Elkins Dental - March 2021

Elkins Dental - March 2021

FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE

ELKINSDENTAL.COM MARCH 2021

TURNING 45

There’s So Much to Celebrate!

my children. I want to make sure the kids are doing good in school, have what they need, and that I’m doing what I can to raise them well. That’s the biggest goal in my life right now, and I know even that will reach a crucial point when my youngest son, Adam, moves out and is doing well. It’s these different life stages that wake you up, and to me, at least, birthdays play a crucial role in this. They help me remember to evaluate where my goals are and what I’ve been doing to achieve them. Though, I’ll admit, my birthdays weren’t always like this. When I turned 30, it wasn’t the best birthday. I was freaked out and even bummed, lamenting my youth as I moved out of my 20s and into my 30s. I remember I worked really hard not to let anyone know it was my birthday, either. At the time, I was still in the Navy and didn’t tell anyone on the ship because I didn’t want to deal with it at all. Then, just a decade later, it was the complete opposite; I wanted to have a huge celebration. I was so excited to turn 40 that I told everyone; I just had so much to celebrate. At 40, I was healthy and had a healthy family — and I still do! I had and have the best life I could have hoped for, and I couldn’t see how I could not be excited for it. I even themed my party. We all dressed up like rock stars, and it was an absolute blast. My 40th birthday was fantastic and also a good learning point for me. Sometimes, I look back at my 30th birthday and kick myself. I should have realized I was where I wanted to be in life and that it was something to be excited about. I think birthdays are a good time to celebrate that, which is definitely how I’m approaching my 45th. This year, I’ll celebrate my birthday as much as I can. I’ll continue working on my current goals and look forward to the time when I can start chasing those that were put on pause this past year.

March is a month that brings a lot of joy into my life. Spring starts to rear its head, everyone begins to feel renewed and refreshed, and it’s also my birthday month. This year, I’ll be turning the big 4-5, but in my heart, I still feel as though I’m in my 20s. I’ve always believed that you’re only as old as you act — but if that were true, I might be closer to age 6. For me, birthdays have always been a time to reflect on where I am in life and what my goals are for the future. Each year, I always ask myself if I’ve accomplished the things I wanted to do at this point, and I truly feel as though I have. At a young age, I was very goal- oriented and knew what I wanted to do with my life. When I received my dental degree around 30, it was life-changing to achieve those accomplishments that I’d been reaching for my whole life. As I’ve grown older, I've realized that goals themselves aren’t so monumental. Rather, it’s more important what the goals are. Today, I set small, simple goals for myself, most of which revolve around

Here’s to another year and another birthday!

–Dr. El kins

Dr. Elkins and wife: rock 'n' roll-themed 40th birthday

Elkinsdental.com | 1

DO SOMETHING BETTER IN THE GARDEN

3 Ways to Improve Your Harvest

Start by analyzing your space and yard. Determine your soil type and layer mulch or cover crops to protect it.Then, begin planting the same way that’s found in nature — trees grow at the top, shrubs and bushes are below, and other small plants and vines intermingle within. Choose crops that help each other grow (like corn, beans, and squash), and offer aid to your garden without digging up too much soil or disturbing its natural process. Permaculture gardening requires thoughtful planning, but once your crops are in place, nature will take its course. PLANT FOR YOUR HEALTH Mass production of your favorite fruits and vegetables reduces their key nutrients. Instead, choose fresh, home-grown varieties to yield greater health benefits. This is good news for those living with heart disease, joint disorders, or other chronic conditions.You can grow a garden chock full of nutrient-rich foods! Colorful fruits, root veggies, onions, and beans are great for joint health, while leafy greens can boost heart health. Grow pumpkins so you can harvest the seeds for better brain function, while berries can support your liver. Before you dig into these new gardening methods, consult with an expert at a nursery or greenhouse to get the best possible results.

There’s something beautiful about cultivating your own harvest, but you can grow more than simple backyard vegetables. Help your garden“grow up” by trying something unique this spring. GROW FUN FOODS We plant gardens for a purpose, so why not make it fun! Plant fresh basil, tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano, and more to create a garden worthy of your next homemade pizza. All you will need to buy is the crust! Pumpkin plants can offer fresh gourds for any Halloween fanatic, while new species of fruits and vegetables can create an exciting home-cooking experience. Try the silver cucumber for a sweet taste or pineberries for a mix between strawberries and pineapples.You just might find a new flavor you love. GO WITH THE FLOW Creating a year-round garden that practically takes care of itself means using principles of permaculture, a philosophy of working with, rather than against, nature.

Kalie and Cheyenne: Celebrating the Holidays 4 Fun Facts About St. Patrick’s Day!

BLUE NOT GREEN On this holiday, most people are enthused about wearing green. However, this color was not its official color until recent years. A blue, known as St. Patrick’s Blue, was the first color associated with both the saint and the holiday. Though blue is not worn commonly for the holiday today, we can still see St. Patrick wearing this color underneath the now familiar green. HOLIDAY PARADES The St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t originate in Ireland; it began in the U.S. The first parade took place in Boston in 1737. Irishmen, serving in the English military, marched through the streets to a local pub on March 17 to cheer themselves from their homesickness. From there, the parades grew and grew until they became a signature part of the holiday. We hope that you have a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day this month! Stay safe, have fun, and, if you need our services on March 18, we are all here for you. –Kal ie and Cheyenne

St. Patrick’s Day, created nearly 1,500 years ago, was originally a day when people would observe the late St. Patrick. Now, to celebrate that day, people enjoy dancing, singing, drinking, and eating green-themed food all while dressed — top to bottom — in green. To spread the cheer this St. Patrick’s Day, we’re highlighting a few interesting facts and figures. Take a look below! DENTAL VISITS ON THE RISE Though it may seem cliché to say, people visit the dentist more after St. Patrick’s Day, according to a report from CNBC. >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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