Alborzi Orthodontics - September 2018

235 N. SanMateo Drive, Suite 300 SanMateo, CA 94401-2672 Tel: (650) 342-4171

705 Purissima Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1934 Tel: (650) 726-6321

The Alborzi Standard

September 2018

A LIFELONG LOVE FOR LEARNING Why I Looked Forward to School as a Kid

that challenge was actually a powerful motivator for an already motivated kid like me. Toward the tail end of break, after I’d read a dozen books and started to miss my friends, I used to get anxious for school to start. As you might expect, it was a pretty major adjustment when I came to America and joined the public school system here. Though I spoke some English, it was just barely enough to get by initially. And the kind of English I knew was British English, not American, which sounded like a rapid-fire, run-on sentence for the first few months. Luckily, I had an

comes up against a barrier, it’s not that they have a hard time learning; it’s homing in on the precise aspects of what they need to focus on. It’s simply an array of common obstacles they need to learn to navigate. For example, when I first started high school in the U.S., I took a biology class. Right away, the teacher began talking about “theorems” and using all kinds of jargon that I simply did not understand. I was overwhelmed and thought to myself, “I cannot possibly learn this!” and dropped the class. But if I had realized at the time that all I needed was to learn those words specific to the subject, I would have been fine. That was the case when I revisited it in college and passed with flying colors. motivation to succeed. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor, and I pursued that vision with constant passion. That is the key — to have a goal from a very early age, so studying isn’t some abstract obligation but a tool to help you reach a tangible goal. Like anything else, the power of intention will steer anyone right, as long as they have the tools and the support to succeed. Part of the reason why school was always so engaging for me was because of my intense

As school looms and summer vacation starts to wind down, many of my young patients are filled with a light dread for the impending school year. I get it — it’s difficult to let go of the summertime habits of spending every day with your pals and getting into trouble. But when I was growing up, I actually loved school. Back in Iran, where I attended school until 10th grade, there was a pretty different educational system. While there were positives and negatives about the approach there, the 70-plus class sizes necessitated a much more lecture-based structure than the participatory methods used here in the States. It was consistently challenging, but

English teacher who would meet with me at lunchtime, helping me grasp the intricacies of English. Though it wasn’t easy, by the end of six months, I was in pretty good shape.

If I could go back knowing what I know now, I’m sure it would be a lot easier. After I became a doctor, I learned of L. Ron Hubbard’s Applied Scholastics Study Technology, an invaluable tool to master and guide students through even the toughest subjects. When a student

–Dr. Alexa Alborzi

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Our Talented and Friendly Lead Dental Assistant MEET SIERRA AYALA

fix, looking back, it’s easy to see how the treatment helped me keep my confidence and health.” Over the years of treatment, she came to see her orthodontist as a role model. “He was an inspiration to me,” she says. “He’s the reason I became interested in orthodontics in the first place.” Today, Sierra is an integral member of the Alborzi Orthodontics team, transforming patient’s lives one smile at a time. She’s passionate about the work she does, ensuring that patients receive the high level care needed to achieve the results they’ve always dreamed of. “Customer service is my favorite part,” she says. “I love what I do, and I love the feeling that comes with helping people. To see my patients’ big smiles at the end of treatment and know that they’re better

off than they were before they came in ... to see that progress from beginning to end is always rewarding.” With her warm personality, Sierra has fit right in with Alborzi Orthodontics ever since she joined the team more than five years ago. She loves working with a team who, as she puts it, “really treats patients as people.” Outside the office, Sierra spends as much time as she can traveling the world. Whether she’s visiting El Salvador, touring Europe, or exploring New York, she loves taking in the sights and sounds of new places. Right now, she’s planning a trip to Australia — a destination she’s always dreamed of visiting. We’re honored to have Sierra on our team, using her considerable skill and compassion to make a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves. If you see her around the office, say hi!

We’d like to introduce our lead dental assistant, Sierra Ayala! Sierra’s journey into the orthodontic field started during childhood with a long, difficult treatment process. “I had braces since I was 7,” she says. “And though my orthodontic issues took a long time to

SOPHIA’S SUCCESS STORY

REFER A FRIEND, AND YOU CAN AUTOMATICALLY GET ENTERED TO WIN! MONTHLY CONTEST WIN A TRIP

When my teeth weren’t straight, I refused to smile and didn’t really like being in photos at all because I was embarrassed about how my teeth looked. I wanted to get aligners so bad. Then when I did, I was very excited to see what I would look like

Here’s how to enter:

1. Think of a friend who needs braces or Invisalign and who you think would be a good fit for Alborzi Orthodontics. 2. Go to AlborziLovesReferrals.com. 3. Enter your friend’s information, and you’ll be entered to win this month’s prize!

with straight teeth. And I was not let down. My teeth look so good, and it makes me so happy to look in the mirror and see a beautiful smile. I now love being in pictures and I love my smile.

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? SHOW THIS TO YOUR FRIENDS!

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ORAL HYGIENE CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE THE LINK BETWEEN GUM DISEASE AND HEART DISEASE

Most people know that poor dental health can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. But did you know that neglecting your brushing routine could put you at risk of a heart attack or stroke? Poor dental hygiene causes gum disease, which can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. One of the most common warning signs of gum disease is inflammation. Gingivitis, a condition in which your gums become inflamed, occurs when there is a buildup of plaque on your teeth. Swollen, tender gums that bleed easily are a sign of gingivitis. Not treated properly, this condition can escalate to periodontitis. When this happens, the gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth, allowing harmful bacteria to form pockets beneath the gumline, attack the bone, and enter the bloodstream. Any bacteria that slip into your bloodstream through the network of blood vessels in your mouth can be carried to your heart. The bacteria can cause inflammation and arterial plaque, which restricts the amount of blood that’s able to flow to your heart and puts you at a higher risk for a heart attack or stroke. Once you develop periodontitis, no amount of brushing and flossing will be sufficient, and a professional cleaning at a dentist’s office is necessary. The best defense against gum disease

is a proper brushing and flossing routine. If your gum problems persist, speak to your dentist as soon as you can. Periodontitis is treatable through deep cleaning and antibiotics. You’ll immediately feel better, and you’ll lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Train Your BRAIN!

BEANS AND GREENS RIGATONI

Ingredients

• • •

12 ounces rigatoni pasta 1 bunch Tuscan kale, rinsed 1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney) beans 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

•

• •

Salt, for pasta water and to taste 2 ounces fresh grated Parmigiano- Reggiano (optional)

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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

1. In a large stock pot, boil 6 quarts of liberally salted water. On another burner, heat a large skillet to medium-low. 2. Add pasta to boiling water and cook for 3 minutes less than the package recommends. 3. While pasta is cooking, add beans, red pepper, and 1 tablespoon of oil to skillet. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 4. Add cooked pasta, kale, and 1 cup pasta water to skillet. Toss vigorously as kale cooks, about 4 minutes. 5. Transfer to bowls, top with a squeeze of lemon, sprinkle with cheese or salt, and serve.

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

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Give us a call! TEL: (650) 342-4171 FAX (650) 342-8748

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

235 N. SAN MATEO DRIVE, SUITE 300 SAN MATEO, CA 94401-2672

Issue INSIDE THIS

Dr. Alborzi’s Lifelong Love for Learning PAGE 1 Meet Lead Dental Assistant Sierra Ayala! Success Story PAGE 2

Dental Problems Can Lead to Heart Problems Beans and Greens Rigatoni PAGE 3 3 Fitness Strategies for the Back-to-School Season PAGE 4

DID YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE TAKE A SUMMER VACATION?

2. Set yourself up for success. You would go to that 5:30 p.m. boot camp class, but it’s right in the middle of your daughter’s dance practice. Getting to the gym is half the battle, so make it easier on yourself by preparing in advance. Find a facility with a schedule that easily fits yours. If you’re planning to work out in the morning, set your clothes out the night before, and choose an energetic song for your alarm. If there’s a class after work, consider leaving an extra set of gym clothes at your office so you’ll never have an excuse not to go. 3. Make your workout an unavoidable part of your day. It’s tempting to join your coworkers for happy hour, especially when that outdoor patio is just around the block from your office. But what if it were that easy to get to the gym? Look for facilities that are on your commute, near your

With barbecues, trips to the pool, and indulging in refreshing beverages on the patio, summer is full of relaxation and fun. But those heart-pumping, muscle-building trips to the gym may have become less frequent during the warmer months. If your workout routine went on its own summer vacation, here are three strategies to get back to it. 1. Find something you like to do. Maybe part of the reason your fitness routine took a break was because you didn’t enjoy doing it. If that’s the case, re-evaluate your options. There is no superior form of exercise, and there are plenty of options to align with your preferences. If you couldn’t get enough of hiking in national parks over the summer, join a hiking group in your community. If you prefer being on a team, look for a local adult league for your favorite sport.

work, or close to home. If it’s easy to get to, you’ll be more likely to go and still have time for that drink afterward. It may take time to make your workout routine a seamless part of your life, but implementing some of these strategies will make it easier and more enjoyable. You might even find yourself looking forward to back-to- the-gym season!

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