Elkins Dental - March 2022

Elkins Dental - March 2022

FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE

ELKINSDENTAL.COM MARCH 2022

WILL WE HAVE A BASEBALL SEASON? Spring Has Sprung — Much to Look Forward To

Spring has arrived! Temperatures are warming up, the days are longer and brighter, and the birds are chirping. Flowers have begun to bloom, and we are seeing so much green. Every year, spring excites me, mainly because it means that baseball is back. But, this year, I’m afraid to say that I’m unsure if we will have a baseball season. The Major League Baseball (MLB) lockout is one of the biggest developments in years, but it’s been kept fairly quiet. Baseball players and owners are in some major disagreement, and until things are sorted out and smoothed over, the regular baseball season may be in jeopardy, which is heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. Spring training is expected to not start on time, and it’s unclear what that could mean for opening day. In 2020, spring training was cut short due to the pandemic, so it will be interesting to see what winds up happening here! In any case, go A’s!

March is also my birthday month and thus, always one of my favorite months. I turn 46 this year. With Beth in nursing school, we don’t have any monumental plans as it can be tough to get away, but I am hoping to be able to take a guys’ trip to LasVegas to play some golf, which is sure to be a blast! We will see if I’m able to make it happen as I may need to stay home to help with the kids and things around the house.

“In any case, go A’s!”

March 2 is also Read Across America Day. While I love books, I am one of those types of people who can't sit still for very long. I always need to be doing something. Even if I’m just kicking back and watching some television with my wife or family, I need something else to keep me occupied, too. I’ve found that I enjoy audiobooks, especially while I’m working out in the morning. I’ll either buy or rent a book, and it helps me get through my workouts, especially those that are particularly strenuous, tiring, or demanding. It helps the time pass by a lot faster, and again it gives me something else to stay busy. My brother, Russ, and I have been busy working on new music for our band, The Two in the Middle . We just released a new song, t itled "Cold December," on Spotify and Apple Music. Give it a listen — I hope you'll enjoy it! As you know, music is an outlet for me, and we take a lot of pride in it! For all of those people who are coming up on spring break, enjoy your time off! Happy Spring! –Dr. El kins

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IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 Health Benefits of Spring-Cleaning

It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses. Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better. Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn't the only thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. It keeps you more active. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body.

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring- cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well- being. Here's how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere,

and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones.

This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

A Word From Cheyenne

6 Brushing Fun Facts

A clean mouth relies on a good toothbrush and some awesome tooth brushing

of your toothbrush is moist and covered, more bacteria is likely to grow. Your toothbrush has a life span. After 3 or 4 months, or sooner if you notice

skills. To prevent cavities and plaque buildup and maintain a healthy mouth, we know that our toothbrushes are important, but did you know these facts about your toothbrush? Your toothbrush should have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. To determine if your toothbrush is of the best quality, look for this seal, meaning that your toothbrush has been evaluated to function and operate properly to reduce your risk of gum disease and cavities. There is no correct order for flossing and brushing. As long as you are doing both, you are taking great care of your teeth. Everyone seems to have different preferences when it comes to which you do first, so stick with whatever makes you comfortable! Keep it in the open. To clean your toothbrush, store it upright, allowing it to air dry. Do not cover the bristles or store them in a closed container. When the head

the bristles starting to fray, you should replace your toothbrush. This helps to eliminate bacteria growth and make sure that your teeth are being thoroughly cleaned. Opt for soft bristles. It doesn’t matter if your toothbrush is manual or electric, just make sure that the bristles are soft. Firm bristles can potentially cause damage to your enamel and gums! Always make sure you are brushing gently. 2 minutes, twice a day. As a general rule of thumb, make sure that you are brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time twice a day to keep your teeth healthy and happy!

–Cheyenne, RDH

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EASY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS These simple microwaved bars are ideal for making the perfect tasty dessert or indulgent snack!

Ingredients

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! • 1/2 and 1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts, divided • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

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?”

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 • 6 tbsp butter • 1 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup peanut b tter • 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 cup flour • 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. 2. Add the brown sugar and peanut butter to the butter bowl. Stir to combine.Then mix in the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup of p anuts. 3. Pour the batter into a greased, 8-inch, microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes.Then, adjust to high

and microwave 3–6 more minutes or until the top of the mixture appears almost dry. 4. Top off the mixture with ch pped chocolate.When it melts, spread it evenly over the bars and top with the remaining peanuts. 5. Cool for 15 minutes, cut into squares, and serve!

Inspired by SouthernLiving.com

JOKES DAD

What should you say to a runner in the St. Patrick’s Day marathon? Irish you luck!

Why are oak trees so forgiving? Every March they “turn over a new leaf.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Tooth Fun

Shamrocks vs. 4-Leaf Clovers Facts Did you know that a four-leaf clover, iconic on St. Patrick's Day, is extremely rare and difficult to find? Shamrocks are different from the lucky four-leaf clovers. While they are both clovers, they have different numbers of leaves and four-leaf clovers are a genetic mutation, thought to bring good luck.

Tooth Care Goes Way Back

Shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are both members of the white clover plant, or Trifolium repens. Trifolium means "three leaves." The shamrock is both Northern Ireland’s and the Republic of Ireland’s national plant. Will you find any four-leaf clovers this Saint Patrick's Day?

Did you know that our very old ancestors took care of their teeth the best way that they could? They used to chew on twigs from bushes and shrubs. The frayed ends and edges would“brush”and clean the surfaces of their teeth. In 5,000 B.C., the Egyptians cleaned their teeth with a combination of crushed eggshells and ground up animal hooves. Then, in the 1700s, a British inventor adopted a Chinese design, resembling the toothbrush as we know it today. The handle was made out of bone and the brush was made from boar bristles, which were pulled through small holes and held in place with wire.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Spring Has Sprung 2. Get Healthy While Spring-Cleaning!

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

3. Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

4.

Create a

Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

A Word From Cheyenne

1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617

Tooth Facts

Did You Know?

Happy St. Patrick's Day From Elkins Dental!

208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com

MAKE A 4-LEAF CLOVER KEEPSAKE But Find the Elusive Good-Luck Charm First

One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four-leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages

of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid- free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut.You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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