Pitner Orthodontics June 2019

THE STRAIGHT UP

June 2019

The Puddleglum Philosophy My Manifesto for Hope

I didn’t read “TheChronicles of Narnia” until I was in college. Gasp! I know, what kind of childhood did I have? Even though I didn’t go through the wardrobe until I was almost an adult, themagic in these books still influenced my life. For me, one of themost powerful moments is the speech fromPuddleglum the Marsh-wiggle at the end of “The Silver Chair.” "One word, Ma'am," he said, coming back from the fire; limping, because of the pain. "One word. All you've been saying is quite right, I shouldn't wonder. I'ma chap who always liked to know the worst and then put the best face I can on it. So I won't deny any of what you said. But there's one more thing to be said, even so. Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things — trees and grass and sun andmoon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have.Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seema good deal more important than the real ones. “Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world.Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that's a funny thing, when you come to think of it.We're just babies making up a game, if you're right. But four babies playing a game canmake “.. I’M BETTER OFF BELIEVING IN HOPE AND A BETTER WORLD, EVEN IF IT’S NOT TRUE.”

a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'mgoing to stand by the play world. I'm onAslan's side even if there isn't anyAslan to lead it. I'mgoing to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia. So, thanking you kindly for our supper, if these two gentlemen and the young lady are ready, we're leaving your court at once and setting out in the dark to spend our lives looking forOverland. Not that our lives will be very long, I should think; but that's a small loss if the world's as dull a place as you say." is convinced the characters won’t make it to the end of their journey. But in the end, when it really counts, hemakes this incredible speech and gives the characters the hope they need to win.This speech perfectly articulates the basic foundation of what hope and optimismare for me: I’mbetter off believing in hope and a better world, even if it’s not true. I’ve wanted to write about the Puddleglum philosophy for a long time and why we need more hope in our lives.This isn’t to say there aren’t bad things but rather that there aren’t only bad things.There are good things in the world, too. In fact, I would go so far as to say there are far more good things in the world than bad. I think the reason we tend to see somuch bad is because the bad things scare us, and it’s easier to profit frompeople’s fear.You can’t sell a world built on hope; hope is something we all have for free. At first, Puddleglum is as gloomy as Eeyore. He’s pessimistic, claims everything is terrible, and

The important thing to remember about the Puddleglumphilosophy is that hope demands action. Believing in a better world doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to bad things — it’s about using hope and belief to build that better world. Puddleglumdoesn’t just talk about how the "made-up things seema good deal more important than the real ones"; he applies action to his words, stomping out the villain’s magical fire and leading his friends “out in the dark to spend our lives looking forOverland.” When things seemawful, it can help to remember what gives you hope and joy. It can be the smallest things like trees and grass, the sun and themoon, walks with your dog, and good long laughs with friends. No amount of hope is insignificant. As long as we have hope and belief that the world is a good place, we have the power tomake that come true.

–Dr. Leslie Pitner

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EnjoyYour FamilyTime

BY TAKING A BREAK FROMYOUR PHONE

Setting some time aside to be with family is important, but

important ones, such as the messaging, contacts, email, and calendar apps, on the first screen.You can also designate times for specific apps to be used throughout the day. Stay Focused Stay Focused is like Siempo, but there are some significant differences.You can set times to access certain apps and put the most distracting ones on lock. Stay Focused also has a “strict mode” that prevents you from uninstalling it, so be sure to think carefully before activating the lockdown because you won’t have access to those specific apps until the timer runs out. Forest In the time that Forest takes control of your device for a set time limit, the app starts growing a tree. Once the tree is fully grown, your time is up, and it joins the other trees that were grown during other breaks. If you pick up your phone and orthodontic experience. There are lots of reasons why Invisalign is the best, safest, and most affordable option for kids. I don’t think it’s too biased to say there’s a lot of great stuff in my mom’s new book. My favorite chapter is “Invisalign Myths Busted” and not just because my name is kind of in the chapter title. I’m a very facts-based dog, and that chapter is all about clearing up misinformation. For example, a lot of people still believe they don’t “qualify” for Invisalign because their teeth are so bad. This is rarely the case. In fact, Invisalign can be used to treat almost any condition traditional braces can treat in kids, teens, and adults! My mom worked really hard writing this book, and she’s really excited to share it with everyone. If you enjoy reading her stories each month in the newsletter, you’ll like

try to access an app, Forest will send you a notification asking you if you want to kill your baby tree by giving up.Who says guilt isn’t a good motivator?

it can be difficult when everyone is always on their cellphones. Constant

BesidesApps Aside from using these apps, silencing your phone and putting it in another room, leaving it in your car if you’re out at dinner, or keeping it in your purse or back pocket during a social event can also reduce your screen time. Having your phone out of sight and out of reach will keep the temptation of pulling it out at bay.

cellphone use has become a global problem, and the habit is hard to break because we rely on mobile devices heavily for work, school, and keeping in contact with friends and family. Luckily, there are plenty of apps that can reduce how often you’re on your phone and minimize distractions. Siempo After you install Siempo on

Spending time with your family is crucial, and with these apps and tips, you’ll enjoy each other’s company without too many screen distractions.

your phone, it will ask which apps are likely to distract you. Once you select them, the app will move those apps away from the home screen and place the

FROM THE OFFICE OF BUSTER

My Mom Wrote a New Book! G’DAY, MATE!

This month, I want to recommend a new book for your summer reading list. It was written by none other than my mom, Dr. Pitner herself, and it’s called “The Invisalign Advantage: EverythingYou Need to KnowAbout the Best Option forYour Child’s Orthodontic Care.” The title is a bit of a mouthful, but so is orthodontics, am I right? This is the second book my mom has written! In 2017, she published “Improve Your Smile, TransformYour Life,” which explored the science behind your smile and how your smile impacts your psychological health. “The Invisalign Advantage” zeroes in on one element Dr. Pitner mentioned in her first book, the value of Invisalign, and discusses what parents should know about how Invisalign can improve their child’s

reading the same informative, entertaining approach in “The Invisalign Advantage.” It is available on Amazon, or ask for a copy for yourself or a friend the next time you are in the office! –Buster

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An Ancient Solution to Modern Problems The Truth About Meditation

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

so many benefits that will leave you feeling lighter in another way. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindful meditation lowers stress levels, and patients who habitually meditate report less chronic pain. Another study published in the same journal found that regular meditation also fights depression. How do I meditate? Meditating is as simple as sitting in a quiet place, closing your eyes, and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes. Whenever your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath.You don’t need to climb a mountain or pay for a week-long retreat to start meditating. That said, there are plenty of resources that help beginners build a strong foundation for meditation. Popular apps like Calm or Headspace are available on any smartphone

This is the first step in every meditation session. Though often associated with the NewAge metaphysical movement, meditation isn’t all about incense and healing crystals. Meditation is an ancient practice that strengthens your mental focus, and recent research suggests that it offers real solutions to modern problems. What is meditation? Meditation has strong roots in various religious and cultural traditions, but anyone can find value in practicing it. The purpose of meditation is to strengthen your mind by promoting mindfulness, focus, and awareness. Does meditation work? It depends on what you mean by “work.”Will meditation allow you to defy gravity and hover above the earth? Probably not. But there are

and offer guided courses you can start anywhere, anytime.You could also check online or at your local community center for group classes if you would like some in-person guidance. Meditation isn’t a magical ritual that will cure all that ails you, but plenty of research suggests meditation does provide tangible benefits to our mental and physical well-being. Maybe one day, meditation will be as commonplace as daily exercise.

NO. 1 DAD HASH BROWNS

INGREDIENTS

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1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, or 6 tbsp ghee 3 russet potatoes (about 1/2 lb.), peeled 1 tsp Kosher salt, plus more to taste

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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Pinch of cayenne pepper, plus more to taste

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DIRECTIONS

1. In a small saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until foamy. Reduce heat if needed to avoid browning. Skim off white milk solids to make clarified butter (ghee). Transfer to a bowl and reserve. (This step won’t be needed if using ghee.) 2. Using the large holes on a box grater, grate potatoes. Transfer to a large bowl of cold water and stir until water becomes cloudy. Rinse potatoes under cold water, then squeeze out liquid using cheesecloth or a kitchen towel, removing as much moisture as possible. Season potatoes.

3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat ghee to medium-high. Add potatoes and cook until a crust forms underneath, about 5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, break up potatoes and continue to cook, adding more ghee if potatoes begin to stick. 4. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels; season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. Serve.

Inspired by Bon Appétit

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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

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Stand By the ‘Play World’

Take a Break From Your Smartphone Some New Summer Reading Take a Deep Breath Hash Browns for the Best Dad

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The Best Summer Camps in South Carolina

A Summer of Fun

These Camps Turn Summer Vacation Into an Adventure

Time Team 20/20 Ages: 9–11 Where: South Carolina State Museum, Columbia, SC When: June 17–21; July 29 to Aug. 2 Phone: 803-898-4921 Website: SCMuseum.org/summercamps/ Some of the greatest scientific geniuses have been erased from history!Your kids have the opportunity to travel through time to meet Ada Lovelace, Leonardo daVinci, and other great historical minds. Campers will recreate some of their most famous experiments and help save the future. TimeTeam 20/20 is one of the many fun, educational day camps offered this summer at the South Carolina State Museum.

Camp Chatuga Ages: 6–16 Where: 291CampChatuga Rd, Mountain Rest, SC When: Multiple sessions, June 16 to July 31 Phone: 864-638-3728 Website: CampChatuga.com Are your kids ready for a classic summer camp experience? At Camp Chatuga, kids can sleep in cabins, go canoeing, swim in the lake, tell stories around a campfire, and meet new friends they’ll cherish for life.With sessions ranging from three days to four weeks, your kids can stretch their wings, try something new, and make some great memories! Not seeing the perfect summer camp for your kids? Check out more summer camps in Columbia & Richland County at Sciway.net/summer- camps/columbia-sc-summer-camps.html .

Looking for a way to keep summer vacation fun for three long months? South Carolina is full of awesome summer camps your kids will love! Parks and Rec Summer Day Camps Ages: 5–12; 13–16 Where: Various parks throughout Columbia When: Weekly sessions, June 10 toAug. 9 Phone: 803-545-3100 Website: ColumbiaSC.net/parks-recreation/ programs-activities/summer-camp Want to get your kids away from the screen and into the sunlight? The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Camps Program offers weekly camps for both kids and teens, so your whole family can have a good time. With sports camps and art camps, these day camps can keep your kids engaged all summer long.

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