Livingston Dental - March 2020

Livingston Dental - March 2020

800 South Washington St., Afton, WY 83110 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com

March 2020

Life With Livingston Dental

e G e n

Showing Up for Every Event Around this time of year in Wyoming, many of us are pining for winter to be over already. How We Cheered Our Kids on Each Step of the Way

Jeanelle and I have felt it, so when I talk to patients who are wishing for warmer weather, I understand the feeling. When winter seems endless in the Star Valley and it’s snowy and cold out, I have to remind myself not to wish it away. Sure, we have cold winters and get plenty of snow, but there are no tsunamis or hurricanes in Wyoming, and tornadoes are rare. Shoveling snow seems like a blessing compared to those weather events, doesn’t it? Winter may limit some of the activities we can do, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy life. When our children were in school, attending their many activities kept us occupied through the winter (and, truly, all year long). Some nights it was a band or orchestra performance, and other nights it was a school play or basketball game. For Jeanelle and me, supporting and rooting on our five kids was an enjoyable way to spend an evening. We found ourselves running all over the U.S. for their activities. It seems like we saw most of Idaho and Utah, and once, we traveled to California when one of our sons qualified for a regional track meet.

we want them to know we support them in their endeavors and are there for them through each new adventure. Now that our children are all grown up, we find ourselves fortunate enough to get to cheer on their children. Life is one big circle. Just when you think you’re done with one phase, you get to do it again with the next generation. I’m very grateful that we’re still close to our kids. Even when they live far away, we stay in touch through text and video. So despite it being cold out, I’ll happily spend my winter cheering on our grandkids as they take their first steps and enter each new phase of life.

We wore out two Suburbans and used thousands of gallons of gas along the way. One of the joys of these trips was getting to meet and talk to other parents. Jeanelle and I enjoyed some great conversations and friendships over the years. We also did some sightseeing on each trip we took, giving us the chance to visit new places and make great memories. As parents, being there for every game or concert was a way to build relationships with our kids. Sure, we had to put some things on hold when we dashed out to a game or concert, and we often left the house in less- than-ideal order — we didn’t always get the trash out or the floors swept. But those things weren’t as important as it was to cheer on our daughter and sons. Throughout their lives,

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Retire in Style

3 Places to Retire Internationally

Another Slice of Pi(e) Break out your calculators and grab your aprons because it’s almost Pi Day! This holiday has gained popularity among mathematicians and bakers alike — two groups that rarely overlap. COSTA RICA If it’s a textbook paradise you’re looking for, look no further than Costa Rica. Thanks to a 1948 decision to abolish their military and direct all of those funds to health care and education, Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.” Known for Even if you’ve always planned for a comfortable retirement in the United States, choosing to live internationally could be a smart alternative to improve your standard of living in retirement. International Living Magazine’s Retirement Index has tracked objective retirement metrics — like the cost of living, democratic stability, and health care — for the last 40 years. They also take into account reports of correspondents actively living abroad. Here are some of their top picks for international retirement destinations. PANAMA Panama ranks No. 2 in International Living Magazine’s list of best places to retire internationally. With its tropical climate, proximity to the United States, excellent health care, and low tax burden, it’s easy to see why. In Panama City, you can expect to pay at least $2,600 a month in living expenses, but housing costs are substantially lower outside of major metropolitan markets. Panama also offers excellent discounts, up to 25% off of things like airline tickets, hotels, and energy costs through its Pensionado program.

its stable democracy, safety, and socialized health care that’s only available once you’ve obtained residency, Costa Rica also offers climates for just about everybody — from the lush jungles of the south to the hot, dry beaches of Guanacaste in the northwest. Expect to find large communities of expats to help you acclimate. MEXICO The first things that come to mind for most people when you mention Mexico are margaritas and beach umbrellas, but this country offers a lot more than that. For starters, Mexico features an enticingly low cost of living. International Living estimates a couple could live in Mexico on anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 per month, depending on location, including health care expenses. Once you’ve obtained residency status, you can sign up for national health care plans that offer full coverage for just a few hundred dollars annually.

The Sweetest Ways to Celebrate Pi Day

3.14159 26535 89793 23846 26433 83279 50288 41971 69399 37510

To make things simple, we often round pi up to 3.14, but many people have challenged themselves to memorize and recite as many digits as possible. In the Guinness Book of World Records, the record is currently held by Rajveer Meena, who recited pi to the 70,000th digit on March 21, 2015. And he did it all while blindfolded! EAT SOME PIE Another popular way to enjoy Pi Day is to bake and eat pie. This dessert is perfect because it’s both a homophone (same pronunciation as “pi” but with a different spelling and meaning) and a circle. Challenge your friends to a pie-baking contest, or buy your favorite pie from the store and have a pie- eating contest. And, while this may be a controversial stance, we believe pizza pie deserves a place in Pi Day celebrations, too.

Pi Day is March 14, which, when written numerically, is 3/14, the first three digits of the mathematical constant pi. Pi is special because it’s used to calculate the circumference of a circle. This might not sound like a big deal, but pi is used in engineering, construction, GPS, motors, power generation, and even television! If we hadn’t calculated pi, none of these achievements would be possible. Pi is pretty important, and it’s definitely worth celebrating! Here are two ways you can get in on the fun.

LEARN TO RECITE PI Pi has fascinated mathematicians for centuries because it’s an irrational number, meaning the digits go on forever. If you want to try your hand at memorizing some of the numbers, here are the first 50 decimal digits of pi (with spaces, so they’re easier to remember!).

Here’s to Pi Day: the tastiest, nerdiest holiday of the year!

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Getting to the Bottom of Bad Breath

You love your dog, but when they jump up for a face lick and you get a whiff of their breath? Yea, not so much. When it comes to pets and people, bad breath is off-putting. It can be an awkward thing to deal with, but luckily, it’s often easy to manage and get rid of. Here are some of the common causes of bad breath and what you can do to combat it. WHAT’S BEHIND THE SMELL? Most often, bacteria in the mouth cause bad breath. When food collects in the mouth, it attracts bacteria, and that buildup can lead to bad breath. Bad breath, or in technical terms, halitosis, may also be a symptom of gum disease. The bigger pockets in the gums caused by gum disease make it harder to clean well and easier for food particles to get stuck. Tobacco products and smoking are connected to gum disease and also contribute to bad breath. Those suffering from dry mouth may experience bad breath, as well, since our saliva naturally helps to break down food. Without enough saliva, it is easier for food to remain in the mouth.

HOW TO VANQUISH HALITOSIS No. 1 on the list for combating bad breath is making sure you’re really consistent with brushing and flossing. Brushing twice a day and flossing every day will help remove food particles. Rinsing your mouth with water after you eat helps as well. If you’re taking medications or have a condition that causes dry mouth, store-bought rinses can promote an increase in saliva and freshen breath. Seeing the dentist twice a year is also key to combating bad breath because dentists can remove the plaque buildup that contributes to bad breath and gum disease. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, our team is happy to help. Give us a call, and we can get you on the road to fresh breath and clean teeth. If you have a friend or family member who’s in need of a good dentist, do them a favor and pass along our contact information!

Puzzle Time! Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes Ingredients

Inspired by CookingLight.com

• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 6 tbsp spinach pesto • 2 cups cherry tomatoes • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced • 1 tsp red wine vinegar 6. In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. 7. Add tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes. 8. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 9. Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper, and add red wine vinegar. 10. Serve tomatoes with broiled chicken.

Directions • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1-inch thickness • Salt and pepper to taste • 1/4 cup whole-wheat panko 1. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to pan. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, then remove pan from heat. Parmesan cheese, and butter. 4. Spread pesto over chicken and top with panko mixture. 5. Broil chicken for 2 minutes on high heat until browned. 3. In a bowl, combine panko,

RAIN REBIRTH SPRING SPROUT

GROWTH LUCKY MELT PUDDLE

ARIES BLOOM BUD FLOWERS

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on being named Top Dentist of Wyoming 2018!

800 South Washington St., Afton, WY 83110 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com

Inside The Importance of Showing Up

Retire in Style Would You Like Some Pi?

What’s Behind Bad Breath? Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes

The Best Fishing Season

Where Anglers Play When It’s Cold Outside

No Hibernation for These Fish

Some much-loved ice fishing spots around our state include Keyhole Reservoir, where some of the largest fish in the state have been caught, and Sulfur Creek Reservoir. Both spots typically offer up prime trout ice fishing opportunities. Louis Lake has kokanee and splake, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and at Glendo Reservoir, you might snag a catfish. If you decide to give ice fishing a try, never go out alone, don’t drive onto the ice, wear plenty of warm clothes and layers, and stay close to your rods while they’re in the water. With a little preparation, ice fishing can be a fun activity to enjoy while it’s cold out.

While many might argue that summer and fall are the best seasons for throwing in a line, some adventurous and hardy anglers know that the crowds are thinnest and the bites are best when there’s still ice on the ground. In other words, it’s ice fishing season. For members of the ice fishing community, the winter brings prime opportunity to catch fish that are more active in the colder season. Starting in early December, folks can bundle up in layers, bring hot thermoses of coffee and tea, and head out with their fishing gear to find a good spot. Often, anglers must ski or snowmobile in before setting up and drilling a hole in the ice, and it usually thickens and becomes safer as the season goes on. Depending on the weather, you can typically go ice fishing through March in Wyoming.

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