Sabal Rockport - October 2020

Sabal Rockport - October 2020

October 2020

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

www.SabalDental.com

361-729-1333

|

More Than Pets

Meet Dr. Sperry’s Dogs, Molly and Montana!

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When I learned that October was Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, I knew I had to write about our family’s two old gals, Molly and Montana. They have added so much to our lives since joining our family, and that value has only been amplified as we navigate this pandemic world we’re living in. Before I continue, I want to emphasize that I don’t believe there is a “right” way to adopt a dog. A good friend of mine breeds poodles, and I see how much care and dedication she puts into welcoming those pups into the world and finding families for them. I’ve also seen how beneficial it can be to give a homeless pet a home, and as someone who has rescued her pups, I can honestly say rescuing was the right move for our family at the time. That’s all that should count.

home. Montana has been a great addition to our family. She’s become a companion for Molly, especially as Molly has aged, and she never fails to keep us entertained with her energy! Together, Molly and Montana bring a lot to our family. Our boys have always lived in a home with dogs, and I believe it’s taught them compassion and responsibility. They understand that Molly and Montana have needs that we have to meet, while Molly and Montana keep the boys active, entertained, and happy. There’s a lot to be said for the comfort of a dog. During this unprecedented time, I believe companionship with our pets has never been more valuable. I love hearing my patient’s talk about their pets. You can just see from the way their eyes light up how much that pet means to them. For older adults, this connection can be even more powerful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that isolation and loneliness — two factors many of us, especially our older populations, have had to live with during this pandemic — can contribute to an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Finding the right companion, a living thing that depends on you, can remedy this situation. Regardless of whether you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder, finding the right pet can be invaluable to your happiness, health, and quality of life. Molly was the perfect dog for our family when we adopted her, and Montana has fit right in. They have added more to our family than we could have imagined when we first adopted them. I can’t imagine the past decade without them.

My husband and I adopted Molly, a mixed-breed dog, more than a decade ago from a shelter next to a pet store. We

“Regardless of whether you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder, finding the right pet can be invaluable to your happiness, health, and quality of life.”

knew we weren’t ready for kids, but we wanted some companionship in our lives. Since then, she’s been with us through our education

journeys, moves, and the growth of our family. When

the boys were born, Molly became very patient and kind — something that wasn’t always in her nature as a young pup. I guess you could say that as our family has grown, so has Molly! At 15 years old, she has slowed down quite a bit, but she’s been a great dog for our family. Montana is a 9-year-old Boston terrier who we adopted from relatives. We didn’t “rescue” her from a shelter, but we were happy to provide this energetic dog with a new

–Dr. Valerie Sperry

Sabal General Dentistry • 361-729-1333 • 1

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The Best Halloween Movies on Disney+

Halloweentown, a place where monsters lead normal lives, but their whole family is secretly a bunch of witches! Marnie must learn to rely

Pop some popcorn and break out the candy corn because it’s time for a spooky family movie night! Disney+ offers a treasure trove of Halloween movies with just the right amount of tricks and treats. Here are a few of the best Halloween movies you can watch on Disney+ right now. ‘Halloweentown’ When 13-year-old Marnie and her siblings follow their grandmother home on Halloween night, they make some surprising discoveries. Not only does their grandmother live in

on the magic of family in order to save her grandmother and all of Halloweentown. If your family enjoys “Halloweentown,” you’ll be glad to know that all three of its sequels are also on Disney+! ‘Frankenweenie’ This movie is a charming twist on the classic horror story! When a young boy loses his faithful dog, he uses the power of mad science to bring the pooch back to life. What follows is a strange and heartwarming stop-motion adventure about the love between a boy and his dog. Some scenes may be a little intense for young children, but “Frankenweenie” never becomes too scary for kids to enjoy. ‘Hocus Pocus’ Max and his family have just moved from California to Salem, Massachusetts, when Max accidentally resurrects three evil witches. To save his little sister, Max must team up with his new crush and a talking cat to stop the witches’ reign of terror. “Hocus Pocus” does contain some truly frightening scenes, so it may not be appropriate for young children. However, the way this film balances comedy and humor makes it a perfect Halloween thrill for older kids. These are just a few of the creepy and cool Halloween movies streaming on Disney+. When you’re done with these, scroll through the catalog to find some more new favorites. Happy Halloween!

What Our Patients Are Saying ...

“Front desk personnel are always friendly and courteous. Nellie is a wonderful, kind, and friendly dental hygienist. Sabal Dental is a GREAT asset to the Rockport-Fulton area. I highly recommend their services. Thank you, Dr. Sperry and staff.” – Gwen W. “All of the staff are super nice here. I felt very well taken care of and in good hands with everyone. I’m normally nervous at dentists, but these guys made me feel really at ease. They explain absolutely everything before they start doing any work. I had a front tooth filling done, and you can’t even tell there used to be a hole before. I’m so happy I can smile again without being all self- conscious. I would definitely recommend.” – Melissa G.

“When I first called, the office manager was very helpful to explain my insurance dental benefits, which I appreciated. The hygienist was very thorough and the dentist was as well. Professional, helpful, and prompt.” – Tamara W.

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DON’T LET YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY END UP HERE

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

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

Think about it: you’ve paid your insurance bills all year long — so allowing your dental benefits to expire is like throwing all the money out the window ... or paying for a movie ticket, popcorn, and soda and then staying home to watch reruns instead. Now is the perfect time to schedule your dental appointment and take advantage of those benefits before they expire! We’ll make sure you are grinning as much as your jack- o’-lantern (but without all the missing teeth).

Don ’ t forget your beneFIts expire on 12 / 31 / 20.

It will be here before you know it!

P.S. Appointments will fill up fast. Call today!

Candy That’s GOOD for Your Teeth

As the name implies, sugar-free chewing gum lacks sugar, which is what cavity-causing bacteria feed on. This means that sugar-free gum doesn’t create acid on your teeth. Additionally, the physical act of chewing gum increases saliva flow. This may sound gross, but extra saliva is really good for your teeth. It helps clear away food particles and bacteria, thus protecting against dental erosion.

Halloween is fast approaching, and pretty soon there will be candy everywhere. Contrary to popular belief, dentists

When picking out your gum while in line at the grocery store, look for packs that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is only awarded to

don’t hate candy — we just prefer our patients to eat only a little at a time and brush their teeth

afterward. In fact, there is even one kind of candy that many dentists recommend because it’s actually good for your teeth: sugar-free chewing gum. The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the fact that chewing gum can help keep your teeth clean and strong. But this doesn’t mean you should let your kids chew an entire pack of Dubble

chewing gums that have demonstrated that they meet “objective requirements for safety and efficacy, as evaluated by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.” Basically, the ADA Seal means that the gum is good for your teeth. It’s important to keep in mind that chewing gum, even gum that has earned the ADA Seal, cannot replace daily brushing and flossing. However, chewing a piece of sugar-free gum between meals can help keep your teeth clean throughout the day.

Bubble between meals. The ADA notes that only sugar-free gum has cavity- fighting benefits. Chewing gum that contains sugar, like Dubble Bubble, can actually create a layer of dental biofilm and acid, which covers the teeth and breaks down the enamel, leading to cavities. However, sugar-free chewing gum has the opposite effect.

Have a Laugh

Spooky Strawberry Ghosts

These adorable chocolate-dipped strawberry ghosts will be the stars of your Halloween party! Ingredients • 16 oz white chocolate, chopped • 24 strawberries • 1 package mini dark chocolate chips Directions 1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. Remove it and stir, then repeat the process until melted. 2. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper. 3. One by one, dip the strawberries into the melted white chocolate and set them on the parchment. Allow the extra chocolate to pool to form a “tail” effect. 4. Before the chocolate coating fully cools, add three mini chocolate chips to each berry to form two eyes and a mouth. 5. Let chocolate set, then serve your spooky snacks!

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

Meet the Furry Friends of the Sperry Household Page 1 Family-Friendly Halloween Movies You Can Watch Tonight! Page 2 Our Clients Say It Best Page 2 This Candy Keeps Your Teeth Clean Page 3 Spooky Strawberry Ghosts Page 3 3 Healthy Spices to Try This Fall Page 4 Inside This Issue

THE BEST FALL SPICES TO BOOST YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric may also help reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to depression and Alzheimer’s. How to add more turmeric to your diet: Homemade curries are a great way to get a good dose of turmeric. You can also add turmeric to roasted vegetables or taco seasoning. Something for Your Stomach: Ginger If you’ve ever drunk ginger ale on a plane to calm your upset stomach, then you’ve already experienced the healing properties of ginger. Ginger can be used to treat nausea, including nausea due to motion sickness and pregnancy. Studies show that ginger can also offer relief to cancer patients suffering from nausea caused by chemotherapy. How to add more ginger to your diet: There are many baked goods that call for ginger. Your morning coffee or tea could also benefit from a hint of ginger. These are just a few spices that are also superfoods! Do some research to discover the secret benefits of your favorite spices.

It’s the season of fall spices. Pumpkin spice — which is actually a mix of many different seasonal spices — is a favorite, but it’s not the only one we should try this year. Seasonal spices are a fun way to literally spice up your meals, and many of them also have surprising health benefits!

Something for Your Heart: Cinnamon

Cinnamon can actually help lower your blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for folks with Type 2 diabetes. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website also reports that cinnamon has heart-healthy benefits. For example, studies show that cinnamon can reduce high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus decreasing the risk of developing heart disease. How to add more cinnamon to your diet: Sprinkle

cinnamon on oatmeal or plain yogurt for a warming boost of flavor. You’ll also find cinnamon in pumpkin spice, a seasonal favorite.

Something for Your Brain: Turmeric Recent research has found that turmeric can reduce

inflammation. A compound in turmeric called curcumin has been shown to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with

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