Imagine standing at a bustling street market in Bangkok, the air filled with exotic scents and the sounds of a vibrant city. In front of you is a vendor, his cart adorned with an array of unusual delicacies. He gestures toward a bowl of fried insects, a common snack in Thailand. For many, this scene epitomizes the very essence of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. But what if this leap into the culinary unknown is more than just an adventurous anecdote? What if it’s a pathway to personal growth and well-being?

Thailand came at an extremely busy time in my life, and I’m grateful for the lessons from the integrative medicine fellowship that allowed me to take the time to experience a part of the world I have always dreamed about. I booked the trip through AHI Further, the active travel partner endorsed by ADA Member Advantage. AHI provided a flexible yet detailed itinerary that included flights, transportation to and from the hotel, meals and daily activities. The best part for me was knowing this experience would be with a group. I turned 34 years old in 2023 — I celebrated a birthday on this trip (bonus!) — and each year, I increasingly recognize the value of relationships and the people with whom you spend your time as part of the magic to life.

After a long but steady journey, my partner, Robert “Bobby” McNeill, D.D.S., M.D., and I touched down in Bangkok. We immediately were shuttled to a stunning hotel in the middle of the city situated next to a Buddhist temple and the Chao Phraya River, often referred to as the “River of Kings” and integral to the city’s commerce. The time we spent in Thailand was split between the capital city of Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai. We were able to try various traditional and modernized Thai cuisines served by street vendors and restaurants. We also had what Bobby called the best meal of his life while dining with a local family at their farm. We toured the farm with an elder who showed us many of the medicinal plants his family uses in their daily lives. All of this brought experiences from my integrative medicine fellowship to life.

Now the bug part. At a street vendor in Chiang Mia, we ate bugs. Literally! Fried and stirred up on a stick — talk about being outside your comfort zone. I was hesitant at first, but I also did not want unnecessary fear to hold me back. Our local guide had not steered us wrong on the prior day’s adventure, so I took the leap, well, chomp. One was crispy, the other not so much. I actually felt good about pushing my limits. I have let unnecessary fear hold me back from many things in life. This would not be one of those days, as evidenced by this video.

We also had the opportunity to celebrate the spiritual practice of the Alms Giving Ceremony, an early morning ritual where locals rise with Buddhist monks headed to their temples for the day to feed the monks. The monks present with an empty bowl and depend on the community for their food. A truly beautiful and meaningful experience.

Our group was a mix of all generations and by happenstance included two other dentists, orthodontists Terri Neufeld, D.D.S., and Roland Neufeld, D.D.S., from California. Experiencing the world is great, and sharing that experience with a diverse group of professionals made the trip truly unforgettable. Bobby and I have a YouTube channel called Between Two Teeth — with the purpose to connect, discover and inspire. Travel is a way to take a pause from the daily grind of practice. We would say it is necessary. We love our patients, our team and our practice. However, a part of well-being is taking time away from the ordinary to connect. Connecting with nature, cultures, cities, people and yourself. Travel can be a way to gain a perspective on life. I also had three of the most luxurious and inexpensive massages of my life during this trip. Talk about a physical and mental reset.

Would you like to take an adventure like this? Do you need an adventure like this? There are several studies showing the benefits of travel for stress relief and mental health, especially in young professionals. It is with an adventurous spirit that I push you to connect, discover and be inspired by this incredible world.

I’ve been able to have these experiences and make these connections because I am part of the ADA family, giving me access to the AHI Further travel program, which offers a discount to ADA members, and wellness resources that we share on our channel. It’s been a wonderful journey with the ADA and one that will continue. Stay tuned — literally — to Between Two Teeth.

via New Dentist Blog https://ift.tt/LnY2Prx

Putting is a critical aspect of golf, often distinguishing between a good round and a great one. Mastering putting requires skill, precision, and a solid mental approach. Implementing effective strategies to enhance your putting game can significantly lower your scores and improve overall performance on the greens. Here are some valuable tips to help you become a more proficient putter:

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is critical to improving your putting skills. Dedicate time to practice putting on various green surfaces, focusing on distance control, alignment, and stroke consistency. Practicing from multiple distances and angles helps build confidence in different putting scenarios.
2. Work on Alignment and Setup: Correct alignment and a proper setup are crucial for successful putts. Ensure your body, putter face, and target line are aligned. Adopt a comfortable stance, grip the putter consistently, and position the ball appropriately in your view for better control.
3. Develop a Repeatable Stroke: Establish a smooth and repeatable putting stroke. Whether it’s a straight-back, straight-through stroke, or a slight arc, consistency in your stroke helps improve accuracy—practice tempo and rhythm to achieve a fluid and controlled stroke.
4. Read Greens Effectively: Learning to read greens is essential for successful putting. Pay attention to slopes, breaks, and grain direction. Spend time analyzing the green’s topography to gauge the speed and direction of your putts accurately.
5. Practice Distance Control: Mastering distance control is critical for lag and shorter putts. Practice varying the length of your strokes to achieve consistent distances on longer putts, aiming to leave tap-in putts rather than facing lengthy second putts.
6. Visualize and Focus: Visualization is a powerful tool in putting. Before each putt, visualize the line, speed, and trajectory of the ball rolling into the hole. Maintain focus on the target and avoid distractions during your stroke.
7. Embrace a Positive Mindset: Approach each putt confidently and positively. Believe in your abilities and stay composed, regardless of previous putts. Avoid dwelling on missed putts and instead focus on the next opportunity to sink the putt.
8. Keep Putting Statistics: Tracking your putting statistics, such as putts per round, three-putt avoidance, and success rates from different distances, helps identify areas for improvement. Analyzing these statistics can guide your practice sessions and highlight weaknesses in your putting game.

Improving your putting game takes time, dedication, and patience. By incorporating these strategies into your practice regimen and maintaining a positive attitude, you can significantly enhance your putting skills and lower your scores on the golf course. Consistent practice and a focused approach are the keys to becoming a proficient and confident putter.

via Jeremy Blacquier | Sports https://ift.tt/vLlo8gr

Instilling good oral habits in children from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of excellent dental health. Teaching kids the importance of proper oral hygiene helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and cultivates habits that can prevent dental issues in the future. Here are some effective strategies to instill good oral habits in children:

Lead by Example: Children often mimic the behaviors of adults, so one of the most effective ways to teach good oral hygiene is by demonstrating it yourself. Let them see you brushing and flossing regularly, and make it a family routine. Show enthusiasm and make it a fun and positive experience.

Start Early: Introduce oral hygiene practices when your child’s first tooth appears. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean their gums gently. As more teeth erupt, transition to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush suitable for their age.

Make Brushing Fun: Transform brushing into an enjoyable activity using colorful, child-friendly, and flavored toothpaste. Let your child pick their toothbrush and encourage them to select a toothpaste flavor they like. Incorporate songs, stories, or games to make brushing time entertaining.

Teach Proper Technique: Teach your child the correct way to brush teeth. Use small, circular motions and clean all tooth surfaces, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Ensure they brush for at least two minutes, emphasizing the importance of reaching all teeth and areas along the gumline.

Supervise and Assist: Children may be able to brush their teeth thoroughly before they are around 7 or 8 years old. Supervise their brushing sessions and assist in ensuring they effectively clean their teeth.

Encourage Regular Routine: Establish a consistent brushing routine at least twice daily—morning and night. Consistency helps reinforce the habit and makes it a natural part of their day.

Limit Sugary Snacks and Beverages: Educate children about the impact of sugary foods and drinks on their teeth. Encourage healthier snack options and limit sugary treats, especially before bedtime.

Visit the Dentist Regularly: Make regular visits to the dentist a priority. Starting dental check-ups early helps children become familiar with the dentist and reduces fear or anxiety associated with dental visits.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise and encourage your child to maintain good oral hygiene. Offer rewards or create a sticker chart to celebrate their consistency and progress.

By incorporating these strategies and creating a positive and engaging environment around oral hygiene, parents can effectively instill good oral habits in their children, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

via Jeremy Blacquier | Professional Overview https://ift.tt/D5jiETu