Jones & Copeland Smiles - December 2021

Jones & Copeland Smiles - December 2021

REPORT THE WELLNESS

DECEMBER 2021

770-965-3048

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www.JonesSmiles.com

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Merry Christmas &Happy Holidays From our family to yours, wishing you a very

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How to Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro CREATING A HOLIDAY MASTERPIECE

One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel.” Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really kick-butt for the holidays!

Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop. M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute little accents all over the house and yard.

Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows. If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt! Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!

CONTINUING TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND HEALTHY Enhanced Sterilization Protocols and Controls

Beverages will be served safely only upon request.

Masks will be provided for the safety of all.

There will be additional time between patients for enhanced sterilization.

All patients will be asked COVID-19 screening questions.

Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the office.

All patients AND team members will have their temperature measured upon arrival.

Please reschedule if you have a fever or a sick family member.

Curbside check-in from your vehicle is now available.

Medical-grade air filtration is used in all operatories.

Magazines will be temporarily unavailable.

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ALWAYS REMEMBER TO FLOSS Diabetes Healthy Gums, Healthy Body

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly one-half of all Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. This percentage only increases with age as 70% of people over the age of 65 suffer from this ailment. Taking care of your gums is extremely important because new reports come out every year tying gum disease to many illnesses and conditions that can affect other areas of your body. Here are a few: Heart Health Multiple studies have shown an association between gum disease and heart disease. While a direct cause and effect has not been proven, research suggests that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth can find their way into the bloodstream and produce protein, which can increase the chance of getting blood clots. Eventually, if blood flow becomes too badly affected, a heart attack could occur. Lung Infections People with gum disease have more bacteria in their mouths than people who don’t. Lung and chest infections can occur by simply breathing in droplets of certain bacteria that can travel from the mouth to the lungs. In fact, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses can be tied back to gum disease. This creates a dangerous predicament for those with weakened immune systems since they already struggle fighting dangerous infections.

In general, people with diabetes are

more likely to develop infections than other people. This includes gum disease. In

addition, gum disease can raise an individual’s blood sugar, putting people with diabetes at greater risk of further

complications. Newer research has also shown that people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes.

As more and more information comes out about gum disease and its effects on our bodies, it behooves us to keep our gums healthy and happy by developing one of the easiest and most effective habits: flossing every day. Simply flossing once a day can improve gum health rather quickly. If tenderness, gum recession, or swelling persist, it’s best to visit your dental provider for a checkup. It could save more than your teeth.

SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES

BRAIN BREAK!

CELTIC YULE CUPCAKES

Want to add a traditional twist to your holiday season? Try these Celtic Yule cupcakes — a modern dessert for an ancient celebration.

• 2 eggs • 1/2 cup butter Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups flour • 3/4 tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp milk • 1 1/3 cups raisins • 2 tbsp hot water • 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • Orange zest, to taste • 2/3 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. 2. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, butter, vanilla, orange zest, and sugar. 3. Add the flour and baking powder, then fold in the milk and raisins. Inspired by RecipesForAPaganSoul.weebly.com

4. Grease a cupcake tin before pouring the batter into it. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool. 6. In a small bowl, blend the hot water and powdered sugar to create the icing. 7. Ice your cupcakes and serve!

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Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro PAGE 2

Healthy Gums Create a Healthy Body

Celtic Yule Cupcakes PAGE 3

Get the Most Out of Your Sleep PAGE 4

is in a deep, restful state. In stages three and four, you’re getting REM sleep, which is when your body is in its deepest sleep, and your breathing, heart rate, and temperature all reach the lowest level. In these stages, your body is able to fight sickness, begin repairing itself, and commit information to memory. During REM sleep, which occurs about 90 minutes after your head hits the pillow, your body is completely relaxed, and you begin to dream. Throughout the night, you will progress through these stages of sleep multiple times, but usually not in a perfect sequence. You will likely be in each stage of sleep about 4–5 times per night, and one cycle typically lasts about 90–110 minutes. Too much or too little REM or non-REM sleep can affect the quality of your sleep and how refreshed you feel. Quality sleep is important to make sure you are recharging your body, strengthening your mind and immune system, and prioritizing your health. If you never achieve deep sleep throughout the night, sleep deprivation sets in, and you won’t get the proper rest you need to recover. By setting a sleep schedule, you can make sure you are hitting the hay each night at a reasonable hour and allowing yourself to properly cycle through the different stages of sleep. Be sure to clear your mind before tucking yourself into bed and make sure your bed is comfortable to promote the best possible sleep — your body counts on it!

How to Wake Up Refreshed THE TYPE OF SLEEP YOU GET MATTERS!

Are you getting enough shut-eye but still feeling groggy when you wake up? The type of sleep you get matters, and a sleep schedule can help ensure you’re cycling through all the stages of sleep your body needs. Sleep is broken up into four different stages. During the first stage, which only lasts about 5–10 minutes, your body is softly drifting off, and as your brain slows down, your breathing and heartbeat slow as well. When you transition to the second stage, you become less aware of your surroundings, your eye movements cease, and your body temperature drops. Moving into the third stage, your body will drift into a deep sleep, where you will not be awakened by small noises and your muscles are completely relaxed. In the fourth stage, your body

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