Sabal Airline - November 2020

Sabal Airline - November 2020

November 2020

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I can’t help but look back on the past year with some sense of gratitude. There have been many moments of strife, like the six weeks our dental practice was closed following statewide shutdowns or the struggles our son, Morgan, is facing with virtual learning. The Positives of 2020 Not Letting the Coronapocolypse Win 2222 Airline Rd., Suite A4, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 |

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Back before school dominated his life, Morgan and I were able to spend six days floating 60 miles down the Pecos River this summer. We caught and ate a lot of bass and soaked up as much sun as we could along the way. It was a gorgeous trip. I’m already planning to do it again next year, and we’re hoping our whole extended family can join us as well! It’s really a beauty to behold. My daughter and I have been fishing more throughout the coronapocolypse. I learned that she is a better angler than me! Not only did she catch more fish, but she also caught a giant red snapper and a big red drum. This has been a great opportunity for us to get outside and connect — even if she does show me up! The coronapocolypse has also given me a chance to try kite foiling, a form of kiteboarding where you hover above the water rather than skirt on it. I’ve been a kiteboarder since 2006, and kite foiling is always something I wanted to learn how to do. With a bit more free time on my hands than usual, I decided to take the plunge. There’s nothing like the thrill of gliding over the waves and flying up in the air. Kite foiling was just as exciting as kiteboarding, and I’m excited to keep it up next summer! It may not have been the summer — or the year — we all expected, but as we slog through virtual school and wade through another month in this pandemic, I believe there has been some good that has come out of it. There were bright spots in 2020; I hope you’ve found some good, too. Stay safe, and happy holidays from all of us at Sabal Dental Airline! –Dr. Chad Thompson Sabal General Dentistry • 361-853-8999 • 1

But there are many moments I have to be thankful for.

To start, I was able to spend more time with my kids during what I’ve dubbed “the coronapocolypse.” My wife, DawnEtta, and I have spent more time than we have ever had to at the kitchen table with Morgan, helping with the intense amount of school work he’s been expected to do during virtual learning. Morgan is a great student who often gets all As, but he’s been given more than an hour and a half of work to do in each class every day! It hasn’t been an easy school year. It’s safe to say we’re about ready to be done with school. The coronapocalypse just hasn’t made school easy for our family, but it has allowed us to do various outdoor activities. I’ve had more time to try new things, spend more quality time with my kids, and enjoy romantic walks around Sunset Lake with my wife.

Here are a few snapshots of what we did this summer, all because of the coronapocolypse!

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3 BEST BOOKS FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO SINK THEIR TEETH INTO

your child remember proper techniques as they’re dancing along to their new song. The

Watching your child grow and experience new things is one of the most wonderful parts about being a parent. Yet, many firsts, like a child’s first visit to the dentist, can be scary for them. That’s why it’s so important to talk to

combination of the song and bright illustrations will assure that your child loves this book. “Brush, Brush, Brush!” can be found at Barnes & Noble for $6.95. ‘GOING TO THE DENTIST’ Part of the “Usborne First Experiences” series of children’s books, this book follows Jake and Jessie, two children who are going to their very first dentist’s appointment. Alongside colorful illustrations, this story details what a dentist’s appointment is like in an easy-to-understand way. It even shows kids what a cavity is when the dentist discovers a “hole” in one of Jake’s teeth. There are also educational takeaways as the story tells why it’s important to take care of your teeth, along with some ways to keep them healthy. Find “Going to the Dentist” in paperback on Amazon for $4.95. ‘THE BERENSTAIN BEARS VISIT THE DENTIST’ Join Sister and Brother Bear as they visit a dentist — Sister’s got a loose tooth and Brother’s found a cavity! This book captures the anxiety a child might feel before a dental visit, as Brother teases Sister about going to the dentist. However, not only does Sister have a wonderful visit with Dr. Bearson, but she also gets a visit from the Tooth Fairy. You can find this book on Amazon in paperback for $4.49 or on Kindle for $4.99.

them about their first appointment and what it might be like. Reading to your kids is one of the best ways to help them

understand the world around them, including

dental health and going to the dentist. Here are three books that your child will learn from and love! ‘BRUSH, BRUSH, BRUSH!’ This rhythmic book can help your child get into a groove while brushing their teeth. What’s great about this book is that the words can be sung to the tune of “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” This helps

OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST “Awesome atmosphere!!! I was greeted at the door and felt so welcomed by Carrie! Very clean office; hand sanitizer provided at the door. I waited only a few minutes before walking to the back for my appointment. Brittney was my hygienist and was so comforting and friendly. She made the visit very pleasant and personable. I love going for my teeth cleaning! I will be back!” – R. Meza “This office is so incredibly nice and accommodating. I’ve had two amazing experiences with the dentists and their assistants. They went over and above to listen to my concerns every time and I was very pleased with the results. Highly recommend!” – Lauren L.

“I never had a pleasant experience going to the dentist before going to Sabal Dental. The staff were amazing and kind and answered every one of my concerns. I felt very comfortable, and I was treated like their No. 1 priority. Thank you again, Sabal Dental.” – Michael M.

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Don’t leaf your benefits behind

Y our dental benefits expire at the end of the year! Now is the time to schedule an appointment because once your benefits are gone, they’re gone for good. Remember all the money you paid for your insurance premiums this year? Failing to use your dental benefits means all that money goes to waste. You paid for it; now use it! Call us at (361) 853-8999 to schedule your appointment today! This time of year, appointments fill up fast. Reserve your spot before it’s too late. The longer you wait, the more you’ll risk having to spend time away from the things you love most this holiday season. You can even call us after hours. Leave a message, and we’ll take care of you. Take advantage of your dental benefits today. If you don’t use ‘em, you lose ‘em!

2222 Airline Rd., Suite A4 Corpus Christi, TX 78414 (361) 853-8999 | sabaldental.com

2222 Airline Rd., Suite A4 Corpus Christi, TX 78414 (361) 853-8999 | sabaldental.com

By scheduling today, you will be ready for every holiday feast and virtual company party that comes your way. If that’s not enough incentive, here are a few of our top reasons to smile: • It’s finally sweater weather! • At least there are no zombies ... yet • All your favorite holiday flavors at your local coffee shop • Fluffy, wiggly, silly little puppies. Need I say more? • Your dental benefits haven’t expired yet — but they will soon, and our appointments are filling up fast. Call (361) 853-8999 today! Don’t forget your benefits expire on Dec. 31. It will be here before you know it!

Dr. LaPointe joined our team by way of a mutual friend, but patients may recognize her as a local. Dr. LaPointe grew up in

MEET DR. L a POINTE

this region and says it’s the connections she makes with her patients — both those she knows from growing up in

Our Caring Dentist With Local Ties!

Dr. Jessi LaPointe was fascinated by dentistry from a young age. “I always loved going to the dentist,” Dr. LaPointe says. “I had a wonderful dentist growing up and looked forward to seeing him. With a background in science and helping people, it seemed like a perfect fit.” As an associate dentist at Sabal Dental, Dr. LaPointe is passionate about helping others find that same level of comfort in their dental experience that she enjoyed as a kid. One of the greatest victories for Dr. LaPointe is when she can show patients just how pain-free and positive a visit to the dentist can be. “I especially enjoy treating people who are expecting the worst, and I surprise them when it doesn’t hurt,” Dr. LaPointe explains, adding that the staff she works with also create this comforting atmosphere. “This is a group of wonderful, caring people who are fantastic at their jobs. The knowledge and experience is amazing.”

the region and the new people she meets — that make her job worth it. “I see people I went to school with or people who know my parents,” Dr. LaPointe says. “I enjoy helping people with their dental needs.” When she isn’t helping our patients, Dr. LaPointe can likely be found tending to her garden, hiking or jogging, or reading her favorite books. She’s engaged and also has a cat and a dog! At Sabal Dental, we feel honored to work with such a caring professional like Dr. LaPointe. We cannot wait to see where her dedication to patients and serving her community takes her. If you’re in the practice sometime soon, be sure to say hi!

Have a Laugh

Sinfully Sweet Butternut Squash

This butternut squash, oven-roasted and caramelized to perfection, could almost pass for dessert. You’d never guess it’s a dish loaded with vitamins and antioxidants!

Ingredients • 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil • 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt • 3/4 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and place two oven racks at the top and bottom of the oven. Then grease two baking sheets. 2. In a large bowl, combine squash cubes, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and spices. Toss to coat, then spread mixture in a single layer over the baking sheets. 3. Place both pans in the oven and bake 15 minutes. Turn the cubes with a spatula and return them to the oven, swapping them to different racks. Continue baking 10–15 minutes until tender. 4. Sprinkle with rosemary and serve! Inspired by WellPlated.com

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Inside This Issue

Finding the Good in 2020 Page 1 Your Child’s First Dental Appointment Page 2 Hear From Our Happy Patients! Page 2 Get to Know Dr. LaPointe! Page 3 Sinfully Sweet Butternut Squash Page 3 A Number of Importance Page 4

Why Veterans Day and the Number 11 Go Hand in Hand THE 11TH HOUR OF THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH

U.S. had fought in more wars — specifically World War II and the Korean War — and hundreds of thousands more Americans had served.

Veterans Day comes every Nov. 11. It’s a national holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces and honors those both living and deceased. Historically, the day marks Armistice Day and the end of the Great War: World War I. But what is the significance of the number 11?

Unsurprisingly, there was some political drama

surrounding the day. In 1968, Congress made Veterans Day a federal holiday under the Uniform Holiday Bill. The idea was to increase the number of three-day weekends in the year. Veterans Day became a holiday that would fall on the fourth Monday of October, a far cry from Nov. 11.

The armistice was signed at 5:45 a.m. in France, but it took effect at 11 a.m. that same morning — which happened to be Nov. 11, 1918. The armistice originally lasted 36 days but was extended month after month. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, when peace was officially declared.

However, in 1978, Veterans Day was restored to its original Nov. 11 date. But why?

The answer is simple. It’s a number that sticks with you. When the clock strikes 11:11, you always take notice. By that same notion, we all remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, we’ll never forget the end of the Great War, nor will we forget those who served.

Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought in the Great War. This lasted until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation turning Armistice Day into Veterans Day.

The change was made in order to recognize all veterans who had honorably served their country. By 1954, the

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