Elkins Dental - April 2021

Elkins Dental - April 2021

FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE

ELKINSDENTAL.COM APRIL 2021

THOUGHTS OF APRIL

Memories and Family

younger years. I’ll always be grateful for having that chance and the circumstances that allowed me that experience.

As I sat down to write this article, there were two topics that kept circling around in my head. This is the time of year when it’s hard not to think about Easter, but I was also drawn to an event that takes place all month long: Cancer Control Month. While trying to decide which topic I wanted to focus on, I decided to write about both. Both are currently at the forefront of my mind, and I want to discuss them. Easter, as one of the major holidays of the year, is a great chance to get together with family, enjoy each other's company, and, of course, have a great meal. I think this is on everyone's mind, especially since last year, we couldn’t celebrate it like we normally would. Many people had to find new ways to celebrate with their families, including Zoom group meetings or FaceTime calls. This year, I’m hoping we’ll get a chance to see our family members to celebrate our holiday traditions as normally and safely as possible. When I think of this holiday, I’m always reminded of one Easter that I will never forget. I served in the Navy, and we were being deployed. Our ship headed to port in Haifa, Israel, which I was excited for; I really wanted to have the chance to explore the country. This was heightened by the fact that we pulled into the port during Easter weekend. Unfortunately, we weren’t slated to have much time in Haifa — that is, until something unexpected happened. As our ship pulled into the port, it hit the pier a little too hard to the point where it needed to be repaired. Luckily, this gave some of us a chance to explore Israel for a couple days. For myself and several other of my shipmates, we took this opportunity to travel down to Jerusalem. On Easter Sunday, we took a bus, traveled to the city, and explored some of the most historic places in Christian history, at just the perfect time, too. Growing up hearing the stories that revolve around these buildings and areas always makes it seem surreal in a way, but to actually see them as tangible places is fascinating. Looking back at that moment, I don’t think I’d have the chance to visit Jerusalem the way I did if I hadn’t gone out for deployment. It might have been something I did during my retirement, but certainly not during my

Though it may be a sharp contrast to Easter and my Jerusalem trip, I also want to write about Cancer Control Month because it’s something that’s currently very real in my life. Within the last seven months, I’ve had two close family members be diagnosed with cancer. With the pandemic and watching them work through their treatments, it’s been a stressful time for us. However, things are looking up now. One family member has already finished their treatments and has a clean bill of health. We’re currently hoping to have the same result for our other loved one as well. Cancer is something that no one can avoid encountering. It’s unfortunate that it’s such a common disease. Whether it’s ourselves or someone we know, it’s somehow a part of our lives. Keeping ourselves healthy is important, especially if it can help us avoid illness. I also think it’s important to do everything we can to help someone who has been diagnosed with an illness — especially cancer. It’s a hard thing to go through, and people definitely need as much support as they can receive when they’re going through something like that. My family and I will be there to support these family members as much as we possibly can as they recover from this ordeal. It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to be with our loved ones as they went through treatment because of COVID-19, but we’re hoping things will calm down so we can see them again in person. Though Easter is a good time to get together, we may not have the chance this year because of continued restrictions. Regardless, we’re happy that they’re doing well. This month, I’d like to wish all my patients a healthy April. I hope that you and your family can create memories this Easter, no matter how you choose to celebrate.

–Dr. El kins

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THE BENEFITS OF A BOW AND ARROW

How Archery Keeps You Healthy

outside of this sport to build strength and improve their shot, including side planks, dumbbell exercises, and yoga.

The word“fitness”brings to mind a number of images: jogging, cycling, lifting weights — the list goes on and on. However, people rarely think of archery. This activity has been around for thousands of years, and a bow used to be a key weapon in hunting and war. Today, archery is most often practiced as a sport, and it confers many health benefits you may not be aware of. EXERCISE Archery is a low-impact activity everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, gender, or ability. As with any sport, in order to perform well archers need to practice consistently. Regular practice also means regular use of their upper bodies and exercise that helps maintain overall fitness. What’s more, archers also get exercise by walking to and from the targets and the designated shooting area. STRENGTH It takes significant strength to pull a bow at full draw. In one motion, archers engage the muscles in their arms, hands, core, back, and chest. The more the motion of drawing and firing is repeated, the stronger these areas of the body will become. There are also many relatively easy exercises archers can do

FOCUS Archers benefit physically by strengthening their muscles, but the mental focus required to succeed in this sport also provides a lot of benefit both in and out of the archery range. Keeping a steady and unwavering sight on the target while ignoring all distractions is key to making a perfect shot, and this focus can also help increase productivity at work and improve relationships. PATIENCE This is another key component to archery: If an archer rushes a shot, they’re more likely to miss their target. Knowing when to take a shot is just as important as knowing how. Patience is also important when training the body for archery. Archers must be willing to perform the same task over and over to finally hit that center target. It’s important to keep in mind that archery can be dangerous when not practiced correctly. Talk to a professional or get a lesson from an archery instructor to learn how to properly handle a bow.

Kalie and Cheyenne: Springing Forward April Showers Bring May Flowers

you’re looking for ways to stay busy this spring, we recommend finding a good book at the library or learning a new hobby. Check out the Gem County Recreation web page to find

Are you ready for spring? All around us, plants are sprouting, leaves are spreading, and rivers are rising, too. As we head into a wet time of year, there are a few things we wanted to talk about with you!

activities for kids and adults alike!

CLEANINGS AND MORE We're staying busy here at the office, and we want to encourage everyone to start thinking about their first cleaning of the year if you haven't already had it! Most people get two cleanings per year based on their dental needs, and now is a good time to reserve your spring-cleaning. We’re excited for everything this month brings, and like you, we’re longing for warmer, nicer weather. It will come! Until then, cross your fingers, settle down with a book, and make sure we“book”you for your first cleaning of the year! –Kal ie and Cheyenne

CAUTION, CAUTION Anybody who drives over the river or by the reservoir right now knows how full things are. Be extra careful around bodies of water this month! Water can be fast-moving, even if it doesn’t look like it, and it may not be safe to fish or do other activities close to the banks yet. Remember, all of that water is snowmelt, too, so it’s very cold. Keep a close eye on kids around the water this spring! SPRING ACTIVITIES You’d be amazed at how hard it can be to find something to do this time of year. Changing weather and mud keep people off of sports fields and the local trails, and it’s too early to tube, fish, or camp. If

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RHUBARB OAT BARS

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

Ingredients

GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?” • 1 cup old-fashioned oats • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/3 cu butt r, m l ed

MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice • 4 tbsp water, divided • 4 tsp cornstarch • 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided

Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions

5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixt re, return to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying!

1. Preheat oven o 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. JOKES DAD What do you call a dinosaur that's sleeping? A dino-snore!

What is loud, fast, and crunchy? A rocket chip!

DID YOU KNOW?

Arbor Day and Apple Seeds Facts We often assume that Arbor Day, celebrated on the last day in April, is related to Earth Day, which is celebrated about a week earlier.

Tooth

In fact, Arbor Day is almost a century older than Earth Day and was created in the 1870s, when America depended heavily on trees for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure. The holiday was as much about acknowledging our deep economic dependence on our forests as it was about celebrating a connection to the Earth, and the tradition of planting a tree on Arbor Day was “rooted”in replenishing valuable resources.

The enamel on the top surface of your tooth is the hardest part of your entire body. The human mouth contains more bacteria than there are people on Earth. Tastebuds have a lifespan of about 10 days and take about 1–2 weeks to regenerate. The tooth is the only part of the body that can't heal itself.

As the 1800s ended, more and more states adopted Arbor Day. It was a fitting end to a century that had begun with Johnny Appleseed

— a real historical figure who planted thousands of apples trees in his lifetime, even if it was for making hard cider!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Thoughts of April 2. Did You Know Archery Can Keep You Fit?

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

3.

4. 4 MLB Teams Poised for a

Rhubarb

Oat Bars

Great Season

Did You Know?

1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Happy April Fools' Day from Elkins Dental!

208-369-4532 ElkinsDental.com

DON’T COUNT THEM OUT 4 Teams to Watch This Baseball Season

first-round draft picks — so much so that Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has them as the top team that missed the playoffs in 2020 who could make a solid run. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS The award for best offseason ought to go to the Cardinals, who, all winter long, appear to have outwitted their Milwaukee and Chicago rivals — the Brewers and Cubs were the top two teams in the National League Central last year — by acquiring third baseman Nolan Arenado and re-signing AdamWainwright andYadier Molina. The Cardinals are favored to win the Central if those off-season moves pay off. SAN DIEGO PADRES After acquiring Manny Machado in a big trade in 2019, the Padres have continued to improve, especially against difficult opponents. The Padres were a tough team last year, defeating the Cardinals in the wild card round and losing to the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Expect them to be near the top of the standings in September.

This is no joke: The 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season will begin on April 1. While you may wonder whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can repeat as champs or if the Tampa Bay Rays can exact their revenge, don’t count these four teams out just yet.

MINNESOTA TWINS You don’t make it to the playoffs with the best record in all of baseball and not make it into some kind of list. The Twins are going to be a fun team to watch because they have a chip on their shoulders. While the team managed to score 269 runs in just 60 games, they also lost their record-breaking 18th straight playoff game in 2020. If they can get consistent pitching, both starters and relievers, they will be in the hunt at the end of September. DETROIT TIGERS There is a benefit to repeatedly being near the bottom of the league: You get good draft picks. The Tigers are on the cusp of finding that special blend of offense and defense in the coming season thanks to some much-needed depth by up-and-coming pitchers and

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