Sabal Dental Rockport MARCH 2018

Sabal Dental Rockport MARCH 2018

March 2018

1406 Hwy 35 N, Suite C., Rockport, TX 78382 |

www.SabalDental.com

361-729-1333

|

Into the Woods Vacationing Away From the Beach

For years, our ideal family vacation involved taking a trip to the beach here in Rockport. Now that we live at the beach, we’ve had to find someplace different to vacation and escape the rush of tourists we used to be a part of. I didn’t really think about where we would go to get away from it all once we called our favorite vacation destination home. This year, as spring break approached, my husband and I looked at each other and asked, “Where are we going to go?” When I am able to take a vacation, one of the biggest selling points of any given destination is the opportunity to enjoy a change of scenery. When you’re at home, even if you have a day off, you can still feel like you’re trapped in a routine. At least, that’s how I feel. My husband realized early in our relationship that if he wants to enjoy quality time together, we need to get out of town. Being able to escape the everyday demands of life and explore a new environment is the perfect way to truly relax and unwind. Though the beach is not off the table for possible vacations, there are still plenty of chances to see something new — for example, the Beavers Bend Resort Park in Oklahoma. Beavers Bend is a beautiful state park with rich forests, streams full of trout, rolling hills, and trails that wind up and down mountains. It’s one of the most popular state parks in the region, and for good reason. There’s so much to do there. John and I haven’t been to Beavers Bend in 14 years, before we were married, but we have great memories of our trip. Hopefully, we’ll be able to take a family trip up there this year.

certainly afford to get away from the internet and video games for a while. Kids today don’t get many chances to feel connected to nature anymore, and I think Duncan and Logan could truly benefit from I’m looking forward to taking this trip with my sons and letting them be boys with the freedom to run around, ride bikes, climb trees, and play in nature. When little kids get to go outside, it unleashes their imagination and their spirits just come alive. That said, I have seen how enthusiastic my husband gets about being out in the woods, so maybe it’s not just kids who can appreciate the call of the wild. Wherever you go and whatever you do this spring, I hope everyone has the chance to take a break and spend time with their families. After the year we’ve had, we all deserve a little vacation, don’t you think? the experience.

I would be more than happy to really unplug for a week and enjoy the great outdoors. My boys could

–Dr. Valerie Sperry

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Wait — Screen Time Is Good for Kids? How a Balanced Media Diet Bolsters Child Development

If you Google the effects of screen time on children, you’re sure to be bombarded with horror stories. Numerous articles claim that, beginning in infancy, the more time a child spends in front of a TV, phone, or computer, the worse their developmental outcomes will be. At first glance, the research is utterly conclusive. It seems we should throw out every TV in our house, smash our kids’ smartphones, and usher our children into the great outdoors as soon as possible. But what most of these studies fail to take into account is the content of the electronic media. If a child spends two hours a day bingeing episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” or screaming obscenities into a headset while playing “Call of Duty,” it’s going to negatively impact their experience of the world along with their mental and physical health. But not all content is created equal.

recommended strict limits on electronic engagement for kids, following the old line of thinking that any kind of screen

time would be better spent climbing a tree or running in the backyard. But in October of 2016, they offered new recommendations for parents. For infants and young toddlers, the research still sides pretty heavily against the use of iPads and television. Before 18 months of age, a child lacks the cognitive capabilities allowing them to apply the lessons of technology to real life, and even after that, the APP recommends that media consumption should be limited to “high-quality programming, such as the content offered by Sesame Workshop and PBS.” But for kids ages 5 and up, parents should avoid banning screen time outright, but function as their child’s media mentor. Instead of decrying time spent building complex structures in “Minecraft” as hours that could be spent on the soccer field, we should set expectations and boundaries to ensure that children can deepen their experience of the world through media, not hamper it. The problem starts not with the screen itself, but when the consumption of media becomes problematic, replacing regular face-to-face interactions and physical activity. But with a balanced media diet, kids can have the best of both worlds.

In the past, the American

Academy of Pediatrics

Testimonials..........................................

“My visit was an awesome experience!” –Todd L. “This is the best dental office! I was extremely happy with the service both of my sons received at Sabal Dental! The entire staff was friendly and professional. I would highly recommend Sabal Dental!” –Alice L. “I had a great experience. Ladies in the office make you feel very comfortable and

welcomed. My dentist was awesome. She explained everything and made sure I did not have any pain.” –Victoria G.

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in 2012. “When you’re growing, your body is still figuring itself out.” It’s a valuable observation for any young person considering braces. Tom Cruise Cruise is proof that getting the perfect smile in your adult life is far from impossible. At age 40, the Hollywood star donned a pair of ceramic brackets. Not only were his braces subtle, but he only had to wear them a few months. That’s a small price to pay to ensure his trademark grin stays paparazzi-perfect for years to come. Ryan Lee He may not be the biggest star on this list, but Lee’s dedication to orthopedic authenticity deserves

BOX OFFICE BRACES Orthodontics for the Stars

Movie stars are far from pictures of perfection. Acting skills and public relations can always be brushed up, but what happens when a celebrity’s smile isn’t IMAX-ready? More stars have needed orthopedic correction over the course of their careers than you might think. Here are our picks for the top celebrity ortho patients! Dakota Fanning Actor and model Dakota Fanning has appeared in movies and television shows since she was a child. During her career, the “Twilight” antagonist went through extensive orthodontic repair, requiring multiple sets of braces. Even vampires care about their smiles! Emma Watson

special mention. Lee is best known for his role as Cary in JJ Abram’s 2011 thriller “Super 8.” Both Lee and the character he played in “Super 8” wore braces. The only problem was that the movie was set in the late ’70s, requiring the young actor to ditch his modern bands for bulkier, period- accurate braces. Worse still, the braces were props, not actual dental supports, meaning Lee had to put his realignment on hold until after filming. Now that’s commitment!

Starting your career as a child actor presents numerous challenges, especially because your body is changing. Watson has openly talked about her struggle to maintain her body image while going through adolescence. “I had terrible skin at one point and had to wear braces at another,” she reflected

Have a Laugh

ZESTY ZUCCHINI ENCHILADAS

Ingredients • 4 large zucchini • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee

• 2 teaspoons cumin • 2 teaspoons chili powder • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken • 2 cups shredded cheese

• 1 large onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions 1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken and 1 cup prepared enchilada sauce. 2. Use vegetable peeler to thinly slice zucchini. Lay out three slices, slightly overlapping, and spoon chicken mixture on top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla” and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used. 3. Cover the enchiladas with remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!

Adapted from delish.com.

Sabal General Dentistry • 361-729-1333 • 3

Hours: M–F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1406 Hwy 35 N, Suite C. Rockport, TX 78382 361-729-1333 www.SabalDental.com

Inside This Issue

A Change of Scenery Page 1 When Screen Time Is Good for Kids Page 2 Our Clients Say It Best Page 2 4 Celebrities With Braces Page 3 Go Carb-Free for Dinner Page 3 How a Chance Conversation Turned

Into Love Page 4

A MATCH MADE IN … SIDE How a Chance Conversation Turned Into Life and Love

Exactly two years ago, Christopher Dempsey of Frankfort, Illinois, overheard the most important conversation of his life. It also happened to be the most important conversation in another individual’s life — Heather Krueger. Christopher was relaxing in the break room at work when he caught part of the conversation. A co-worker mentioned a relative was in need of a

Shortly after the confirmation came in, Christopher called Heather to break the news. It wasn’t long until the two met, went out for lunch, and started to get to know one another. As the surgery drew near, they spent more and more time together. The pair even did some fundraising work together. “We were going out looking for donations for a benefit, and I just started thinking,”

liver transplant. The co-worker’s cousin, Heather, had stage 4 liver disease. Her doctors said she had a 50 percent chance of making it through the following two months. Time was of the essence. Wanting to make a difference, Christopher decided to get tested and find out if he was a match for Heather. “I just thought to myself,” Christopher said, “I would want someone to help me or my family in that situation.” The test came back. He was a match.

Christopher said, “She’s a really nice girl. She is somebody I would like to get to know.” Then, about a month after they had first met, they were in the operating room. The transplant was a success.

After the transplant, it turned out the spark was mutual. Christopher and Heather were in love — and it all began with a chance conversation, which turned out to be an incredible journey. In November 2015, Christopher proposed to Heather, and in October 2016, they were married.

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