Premier Dental - June 2022

Premier Dental - June 2022

PREMIER DENTAL N EWS L E T T E R

EDITION 38

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MY SUMMER AT THE UNITED NATIONS Remembering My First Job

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Most people remember their first job after graduating from high school or college, primarily because it’s when they get their first serious paycheck. My first job was exciting but, unfortunately, unpaid. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English from Queen’s College in New York, I was hired for a three-month internship at the United Nations (U.N.) Association. Located only two blocks from the United Nations building, my colleagues and I updated and rewrote chapters of “Guide to Delegate Preparation.” This book was used as a guide by the Model U.N. Conference program in schools. I was assigned two chapters: South Africa and Iran/Iraq. In those days, the issues that surrounded those regions constantly filled the news. I spent many hours in the U.N. library reading, researching, and becoming slowly enlightened to the complex international world we live in. Working as a U.N. Association intern also meant I spent three months at the United Nations. While in my 20s, it was still a glamorous and revered institution. The highlight became getting an employee pass to the U.N. building; I was part of the U.N. community. I could wander the halls of the grand building and observe any conferences and committees. Even more exciting, I ate at their diverse international food court! It felt amazing to walk past marbled floors, high ceilings, and art-decorated walls. People constantly walked to different areas for meetings — important and trivial. Many dressed in their native outfits and conversed in their own languages. It was surreal to watch so many people from so many nations converge in one place. Below are some of my favorite memories from my time at the U.N. Association. Security Council Meetings on South Africa At that time, the efforts to end apartheid in South Africa were really heating up. Watching delegates from different countries debate the issues was exciting. Many debates were contentious, with countries aligned either with or against South Africa. I felt like I watched history in the making, as I saw violent protests in South Africa on television and volatile debates at the U.N.

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Lunch With Ambassadors We were encouraged to invite ambassadors from different countries for lunch. It was an opportunity to talk with them, ask questions, and broaden our knowledge. I remember the ambassadors from Brazil (whose daughter was a fellow intern), Greece, and Israel, and there were others, too. We ordered food representative of their respective countries and spent a few hours talking to them. A Summer With Interesting Colleagues I enjoyed meeting and spending time with people from so many different walks of life: There was the Brazilian ambassador’s daughter, and one intern’s father was president and CEO of a well-known clothing company at the time. (Every weekend she went to their summer house on Long Island, and then flew back on Monday morning in her father’s executive helicopter.) Another intern planned to attend law school in the fall. His expertise was Japan, and he could speak Japanese like a native. I felt I learned a lot as a U.N. Association intern. I developed a broader base of knowledge about international affairs and understood the world better. And on my last day, I held a published book in my hand with my name listed as one of the authors. The internship gave me much more than I expected, and I have never forgotten the experience.

MICHELE ROBERTA

DENTAL ASSISTANT

CATHLEEN

HYGIENISTS

CHARLENE JULIA

PRACTICE MANAGER

PETER

–Hema Gopal, DMD

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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Everything Is Connected How Your Oral and Mental Health Link Together

Our bodies are made up of many systems working together to keep us functional and healthy. It’s so complex that even scientists don’t understand how all of it works. But we do know that our health is a whole- body experience, and ignoring one aspect of our wellness will often lead to other problems down the line. Oral health is no exception. For example, poor dental health can contribute to cardiovascular disease, and diabetes can lead to gum disease. Still, most people don’t know that their oral and mental health are linked. Researchers have found that people who suffer from mental illnesses are more likely to develop oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, experts have identified several reasons for the apparent connection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people across the globe are affected by depression. That’s about 5% of the adult population. Depression is more than just sadness, and it impacts people’s ability to think clearly and engage in regular activities. Oral care routines often fall by the wayside as a result, along with dental visits. This neglect of regular mouth maintenance can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Meanwhile, anxiety can make social interactions terrifying, and sufferers may have difficulty scheduling and attending dental appointments. Additionally, many people have a phobia of dentists that causes them to postpone care. Due to this anxiety or fear, oral health issues can go untreated and significantly worsen.

There are still more connections. People with eating disorders may experience dental erosion or low calcium levels that affect their teeth. Pain is a risk factor for depression, so existing oral pain can spark or worsen mental health problems. And while more research is needed, a 2019 study found a possible genetic link between depression and oral health conditions. If you’re struggling, you need to protect your mental and physical health. Talk to your doctor about what you’ve been experiencing, and be open to their recommendations. Treating your mind well will lead to better health and perhaps a happier and longer life. In addition to this, don’t forget to include your dentist in your plans for full-body health. They’re not trained mental health professionals, but they can provide helpful strategies to help you maintain your dental health while seeking treatment for your mental health as well. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medication you’re taking. Side effects from antidepressants can include dry mouth or teeth grinding, and your dentist can help you minimize the damage. Whatever you’re going through, it’s crucial to keep your entire health team engaged. Physicians, dentists, and therapists all have specialized roles, but outcomes are better when each specialty has the complete picture and can work together. Keep the lines of communication open — and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

Inspired by RecipeRunner.com

Ingredients

FOR THE MARINADE • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 3 tbsp honey • Juice of 1 lime • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt

FOR THE SKEWERS • 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes • 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

We all know the feeling: Sometime after lunch, you become sluggish, spacy, and unproductive. Many of us instinctively turn to caffeine to power through the rest of the day, but that can cause another crash, not to mention sleep problems. But don’t worry — you aren’t doomed to an aimless afternoon. We’ve compiled expert tips to perk up and carry on with your busy day. Plan your work. All of our bodies have internal rhythms, and by now, you probably know yours. Typically, people peak mid-morning or in the late afternoon. But whenever your productive heights are, plan around them. Complete the detailed, creative, or difficult work during the times when your energy is at its best, and save your “busy work” or repetitive tasks for the lulls when you feel less motivated. You’ll feel better and get more done. Consume healthy foods and lots of water. Maybe you don’t have complete control of your schedule. That’s where a healthy snack comes in. We tend to crash in the afternoon when our blood sugar drops, usually due to consuming carbohydrates. Eating vegetables, fruit, and protein or fiber-rich foods will help pick up your energy without incurring a future dip. While you’re snacking, drink some water. A 2018 study out of Yale found that even mild dehydration can negatively affect our brains’ ability to function, so don’t let your water bottle sit untouched. Get up and move. You’re not going to get over that slump by sitting in your chair. If you want to beat back fatigue, go for a walk, climb some stairs, stretch, or do some jumping jacks. Researchers have proven that exercise wakes up both your body and your mind. In fact, science says it will do a better job of rousing you than caffeine will. Best of all, it will help, not hurt, your ability to sleep at night. Finally, set yourself up for success by going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting your necessary 7–9 hours of sleep. Our attention ebbs and flows naturally, so none of us can be our best 100% of the time. But along with these other tips, staying well-rested can help you pick up the pace. NO CAFFEINE NEEDED HOW TO BEAT YOUR AFTERNOON SLUMP

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the 4. fridge overnight. 5. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 6. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 7. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides! Take a Break

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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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Inside

DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

This Issue

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What I Learned as a UN Association Intern

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Your Mental Health Can Affect Your Mouth Beating the Midday Slump Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

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Tips to Break Your Kids’ Phone Habits

Breaking the Habit How to Cut Your Kids’ Screen Time

The science is clear: Too much screen time can lead to kids experiencing developmental delays, poor sleep, and weight gain. And yet, kids love those small glowing devices. To keep your children healthy, you need to find a way to set limits. But how can you create rules around their favorite pastimes without causing a lot of drama? Create realistic rules. You know your family best. Review the American Academy of Pediatrics’ best practices for screen time online, and then consider what’s both healthy and doable. Maybe the ultimate screen time spent will be more than the experts suggest, but an improvement is better than no change. Determine usage limits and establish device-free times. Then create clear expectations and consequences, and don’t back down from enforcing them. Take the devices away . It is not a punishment, though it might feel like one to your kids at first. But it’s actually helping them by removing the temptation. Your elementary school child will be less likely to get sucked into a YouTube hole, and your teen won’t send “just one” text at dinner if the device isn’t right there. Keep these devices out of sight during no-use time, and put them away once your kids have met their daily limits. In the end, it will make things easier. Spend More Time Together. Giving your children your undivided attention is incredibly valuable, even if it’s only for short periods. Figure out how you can create more face time (not FaceTime). Start conversations and play games to spend time together as a family. Even better, get outside! If

you’re willing to spend time with them and act a little silly, your kids will have more fun kicking a ball around rather than playing Roblox. Better yet, you’ll both get some exercise. Finally, consider the example you’re setting. It’s hard to blame kids for their screen addiction when adults also have trouble prying themselves away from laptops, tablets, and phones. Think about how you can reduce your own screen time and consider installing an app that tracks your usage like StayFree or Social Fever. You might be surprised at how much time you spend staring at a little screen — and be inspired to cut back.

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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE