Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Instead of making the turkey the center of attention, let’s go straight to the pie…just kidding!
We have so many things to be thankful for. When my kids were younger, we went as a family and served free Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant to people that had no place to go or were unable to afford a meal. This really made an impression on my kids and hopefully they will continue to keep service in their hearts.
Reaching out to those less fortunate is something we all can do. Everybody can lend a helping hand or act of kindness. Just like pie, a little bit goes a long ways. Have a safe and blessed holiday.
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
First Foray Into Teaching...
Teaching dental hygiene has never really been my forte. I love teaching patients about their mouths but the classroom is a little intimidating for me.
My son, Taylor, has signed me up to teach the dentistry merit badge for his Boy Scout Troop. At first I was really excited—that excitement quickly turned to anxiety. I was expecting a classroom full of non-attentive teenaged boys. Much to my surprise, my class is really inquisitive.
My first class was Monday night and I think it went pretty smoothly. I was advised not to go into too much detail and let the boys ask questions. We will be doing both hands-on experiments and visiting my office. I think I will have the boys take impressions of their hands making the Boy Scout sign and each can pour up a plaster model.
Maybe teaching isn’t so far out of my grasp after all!
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
My son, Taylor, has signed me up to teach the dentistry merit badge for his Boy Scout Troop. At first I was really excited—that excitement quickly turned to anxiety. I was expecting a classroom full of non-attentive teenaged boys. Much to my surprise, my class is really inquisitive.
My first class was Monday night and I think it went pretty smoothly. I was advised not to go into too much detail and let the boys ask questions. We will be doing both hands-on experiments and visiting my office. I think I will have the boys take impressions of their hands making the Boy Scout sign and each can pour up a plaster model.
Maybe teaching isn’t so far out of my grasp after all!
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Paste-Free Prophy Angles
Sunstar recently introduced a new Paste-Free disposable prophy angle. I wasn’t sure if I liked them at first, but after using them for a few months I plan to continue using them.
The grit is actually embedded in the prophy cup. It is recommended to start polishing in a posterior area where a lot of saliva can soften the cup. I usually start in an upper posterior quadrant and can tell the cup softens quickly.
My patients have had mixed opinions on this new product. Many like the no-grit feeling and are thankful to have the ‘crunchies’ eliminated. Surprisingly, some miss the grit and prefer the traditional prophy paste. I have found the best candidates for this new product are pedo patients and xerestomia patients, but all would benefit.
Stain removal is efficient and I just throw away the angles when I am done. I really like coming home without bits of prophy paste in my hair. Give them a try. I think they’re great!
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
The grit is actually embedded in the prophy cup. It is recommended to start polishing in a posterior area where a lot of saliva can soften the cup. I usually start in an upper posterior quadrant and can tell the cup softens quickly.
My patients have had mixed opinions on this new product. Many like the no-grit feeling and are thankful to have the ‘crunchies’ eliminated. Surprisingly, some miss the grit and prefer the traditional prophy paste. I have found the best candidates for this new product are pedo patients and xerestomia patients, but all would benefit.
Stain removal is efficient and I just throw away the angles when I am done. I really like coming home without bits of prophy paste in my hair. Give them a try. I think they’re great!
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
Goodbye "Aunte Net"
My Aunt Jeanette passed away yesterday. She had been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in February 2007. For those not familiar with this type of breast cancer, it is one of the most aggressive. The actual cancer forms in sheets rather than lumps. Detection is difficult and mammograms can miss it pretty easily.
“Aunt Net” was such a fun person to be around—she had the most contagious laugh. The last couple years were tough as her health declined and she went through both surgery and chemotherapy. Pneumonia and lung cancer finally took its toll on her. I will remember her wonderful hugs and cheerful laughs.
Rest well Aunt Net. I love you and will miss you.
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
“Aunt Net” was such a fun person to be around—she had the most contagious laugh. The last couple years were tough as her health declined and she went through both surgery and chemotherapy. Pneumonia and lung cancer finally took its toll on her. I will remember her wonderful hugs and cheerful laughs.
Rest well Aunt Net. I love you and will miss you.
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
High-tech reflections
After three long weeks of not having my computer up and running, I am finally able to put my thoughts down once again. Have you ever tried to manage your daily routine from a card table and a basket of mail? It is very eye-opening to realize how much we depend on modern technology for our every day routine. Life had to be less hectic before electronics entered the picture. We love all the gadgets and toys now that we have become accustomed to them, but if they are not running correctly or are “down,” it is a major inconvenience.
I remember balancing the check book by hand not that many years ago and I was very leery of actually doing my banking online. Now I send most correspondences via email or text messaging. It’s good to look back and see how much simpler our lives were just 20 years ago. When things are hectic, don’t forget to look back and reminisce. Sit down and write an actual letter to someone. Enjoy your down time.
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
I remember balancing the check book by hand not that many years ago and I was very leery of actually doing my banking online. Now I send most correspondences via email or text messaging. It’s good to look back and see how much simpler our lives were just 20 years ago. When things are hectic, don’t forget to look back and reminisce. Sit down and write an actual letter to someone. Enjoy your down time.
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Live each day to the fullest...
I write this with a saddened heart. Jan, a very close friend and coworker of mine, received the most devastating news possible. Jan’s daughter, Ashlen, has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.
I cannot imagine what they must be going through. Ashlen is one of the sweetest teenagers I know. At a tender age of 14, she is also one of the bravest people I have ever met. She had been treated for migraines for the past year without much relief, and Jan made an appointment an eye doctor to see if vision problems were the cause of the migraines. The doctor was able to diagnose papilla edema caused by fluid build up behind the eyes.
After an MRI was performed, it was evident that Ashlen had some type of tumor. She was referred to Primary Children’s Clinic in Salt Lake City and had surgery last week. After eight long hours, our sweet Ashlen was in the recovery room. Apparently, the tumor was at the base of her brain and wrapped around her spinal cord. Some of the tumor was so calcified that the surgeon had to literally chip away small pieces at a time.
The final pathology results came back yesterday—the tumor has been diagnosed as a Grade 1Pilocytic Astrocytoma. Ashlen will have to endure chemotherapy monthly for the next year.
My heart goes out to her and her family. Be thankful for your health. Live each day to the fullest and please pray for Ashlen and her family.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
I cannot imagine what they must be going through. Ashlen is one of the sweetest teenagers I know. At a tender age of 14, she is also one of the bravest people I have ever met. She had been treated for migraines for the past year without much relief, and Jan made an appointment an eye doctor to see if vision problems were the cause of the migraines. The doctor was able to diagnose papilla edema caused by fluid build up behind the eyes.
After an MRI was performed, it was evident that Ashlen had some type of tumor. She was referred to Primary Children’s Clinic in Salt Lake City and had surgery last week. After eight long hours, our sweet Ashlen was in the recovery room. Apparently, the tumor was at the base of her brain and wrapped around her spinal cord. Some of the tumor was so calcified that the surgeon had to literally chip away small pieces at a time.
The final pathology results came back yesterday—the tumor has been diagnosed as a Grade 1Pilocytic Astrocytoma. Ashlen will have to endure chemotherapy monthly for the next year.
My heart goes out to her and her family. Be thankful for your health. Live each day to the fullest and please pray for Ashlen and her family.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
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