Calapooia Dental - September 2019

Calapooia Dental - September 2019

Linn County Fair Adventures GIVING BACK AND TEACHING MY DAUGHTER AT THE FAIR

Brian R. Summers DMD, PhD Patrick V. Hagerty, DMD

This past July, my family had a blast exploring the Linn County Fair. We ate too much greasy food, walked through the 4H and FFA exhibits, and toured the stalls of the various show animals the local kids had raised. My daughter, Norah, age 6, had so much fun seeing all the animals in one spot, and we seized this opportunity to teach her about where our food comes from. Norah already knows a bit more than other 6-year-olds might. As a family of fishers, she knows that, when we reel in a sizable catch, we’re going to sacrifice the fish, clean it, and eat it. She understands that life cycle. But the fair was the perfect environment to teach her about the food we don’t hunt on our own. Whenever we drive past the fields near our home, Norah will ask about the cows she sees. We always take this opportunity to explain that these animals are being raised for meat and that it’s important for us to not waste their lives by wasting the meat they provide for us. We have a responsibility to respect the life the animal gave for our meals, and we try to teach that to Norah. Initially, Norah didn’t understand that the animals at the fair weren’t just pets, so we compared them to the fish we catch. We explained that these animals were being raised as food for people like us, who don’t live on farms. By the end of our trip to the Linn County Fair, I think she understood the process. We also extended this educational opportunity beyond the stalls of the sheep and pig barns. My wife and I decided to purchase some animals from the kids at the auction. Now, meat from the fair isn’t cheap,

Calapooia Courier September 2019

but buying it is a great way to give back to the community we live and work in. I’m a firm believer in giving back to my community, whether that’s through donations, buying local, or volunteering. What’s even better is that I was able to give back to families I have a personal connection to. One of my employees, LaCreshia Mote, has been raising sheep with her daughters for years. We purchased Chloe Mote’s sheep, Rosebud. We also have patient Ryan Henry at Calapooia Family Dental, who raises pigs, and every year he has asked if we can support his project at the fair. I’m proud to say that this year we were able to do that, and we bought his hog, Mary Rose. Later in the day, I asked Ryan’s mother, Terri, how Ryan does knowing that Mary Rose would soon be butchered. I grew up with goats and pigs, so I understand the attachment, even when you know you’re raising animals for food. But his mom said he was doing well; he knew that his project would help him save money for college, as well as a truck. (He told me he wants a green Ford F150). It is encouraging to know our contribution is going toward a great cause and helping hard- working families. And the entire experience taught our family some lessons, too. Norah learned so much at the fair this year — in between stuffing her face with cotton candy, of course — and I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity. -Dr. Brian Summers

541-926-3689 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

A LOOK AT THE POWER OF PLANTS Can a Vegan Diet Prevent Cancer?

ROSE OVERCOMES A BIG FEAR, AND YOU CAN, TOO! Rose’s Round-Up

Hi, everyone! It’s Rose again!

Like most dogs, I don’t like going to the vet. They do all these weird things like poke around your belly and look in your ears. Of course, the treats aren’t too shabby there — some of the best treats you can find, in fact! And the smells! Don’t even get me started. I had to visit Reid Veterinary Hospital to get spayed this past August. This meant I would have to go to sleep

One of the pillars of holistic health is the idea that food is nature’s medicine. But while no one is arguing the fact that fruits and vegetables are good for you, there is plenty of debate about just how good they are. Can the right diet cure a cold? Counteract the flu? Prevent cancer? Many vegans, vegetarians, and other plant- based eaters say yes. The cancer question has been on the minds of an increasing number of researchers in the last 30 years. Because cancer afflicts roughly 38% of the U.S. population, it’s an urgent problem and an ever- fluctuating area of study. However, in the last decade, scientists have reached a tentative consensus on the impact of diet on cancer prevention, and it’s a feather in the cap of holistic health. First, let’s get this straight: Going vegan isn’t a surefire way to prevent cancer, and it certainly can’t cure it. But studies do show that sticking to a plant-based diet — and specifically cutting out meat — lowers your risk of cancer. According to Lindsey Wohlford, a dietitian with the MD Anderson Cancer Center, this is in part because plant-based foods contain phytochemicals, which boost the immune system. Plant-based foods are also a great source of fiber, which lowers cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and helps regulate the bowels. As she put it, “Meat just doesn’t do that.” A comprehensive study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that dietary factors are estimated to be responsible for 35% of all cancer cases, and that most studies have found vegetarian diets are “modestly cancer protective,” reducing risk by 10–12%. Studies also link red and processed meats to eight different cancer types and claim the risks meat poses are amplified when it’s fried, grilled, or barbecued. According to the studies, these processes form potentially carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines. The American Institute of Cancer Research recommends a plant- based diet for cancer prevention but doesn’t ask Americans to ditch meat and dairy entirely. Instead, the website claims that as long as you stick to “moderate to small” amounts of animal-based foods, you can have your meat and decrease your cancer risk too.

while Dr. Harrison Reid got me all patched up. I was so nervous for this big operation! Thankfully, my human family took such good care of me, and after I woke up, I couldn’t believe I was that nervous before. I’m healing up really well now. My human dad, Dr. Brian Summers, says the reason I didn’t feel anything during the operation was because of the sedation Dr. Reid used. This is a big fancy word that means the vet gave me some medicine to help me sleep. Apparently, my human dad uses it in his dental office, too! At Calapooia Family Dental, they have quite a few options, actually. Patients can ask for a pill that will help them relax if they are feeling nervous, or they can ask for nitrous oxide — also known as laughing gas — to soothe their nerves. Both of these techniques are pain-free, and most patients don’t feel the effects for very long! If you’re as scared as I was, you can also ask for in-house IV sedation or hospital-grade sedation. My dad has surgical privileges at hospitals in Albany, Lebanon, and Corvallis, where he works with anesthesia providers to put people into a nice, easy sleep. This option is available for patients with severe dental anxiety. Of course, if you want to stay in the dental office but are still really scared, you can try IV sedation, which puts you in a conscious, yet sleep-like state. Trust me, I know what it’s like to be afraid of a procedure. But you have one advantage that I don’t. You can speak! If you’re nervous, just let the team at Calapooia Family Dental know. Take it from a pup who’s just getting over surgery herself: My human dad will take care of you.

2 CALAPOOIAFAMILYDENTAL.COM

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE WITH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE

For decades, dentists have been preaching about the dangers of sugar, and to be fair, sugar is pretty lethal to your chompers. But it’s actually not sugar that’s doing all of the damage. Instead, tooth rot and cavities come from how the bacteria in your mouth respond to sugar. Here’s Dr. Brian Summers’ simple explanation (even his daughter, Norah, at age 3, got this explanation … ask about the simple way to explain this to kids next time you’re in!): The bacteria in your mouth feed on the food you leave behind on your teeth. When the bacteria eat sugar, they deposit acid in the sugar’s place, and that acid eats away at your teeth, resulting in cavities. Excess amounts of sugar have been linked to a host of other conditions, including obesity, diabetes, coronary conditions, and hormone imbalances. For example, 1 in 5 patients with diabetes have missing teeth because diabetes makes gum disease worse.

Sugar is nearly unavoidable. It’s in almost everything we consume, even fruits and

vegetables. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a piece of cake on your birthday or indulging in candy when Halloween rolls around each year, but like everything in life, the key to a healthy lifestyle is moderation. And an even bigger key to fighting sugar’s deadly deposits is to regularly brush and floss your teeth.

Don’t be afraid to indulge in a few treats, but remember to maintain a healthy smile with good oral hygiene and by regularly attending dental appointments. At Calapooia Family Dental, our dental experts can provide you with tips that specifically target the health of your mouth environment. Schedule your appointment by calling 541-926-3689, or learn more by visiting CalapooiaFamilyDental.com.

So, should we avoid sugar altogether? Of course not! Dentists are humans after all.

BASIL BERRY SORBET

SUDOKU

Unlike standard ice cream recipes, this delicious sorbet doesn’t require fancy equipment or difficult prep. It’s also entirely dairy-free, making it the perfect vegan treat for the end of summer.

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 6 cups frozen mixed berries • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In a saucepan over high heat, combine sugar with 1 cup of water, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, creating a syrup-like consistency. 2. Remove syrup from heat, add basil, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain syrup into bowl and refrigerate until cold. 3. In a blender, combine syrup with frozen berries and lemon juice. Purée until smooth. 4. Transfer to a square baking pan, cover in plastic wrap, and freeze until set, about 2 hours. 5. Scoop and serve.

541-926-3689 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Brian R. Summers DMD, PhD Patrick V. Hagerty, DMD

1070 24th Ave SW Albany, OR 97321 541-926-3689 CalapooiaFamilyDental.com

Giving Back at the Fair Can a Vegan Diet Prevent Cancer? Afraid? Use Sedation Like Rose Did! It’s Okay to Enjoy Sugar! Inside this Issue 1 2

3

Basil Berry Sorbet An Excursion in the Pennine Alps

4

Nestled between Italy and Switzerland, Monte Rosa is the second highest peak in the Alps, making it one of the best views in either country and one of the more physically demanding ascents in the mountain range. In the late summer and early fall, tourists and locals alike tour Monte Rosa to pay their respects to the peak and to be challenged by the cross-country trek over the mountain. The full tour of the mountain is a nine-day journey that starts in Switzerland and crosses quickly over into Italy, winding its way through both countries before eventually returning trekkers to their starting point. The out-and-back path is the most popular route, though there are other ways to approach it. However you go, you’ll encounter massive glaciers, rigorous 1,000-meter ascents and descents, and breathtaking views that are sure to make this journey memorable. AN ALPINE EXCURSION Tour Monte Rosa For accommodations, opt for charming mountain huts to immerse yourself in the true Alpine experience. You can book them in advance to guarantee your bunk and a dinner of spaetzle or lasagna, depending on which country you’re in that night.

Unless you’re traveling with an experienced mountaineer, a guide is recommended for touring Monte Rosa, even if you only plan to traverse a small section of the mountain. Weather can vary greatly and change quickly in this region, so you never know when you’ll encounter ice or snow, which can lower your visibility. Toward the top of the peak, you’ll even have an opportunity to cross a sprawling glacier, and having a guide will ensure you have the necessary equipment for a safe trip. On top of the spectacular views, you can expect a beautiful blend of cultures and an experience unlike any other on your tour of Monte Rosa. Plus, you may even get to see a few Swiss cows or mountain goats along the way!

4 CALAPOOIAFAMILYDENTAL.COM

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com