Pitner Ortho APRIL 2018

THE STRAIGHT UP

April 2018

IS NAPPING A HOBBY? A Little Rest With All Our Stress

Not long ago, I was chatting with a gentleman who does repairs for one of the companies I work with. He was really friendly, and as we were getting to know each other, he asked what kind of hobbies I enjoy. I’ll be honest — I didn’t know how to answer the question. Some of my long-time patients may remember I used to have a really cool hobby: racing cars. But it has been awhile since I thought about going out on the track. My weekends are more often spent reading, going for walks, cooking dinner, or taking naps. For some reason, I felt bad that I didn’t have an exciting hobby to tell him about. In that moment, I felt stupid and guilty, but I didn’t know why. I mean, I work all week long, running three practices on my own! Am I required to have big plans every weekend? As I thought about why my lack of a cool hobby to talk about made me feel weird, I realized it’s because our culture can be very anti-rest. We’re told that if we are not pushing ourselves to work harder and do more, we’re wasting time.You can enjoy your hobbies, but you 'd better be productive while you do it! It’s not enough to just paint or run in your free time; you have to sell your paintings on Etsy or be constantly training for the next marathon.

run ourselves into the ground. Brad Stulberg, author of “Peak Performance: ElevateYour Game, Avoid Burnout, andThriveWith the NewScience of Success,” uses this simple equation: Stress + Rest =Growth. A little stress can be good, as it keeps us from becoming complacent. Likewise, too much rest is bad, “IT’S IMPORTANT TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE, BUT IT’S EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER NOT TO RUN OURSELVES INTO THE GROUND.” because it prevents us from accomplishing anything. Far too often, we put too much emphasis on stress and far too little on rest. I see this stress overload in all of my patients. Middle school and high school kids have crazy schedules, packed with fiveAP classes, sports after school every season, and anxiety over applying for college and how they will pay for it. Adults aren’t much better about managing their own stress over work, life, and kids. We’re pretty good at being stressed, but our ability to rest is severely lacking. After putting ourselves in “go, go, go” mode all day, the to-do list might be completed. But if we don’t give ourselves a break, what was the point of putting ourselves through all that stress?

“I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” a stress-obsessed person might say. This mindset baffles me, because I love to sleep. It’s one of my all-time favorite activities. My husband has called me a “champion sleeper.” Sometimes, I would go so far as to call sleep my hobby! I am able to growmuch more and take on more stress when I get enough sleep. I think a lot of people feel sick, depressed, or overwhelmed because they refuse to let themselves rest.You don’t need to schedule a tropical vacation to justify resting a little. It’s okay to kick back on the couch once in a while. Read a book for the joy of reading, binge-watch a little Netflix, or take an afternoon nap.You deserve it! Once you’ve let yourself rest, you’ll be ready to face the world again — and maybe even take on more than you could before. –Dr. Leslie Pitner

It’s important to strive for excellence, but it’s equally important to remember not to

1

Smile big. Smile often. • 803-781-5225

FAMILY TIME IN THE

GREATOUTDOORS

Family

so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love. Hiking A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. Fishing Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging.

It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the

adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with

willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.

lodging prices

rising and the logistical nightmare

that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever.

Camping

are expensive,

FROM THE OFFICE OF BUSTER

AN ORTHODONTIST’S CRYSTAL BALL

GOOD DAY, MATE!

the way). She’s not psychic, but she does have some awesome technology that allows her to see what a person’s perfect smile will look like before treatment has even started. She is able to do this with the intraoral scanner at Pitner Orthodontics offices, which can take a 3-Dmodel of all your teeth. This is great because you no longer have to put goop in your mouth to make a mold — yuck! The scanner also means my mom can use the virtual model to design your smile and show you what your teeth can look like when they are all straight and pretty.

playing fetch. But when you are able to

Buster here, Dr. Pitner’s Australian labradoodle. My mom has been letting me hang out at the office the last fewmonths, provided I’m on my best behavior. It’s been so much fun, because I get to meet all the patients and say hi. I love saying hi to people! I also like to listen to all the goings-on at the office. I learn something new every day! For example, did you knowmy mom can see into the future? I don’t mean she can predict lottery numbers or know when it’s the ideal time to go for a walk (the answer to that last one is “all the time,” by

visualize the end results, it

can make getting through treatment

a little less ruff. If you’ve been thinking about starting orthodontic treatment, but you're not sure what the results will look like or whether it’ll be worth it, just ask! The intraoral scanner lets my mom give you a look into the future.You can see for yourself what your perfect smile will look like.When you do, I bet your tail will be wagging!

As much as I love going to the office with my mom, I know orthodontics is a lot less fun than

2

www.drpitner.com

A Small Token With a BIG Message KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? You wake up late, you can’t find your keys, the kids aren’t ready, and the day continues to unfold in a negative fog. Those difficult days are the reason Megan Murphy started the Kindness Rocks Project. After her parents passed away, she found comfort in finding heart-shaped rocks and sea glass on the beach. She realized that these small tokens might make other people feel better, too. Megan’s friend, one of the first to pick up a rock Megan had left behind, sent her an encouraging message after finding it: “If you did drop this rock, you made my day.” Since then, Megan has inspired others with randomly placed messages of kindness. She finds a rock, paints a kind message on it, and

leaves it on the beach for others to find. And the idea has spread. As the project has grown, so have people’s stories about finding kindness rocks. When people find a kindness rock, they get a boost to their day, but they also feel inspired to pay the kindness forward. If you want to spread kindness, start with a few smooth 3- to 5-inch rocks. Part of the adventure is in finding the rocks, so take the time to explore outside to find them. Maybe take the kids for a trek to a nearby park or beach. Once you have your rocks, use nontoxic paint or spray paint to color them. Use bright colors so that others can spot them. After the paint has dried, use paint pens to write your messages on the rocks. These can be as simple How to MakeYour Own Kindness Rocks

as one word or as big as an inspiring quote or verse. After you’ve written your message, use a clear nontoxic sealant to protect your artwork so it will be there when others find it. Find an outdoor space to leave your rock — maybe even in the original spot you found it. In a world that often seems dark, your message of kindness will serve as a beacon of hope for others. “ONE MOMENT CAN CHANGE A DAY, ONE DAY CAN CHANGE A LIFE, AND ONE LIFE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.” –GAUTAMA BUDDHA

M I N T PEA SOUP

INGREDIENTS

• • • • •

3 pearl onions, diced 3 tablespoons olive oil

•

3/4 cup fresh mint, plus more for garnish

6 cups fresh or frozen peas 5 cups vegetable stock 1 tablespoon agave nectar

• • •

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

Pistachios for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Place pot on stove over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. 2. Add peas and stock. Cook until peas are just tender and still bright green. Remove from stove and cool for 5 minutes. 3. Put the mixture in a blender. As you blend, add mint, agave, lemon juice, and salt. 4. Once blended, pour into a bowl, garnish with mint and pistachios, and serve!

Adapted frommynewroots.org

3

Smile big. Smile often. • 803-781-5225

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

5953 Wescott Rd. Columbia, SC 29212 803-781-5225 Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.drpitner.com

INSIDE

1. 2.

Too Much Go, Go, Go

3 Awesome Ways to Create Lasting Memories

The Future of Your Smile

3.

The Message Behind Kindness Rocks

Spring Greens Soup

4.

Local Events

Spring Returns to Columbia FUN IS IN BLOOM

Bark to the Park 2018 Where: Finlay Park, Columbia, SC

13th Annual Ballet Stars of NewYork Gala Performance Where: Koger Center for the Arts, Columbia, SC When: Sunday, April 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Admission: $15–$35 Website: kogercenterforthearts.com The best of ballet returns to Columbia. Principal dancers from the NewYork City Ballet will team up with the USC Dance Company for the 13th year, presenting an evening of incredible elegance and artistry. Don’t miss out on the gala fundraiser after the performance, which is raising money for USC’s dance program. Get your tickets to the performance and the gala before they sell out by calling 803-777-5636!

SparkleberryCountry Fair Where: Clemson Sandhills Research and EducationCenter, Columbia, SC When: Friday, April 27–Sunday, April 29 Admission: $10 per vehicle Website: sparkleberrycountryfair.org

When: Saturday, April 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission: $30 preregistration; $35 on day of registration Website: support.pawmettolifeline.org You and your canine best friend are invited to help raise money for homeless animals with Pawmetto Lifeline’s largest fundraiser. The event starts with a 1.5-mile fun walk through downtown Columbia, followed by an after “paw-ty” in Finlay Park. Enjoy refreshments for humans and canines, awards, pet contests, and entertainment that’s sure to have everyone’s tails wagging. Register now to be part of this great day celebrating man’s best friend.

The SparkleberryCountry Fair is more than just a trip back in time to the old-school country fairs of yesteryear; it’s an opportunity to give back to our community. A teamof volunteers works hard to put on this wonderful event, providing family-friendly fun for all ages with amusements, rides, classic fair foods, a petting zoo, hands-on learning activities in the red barn, andmore! All proceeds go to support grants and scholarships for local schools.

4

www.drpitner.com