My wife takes Yoga Journal magazine and here is a brief abstract of an article about mediation that we found useful.
First, sit comfortably in an upright but relaxed position. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your nostrils. As you breathe notice the subtle sensation of cool air passing out of, your nose. Maintain your attention to every breath. Stay relaxed but alert. If your mind runs away then simple return to your breath. You can notice the distraction and patiently return to the sensation of breathing. Your ability to stay present deepens by consistently returning to the current moment.
Do this exercise 10 minutes once or twice a day. You can gradually extend your sessions to 20 or 30 minutes each.
Mediation complements your overall physical and mental health.
Enjoy the sensation.
Dr. Michael Kirk
Grand Dental Studio
The importance of brushing your teeth, good nutrition, and regular dental visits are the focus of National Smile Month in June. This is the largest independent international dental campaign aimed at consumers of all ages. During June, Grand Dental Studio and Oral Health America, and participating sponsors, dental offices, community care providers, schools, camps, and oral health coalitions will be celebrating summertime and encouraging families not to forget their toothbrushes while on vacation.
As routines change for summer, this is a great time of year to focus on dental care habits, spend extra time with our children in teaching them to brush their teeth properly.
National Smile Month promotes the importance of:
1.Brushing teeth twice a day.
2.See your dentist on a schedule that he or she recommends.
3.Choosing healthy foods for a tooth-friendly and nutritious diet.
Remember, at Grand Dental Studio, we always offer a FREE First Visit. This includes an exam with the doctor and x-rays. Please come in today and visit Oklahoma City’s Best Dental Experience.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Kirk, Dr. Janice Henry, Dr. Kari Bender
www.dentistokc
Grand Dental Studio — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. So many things to think about when caring for your small children. Some times, our #1 priority is getting them to sleep and getting ourselves to sleep each night. However, two health topics are important to mention in this blog.
First, start brushing teeth early. It is great habit and nothing is cuter than seeing your 11 month old walking around with a little tooth brush. Second, make brushing teeth fun. We sing a fun little song about brushing teeth to the “Jingle Bells” tune. It goes like this “Brush brush brush - brush brush brush - brush brush John’s teeth. Brush them right to make them white so they will shine so brightly.” Have your children’s teeth checked out by your dentist between the ages of 2 and 3 years old or earlier. Bring your children to the dentist with you so they get used to going. Always, make life fun and never scare your child. Going to the dentist can be very fun and it starts early. We have a treasure chest for our kids to take prizes from when they are at our office. It is a big hit.
Our second topic is eating right. It goes along with healthy bones and strong teeth, etc. We are really working on this one. I have no new news for you and I certainly don’t want to lecture. The best tips I have for toddlers is offer healthy first. Don’t keep unhealthy snacks in your house. Encourage fruit slices, veggie sticks, whole grains, and all natural cheeses for snack time. Stay away from snacks high in sugar. Avoid all soft drinks. Kids should really drink milk, water, and limited sugar juices. We recently bought a juice machine and making fresh juices has been a big hit with our toddler. The juice machine makes a loud noise as it is crushing the fruit. Yeh - the boys like the grinding part. Sneak in vegetables as much as you can. One of my wives favorites is the broccoli, pasta alfredo. This pasta dish is yummy and the broccoli is diced up so small the kids can not even see it. Supplement with a simple vitamin. Of course, you would defer to your pediatrian for all kid advice.
While there may be bumps along the way, making health food choices supports growing bodies, healthy teeth, and flexible minds now and in the future. Honestly, it is like a microscope for your own bad habits. Monkey see monkey do. Choose wisely yourself and get yourself to the dentist regularly. Eat healthy and excercise moderately. You are the role model for your kids. Yeh - I know this is hard because some days I can only think about getting those little fellas to sleep and having a cold beer - PLEASE.
Sincerely, Dr. Michael Kirk
New research indicates that there is a simple way to get more veggies in your diet. You can drink them. A recent study shows that individuals who drink vegatable juice every day are more likely to meet their recommended daily veggie intake. According to research, roughly 90 percent of American adults fall short of the daily fruit and vegetable intake of 400 g suggested by the World Health Organization. In the study group, all of the participants who drank 16 ounces of vegatable juice on a daily basis met this recommendation.
I saw this briefing after my wife and I purchased a Jack LaLanne Juicer at Target recently. I guess this validated our purchase. More validation came when we realized how fun and easy it is to juice. Our kids love it. They love to watch apples be mashed into nothing. So fun for little boys. The juicer will juice practically anything. No prep.
We believe in keeping you healthy - teeth and more.
Dr. Michael Kirk (drmike@dentistokc.com)
www.dentistokc.com
