H. Charles Jelinek Jr., DDS - February 2022

H. Charles Jelinek Jr., DDS - February 2022

February 2022

JEL INEK JOURNAL

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GINGER SAVES A LIFE Why I’mCelebrating My Dental HygienistThis February

Nearly every day, without fail, I can expect to hear the same exchange at the end of the day: “Hey, do you need help closing and wrapping things up?”

After working with Ginger for as long as I have, I knew that she couldn’t stand being cooped up at home for too long. So, after a few weeks on the mend, I invited her back to the office on a part-time basis. Thankfully, Ginger is back with our team full time, and we — and our patients — couldn’t be happier!

The voice prompting that question is Ginger, my dental hygienist who has worked at the practice longer than any of my other employees. Sometimes she receives an “all good” response from her coworkers; other times, she stays later than she needs to so others can leave sooner. It’s not surprising that Ginger would be the one to offer help. In fact, it’s so in line with her character, that I don’t pay much attention to this question most days — until recently.

Though she doesn’t have an official title designating her as such, Ginger has become the leader of our staff at the practice. If we need a little encouragement, Ginger is the first to offer support and excitement. She always puts our team first, taking initiative to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Perhaps more importantly to our patients, Ginger is the best hygienist I have ever worked with, and I have complete confidence in her assessment, observations, and competency. As a health care professional, it is extremely advantageous to have a staff member who independently supports and identifies with your advice. It provides the kind of confidence in diagnosing and treatment that patients deserve. As such, I also trust her with my own cleanings! It’s no coincidence that I feature Ginger in the newsletter this month. This recognition has been a long time coming, but it also aligns with an important holiday: National Donor Day on Feb. 14. Ginger selflessly gave part of herself (literally) to her husband so he could have a chance at a healthier, longer life. Again, I’m not surprised she did this; Ginger would help anyone she could. But I hope her story serves as a powerful reminder for everyone. We can save lives through organ donation, and we can continue to make a difference, just by asking if someone needs help.

If you visited our practice this fall and winter, you may have noticed Ginger was missing. As her name implies, she’s a redhead, and therefore, hard to miss or forget. But anyone who spends a few moments talking to her knows that it’s her warm, kind personality, which brings an air of comfort and leadership to the dental office — and that makes her memorable. The rest of my staff and I missed having her around, especially in the moments when we knew she would have offered to help.

However, Ginger’s selflessness and giving nature led her to do one of the most generous actions a person could do, causing her absence. Ginger’s husband was in need of a kidney in 2021, and upon learning she was a match, Ginger happily donated a kidney to her husband. She is proof that love for others can transcend all obstacles, even football rivalries. Yes, a Washington Football Team fan gave her kidney to a Philadelphia Eagles fan! (Try not to hold it against him!) While the couple recovered from their respective surgeries, our team at the office sent support and did our best to fill the void she left. I was humbled to see the ways many others, including patients who noticed she was gone, sent their own support, too. For instance, a friend I went to college with has a son who is a manager at a local Italian restaurant, and he sent two weeks’ worth of food for Ginger and her husband. Ginger was delighted to use up every free spot in her freezer for food that good!

Thank you for being you, Ginger.

–Chuck

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CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAYWITH YOUR LITTLE SWEETHEARTS

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for adults. Let your kids know they are the most important loves in your life with these sweet, inexpensive ideas that the whole family can enjoy! Your children will remember these traditions for years to come.

Achieve Whiter Teeth This February February may be dominated by Valentine’s Day, but we believe it should be known for teeth whitening too! And the reasons are obvious. With the aforementioned holiday coming up, whiter teeth can boost your confidence, and a teeth-whitening kit can be the perfect gift for a Valentine. Plus, as we (hopefully) near the end of wearing masks everywhere we go, who doesn’t want to reveal whiter teeth? Unfortunately, finding a safe, effective whitening option isn’t always clear. We all want pearly whites, but how do we obtain a smile that gives us confidence without sacrificing our oral health? Here’s what you need to know. HOW IT WORKS To understand how teeth whitening works, you must become familiar with how your teeth get stained in the first place. The simplest explanation is the enamel — the outer shell that protects your teeth — is porous. This allows compounds to leech into your teeth, ultimately staining the dentin, which gives teeth their color. Over time, dentin takes on the pigment of whatever it is you consume frequently, like tea or coffee. And while regular brushing can help remove surface discoloration, deep stains require deep treatment. Whitening agents work the same way. Your enamel absorbs the compounds that saturate the stain on your teeth’s dentin, offsetting the impacts of deep stains. YOUR OPTIONS There are many products that claim to help patients achieve whiter teeth, but you should be careful with your choice. For instance, light-based products — many of which you can find in mall kiosks — diminish the integrity of your teeth. This can lead to increased sensitivity, damaged nerves, and more trouble than benefits. For best results, use gel-based options and opt for teeth trays. These are easy- to-use, effective, and safe.

MAKE A SPECIAL VALENTINE’S DAY BREAKFAST.

Guess what? Pink pancakes, pink milk, and even pink eggs are a thing! With strawberry milk, food coloring and strawberries in the pancakes, and food coloring in the eggs, you’ll have an effortless and special breakfast for the little ones.

Tip: Set the table the night before after the kids go to bed to make serving Valentine’s Day breakfast easier the next morning.

CREATE VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS FOR EACH KID.

Tell your children all of your favorite things about them with their own personalized cards. There are so many ways you can get crafty with construction paper and glitter. Your kids are sure to love getting mommy- made or daddy-made one-of-a-kind valentines.

BAKE VALENTINE’S DAY GOODIES TOGETHER.

What’s better than baking with your little ones? If you are short on time, you can find premade dough, usually with a Valentine’s Day theme. Or, you can try out your skills with heart-shaped cookie cutters and sprinkles. It can get messy, but it’s certainly worth it!

WRAP UP A SMALL VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT.

Whether it’s a Valentine’s Day outfit, candy, a teddy bear, or a necklace, it doesn’t have to be big or costly! Your children will enjoy feeling the love, and they’ll be excited to get something new. Don’t forget to have fun with the wrapping! Most stores have Valentine’s Day gift bags and wrapping paper around this time of year.

Your baby valentines have stolen your heart — make sure they know it by spreading the love! Happy Valentine’s Day!

If you’re new to teeth whitening, consult with Dr. Jelinek for your customized whitening treatment.

You can learn more about our teeth whitening options at NorthernVirginiaDental.com, or schedule a consultation today by calling 703-584-5996.

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Want a Healthy Heart? Treat Your Sleep Apnea.

February is American Heart Month, and it serves as a valuable reminder for those who have (or exhibit the symptoms of) sleep apnea. This airway disorder not only impacts the quality of your sleep but also many other

Dr. Jelinek often gets referrals from cardiologists whose patients have atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is an irregular heartbeat, as AFib can be often attributed to sleep apnea. HOW YOU CAN LIMIT THE RISK The best way to protect the heart is to treat your sleep apnea with an oral appliance, a CPAP and/or an Inspire device. The oral appliance for example, keeps your lower jaw and tongue from dropping back and thus prevents the obstruction. (Dr. Jelinek wears one, and he would never go to sleep without his oral appliance!) Those with sleep apnea would also benefit from a heart- focused lifestyle. This includes daily exercise, regular cardiology tests, limiting alcohol consumption, and adhering to a diet of lean protein, leafy greens, colorful fruits, and whole grains. If you believe you have sleep apnea or have questions about sleep apnea treatments, Dr. Jelinek has the professional and personal experience to help. Learn more and schedule a consultation today by calling 703-584-5996.

components of your overall health. This February, commit to learning more about the ways in which you can limit sleep apnea’s effects on your well-being. SLEEP APNEA AND YOUR HEART Those with obstructive sleep apnea often have airway abnormalities that cause their airways to collapse to the point of closing while they sleep. Because of the lack of oxygen, the brain sends a “panic” signal to the heart, forcing it to jolt a person awake for better airflow periodically throughout the night.

This is often done unconsciously, but it limits the body’s ability to remain in deep sleep, decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood and body, and takes a serious toll on the heart. When your heart is constantly working to get more oxygen and airflow into your body, it’s not capable of performing the restorative actions it needs to take at night. (While you sleep, your body repairs itself.)

Those with obstructive sleep apnea are at a greater risk of having a heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and other chronic cardiac conditions.

Chocolate Pecan Fondue

Sudoku

This Valentine’s Day, forget the entree! Surprise your honey with a delicious chocolate treat!

INGREDIENTS

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Fresh fruit of your choice

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1/2 cup half-and-half cream

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2 tbsp honey

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Shortbread cookies

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9 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces

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Large marshmallows

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1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

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1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. In a sturdy saucepan over low heat, combine cream and honey. Stir until mixed thoroughly and heat until warm. 2. Add in chocolate, stirring until melted. 3. Stir in pecans and vanilla.

Solution on Pg. 4

4. Transfer to a fondue pot or a slow cooker to keep warm. 5. Serve with fruit, cookies, and marshmallows of your choice.

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

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INSIDE

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Ginger’s Story: HowMy Dental Hygienist Saved a Life Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Kids Why Whiter Teeth IsThe Perfect Goal for February The Best Heart Healthy Tip for Those with Sleep Apnea Chocolate Pecan Fondue Include Mother Nature in Your Next Date

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You, Me, and the Great Outdoors 3 OUTS IDE DATE NIGHT IDEAS Did your significant other leave it up to you to come up with a romantic date idea this Valentine’s Day? Luckily for you, there are tons of date activities that are easy and affordable for you to enjoy with Mother Nature. While the possibilities are endless outside, here are three popular outdoor date ideas! WATCH THE SUNSET. Sunsets are intuitively romantic: The sun paints the sky in calming reds, pinks, and purples, creating a beautiful backdrop. While watching the sunset, you and your partner can have a romantic picnic with the sky in view. Or you can embrace the scenery with your other half and create memories you both will never forget. GO STARGAZING. If you live in the city, stargazing is a good chance to escape for the night and get away from the light pollution in the city. If you already live

in a location where you can easily see the stars, take advantage of the peaceful privacy with your loved one. Maybe you’ll spot a shooting star you can wish upon while you’re out there! HIT UP A DRIVE-IN MOVIE. If you’re looking for a way to be extra comfy while still sitting outside, a drive-in movie is the best destination! The best part about a drive-in is that you can view both new and old movies as well as bring your own snacks and drinks. If the weather permits and if you have a truck, you can load the bed with blankets and pillows and have a cozy night while watching a movie. These date night ideas are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they don’t have to be limited to just the holiday! You can also consider these for any date that you have with your significant other. Nothing brings couples closer like being together with nature.

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