Advanced+Family Dentistry - December 2019

REPORT THE WELLNESS

• December 2019

770-932-4240

•

www.DaculaDentist.com

770-932-4240 • 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

to feelings of well-being and happiness. Getting just a few minutes of sunlight a day through a walk or short jog can make all the difference. If you live in an area where the winters are bleak, cloudy, and dark, sunlight can be harder to come by. But technology has you covered: You can purchase “sun lamps,” which simulate sunlight without the damaging UV rays. Just set up a sun lamp in your workspace or living area and feel your mood lift. Often, it can be difficult to stick with your daily routine during the cooler months. It may be harder to wake up on time in the morning to work out, or it may be too cold outside to go on your daily run. Luckily, you can find small ways to mitigate this. For example, invest in a sunrise alarm clock, which gently wakes you up with a simulated sunrise, or shop for high-quality thermal workout gear. If you continue to suffer from SAD and feel there’s no end in sight, it’s important to seek help from professionals. They can determine the best treatment options available for you. FEELING SAD? WAYS TO FIGHT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER Maintain Your Routine

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that people experience every fall and winter. If you find yourself feeling blue as the days become shorter and darker, know there are things you can do to boost your mood until spring returns.

Increase Your Activity

Keeping your body active can increase your energy levels, help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem. Summit Medical Group states that a person who exercises for 30–60 minutes a day can manage or avoid SAD easier than a person who does not exercise regularly. When you participate in physical activity, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which have a morphine-like effect on your brain. If exercising outdoors is not ideal, consider swimming, walking, or dancing instead.

Get Some Sun

Exposure to sunlight is also significantly beneficial for people suffering from SAD. Sunlight helps your body produce adequate amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes

Our Patients Say It Best!

“Amazing office with all the latest equipment and technology. Very warm staff. Dr. Parth is very knowledgeable and helpful. The best dentist!” –Suresh B. “After my former dentist retired, I was a bit nervous to try a new dentist, but Dr. Patel made it an easy transition. Both Dr. Patel and his staff were very kind and welcoming. I felt confident in him after my very first visit since he took the time to get to know me as a patient. Nice office atmosphere as well!” –Shanda L.

FIZZLED OUT? HOW SELTZER WATER AFFECTS YOUR ORAL HEALTH

The latest craze to hit store shelves, bars, and patrons’ glasses is seltzer water. Whether it’s alcoholic or alcohol-free, these light, bubbly drinks have become the go-to for health-conscious consumers who want to elevate their drinks with a little fizz. Health experts have sung seltzer water’s praises for offering the same level of hydration as regular H2O, but dentists haven’t been as quick to agree. Even though your teeth are protected by hard enamel, the items we ingest can damage or destroy it, and seltzer water isn’t innocent. The carbonation that gives these drinks their bubbles also inflates their acidity. Dentists point to a high-acid diet as a contributing factor to enamel erosion, which includes sodas, citrus fruits, and — you guessed it — seltzer water. Non-Alcoholic Concerns

of once per day, and drinking regular water afterward will do little to damage your teeth. Opt for a straw if you want the seltzer to bypass your

teeth completely. Keep in mind that this recommendation is for those who have a low-acid diet. If you regularly consume grapefruits, oranges, and lemons, then seltzer water may not be the craze for you. Note: Seltzer water is different than club soda in that seltzer water is purely carbonated by carbon dioxide. Club soda is comprised of other vitamins and minerals, giving it that salty taste. Consider your dietary restrictions before you reach for one or the other. If you enjoy the occasional alcoholic seltzer drink, you may have more to worry about than just enamel damage. Alcoholic beverages, including those made with seltzer water, often include high amounts of sugar. These sugars sit on your teeth and eat away at the enamel, causing tooth decay, cavities, and pain. For oral and overall health reasons, you should limit your consumption of these drinks. When you do indulge, opt for a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water to remove the fizz and sugar. Alcoholic Concerns

However, don’t be too quick to throw away your LaCroix. Consuming seltzer water in moderation, a maximum

SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES

WORD SEARCH

Inspired by Ina Garten

CLASSIC ROAST CHICKEN

Ingredients

• 1 chicken, approx. 5–6 lbs • Kosher salt • Freshly ground pepper • 1 large bunch fresh thyme, 20 sprigs removed • 1 lemon, halved

• 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • Olive oil

Directions

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing giblets if included. Move to a work surface, pat dry, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with thyme bunch, lemon halves, and garlic head. Brush outside with butter, and then season again. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen string. 3. Meanwhile, in a roasting pan, toss onions and carrots in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and 20 sprigs of thyme. 4. Place the chicken on the vegetables and roast for 1 1/2 hours. 5. Remove from oven, and let stand for 20 minutes covered with foil. 6. Slice and serve with the vegetables.

HOLIDAYS FLURRY FROZEN PENGUIN

WREATH SNOWFLAKE WINTER SLEIGH

COOKIES ORNAMENTS REINDEER STOCKINGS

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Happy Holidays! PAGE 1 Boost Your Mental Health This Season Our Patients Say It Best PAGE 2 How Your Teeth React to Seltzer Water Classic Roast Chicken PAGE 3 Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest PAGE 4

Glamping in Beautiful Locations YURT SWEET YURT

Spruce Hole Yurt, Colorado

The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent. For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day. Treebones Resort, California

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold.

Falls Brook Yurts, New York

For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

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