Trailridge Family Dental April/May 2019

Trailridge Family Dental April/May 2019

April/May 2019

Happy Trails

Allan W. Stevenson, DDS General Dentist

www.trailridgefamilydental.com 205 W. Highway 95, Parma, ID 83660

208-722-7924

Dispatches From Guatemala The Joys of Giving Back

We recently returned from our annual mission trip to Guatemala. It was an amazing experience — it always is — but it was made extra special this year by the fact that I was joined by my family, as well as members of our team at Trailridge Family Dental. These trips are always a chance to connect with people whose lives are very different than ours and experience the powerful feeling that comes from serving others. To share that with my wife and daughters is something I won’t soon forget. I am able to practice dentistry while on these mission trips, but it doesn’t even remotely resemble the work I do on a daily basis. The people of Guatemala, especially those in the rural areas we serve, don’t have access to regular dental care. As such, most of the work we do comes in the form of emergency dental interventions. Treating acute needs is part of my regular work, but it is rare that we see people whose teeth are in complete disrepair. In Guatemala, almost every patient needs something that we’d classify as extreme in the U.S. It’s tough work, and it’s hard to see people struggling with dental pain that most Americans will never experience, but helping them is what makes it so rewarding. As we were taking off, I could sense a slight feeling of trepidation in my daughters. That’s totally understandable because they were traveling to a foreign country where they don’t speak the language. It’s not hard to imagine the thoughts running through their heads. Would they be able to connect with local children? Would they be able to help? In short, would the trip be worth it for them?

Garden Box Team and Ladies of Last Group

able to communicate with locals and provide some education to children. More than that, though, they were able to share gifts and have fun with the Guatemalan children. There is a particular moment where I saw my youngest, Ellie, laughing and playing that stands out in my mind. To see her revel in service was beyond special for me. I’ve always known I’m very lucky to have a remarkable wife and amazing daughters, but this trip magnified that feeling like never before. The only bittersweet aspect of the trip was that one of our four daughters was unable to join us. She’s currently serving her mission in Lubbock, Texas, so though she wasn’t with us, she’s also been experiencing the power of service in her own way. We had such a great time that the trip to Guatemala will become an annual family tradition. I can’t wait for her to join us next year. I want to thank all of our patients who contributed to our mission trip. The fact that we have patients who delight in taking part in these outreach efforts humbles me immensely. I’m truly lucky to treat all of you.

–Dr. Stevenson

I’m happy to report the answer to all of those questions is a resounding yes. With the help of bilingual aides, the girls were

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www.trailridgefamilydental.com

208-722-7924

Oral Cancer 101 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PREVENTION AND TESTING

C ancer doesn’t discriminate, and oral cancer is no different. In fact, many well-known people throughout history, including U.S. Presidents Grover Cleveland and Ulysses S. Grant, Sigmund Freud, Babe Ruth, Lana Turner, and Rod Stewart, have suffered from oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 53,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to learn about the details, prevention efforts, and tests for this debilitating disease. Prepare yourself by checking out the points below. DETAILS Oral cancer can appear as an abnormality on your lips, tongue, cheeks, mouth, sinuses, or throat. This life-threatening disease can create swelling, bruises, lesions, speckled patches, and face sores. These symptoms can also lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing and cause ear pain. While cancer can affect anyone, some demographics have a higher chance of getting an oral cancer diagnosis. Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease as women, with men over 50 being the most vulnerable.

PREVENTION Your habits play a critical role in preventing cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use increase your chances of developing oral cancer, but your diet and exposure to the sun can also put you at risk. According to the Prevent Cancer Foundation, 1 in 4 people diagnosed with oral cancer are not tobacco users and only drink occasionally. Abstaining from excessive alcohol and tobacco usage is a great way to lower your risk, but keeping your sun exposure and diet in check as well gives you the best chance of preventing oral cancer altogether. SCREENINGS The best way to monitor your oral cancer risk is by attending regular dental appointments, where screenings are the norm. Dental experts are trained to screen for oral cancer, and they will often feel around the neck and throat for concerning signs. Some experts also use a VELscope exam, which uses fluorescent lighting to highlight any abnormalities in the mouth. Many of these tests are noninvasive and can be performed quickly at a dental clinic. If dental experts find evidence of oral cancer during an exam, they can refer patients to clinics for further testing.

You can learn more about oral cancer, prevention, treatments, and screenings online at OralCancerFoundation.org.

www.trailridgefamilydental.com

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208-722-7924

our 2019 dental mission was a success!

Supplies brought: 445 hygiene kits, 19 blankets, 130 newborn kits, 650 pencils, 650 pencil sharpeners, 650 stickers, 10 ladies’ dresses, eight soccer balls, and four portable dental chairs. Sixteen team members: Dr. Allan Stevenson; his wife, Reggie, and daughters, Lucy, Eliza, and Ellie; Dr. Ryan Leininger; April Angeletti; Vernena Jorgensen and her husband, Jesse; Sheila Hartshorn and her husband, Rick; Ben Hulbert; and Dr. Vince Rigby, his wife, Jen, and sons, Spencer and John. Dr. Cameron Quayle, Dr. Tom Dance, Dr. Erik Curtis, and their families joined us for the first two dental days. Garden boxes: 12 assembled and 64 funded.

Dental Day Two

Guatemalan Moms

April, Sheila, and Jen

Dr. L and Jesse

April and Child

Moms With Babies

Garden Boxes

Ellie and Children

Making Garden Boxes

#GiveLikeJo

Reggie

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www.trailridgefamilydental.com

208-722-7924

Return Service Requested

205 W. Highway 95 Parma, ID 83660 208-722-7924

Inside This Issue

Giving Back Is Better When You

Page 1

Do It as a Family

Oral Cancer 101

Page 2

2019 Dental Mission Trip

Page 3

Pasta Primavera

Page 4

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS PASTA PRIMAVERA

• 12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli • 1/2 pound broccoli florets • 2 carrots, shredded • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano- Reggiano • Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste Inspired by Food Network

1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time. 2. Drain the pasta and veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water. 4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan cheese, and serve.

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www.trailridgefamilydental.com

208-722-7924