A+ Family Dentistry January 2018

San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1

Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100

San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467

The Happy Tooth

A VISION OF YOUR FUTURE HOW WE ACHIEVE OUR GREATEST GOALS

How can we make New Year’s resolutions we’re able to keep?

became a big obstacle in my life. In 2008, I finally decided enough was enough and started taking swimming lessons. While I won’t be going to the Olympics anytime soon, I’m can now swim and am not afraid of the water anymore. That was when I realized the value of setting personal goals.

Becoming fit and healthy are the most common New Year’s resolutions every year. At the beginning of last year, the number of Google searches about how to get healthy increased 13.77 percent from 2016.

Unfortunately, even though more people were making this resolution, it doesn’t mean more people were achieving their goal. In fact, out of all New Year’s resolutions made, the Statistic Brain Research Institute found only 9.2 percent of people feel like they successfully achieve their goals.

“If we can clearly picture how a goal could improve our life, we can create a plan to achieve it.”

Faced with this information, I know some people might decide to give up on New Year’s resolutions entirely. Personally, I find great value in resolutions because they inspire us to make goals. From my experience, the problem comes with the way we make them. Specifically, we tend to lack personal connection with the resolutions we choose. When I was younger, I would make the same “exercise, lose weight, and eat healthy” New Year’s resolutions. I made these because they were the kind of goals I thought you were supposed to have at New Year’s. Everyone else was doing it, so it must be the right answer. Unfortunately, I never really achieved these goals in a way one would call a major success. None of the resolutions I made seemed to stick. That is, until I promised myself I would learn how to swim.

When we set a goal that speaks to our personal desires, we’re more inclined to work for it. Instead of “I want to be health and get fit,” we should think more along the lines of “I want to lose 15 pounds so I can fit into that special dress for my high school reunion,” or “I will work out every day so I can run a marathon with my son this fall.” If we can clearly picture how a goal could improve our life, we can create a plan to achieve it. This year, to start off on the right foot, Dr. Janice and I hosted a vision board party early this month. I had never made one before, but the idea of creating a collage that matched my goals seemed like it would really help me visualize my aspirations. We threw this party for the women in our lives, inviting our friends and the girls from the office to join us.

The party was a lot of fun, and it certainly helped me visualize what I would like to achieve in 2018. I believe it also helped the other women, especially

Having grown up in Vietnam, swimming lessons weren’t something we did in childhood. We didn’t exactly spend our weekends at the pool. However, after my family moved to California when I was a teenager, not being able to swim

those who hadn’t really made goals yet. Our mother and grandmother are both strong women who have given Janice and I support all our lives. We wanted to do the same for the women we know, supporting them in their goals. What better time to start than New Year’s?

–Dr. Justene Doan

January 2018 Edition

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1

Healthier Than Ever Get Your Kids to Eat

of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for other pasta dishes. Zucchini noodles made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo. Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week. them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time! A+ Referrals We want to thank all of our patients who put so much faith in us by recommending our services to their friends and family members. Last month, our referrals came from these amazing patients: If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you

Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal

TESTIMONIALS See What Others Are Saying

“I love my dentist. I started here in August 2017, and they have been really good about getting my oral health back on track. I love that they’re open evenings and Saturdays for me. I was able to text my dentist when something was wrong, and she called in a prescription over the phone for me.” –Brittney H. “I was very scared when I came for my first visit. I was very nervous, but everyone was friendly and explained everything that would be done and the cost. I have had six appointments and I have not felt any pain whatsoever. I’m no longer scared to come to the dentist. I strongly recommend it.” –Rosario B.

Yousif A. Chirstopher C.

Angelina M. Ryan M. Guadalupe M. Francisco P. Paul R.

Theo S. Kevin S. Tim W. Carl W.

Francisco C. Armando D. Renee G.

And the winner of November’s referral prize (Glo in-office teeth whitening, valued at $399) Kevin S. Thank you to all of our patients who continue to support us. Check back next month when we will announce the winner of our next referral prize.

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A Team Worth CELEBRATING

As we enter a new year, we want to take a moment and shine the spotlight on the people who helped make 2017 a success — our A+ Family Dentistry team. Each day is a full schedule, with patients to help and new problems to solve. Luckily, we have the best team in the business. After a year of working hard, everyone was ready to cut loose a bit. Last December, the teams of both our San Diego and Poway locations got together to celebrate the season and finish 2017 in style at our 11th annual office holiday party. Team members brought their spouses and significant others, making 50 total guests for an awesome Casino Royale-themed evening. Office manager of the San Diego location, Goli Godarzi, hosted the party in her home, giving

everyone a chance to have some fun and let their hair down. Between exciting games of blackjack and delicious catered tacos, this party proved to be a memorable affair. Stepping out of the office and into a new environment is a great way to remember how lucky we are to know such wonderful people. Our team is made of a diverse group of people who come from different backgrounds and walks of life. Everyone has their own experiences and stories to share, and these

qualities serve to make the A+ Family Dentistry team stronger. Additionally, we have a number of people who come from military families, which shows in their work ethic. From our friendly front desk crew to our caring dental assistants, everyone is always ready to work together, doing their part to make sure each patient gets the quality treatment they deserve. It’s a delight to have a team where everyone gets along, and each day is something to look forward to. Here’s to the best team ever!

Pistachio Goji Berry GRANOLA

Have a Laugh!

Want to spruce up your morning yogurt? Top it with this tasty granola. Even better, swap out the dairy for coconut yogurt and enjoy your vegan breakfast.

Ingredients

• • • •

1 cup rolled oats 1/2 teaspoon salt

• • • •

1/3 cup pistachios, chopped

1/4 cup coconut flakes 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/3 cup goji berries

1 tablespoon coconut oil 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add oats in a thin layer and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add coconut oil and salt, then stir. Continue toasting for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Add maple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time; stir to coat. 3. Once oats are toasted, add pistachios, coconut flakes, and

cinnamon. Cook slowly until pistachios and coconut flakes are toasted but not burned, for about 5 minutes. 4. Remove from pan and stir in goji berries. 5. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or on top of your yogurt! Recipe inspired by LoveAndLemons.com.

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3

Office Hours: Mondays: Closed

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105

Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467

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Inside This Issue

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution? Page 1

Trick Your Kids Into Healthy Eating Page 2

January Testimonials Page 2

Shout Out to the A+ Family! Page 3

Start the Day Right With This Granola Page 3

Escape to Nicaragua Page 4

The office be closed January 1st. Schedule your next appointment today to beat the post holiday rush!

Escape to Nicaragua THE COUNTRY THAT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

After the hectic holiday season, many of us feel like we need another vacation just to unwind. Luckily, January and February are two of the best months to travel. Flight prices plummet and crowds thin out after the Christmas rush. If you’re looking to escape the dreary winter weather, there’s no better place to visit this season than Nicaragua, the “Central American country that has it all,” as Condé Nast Traveler puts it. Whether you’re looking to explore the rainforests surrounding the Río San Juan or get lost in the quirky-yet-beautiful architecture of Granada, there’s something for everyone in this tropical wonderland. One must-see destination is the Cerro Negro volcano. Just a baby at 150 years old, it’s one of the most active volcanoes in the region. It only takes about an hour to scale its smoking, black gravel surface, and the verdant forests surrounding the peak are a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can board down the side, reaching ludicrous speeds as they teeter and try not to fall. In fact, it’s almost impossible to travel anywhere in the country without seeing an “I boarded a volcano” T-shirt.

If relaxing on a pearlescent beach is more your speed, take a short boat trip out to the Corn Islands. There, you can amble around the small towns bordering the shockingly blue Pacific, visit a number of laid-back seafood restaurants, get scuba certified for a fraction of the price anywhere else in the world, or just read your book as you swing in a hammock by the waves. You can also visit the gorgeous, alabaster Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in “new” Léon. The biggest church in all of Central America, this unique Baroque and neoclassicist structure was built in 1814. Visitors can climb onto its roof (as long as they don’t wear shoes) and bask in the view of surrounding volcanoes (including Cerro Negro). If you’re planning on heading to Nicaragua, it’s best to do it soon. Neighbor Costa Rica often overflows with tourists, and instead of wading through the crowds there, many travelers are catching on to what Nicaragua has to offer.

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