Robinson Dental - May 2022

Robinson Dental - May 2022

Dental Digest WAYLAND •899 Reno Drive •Wayland, MI •49348 •269-509-4155

COOPERSVILLE •502 W. Randall St. •Coopersville, MI •49404•616-384-4129

FOR JESSICA, IT WAS A LIFELONG ADVENTURE MAY 2022 How I Fell in Love With Dentistry

Hi friends! I’m Jessica, a dental assistant at Robinson Dental, and I help our doctors through all procedures throughout the day. After finishing my schooling, I started here in June 2021, nearly a year ago. While that may seem like the dental field is still a whole new world to me, the truth is that I grew up in the dental field. My mom has been a dental assistant for my entire life. I hung out at her office when I didn’t have school, and she was always on us (in a good way!) about our oral hygiene. It’s fair to say taking care of my oral health and teeth was on my mind. However, while I admired what my mother did, I became curious about the administrative aspects of running a health practice. So, I went to school at Western Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree in health services. As soon as I began to enter the workforce, though, there weren’t many dental practices with open admin positions. I ended up with a position at a therapy practice where I worked with a lot of special needs kids. I really enjoyed my work there, but it made me realize I didn’t love admin work

as much as I thought I would. My favorite part of my job was interacting with the kids. I really, really loved that part.

I quickly decided I needed a more hands-on career. So, I leapt far out of my comfort zone, even if it was in a familiar field — dentistry. I knew I’d be thrilled if I could utilize my background to help special needs kids get the oral care they need, especially because a dentist visit can be an intense sensory overload. I went back to school to become a certified dental assistant, and the rest is history! Although I spent many hours in a dentist office as a kid, I truly had no idea what to expect. Would the job be easy? Hard? At first, I was surprised to learn just how many steps and procedures were involved in my job. Most people might assume I simply hold the suction for the doctor, but there are so many more steps! From organizing to patient care, I’m there every step of the way for many patients. It’s often an important part of my job to help our patients overcome their fears. So far, working as a dental assistant has far exceeded my expectations. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. I’m so grateful that, even in my short time here, I’ve had the opportunity to treat all kinds of patients, including special needs patients. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to utilize my background to make patients comfortable and fearless in a space that can be challenging. I also have to mention that Robinson Dental has impressed me immensely over the past year. It’s a family-like environment where everyone I work with is SO willing to help! Whether I need help learning something new, or doing a clinical task, everyone helps me succeed. It’s a great environment for my mental health, and I love coming to work every day! Outside of work, I love going outside and doing anything outdoorsy. On weekends, you might catch my boyfriend and me going out to Silverlake Sand Dunes and doing some offroading in our big trucks! We have an awesome time out there. Whenever I get a good opportunity, I also love to go to concerts and music festivals. If you see me, say hi, and tell me about a concert you’ve been to lately! Thanks for reading, everyone!

–Jessica Markosky 1 616-384-4129

What Are Cravings? How Do I Stop Them? How Playing the Long Game Helps Overcome Cravings

How do I stop craving unhealthy things? One thing is for sure: Restrictive diets don’t always work. It’s hard to “rewire” the brain by completely rejecting how it currently operates. Instead, you might want to consider accepting your cravings, but make slow and deliberate changes to how you satisfy those cravings. For example, if you’re craving potato chips, why not try kale chips or another crunchy but healthier alternative that you already enjoy? If you’re craving soda, why not crush some fresh fruit into sparkling water instead? Make it a treat, make it special, but make it healthier. Eating more filling, nutrient-dense food and getting more sleep are also great ways to fight cravings. It leaves little time or room for binging on bad foods. However, a six-month 2018 study in the

Cravings — they can feel like a comforting friend or a gut-punching enemy, depending on what you’re craving. An estimated 90% of people experience cravings, and, believe it or not, not all cravings are bad. Leaning into our healthy cravings can help establish a healthy diet. Don’t worry, we’re thinking the same thing: “If that’s the case, why do we crave sugary snacks and fatty foods the most?!” It’s complicated, but understanding your brain is a great place to start. What are cravings, really? Decades of research have proven that cravings start in our brain, not our body. This might be shocking for some, since it was commonly believed for a long time that if you were craving a steak, you were probably low in iron. However, the brain connection makes way more sense. Think about it: Does your body love circulating excess sugar that can lead to health complications, or does your brain enjoy sugar more? After all, sugar releases the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which our brains love. A chocolate milkshake or lemon bar helps us feel good by literally triggering our brain’s pleasure centers.

National Institutes of Health has shown that flexibility in your diet can make a difference for making real, meaningful changes to your lifestyle long term.

By overcoming shame and accepting your cravings, you won’t fear making a single mistake as much. It’s all about playing the long game.

That means when we’re unhappy, stressed, or needing a pick-me-up, we might start craving foods that comfort us, such as ice cream.

Why This $33 Floss Is Trending Everywhere Cocofloss — Is It Actually Awesome?

It might seem absurd that anyone would even think of spending $33 on a scented, textured, four-pack collection of floss. That comes to around $8.25 per pack. But the

better than common flat floss, but was more enjoyable to use as well. Flossing doesn’t always seem worth it, but this fancy, scented floss could be a great option to make it fun. Is It Worth It? If flossing doesn’t feel like a rightful part of your self-care routine, the high- quality, eco-friendly material and scents of Cocofloss might change your mind. Customers all over the world are obsessed with the delightful scents of this floss, and it doesn’t shred or tear according to one dentist’s review. Most people say that Cocofloss’ texture is noticeably more effective at removing plaque; however, at time of writing, no studies have been done to prove this. But what about that price? For reference, one pack (or spool) is 33 yards and will last two months. If you buy a $33 collection, it includes two refill spools, which comes out to a year’s supply of floss. That’s a $2.75 floss investment per month. You can also choose their Subscribe & Save purchasing option, which offers their products at a slightly lower price point. Our verdict? Cocofloss is certainly not a scam. It’s high quality and fun. It might make you enjoy flossing more — but regular floss will do the job well, too. Currently, you can buy Cocofloss on their website and at various stores such as Sephora, Walmart, and Amazon.

cruelty-free oral product brand Cocofloss isn’t trying to create floss for the elite. (It does work well, but we’ll get to that.) The product was actually created by two sisters concerned about patients

everywhere with gum disease.

The Dream Behind Cocofloss You’ve probably heard this from our offices at Robinson Dental once or twice: Many oral health problems can be completely avoided by simply flossing every day. Unfortunately, even if we know this, it’s not always so easy to motivate ourselves to actually floss.

One day, Dr. Chrystle Cu vented about this problem at her practice with her sister Catherine. They decided to create floss that not only worked

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To Our New Patients: We Appreciate You!

Martin A. Kayla A. Cobly A. Selena A. Jeremy A. Cynthia A. Ryan A. Alex A. Melissa A. Matthew A. Jackson A. Mason A. Laura A. Michael A. Nichole A. John A.

Alice B. Ruth B. Larry B. Brayden B. Keaton B. Rachael B. Mary B. Benajah B. Jordan B. Analisa B. Rex B. Daniel B. Zachary B. Sara B. Christine B. Tiffany B. Bailey B. Michael B. Gwen B. Jaiden B. Molly B. Dakota B. Dorothy B. Tracy C. Arcell C. Skyler C. Dana C. Emalee C. Anna C. Ryan C. Lisa C. Steven C.

Braxton C. Melissa C. Faith C. Jeff C. Billy C. Randy C. Amy C. Logan C.

Wil D. Holly D. Masyn D. Eric D. Jane D. Alexander D. Andy D.

Melinda F. Issac F. Kelsey F. Cassidy F. Juaniata F.

Annie G. Allen G. Jeremy H. Wyatt H. Rheja H. Kathy H. James H. Brando H. Edward H. Isaiah H. Paul H. Julie H. Roger H. Shelley H. Emily H. Jennifer H.

Laura K. Angela L. Joshua L.

Linda N. Harley O. Patrick O. James O. Myrna O. Aracelie O. Vince O. Charlotte O. Gerry O. Kathy P. Grayson P. JoAnn P. Aaron P. Robin P. Gilb P. Tedd P. Keagan P. Kathee P. Lynettte P. Jeff P. Trent P. Amanda P. Daniel P. Yolanda P. April P.

Alexa R. Hannah R. Erin R. Brayden R. Kathryn R. Kimberly R. Leia R. Rosalie R. Maria R. Alia R. Daniel S. Barak S. Brecken S. Dawn S. Allison S. Caleb S. Sammy S. Rachel S. Josh S. Lori S. Jeremy S. Barbara S. Gene S. Cheryl S. Tori S. Sam S.

Dorothy T. Bill T. Lea T. Matthew T.

Josh L. Ann L.

Cody T. Alicia T. Micah T.

Everett F. James F. Christopher F. Shirley F. Hannah F. Dakota G. Stacy G. Jonathen G. Tim G. Taten G. Carter G. Michelle G. David G. Brad G. James G. Ryan G. Dan G.

Jessica L. James L. Skyy L. Lucy L. Helen L. Neil L. Gil L. Jennifer L. Curtis L. Thomas L. David L. Breanna L. Tiffanie L. Brenda L. Caitlin M. Carol M. Avery M. Megan M. Douglas M. Sue M. Bobby M. Trinity M. Esteban M. Natalia M.

Alyssa D. Susan D. Arlene D. Paul D. Hayde D. Jayse D. Jon D.

Mattew T. Zander T. Wauneta T. Marcus T. Jesse T. Samuel T. Tobias T. Benita T. Fynlee U. Kelly V. Alicia V. Levi V. Dominic V. Molly V. MJ V. Ken V. Christian V. Don V. John V. Alice V. Logan V. Brandon V. Abigail V. Axel V.

Earl C. Erin C. Will C.

Heather C. Andrew C. Jessica C. Duane C. Julie C. Carole C. Nick C. Landon C. Liam C. Paulia C. Gabrielle C.

Raymond D. Elizabeth D. Megan D. Paul D. Laynie D. Tracy D. Diane D. Holle D. Ethan E. Jeffrey E. Kai E. Terrie E. Brandonlee E. Daniele E.

Eric A. Josh B.

Ray H. Kyle H. Herb H. Rob H. Robin H. Tim H. Braylin H. Candace H. Jodi H. Shayn H. Barry H. Robert H. Robert H. Rebecca H. Levi H. Barbara H. Michael H. Kassandra H. Steven H.

Adian B. Heidi B. Jeffrey B. Kris B.

Cindy B. Bryan B. Samantha B. Amber B. Willa B. Paul B. Amanda B. Rose B. Anthony B. Danielle B.

Liana C. James C. Terry C. Jeffrey C. Scott C. Paisley C. Colin C. Lacey C. Jorel C. Susan C.

Robert G. Angel G. Darlene G. Judith G. Treaver G.

Tom P. Erin P. Robert P. Heidi P.

Melissa S. Kellam S. Scotty S. Katie S. Elliana S. Nicholas S. Christopher S. Cameron S. Alyce S. Gary S. James S. Katina S. Harper S. Layla S. Donnie S. Ava S. Adryanna S. Pat S. Tyler S.

Lucy G. John G.

Jessica F. Carter F. Daeana F. Jared F.

Zachery G. Autumn G. Sally G.

Phillip M. Malik M. Maddy M. Ana M. Olivia M. Dakota M. Christopher M. Kamrynn M. Scott M. Ron M. Beverly M. Kenneth M. Steven M. Reagan M. Roberta M. Devonte M. Pam M. Tod M. Preslee M. Pat M. Stephanie M. Amanda M. Roxanne M. Ellen M. Annette M. Lisa M. Sarah M. Kirt M.

Amayah P. Breanne P. Memphis P.

Jasper V. Robert V. Lydia V. Annabelle W. Aiden W. Diana W. Micah W. Dustin W. Lorena W. Tina W. Amanda W. David W. Brandon W. Sue W. Victoria W. Karen W. Melissa W. Ryan W. Joshua W. Ken W. Yzabella W. Joseph W. Louis W. Tessa W. Josh W. Cheyeann W. Denley W. Lawrence W.

Niti P. Ann P.

Derek P. Dean P.

Thank You for Your Help! In March, We Raised $5,622 When battling diabetes or colon cancer, many families and doctors are left with more questions than answers. That’s why funding research matters — maybe not today, or tomorrow, but years from now. In March, we decided to hold a fundraiser for diabetes and colon cancer research. With your help, we raised $5,622 for the cause. Thank you so much for all your support and pushing the medical research field forward! This May, we will be fundraising for local first responders (firefighters, EMS, and police) — plus a unique discount for qualifying patients. ALL first responders will receive 10% off any services during the month of May. If you want to partake in the next fundraising event, you can give monetary donations or refer your friends and family to our practice — we’ll donate $25 in your name. The last day to contribute is Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Brian H. Merri H.

Wendelyn P. Alexander P. Kyle P. Cheryl P. Victoria P. Brooklyn P. Heather Q. Bret R. Stephen R. Sherry R. Suzanna R. Adam R. David R. Kenneth R. Daniel R. Savana R. Sierra R. Jon R. Cady R. Michelle R. Angela R. Corrina R. Joshua R.

Marquinn H. Nicholas H. Adam I. Cara J. Pierce J. Jeremy J.

Adam J. Alaina J. Kevin J. Michael J. Jeff J. Karla J. Linda J. Ginger J. Thomas K. Asa K.

Ian S. Eric S.

Sydney S. Autumn S. Virginia S. Albert S. Christl S. Jim S.

Macklin K. Wendy K. Kourtnee K. Kaylee K. Kathleen K. Carol K. Stephanie K. Amanda K. Mike K. Lynne K. Darren K. Tony K. Christopher K. Anabelle K.

Averie S. Cabel S. Diane S. Katherine S. Mason S. Marlene S. Mercedez T.

Brandon M. Stefanie M. Aeric M. Kim N. Heather N. Iva N. Elizabeth N. Jake N. Kennedy N. Clydene N.

Larry R. Beck R. Remy R. Joseph R.

Reia W. Scott W. Julian Y. Isaiah Y. Ralph Y. David Y. Chris Z.

Braylon T. Rachael T. Megan T.

Anthony R. Matthew R.

Kesha T. Aydin T.

Karen R. Sadie R.

Kaylynn T. William T.

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502 W. Randall St. Coopersville, MI 49404 RobinsonDental.org

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Inside THIS ISSUE A Dental Assistant’s Adventure Into Dentistry

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Cravings — And How to Stop Them This Floss Is $33?! Why?

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Welcome, New Patients! Thanks for Fighting Diabetes With Us!

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Strengthen Your Entire Body!

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Big Benefits of Canoeing and Kayaking The weather is getting warmer, which means you can do more activities in the water. Canoeing or kayaking is an excellent way to get outdoors and be active. Besides looking at the beautiful scenery around you, taking to the water confers several physical and mental health benefits. Mental Benefits • While canoeing or kayaking, your body releases serotonin, Paddle Your Way to Better Health

dopamine, and endorphins from neurotransmitters. This will help boost your mood and self-confidence and improve your focus .

Physical Benefits •

Paddling can help improve your upper-body strength and muscle tone — because you’re using your arms to guide yourself through the water with the paddle. Paddling helps strengthen your arms, shoulders, chest, and back.

These activities can enhance your memory and learning ability . This is because it exercises your hippocampus, one of the largest portions of your brain that is responsible for verbal memory and learning. If you have trouble sleeping, this activity can improve your sleep . Exercising during the day can make you naturally tired, which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

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• You use your legs to balance, maneuver, and change directions in the vessel. In turn, this movement helps strengthen your lower-body muscles .

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• While trying to stay centered and balanced on the water, you will develop more core strength . Paddling helps work your lower back, abs, and oblique muscles. • It’s a form of cardiac exercise that will help your heart circulate more blood throughout your body. It will also improve your endurance , enabling you to go longer distances faster.

Since you’ll be in the sun, your body can produce more vitamin D . This vitamin is essential for strong bones and an effective immune system.

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Canoeing and kayaking are great outdoor activities to help you get your daily dose of physical activity and a mental health boost. So, enjoy the warm weather and be one with nature — this may be your new favorite summer hobby this year!

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