Ustick Dental April/May 2021

Ustick Dental April/May 2021

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APRIL/MAY 2021

A HOPEFUL SEASON

This Spring, Let’s Renew Our Commitment to Each Other and Ourselves

Spring is important to many of us. It’s a time to recommit ourselves to our goals, refocus on what matters most, and enjoy the change of season. And I know that I’m not alone in finding this a rejuvenating time of year. The energy we have during New Year’s Day can quickly go away, and the fact that the weather is usually dark and wet for at least a few months after Jan. 1 has a lot to do with that. And then spring comes in — and suddenly, it’s not so bad to be outside, the trees and other plants are adding lots of weight in green foliage, and animals everywhere start to wake up around us. It’s impossible to miss, even in a city — and especially in the City of Trees! No, I believe that everybody enjoys spring, and everybody can get a much-needed boost to morale. Something else that happens each spring is our celebration of the spiritual side of that great, green awakening. Many cultures have celebrated spring in different ways over the years. Easter is one of, if not the , most important Christian holy days of the year, so of course it’s going to be an important time for many. But whatever our traditions might be, our family traditions and the family gatherings have taken on particular meaning this year, as has spring in general. I’m also going to be embracing the days with joy and the season in general with gratitude and hope. It seems like every six months, our outlook has radically changed from the previous six months, but for the first time in a long time, the “new” outlook gives us reason for hope. Plenty of reasons, in fact. We’ve all had to find new ways of living and new ways of spending precious time with family this past year. I look forward to going back to some of the old ways — after all, we’re social beings, not meant to only talk to each other from behind a computer screen — but I know that some changes are here to stay, and perhaps some of those will be good. No matter what, we’re rededicating ourselves here at Ustick Dental to new goals and more positive ways of

approaching our work. It’s never too late to change how things are and re-focus on what matters to us. Spring is a reminder of that. I see and feel the power that this season has over people, and it can feel like a gift from a higher power. Whatever you believe, don’t dismiss spring as “just another time of year.” It’s a beautiful one, especially here in the Treasure Valley, and it’s ripe with opportunities for those who can put faith in their ability to succeed and do the work needed to get there.

-Dr. Rigby

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Don’t Miss Teacher Appreciation Month! 5 COVID-SAFE GIFTS FOR YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

3. Quarantine Kit: Teachers working in person put themselves at risk every day, and a quarantine kit is the perfect gift in case the worst happens. You can include helpful items like hand sanitizer or personalized masks along with goodies like adult coloring books, novels, and more. Simply email the teacher to find out how to get your gift to them. 4. Sanitizer and Other Learning Tools for the Classroom: Many school districts are underfunded, and the money for sanitary supplies, pencils, markers, glue sticks, and more comes out of the teacher’s pocket. Buying items like this for when they’re back at school will really brighten their day. 5. A Note From You and Your Child: According to a teacher survey done by The Strategist, handwritten notes are one of the best gifts a teacher can receive. To really make an impact, sit down with your child and write a note from both of you, thanking the teacher for their hard work. Then, send it via snail mail or scan it and email it their way!

When parents first came up with the idea of sending their children to school with an apple as a teacher’s gift, they weren’t counting on a pandemic. In many places, schools are still operating online or using a mix of virtual and in-person learning, and even kids attending in person don’t want to get within 6 feet of their teacher to hand over fruit! So, what are your options for Teacher Appreciation Month? There are more than you might think. If you have the resources, consider gifting one of these pandemic- friendly items that teachers will love. 1. Virtual Gift Card: These days, you can easily send gift cards by email, and your options include everything from Amazon to DoorDash. Does your child’s teacher have a coffee addiction or a passion for dinosaurs? You can find the perfect gift card with a Google search. 2. Thank-You Yard Signs: If you live in a small town or have access to your child’s teacher’s address, consider “gratitude bombing” their front yard with signs! You can use a professional sign company like Sign Gypsies or make your own.

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The Cure For ‘American Girl Doll Teeth’

DO YOU NEED DENTIST’S HELP?

A photo of Bennett with the same smile next to a shot of Samantha went viral. From there, the meme got out of control, inspiring Instagram reels and TikToks of people calling each other (and themselves) out on their embarrassing “American Girl Doll Teeth.” Those jokes hit close to home for people already self-conscious about their front teeth. If the “American Girl Doll Teeth” meme is getting you down, don’t worry — your smile isn’t a lost cause. Dentists have multiple tricks up their sleeves to minimize prominent front teeth. Trimming — which is also known as tooth shaving, interproximal reduction, or interproximal enamel reduction — might be the best option if your teeth are oversized. Trained dentists can trim teeth using a drill or by hand. They’ll shave off just enough length to make your smile look uniform without removing the crucial enamel or causing you pain. Invisalign can help if your front teeth are crooked or stick out from the rest of your smile. The procedure involves wearing clear retainers for six months or more to shift and straighten your teeth. Both options take time and money to accomplish, but they’re guaranteed to make you feel more confident in your smile. If you decide to go with one of these procedures, it won’t be long before you can chuckle at the “American Girl Doll Teeth” meme, too.

In December 2020, the TV show “The Bachelorette” spawned a new meme. Against all odds, the joke wasn’t about roses, petty arguments, face masks, or even limousines — it was about teeth! That month, a fan snarkily compared contestant Bennett Jordan’s prominent front teeth to those of the “Samantha Parkington” American Girl doll. The fan’s joke cracked up millions of viewers, possibly because the doll is such an unlikely twin for the Harvard-graduating, Rolls Royce-driving lady’s man. Samantha hails from 1904 and wears a pink velvet dress, white tights, and black Mary Jane shoes. Her bangs and hair bow are iconic, but her two front teeth really define her look. They’re the only visible teeth in her smile and peek out from below her top lip, making her look like a cross between an adorable bunny and Hermione Granger from “Harry Potter.”

TAKE A BREAK TAKE A BREAK

Easy & Healthy

• 1/2 cup green peppers, diced • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced • 1 cup long-grain white rice GREEN RICE Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup tightly packed spinach leaves • 1 cup tightly packed kale leaves, stems removed • 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock • 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 cup yellow onions, finely diced

Directions 1. In a blender, purée spinach and kale with vegetable stock, coconut milk, and salt. Set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 3. Stir in rice and cook and toast for 1–2 minutes before adding the blended mixture. Increase heat to bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated, 15–20 minutes. 5. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

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inside this ISSUE A Hopeful Season PAGE 1 5 COVID-Safe Gifts for Your Child’s Teacher PAGE 2 The Cure for ‘American Girl Doll Teeth’ PAGE 3 Green Rice Recipe PAGE 3 The Best Time of Year! PAGE 4

The Best Time of Year! NO BETTER SEASON TO ENJOY BOISE

With weather finally calming down, you can expect late spring and early summer to be deeply enjoyable here in the Treasure Valley. We’ve got a few ideas on how to spend your time, even if things remain subdued as our city recovers from a time of very few events. THRIVE OUTSIDE Obviously, with nicer weather comes the desire to enjoy the areas that just a few months ago were covered in snow and hit with cold, wet weather from sunup to sundown. You may be tempted to jump on the trails or head to your favorite hiking spot, and that can be great this month. Just remember that muddy trails are easily

damaged, so check the regulations and obey all posted signs and closures.

a lot of art happening. At the Art Source Gallery downtown, starting on April 1 and continuing through the month, the Local from Global exhibition will highlight newcomers to the art scene. And artist Io Palmer, who teaches at Washington State University in Pullman, has an exhibition of her own at the Boise Art Museum. The exhibit will be here through the middle of summer 2021, and it’s worth a look. There’s a lot more going on in the Treasure Valley, and someday soon perhaps we’ll see you there!

WATCH THE WATER You might have a great time fishing or early-season camping on a reservoir or lake, but you should be careful around moving water this time of year. The Boise River is still dangerously high and very cold — after all, it’s all snowmelt! But the same is true for other rivers and streams, so keep the swimming gear and inner tubes in the closet for at least a few more months. GREAT TIME FOR ART Whether you’re interested in local up-and- comers or established greats, Boise has

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