, you may have a shady corner of the garden or side of the house going to waste. Fortunately, there are plenty of plants that do well in partial and full shade.

We want to thank all of our patients who put so much faith in us by recommending our services to their friends and family members. Last month, our referrals came from these amazing patients: A+ Referrals

“A+ is the BEST dental office I’ve ever been to, from the staff up front to everyone behind the scenes. Drs. Justene and Janice show genuine care about your situation and speak with you face to face about your concerns and needs, taking notes and conducting a detailed survey from the very start. I have met with practically everyone that works here (over 15 people — I had serious teeth issues) and EVERY professional here gave me care and advice I’ve never had before — real A+ service, the name is fitting. My hygienist Princess is the best and takes her time with my dental care, just like everyone else here. The vibe in this office is so chill and welcoming too! Love this place and recommend it 1000 percent!!” -NathanM. “After waiting YEARS to finally go back to the dentist, I decided to look up dentists in the area who have good reviews. Now I’m back at my third appointment and I feel I couldn’t have TESTIMONIALS See What Others Are Saying

David B. Nidia C. Hilda G. Thomas H.

Ben K. Cindy M. Caitlin M. Luis P.

Stuart R. Angela S. Mashette S. Vasega T.

Steve T. Rebecca V. Marilyn W. Lisa W.

And the winner of June’s referral prize of a $50 gift card to his favorite restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego: Thomas H. Thank you to all of our patients who continue to support us. Check back next month when we will announce the winner of our next referral prize.

picked a better place. They made me feel welcome every time I came in. They addressed every concern that I had and made me feel like I am an important patient. I highly recommend this place to anyone who usually would hate going to the dentist.” -Ryan P.

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ONLY SKIN DEEP? How Our Teeth Help Us Look Young Again

Who doesn’t want to look their best? Throughout our lives, we try to exercise, eat right, and take care of ourselves so we can enjoy a lifetime of confidence and good health. But this mission can get a little challenging as we age. A lot of people really start to feel, and see, their age after turning 40. Wrinkles and dark spots start to make an appearance, and people will jump through all kinds of hoops to get rid of them. Expensive makeup, overnight masks, skin treatments, and even plastic surgery are common avenues for people who want to keep their youthful vibrancy. But here’s a secret: Your skin isn’t the only thing you need to protect. If you want to look younger for longer, you need to pay attention to your teeth.

Many people know a great smile can make someone look healthier, happier, and younger, but did you know your teeth can impact your physical appearance even if your mouth is closed? Your teeth play a huge role in your facial features. The way your teeth fit inside your mouth impacts the way your jaw and head line up. Straight teeth can make your face look symmetrical, while crooked teeth, an overbite, or an underbite can cause your chin to stick out, your lips to look crooked, and your overall appearance to seem a little off. As you get older, your teeth will start to shift, and this can change your facial structure as well. Gaps from missing teeth can give your face a sunken appearance. Losing a tooth can also cause your jaw bone to deteriorate, resulting in a sort of sagging

that no amount of plastic surgery will fix forever. Fortunately, things like Invisalign, dental implants, and veneers can fix up your smile and help you maintain a youthful, confident appearance. Interested in learning more secrets about your teeth and your health? Pick up a copy of the great new book, “Keys to a Healthy Smile After 40.” Co- written by Dr. Justene and Dr. Janice, this book has everything you need to know about taking care

of your teeth and your health once you turn 40. Learn more and get your own copy at aplusfamilydentistry.com/ keystoahealthysmileafter40book .

Balsamic Chicken With Bacon and Apples

Word Search

Ingredients

•

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into pieces

•

2 apples, cored, peeled, and coarsely chopped

• • • • • •

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• •

6 slices bacon, cut into squares Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

1/2 cup olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 cup rosemary, finely chopped 10 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved, stems removed

Directions

1. Blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon, rosemary, and garlic to create marinade. Pour into bowl or sealable bag and add chicken. Marinate for at least 5 minutes or up to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. 2. Heat oven to 375 F. Spread Brussels sprouts, bacon, and apples on a baking sheet. Add chicken and pour any extra

marinade over the top. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Bake 20–25 minutes until chicken is

CAMPING FLIPFLOPS HAMBURGER JUNE LEMONADE PICNIC

POOL SMORES SUNSCREEN SUNSHINE SWIMMING VACATION

cooked through. For extra crunchiness, turn the heat up to 425 F for the last 5 minutes.

4. Transfer to platter and serve immediately.

[Inspired by wholesomelicious.com]

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3

Office Hours: Mondays: Closed

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Happy Father’s Day Page 1 Too Much Shade? Plant These Vegetables! Page 2 What Some of Our Patients Are Saying Page 2 When Beauty Isn’t Skin Deep Page 3 Balsamic Chicken With Bacon and Apples Page 3 Ringo to the Rescue! Page 4 Inside This Issue Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105

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A Nose for Trouble RINGO THE TABBY SAVES HIS FAMILY

Ray and Carol Steiner found Ringo, a red tabby Manx, living in a shed when he was 10 days old. Despite already having three cats, the couple decided to open their hearts to the friendly feline — a decision that would one day save their lives. Years after adopting Ringo, Ray and Carol began to oversleep and experience high blood pressure, dizziness, and headaches. The couple attributed these troubling symptoms to their recent health problems — Ray had just undergone heart surgery, and Carol was recovering from a car accident with her leg in a cast. But Ringo realized something was amiss. One blistering day in August, the usually mellow cat caused a ruckus. He meowed loudly and banged his body against the front door. Carol let him dart outside, but the moment she closed the door, Ringo began to aggressively meow again. This was unusual

paws on the sharp stones. When Carol leaned over to get a better look, she was nearly overwhelmed by the smell of natural gas. The gas company discovered an old steel coupler had broken open, leaking dangerous levels of gas into the Steiners’ house. A single spark outdoors could have set off an explosion that would have consumed six other houses, potentially killing 22 people. Ray and Carol’s doctor told them that even if they avoided an explosion, they would have died from methane poisoning if they’d been exposed much longer. The gas meter did not register the leak, but Ringo did.

Once they aired out their home, the Steiners’ health improved immensely. Because of his dedication to his family, Ringo became the 11th cat in history to be awarded the American Humane Association’s national William O. Stillman Award for bravery.

behavior, and Carol realized Ringo wanted her to follow him. The red tabby brought Carol around to the side of the house, where large bushes hid the air conditioner and gas and water meters. Ringo started to dig in the jagged lava-rock landscaping, cutting his

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