Lake Oconee May 2018

Lake Oconee May 2018

The MONTHLY Smile

706-453-1333 www.LakeOconeeDental.com

MAY 2018

AN INCREDIBLE ROLE MODEL

A Mother’s Day Tribute to My Memaw

We all have those special people in our lives — the ones who change our lives for the better and inspire us to do and become more.

suggesting you consider a different approach. She recommended I try cutting Eva’s nails right after a bath to make the job a little easier (why didn’t I think of that?!) and adding a little applesauce to Eva’s rice cereal so she would be more willing to take a bite. (She was right about that, too!) Memaw married young, had three children, and worked full-time. Somehow,

I am fortunate that I have had several strong, loving women who have served as role models and mentors in my life.

One of those women is Barbara Kidd, my maternal grandmother, who I affectionately call "Memaw."

Growing up, we lived very close to my grandparents. Their home was an extension of ours, and I always looked forward to visits. Part of the reason for this was because Memaw always had some sort of project planned. Whether it was planting flowers in her garden or a particular craft, I always knew I would never be bored with Memaw around. The other reason I looked forward to visits was because Memaw had a way of making you feel as if she had been waiting all day just to see you. When I finally arrived, it was as if her day was now complete.

My grandmother, Barbara Kidd, with Eva at her baptism.

she made it all work. And she’s still exercising those superpowers today. When she comes to visit and watch Eva, dinner is on the table, everything is clean, and Eva has her hair perfectly coiffed. I have no idea how she does it all. Memaw was in the waiting room when Eva was born. When my husband, Jep, came out to announce Eva’s safe arrival, he shared our daughter’s name with everyone for the first time. (We had kept it a secret throughout the pregnancy.) When he said, “Eva Barbara,” my Memaw’s eyes welled with tears. She wasn’t crying because we chose Barbara as the middle name. She was touched because we chose Eva as the first name. Eva was the name of Memaw’s mother — a woman she had loved and cherished dearly. My Memaw is one of the most caring, genuine, and kind-hearted people I know. She always believes in you and believes the best about you. I’ve never heard her say a bad thing about anybody, and she has an uncanny knack to find the silver lining in every situation.

She always made me feel special. She was (and still is) part parent, part teacher, and part best friend. Memaw enjoys spending quality time with the people she loves — and she is always game for a new

"Memaw had a way of making you feel as if she had been waiting all day just to see you."

adventure or experience. She took me to my first masters tournament when I was in college. She was so excited about spending the day together and ensured that we did all the quintessential things people do at the masters — from eating pimento cheese sandwiches to perusing the gift shop. These days, I know I can call her anytime, with any question, and she’ll have the answer. Yet, she always dispenses advice in her very unassuming way — never pushing it on you, but gently

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Get Your Grill On

2 MAY HOLIDAYS, 2 REASONS TO GRILL

Eating the same foods over and over gets old, but it’s often hard to be adventurous when you don’t want to waste money on unappetizing food. Enter the food subscription box. When you sign up for a food subscription box, you’ll have the opportunity to sample new foods without committing much money — or time at the grocery store — to the cause. Here are two tasty food subscription boxes that’ll make your mouth water. TRY THE WORLD Try the World believes that the most authentic way to discover a new culture from the comfort of your own home is through food. With two price points to choose from, Try the World sends you artisanal and gourmet foods from different cultures each month. Each box comes with a “culture guide” that includes the story behind each food, recipes that incorporate the products, and tips to enhance your food- tasting experience. Like most subscription boxes, you can’t choose which country’s foods you’ll sample. However, you can purchase individual items at Try the World’s online shop. Customers can pause or cancel their subscription any time, and pricing depends on the length of your subscription. To try it out, go to their website: www.trytheworld.com Is there anything more American than grilling a burger outside on Memorial Day? This year, there’s another reason to fire up the grill that weekend: In addition to being Memorial Day, May 28 is also National Hamburger Day! Enjoy this delicious coincidence by heating up the grill, gathering the fixings, and making one of these tasty burgers at home. THE CLASSIC BURGER Nothing beats the American classic: a seasoned beef patty, a slice of cheddar cheese, a squirt each of mustard and ketchup, a layer of crunchy lettuce, some thinly sliced onions, and a couple of zesty pickles. For a homemade touch, make the pickles yourself by soaking cucumbers in a brine of vinegar, dill, and salt. THE MEDITERRANEAN BURGER Take your patty to the next level with a Mediterranean twist. Mix feta cheese and garlic into your ground beef before forming your patties. Serve it on a grilled ciabatta bun topped with marinated red

GRAZE If you like variety, exciting flavor combinations, and wholesome snacks approved by a nutritionist, you’ll love Graze. With this food box subscription, customers create a personalized snacking experience, something that many food subscription services don’t offer! Once you set your preferences, Graze handpicks eight snacks for your box. After you’ve tried your snacks, you can tell Graze how well they know your taste buds. Unfortunately, Graze is not suitable for people with allergies. Their snacks are packed in a facility that also processes nuts, wheat, milk, soy, and egg, and cross-contamination is a strong possibility. Graze prices depend on the services and products you select, but a standard subscription starts at $13.99 per box. Like Try the World, you can purchase snacks separately from their online shop. Customers can pause their subscription for up to 12 weeks or cancel at any time. Trying new food should be a fun, stress-free experience. Food subscription boxes allow you to sample new snacks and create foreign meals cheaply and from the comfort of your own home. Try a box the next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen. To try out Graze, go to their website: www.graze.com peppers and arugula for flavor and texture. If you want to get extra fancy, pour a bit of balsamic reduction over the patty before adding the toppings. THE PORTOBELLO BURGER For a delicious veggie burger even meat eaters will love, use a portobello mushroom as your patty. Remove the stems, then marinate the mushrooms for 15 minutes in a mixture of 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and a clove of minced garlic. Season the shrooms with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill just as you would any other burger. Gruyere cheese is the perfect creamy topping, and you can use grilled focaccia bread topped with garlic aioli. As you bask in the late spring weather and the inviting smell of delicious food this Memorial Day, don't forget to take a moment to remember the Americans who gave their lives so we could enjoy these freedoms, and thank those who served.

FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

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Traveling With the Grandkids?

PACK NECESSARY DOCUMENTS You need to have some form of ID for your grandkids. Older kids can use a driver’s license, but if you’re traveling with little ones, find a copy of their birth certificates. You also need copies of insurance and prescription cards and a notarized letter from the parents granting you permission to authorize medical care in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a letter of permission for your grandkids to travel with you. Make sure the letter is signed by all legal guardians, especially if your grandchild’s parents are divorced. You don’t want to accidentally cause a custody dispute. PLAN A TRIP YOU’LL BOTH LOVE When planning your itinerary, ask yourself if your grandkids will have fun, too. You might be excited to visit an art museum, but a younger child might not appreciate it as much. This doesn't mean you shouldn’t visit museums or historical sites! In fact, most of these places offer kid-centric activities, like scavenger hunts, that can help a younger audience engage with the environment. Just be sure to think of your grandchild first when planning. There’s nothing like the adventure of travel to bring generations closer together and create lasting memories. These tips will help you ensure those memories are good ones. Happy travels! 3 THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE TRIP

We could all use a vacation, and if you’re looking to bond with your grandkids, a trip might be the perfect answer. It’s fun for you, and getting away from Mom and Dad for a while is thrilling for any kid. But before you board a plane to Italy with your granddaughter or rent an RV for a trip to Yellowstone with your grandsons, there are a few things you need to check off your to-do list.

DON’T LET THE PARENTS WORRY Letting their kids go on a trip without them can be nerve-wracking for parents. Don’t view parental worries as an implication that you are an irresponsible grandparent. Instead, think about how you felt when your own children were young, and take steps to alleviate the parents’ concerns. If your daughter asks you not to be on your phone while in crowded public places because she’s concerned you might lose sight of her child, promise to keep the phone in your pocket. If your son-in-law wants regular updates, make time before bed for your grandchild to call home and tell her father about all the fun she’s having. A little compromise can lead to less stress and more fun for everyone.

COVER CONTINUED

Grilled Ranch POTATOES

Her influence on my life has helped make me the person I am today and will continue to shape the way I raise my own daughter. This Mother’s Day, I hope you get an opportunity to celebrate and reminisce about the women who have made a difference in your life.

If you want to be the hit of this year’s Memorial Day cookout, don’t overlook the star power of a well-made side dish. These smoky, tangy grilled potatoes will be the talk of the party. The best part is how easy they are to prep and make!

Ingredients • 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved • 1/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 1/2 packet ranch seasoning

• Ranch dressing for drizzling • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives • Bacon bits (optional) • Salt and pepper to taste

Have a wonderful Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

–Dr. Shel ly

Instructions 1. Heat grill to medium. In a large pan, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Skewer potatoes. (If using wood skewers, be sure to soak in water an hour before grilling.) Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives and bacon bits.

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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.

Secrets to a Great Family Vacation page 3 Grilled Ranch Potatoes page 3 Boost Your Mood With Yogurt page 4 Inside

An Incredible Role Model page 1 Gear Up for Grilling

Season page 2 Explore New

Cuisine With Food Subscription Boxes page 2

A YOGURT STATE OF MIND

kombucha. When you eat these foods, the cultures they contain may be able to influence your mood. If you need a mood booster, yogurt might help. Studies in both mice and humans show promising results. In one Caltech study, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety in mice given certain probiotics. In another study published in The British Journal of Nutrition, researchers observed the effects of specific probiotics on humans. Over a 30-day period, they noted a decrease in the signs of depression and anxiety. Many more studies are currently underway. The future of probiotics for the brain is promising. As we learn more about the connection between the gut and the brain, we may even be able to treat specific psychological conditions using probiotics. For now, though, if you want to boost your mood, reach for the yogurt. Just be sure to skip the sugar-laden processed stuff. Go straight for a high-quality Greek yogurt or, if you can find it, an Icelandic-style yogurt called Skyr. Both varieties are packed with helpful probiotics and may help you change your state of mind. Boost Your Mood With Probiotics

Your body plays host to thousands of types of bacteria. The

gastrointestinal tract alone is a remarkable ecosystem, filled with

millions upon millions of microscopic organisms. These organisms play a key role in your ability to digest and process

nutrients. But they also play another important role that’s not so obvious: They influence your mood and the way you think.

Researchers are studying the “how” behind the connection, but they suspect it has something to do with the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain and stomach. Bacterial activity in the gut may stimulate the nerve, causing it to produce chemicals in the brain that can change your state of mind.

Probiotics — a helpful type of bacteria — are abundant in Greek yogurt and other cultured foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and

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