Lake Oconee Dentistry - September 2018

The MONTHLY Smile

706-453-1333 www.LakeOconeeDental.com

SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SELF-IMPROVEMENT MONTH

Our Challenge to You

The principles are as follows:

Striving for personal betterment is a fundamental part of the human experience. People constantly work to present the best version of themselves to the outside world. But sometimes, it’s easy to reach a certain goal or milestone in life and become a little complacent. In my case, this complacency started to affect my health. For a while, it was easy to ignore. Then a couple months ago, I started to really consider my physical health, my emotional well-being, and the life I wanted for myself during the latter half of my years. Now, I know age isn’t something people generally want to discuss, but I’m just going to come right out and say it: I’m getting older. And I’m not getting older in the fun ways where I’m excited to finally drive by myself, order a drink at the bar, or rent a car. I’m getting older in the painful and sometimes frightening sort of way — the way that makes a person seek out opportunities for longevity. If you’ve reached middle age, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

1. Move Naturally: Focus on

regular, moderate exercise that combines aerobics, balance, and strength activities.

2. 20 Percent Rule: Only eat until you are about 80 percent full.

3. Eat a Plant-Based Diet:

Vegetables should make up the main portion of your meal, with meat served as a side dish.

4. Drink Red Wine … in

Moderation: Studies have shown some health benefits linked to having a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail on a regular basis. However, the key is moderation. 5. Have a Daily Purpose: When you wake up in the morning, declare a purpose for your day. Find something you are passionate about and get excited about life.

In March, I came across the The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. The author, National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner, travels the world uncovering the secrets of longevity in the Blue

“I challenge you to use the month of September — national self-improvement month — to set some goals for your own self-betterment.”

6. Downshift: Take time to slow down. Making time to rest and reflect is essential to healthy aging.

7. Belong: Being a part of a spiritual community is something that centenarians and those in the Blue Zones all share.

Zones — places in the world where higher percentages of people enjoy remarkably long lives. Throughout his travels, he compiled nine principles that everyone can apply in order to age gracefully and improve the overall quality of their lives. The book was the first practical self-improvement material I had come across. Since then, I have been working hard to incorporate the nine principles into my life as best I can.

8. Family: Take steps to honor your parents, spend time with your spouse and children, and be grateful for the blessing of family.

9. Right Tribe: Find those people in your life who practice healthy habits, and spend more time with them.

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HOW A RAILROAD PROTEST LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR A NATIONAL HOLIDAY The Pullman Strike and the Origin of Labor Day

CANINE CLEANLINESS In response, the workers began a strike on May 11, 1894. As the event ramped up, it gained the support of the powerful American Railway Union (ARU). But Pullman, stubborn as he was, barely Today, Labor Day mostly means a day off and the closure of public schools. But when Labor Day was first created, it was a president’s desperate attempt to curb the tension after one of the most violent strike breakups in American history. In the late 19th century, the workers of the Pullman Company, which manufactured luxury train cars, all lived in a company- owned town. George Pullman, the owner, lived in a mansion overlooking houses, apartments, and crammed-together barracks, all of which were rented by the thousands of workers needed for the operation. For some time, the town operated without a hitch, providing decent wages for the workers while netting the higher- ups millions of dollars. But after the economic depression of the 1890s brought the country to its knees, everything changed. George Pullman slashed his workers’ wages by nearly 30 percent, but he neglected to adjust the rent on the company-owned buildings in turn. As a result, life became untenable in the town, with workers struggling to maintain the barest standards of living for themselves and their families.

acknowledged the strike was happening, and he refused to meet with the organizers.

toothbrush. You should never use human toothpaste — it contains cleaning agents that can harm your dog if swallowed. Pet toothpaste is easy to find and comes in poultry, malt, and other flavors that will make the experience more enjoyable for your dog. TRAIN YOUR PET TO TOLERATE IT Using the flavored pet toothpaste is a great way to get your dog excited about dental care, but there are several other methods to ease the process. Start by opening your pup’s mouth with your hand every now and then to get them familiar with the feeling. Then give them a sample of the toothpaste. To start the brushing process, lift their lip and brush their teeth and cheeks, paying specific attention to the back upper molars and canines, as those areas tend to quickly build up tartar. A quick treat or play session after brushing goes a long way. Lastly, take your dog in for annual appointments with your veterinarian to ensure that there are no serious dental complications. Otherwise, happy brushing! The tension increased when Eugene Debs, the president of the American Railway Union, organized a boycott of all trains that included Pullman cars. The strike continued to escalate until workers and Pullman community members managed to stop the trains from running. Eventually, President Grover Cleveland sent in soldiers to break up the strike. Violence ensued, with soldiers making a great effort to quell the strike at its core. By the time the violence ended, 30 people had lost their lives and an estimated $80 million in damages had been caused throughout the town. A few months later, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a federal holiday. Many experts believe that this act was an effort to build rapport among his pro-labor constituents after handling the incident so poorly. This month, as you fire up the barbecue and enjoy your day off, take a moment to remember the workers who fought for labor rights in our country.

Your Dog’s Mouth Is Just As Dirty As Yours

You are probably familiar with the old axiom, “A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s.” Perhaps the first time you heard this claim, you didn’t fully believe it, but after hearing it for the 10th or 100th time, the idea started to seem plausible. It turns out this

notion isn’t entirely true. Researchers at Harvard determined that, similar to our human mouths, which have over 615 different types of bacteria living inside them, our furry friends have at least 600 different types residing inside their snouts. Our dogs’ mouths are just as germ-filled as ours, but because dogs lack the ability to grip a toothbrush, the responsibility to care for their dental health falls on the owner’s shoulders. Brushing your dog’s teeth is just as important to your dog’s health as brushing your teeth is to yours, but there are some good practices to keep in mind before you buy your canine an expensive whitening paste.

USE THE CORRECT TOOLS When brushing your pup’s teeth, be sure to use either a specially designed canine toothbrush, a children’s toothbrush, or a finger

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Find the Right Food Balance FOODS THAT CAUSE AND REDUCE INFLAMMATION

The food you eat plays a major role in how your body functions on the cellular level. Some foods can wreak havoc on your body, while others can make you feel great. This is especially true when it comes to that all-too-common ailment, inflammation.

Here are a few examples of foods that lead to inflammation:

Sugar: One of the biggest culprits behind inflammation, sugar is far worse than eating fatty foods. It’s best to skip foods that have added sugar (and this includes sugar of any kind, including corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose). Many manufacturers now label food with more specific kinds of sugar to hide the fact that they added sugar to their product. Be sure to read labels carefully! Refined carbs: Basically anything made from white flour falls into this category, including bread, pasta, baked goods, and cereals. Research suggests that refined carbs may be a bigger contributing factor than fat in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Alcohol: Too much alcohol puts a burden on your liver, an organ that helps flush toxins out of the body. You know all of those detox diets? They don’t work. In fact, the only way to detox is to let your liver do its job. When you consume alcohol, it’s harder for the liver to pump out the toxins in your body. When it can’t do its job properly, the result is inflammation. I am partial to the principles that address physical health, nutrition, and stress management, and I have incorporated them into my own life by being more active, eating healthier, and taking small moments throughout the day to self- reflect. Even if none of these principles pique your interest, I challenge you to use the month of September — National Self- Improvement Month — to set some goals for your own self- betterment. While our primary job at Lake Oconee Dentistry is to address your dental health, our support goes far beyond your teeth! When it comes to your dreams and aspirations, we are here to help every step of the way. –Dr. David CONTINUED FROM COVER ...

Now, for the good stuff. Eat these foods to reduce inflammation:

Blueberries: Many studies call blueberries one of the best fruits you can eat to ease symptoms of inflammation. These blue orbs of goodness are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, polyphenols, and so much more. Eat a handful every day! Salmon: As a source of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the best protein choices for people with inflammatory conditions or for those who want to keep inflammation at bay. Broccoli: One of the most nutritious and easily accessible vegetables around, the little green buds that cover the tops of broccoli are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. When it comes to eating paleo, side dishes are almost always a bigger challenge than mains. If you’re in need of a flavorful vegetable dish, check out this recipe for spicy, savory cauliflower. Roasted TURMERIC CAULIFLOWER

Ingredients • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons water • Chopped fresh basil, to garnish

Instructions 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coconut oil, spices, garlic, and water. 3. Lay cauliflower across a large baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and top with mixture. 4. Roast for 30 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1011 Parkside Main | Greensboro, GA 30642 If you have any questions, call us at 706-453-1333 www.LakeOconeeDental.com

We’re located at 1011 Parkside Main between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater.

The Best and Worst Foods for Inflammation page 3 Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower page 3 It's Show Time and You're Invited! page 4 Inside

Our Challenge to You page 1 Why Labor Day Is

Indebted to the Pullman Strike page 2

The Importance of Doggy Dental Care page 2

IT’S SHOWTIME and You’re Invited! 2018 marks Lake Oconee Dentistry’s 20th Anniversary — and we want to say thanks to fabulous patients, like you! That’s why on Thursday, October 4, we’re inviting you to the Parkside Main 8 movie theater for a Patient Appreciation Celebration! Choose any movie that starts between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. that night, and your ticket is on us! Be one of the first 200 people through the door that evening, and you’ll also receive a complimentary popcorn and Coke. Theaters will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We’ll let you know the list of movies running that night as soon as we know, but don’t wait to reserve your spot — space is limited! Go to LakeOconeeDental. Ticketleap.com and reserve your spot now! Patients are welcome to bring guests who are not patients with them that evening. Make plans now to join us for a fun night out — we look forward to seeing you there!

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