Exceptional Smiles @ Landerbrook - July 2020

Exceptional Smiles @ Landerbrook - July 2020

July 2020

THE HEIGHTS SM I L E Herald

5825 Lande r b rook Dr i ve , Su i t e 124 , May f i e l d He i gh t s , OH 44124

( 440 ) 483 - 1003

A Time for Together

What Will You Remember From Summer 2020?

“There’s no way I’m bringing lunch to school. I really like the cafeteria chicken nuggets.”

sand volleyball league. Two people on each side of the net allows for social distancing, and being outside means the wind will help disperse aerosols. We’ve also made plans to rent a cabin and spend a few days vacationing while social distancing in Hocking Hills State Park. There are many opportunities to have some fun while still being as safe as possible. I’ve also noticed my kids have been doing more stuff together. Since they haven’t been able to hang out with friends, the three of them will grab ice cream or go to a drive-thru coffee place. They’ve always been nice to one another, but I think this pandemic has been a real bonding experience. More than once, I’ve seen one of my girls go to the kitchen to get something to eat and ask her sister if she wants her to make a sandwich for her. This has really brought out the best in everyone at home. We’re not out of the woods yet, so it’s reassuring to know we’re not going through this alone. Though this summer might not have matched our plans, and cafeteria chicken nuggets might be a thing of the past, there are still a lot of great things to enjoy in life. We can’t predict the future, but we can make sure we’re as prepared as possible. Together, we can get through anything. -Dr. Jason Schermer

The pandemic really has changed a lot of things about day-to-day life. Usually during summer vacation, my kids will avoid the topic of school as much as possible. But this summer, it’s been a regular conversation at our house. At the time I’m writing this, we’re not yet sure when schools will be reopening or what they will look like when they do. But I have learned that the school cafeteria has the best chicken nuggets. Apparently they’re so good that just the idea of bringing her own lunch to school was a deal breaker for one of my kids. The theme of this summer — this whole year, really — is learn and adapt. As new information continues to come out, we aim to be safe and adhere to guidelines as much as possible, both in the office and at home. At the office, we’ve been working to make sure our patients feel safe and comfortable. We’ve invested in the Solea laser that reduces aerosols by 99%. We’ve also made some adjustments to the schedule to maximize the efficiency and safety of our patient visits. These adjustments allow time for disinfecting protocol and to incorporate the technology in the office for same day dentistry using the Solea laser, glidewell fastmill.io, or 3D printer to help with treatments.

their routines and plans. Though things are uncertain, life goes on, and I’ve been really proud of my family for how they’ve adapted to these difficult times. We had to cancel both our spring break trip and the big summer vacation we had planned. As far as pandemic struggles go, we’ve been fortunate. Canceling a trip is nothing compared to seeing a family member fall ill. My kids were disappointed to miss these trips, but they understood the need to be safe. Rather than sit around and complain, the girls have done a great job of staying busy. We’ve been hiking a lot as a family, and the kids got a projector to watch outdoor movies at night. My youngest also signed up for a two-person

At home, I’ve watched how my family members have adapted to dramatic shifts in

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A PLACE TO PLAY 3 of Ohio’s Best State Parks

part of the Newark Earthworks State Memorial, the largest geometric earthworks in the world. Dubbed the official prehistoric monument of the state of Ohio, the Great Circle Earthworks is worth the trip. MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK A tribute to Lake Erie, Maumee Bay offers a variety of natural wonders and recreational opportunities. Cottages and golf courses sit alongside beaches and natural wetlands that contain more species of wildlife than any other habitat, all of which are protected as part of the state park. If your family loves swimming at the beach, hanging out on the boat, and hiking through nature, then Maumee Bay State Park really does have it all. Ohio’s state parks have remained open through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, if you are considering a trip to these or any other state park, make sure to check their hours of operation and any current restrictions before you head out.

While interstate travel is discouraged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you still have opportunities to take a vacation. Ohio is home to 75 different state parks that protect important parts of the state’s nature, wildlife, and history. These amazing places offer the perfect setting for you and your family to enjoy some time away from it all. Here are just a few of our favorite state parks. HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK Hocking Hills is the quintessential state park. Towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls lay within the lush woodlands, making Hocking Hills a popular destination for campers and hikers alike. The caves of Hocking Hills have been a popular tourist attraction since the 1800s and remain a beautiful site on one of the park’s many hiking trails. GREAT CIRCLE EARTHWORKS Over 2,000 years ago, people of the Hopewell culture built a massive octagonal earthwork. Over 1,200 feet in diameter, the complex was used as a ceremonial site and lunar observatory. The Great Circle Earthworks is

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“Excellent staff, explains completely any issue, makes suggestions, and treats you like family! Dr. Andrea is wonderful and is the first dentist to address my TMJ issues (without asking)!” – Joan M. “We love Exceptional Smiles and all of their staff. We felt very comfortable and safe at our visit with all of the COVID-19 precautions they are taking.” – Jamie W.

You may have noticed some information on how to provide feedback in our office, or you may receive a text with a link for your feedback. Your comments and suggestions are extremely important to us and to the continual improvement for which we strive. If you find that we did something you liked at your appointment, let us know. If we did something you didn’t like, by all means, let us know so we can make it better for you on your next visit.

Scan with the camera on your smartphone to share feedback about your experience. This allows us to help more people.

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newway to pay!

Know Which Common Sunscreen Ingredients May Be Harmful

Lately, it seems like the word “natural” has been slapped on products as readily as candy is passed out on Halloween. But what does natural even mean? It could be just about anything because there’s no regulation on the use of the word. So-called natural products may include asthma-inducing chemicals or plant-based ingredients that can cause severe reactions. But reading the list of ingredients may cause confusion as well. How do you know which ingredients are safe for you and your family? For sunscreen, one of the most important summertime products, the research nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) has done the work for you. Here are some suggestions. WORDS TO BE WARY OF Read ingredient labels carefully when you’re choosing products. In addition to long chemical names and “natural” printed all over the labels, “fragrance” is another that has almost no regulation. Many “fragrant” scents in lotions and sunscreens are synthetic and can trigger allergies. Here’s how it works

to hormone disruption and allergies and has been flagged as potentially risky by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Along with octinoxate, an ultraviolet-filtering chemical, oxybenzone has also been shown to cause damage to coral reefs. WHAT TO CHOOSE After several yearslong studies, the FDA reported that there’s only enough information to deem two sunscreen ingredients safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Look for brands that feature one or both of these as the main active ingredient(s) and avoid those with oxybenzone. Covering up with a hat, sunglasses, and clothing is also an effective way to protect yourself from the sun. Companies use complex words to mask potentially harmful ingredients, but don’t let them stump you. A quick Google search can often reveal what these words mean. For details on specific ingredients, check EWG.org, which lists and scores products and ingredients based on their health and environmental risks. Their site also provides downloadable sunscreen guides to help you shop smarter and safer.

Your life just got a whole lot easier. (Well at least t “paying your doctor bills” part)

Introducing the newway to pay!

Don’t Let Fancy Labels Fool You

Click to viewyour balance You’ll receive an email and/or text from your doctor to view/pay your eStatement

Pay options are simple and flexible You can pay-in-full or choose amonthly payment plan that works for you

S ile knowing you’re in control Enjoy the privacy and convenience of paying your dental or medical bill on your terms, fromany device

Oxybenzone is another commonly listed ingredient in sunscreen that has been linked

Your life just got a whole lot easier. (Well at least the “paying your doctor bills” part)

Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month

AbellaAR.com

NEW WAY TO PAY Introducing the

What do you call a potato in the middle of an inflatable raft?

Here’s how it works

In addition to our new laser, we have also implemented a new payment platform option. With Abella, our new online payment option, you may pay in full or choose a monthly payment plan that works for you. This secure and easy-to-use platform makes paying your bills a breeze. Please contact us if you are interested in paying your bills via text or email!

Click to viewyour balance You’ll receive an email and/or text from your doctor to view/pay your eStatement

An inner tuber!

Pay options are simple and flexible You can pay-in-full or choose amonthly payment plan that works for you

Smile knowing you’re in control Enjoy the privacy and convenience of paying your dental or medical bill on your terms, fromany device

exceptionalsmiles.com

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I N S I D E Where Can You Find the Best Chicken Nuggets? Celebrate Ohio’s State Parks Our Patients Say It Best Shop Smarter With Information About Your Sunscreen Life Just Got a Whole Lot Easier How to Bring the Water Park Home for Your Kids 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 124 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

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to go — just encourage the kids to take a running start. If you want an option that requires less assembly, purchase a Slip ‘N Slide kit at pretty much any big-box store or Amazon. HOST A WATER BALLOON CHALLENGE. Huge packs of water balloons are easy to find online or at your local dollar store and can supply hours of fun for a few bucks. If your family is big enough for a full-scale water balloon fight, fill as many balloons as you can get your hands on and plan out a full list of games, like duck, duck, splash (the “goose” gets a wet head); capture the water balloon (instead of pulling flags, get soaked); or a water balloon spoon race (the first person to cross the finish line with an intact balloon wins). Check out KaseyTrenum.com or LocalFunforKids.com for more ideas or keep it simple and host a water balloon dodgeball free-for-all. WHIP UP SOME PARK TREATS. Are your kids big fans of funnel cakes, Dippin’ Dots, or that signature water park burger or pizza? If favorite treats are integral to the water park experience, then try turning your kitchen into a snack kiosk! Stock up on popsicles and burger fixings or attempt The Gracious Pantry’s healthy homemade Dippin’ Dots or Live Well Bake Often’s homemade funnel cakes.

Bring the Water Park to Your Family!

3 Ways to Have Fun in the Sun at Home

Summer is finally here, and if you have kids at home, then that means their constant needling about a trip to the pool or water park probably started already! Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune on the water park to have a great time cooling down this month — you can bring the water park to you!

DESIGN A HOMEMADE WATER SLIDE. If you have a big plastic tarp, a garden hose, stakes, and dish soap, then you have the makings of a great water slide. Simply spread out the tarp (on an incline if possible), secure it with the stakes, then arrange the hose at the top of the “slide” so water pours down. Add some soap for bubbles and extra slipperiness, then you’re good

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(440) 483-1003