Ask the Experts

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Shop Local at Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Summer is here, and if you’re looking for the freshest fruits, vegetables, and locally grown produce, now is the time to find them at Dave’s Marketplace.

In Rhode Island and throughout New England, many local farms raise fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs for neighborhood markets. These growers are dedicated to the quality and value of fresh food for their living.

“We are in the perishable business – we want you to feel and smell how fresh everything is,” said Susan Budlong of Dave’s Marketplace. “We set this stage by having customers walk through our Produce departments first and foremost.”

Picked at their peak, locally grown foods taste and look better, and with shorter times between the farm and table, it’s less likely that nutrients will be lost. Nearby farms often grow different varieties of crops to provide a longer harvest season and the best flavors.

“Locally grown produce is generally only available about 12 to 14 weeks of the year,” said Budlong, who wants customers to know what they are eating. “We work hard to provide accurate signage for all our products – especially produce, seafood and meats.”

Not only is local food safe and convenient,farmers and grocers who sell their products aren’t anonymous and take their responsibility to the consumer seriously. Locally produced food also supports communities, preserves open spaces and benefits the environment.

“Our prepared foods are made either in our central commissary in East Greenwich or on site in our In Store Kitchens. All the meals are made with fresh ingredients – local ingredients whenever possible –and by hand,” said Budlong. “It really is better than restaurant qual-

ity. We follow strict recipes for consistent quality measures – so what you purchase in Warwick, you can purchase in Wickford and have the same great taste!”

Larger supermarket chains often do not cook or prepare meals on site using locally grown foods; most products are prepackaged in another facility and trucked in. Same with many other perishable products – chains have moved away from providing custom cut roasts, or hand-cut swordfish – many do not staff butchers, fishmongers, or chefs with the experience of handling locally grown or harvested products.

“We like food, we enjoy buying it, selling it, preparing, and experimenting with it. We learned early on that food brings people together; it brings families together and it brings our communities together. Our families over the past 20 years have been hurried – sitting down to dinner isn’t the norm anymore,” said Budlong. “We strive to be part of every meal. To do that, we produce as many high quality foods –many of them comfort foods – that will allow you to enjoy dinner. And know that the food has been prepared fresh, with high quality ingredients. The quality and ingredients you would use if you made it yourself.”

Shopping is a personal experience for most people, and while times are changing and the speed in which we live has increased, the availability of locally grown foods provides a connection consumers look for.

“Our goal is to have all the items a family needs and wants – from the sale items to the staple items,” said Budlong. “We like the sense of community that Grocery Stores have – a meeting place to shop, have a cup of coffee and catch up with neighbors.”

Choosing who cares for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. BrightStars was developed to help you select the best care for your child. The latest science tells us that the early years of life matter because early experiences affect a child’s brain development. Like the construction of a house, brains are built from the bottom up, with early experiences setting the foundation for the rest of development. High-quality programs help children grow socially, emotionally, and physically and enter school ready to learn.

BrightStars helps families in RI access quality child care, early learning, and school-age programs and help child care providers learn about best practices in early learning and apply them to the care children receive. We recognize program quality and give parents information to make choices about their children’s care and education.

Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a child care program for your family:

Look for a healthy and safe environment: Ensure that the program is safe and healthy. This includes considerations such as meals, sanitary bathrooms and safe indoor and outdoor spaces.

Choose a program that promotes learning and development: It is important for your child to have many opportunities to learn and

practice skills. Programs should have a stimulating environment for all children. Interactions with caring and responsible adults impacts your child’s daily experience. Early care and education programs should have enough staff members to safely supervise the children and support their learning and development. The early care and education program should have trained and qualified educators. This is critical to ensure that the educators can recognize and provide for your child’s learning and development.

Understand that high-quality programs welcome families: High-quality child care programs communicate regularly with families and offer opportunities for family involvement with an open door policy. You should be welcomed any time you visit your child’s program.

You can learn more on the BrightStars website: www.BrightStars.org and also access a visit checklist and guide for choosing the right program for your family: www.brightstars.org/ choosing-quality-programs/

Rhode Island AEYC manages BrightStars for the RI Department of Human Services and the RI Department of Education. BrightStars helps families find early care, education and school-age programs through our referral toll free line 1-855-398-7605 or through an online search here: https://earlylearningprograms.dhs.ri.gov

With over years dedicated to the assisted living industry, Liz brings a wealth of experience and passion to our community. Liz was born and raised in the heart of Warwick, R.I. Her journey began humbly as a server in a local assisted living facility, sparking her interest in senior care. Liz pursued her education at Rhode Island College, earning a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration with a minor in gerontology.

Joining the All-American family in Liz initially served as the Program Director of Rose Lane, our 24-bed memory neighborhood. Her dedication and expertise quickly led her to assume the role of Memory Care Director. Committed to continuous learning, iz has achieved certifications as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Dementia Memory Care Manager, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia Care Trainer, and Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator. She is also a

Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and holds an Assisted Living Residential Administrator license.

Liz’s passion for education extends beyond her own growth. She has shared

her knowledge by teaching dementia courses across various All American sister properties throughout the United States. Recently, Liz was promoted to Executive Director, where she continues to lead with a hands-on approach, frequently engaging with our Memory Care residents despite her broader responsibilities. Liz embodies our commitment to compassionate care and excellence in senior living.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys spending time with her close-knit family, tending her garden, and advancing her knowledge and education in the field of Assisted Living.

All American at Warwick is a distinguished Assisted Living community that caters to a diverse range of residents, from those who are independent to those requiring Memory Care. Recently, the community has expanded its Memory Care capabilities by inaugurating a new neighborhood with an additional beds, to help and service more families in need.

home equity loan or line of credit uses the value you have in your home to secure your financing and generally gives you the lowest rates for the most advantageous terms. You can use the proceeds to finance anything you need from home improvements to debt consolidation to major purchases, vacations and more. If you have needs now, or may in the future, here are a few useful tips to consider:

Choosing the Right Option – For You

Home equity financing falls into basic categories: Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans and Variable Rate Home Equity Lines of Credit. Usually, what you need the money for will determine which option is best for you.

Home Equity Line of Credit

BEST FOR: When you need extra cash for bills, vacations, weddings, school bills, and debt consolidation.

RATES: Often a lower rate that can go up or down with changes to the Prime Rate.

ADVANTAGES: You apply for a maximum amount but only draw what you need, when you need it. You only pay interest and make payments on the amount you draw. So, if you have a line of credit but only draw your payments are based on the drawn.

Home Equity Loan

BEST FOR: Home improvements, pools, kitchen/bath remodels and other larger or longer-term projects.

RATES: Lower than unsecured loans because it is secured by your equity in your home.

ADVANTAGES: ffers a fixed rate that will not increase over the life of your loan. That is, you borrow you make payments on that amount based on the term of your loan.

Interest payments on both types of financing may be tax-deductible if used for home improvement. (Consult your tax advisor).

When choosing long-term care, families sometimes wait until they experience a crisis and then are forced to make a decision during less than ideal circumstances. Although moving into a skilled nursing home is a wonderful option, it’s not the only one, and it doesn’t always need to be the first step.

You can decide what is best for you with the assistance of an Aging Life Care Specialist like Sheri Ferola with Saint Elizabeth Community, who explains,

We work with our clients to find the best fit for them at this moment in time, while planning out their long-term options. We take a holistic approach in assessing their needs then we help guide them through the process. And we’ll be there with them for the duration, adapting with them as changes occur.”

Here are some options in the continuum of care that an Aging Life Care Specialist can evaluate with you.

Home Care

We hear a lot of talk about aging in place where we have the opportunity to grow older in the comfort of our own home. Home care is a great way to make that happen. et caring qualified staff come to your home to provide services that include skilled nursing, rehabilitation, physical therapy, CNA care, personal assistance and more.

Adult Day

One of the key ingredients of aging well is remaining active, physically and mentally. Adult Day Centers provide engaging and

supportive activities all day long under the supervision of health care staff who offer assistance with everything from personal care to medication management. Many programs offer specialized care for elders affected by conditions like memory loss or motion and mobility disorders.

Senior Apartments

For older adults who live independently but wish to be in a community of their peers, senior apartments are a great alternative. Many housing complexes offer safe and affordable spaces that include resources like security and onsite resident services.

Assisted Living

Assisted living provides independent living much like senior apartments but with additional support and attention. Nursing and CNA staff help residents with their daily care. Dining, laundry and other personal services are available as well. And there are always fun social activities to keep everyone active and engaged.

Skilled Nursing Home

Whether for short-term rehabilitation or as a long-term resident, skilled nursing homes offer the ultimate in quality care. Staff build relationships with the members of the community and are able to monitor and assess their health on a daily basis. Specialized units may focus on memory care or physical activity, depending on the needs of each resident. Before you decide on your long-term care, consider the wide range of options available to you.

Joining a local credit union is simple and provides access to a community-focused approach to banking. As a member, you can influence your banking community to secure lower interest rates on loans and higher yields on savings and Money Market accounts. Credit unions are managed by elected community leaders, directed towards raising funds for local charities and interests.

The board of directors, elected by the members, operates with the community’s best interests at heart, free from stocks or corporate interests. As a not-for-profit institution, the credit union’s assets and decisions prioritize the wellbeing of its members. Consequently, credit unions can offer enhanced savings rates, lower loan costs, and reduced fees.

In addition, credit unions play a crucial role in bolstering the local economy and supporting community programs and charities. This active involvement enables them to provide

resources and scholarships, benefiting local public initiatives. Additional services offered include high-interest banking, various borrowing options, investment opportunities, and conveniences such as fraud monitoring.

With a focus on member service and community priorities, Ocean State Credit Union serves as an invaluable resource for membership opportunities, with over years of local service. Their commitment ensures that individual members receive professional and respectful support, helping them succeed.

You are welcome to visit any of our locations or explore ceanStateCU.org for guidance on the best financial solutions for your needs. Our dedicated staff is available to answer any questions and help you discover the value of joining Ocean State Credit Union, where our interest is in you!

Scituate High School fosters an ideal setting for students to explore their passions and prepare themselves for college and career opportunities after high school. With award winning career and technical education pathway programs and teachers who have been rated among the best in Providence County, students will have the tools that they need to succeed.

Through studies from the Albert Shanker Institute and the American Psychological Association, research has shown that support among peers, strong faculty–student relationships, and small class sizes were among the most important factors in creating positive learning environments that drive academic success.

SHS has been complimented time and time again by parents, students, and the broader community as being a close-knit welcoming school with small class sizes. We offer an 11:1 student-teacher ratio where teachers have the ability to spend more one-on-one time with students to help them achieve their academic, and personal goals.

Coupled with the high school’s friendly and supportive school environment, SHS offers four CTE pathway programs (Biomedical Science, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and

Computer Science) where students can earn industry recognized certifications, college credits, and work-based learning hours. Students can also explore our fourteen Pathway Endorsements. The Pathway Endorsements allow students to experience specific areas of study and gain insights, skills, and knowledge in an area of their choosing.

Research from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute has made connections between students participating in career and technical education and an increase in graduation rates, postsecondary outcomes, and enhancing valuable soft skills such as perseverance, self-efficacy, and work ethic.

Recent graduates from SHS who moved on to post-secondary education have reported feeling well prepared and ahead of their peers academically in their college and postsecondary courses. We are still accepting applications for the 4- school year, if you are interested in applying or learning more about our pathway programs please visit our website at ScituateSchoolsRI. net or take a look at our YouTube page linked through our website to hear directly from our students about their personal academic experiences at Scituate High School.

In today’s stressful world, self-care is essential. The demands of daily life can take a toll on our bodies, making it crucial to prioritize our well-being. One effective way to enhance your quality of life is through therapeutic massage. This practice can address muscular tension, alleviate chronic aches and pains, and reduce stress, helping you feel rejuvenated.

At Massage Envy, each session is customized by experienced and licensed massage therapists who specialize in various techniques, including relaxation, deep tissue, and prenatal massage. Clients can further enhance their experience with CBD Clinic Relax Massage Cream, a botanical blend of CBD, camphor, and essential oils designed to alleviate pain, promote relaxation, and nourish the skin.

Cupping, an ancient healing technique, involves placing silicone cups on the skin to create suction. This pain free modality can be added to a massage session and helps to create space within the tissue, providing fascial decompression that can reduce muscle tension, decrease inflammation, improve tissue mobility, enhance movement, and decrease pain.

How to Choose a Massage Therapist

When choosing a massage therapist, inquire about their experience and specialties to ensure they are a good fit for you. Depending on your goals for the session, therapists at Massage Envy may offer aromatherapy, CBD cream, or specific massage techniques tailored to your needs. Massage Envy has been

recognized by RI Monthly magazine with a “Best of RI” award eight times as the Best Locally Owned Day Spa in RI. Finding the Right Therapist

Seek recommendations from friends, co-workers, and family members. reputable therapist should be able to answer yes to the following questions: Do you have testimonials from clients endorsing your work Are you affiliated with any national organizations? Will you address my concerns and answer any additional questions regarding my session?

Pricing

Massage Envy offers membership options or a series of sessions to help reduce the cost of regular massages. Many healthcare offerings, such as a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, will reimburse for massage services. Additionally, some healthcare plans may cover massage if prescribed or referred by a physician.

Communication

Effective communication is key to a successful massage experience. Your therapist should ask pertinent questions regarding your health and goals for the session. Establishing an open line of communication is essential, and your therapist should check in regularly to ensure your needs are being met.

Incorporating regular skincare treatments into your beauty routine can work wonders for maintaining a youthful and radiant complexion. At Massage Envy, our exclusive services are designed to cater to various skin concerns and types, ensuring that you leave looking and feeling your best. Whether it’s our PCA Chemical Peels, Oxygenating Facial, Dermaplaning Treatment, Microderm Infusion or Nourishing Light Treatment, we have the perfect solution to help you achieve and maintain that coveted glow.

Where did my glow go?

It happens to all of us. Stress, lack of sleep, and environmental factors can dull our skin’s natural radiance. But don’t worry, we have just the solution to bring back your healthy glow!

Glow on, and refresh your skin!

Choose our new PCA Oxygenating Facial to deliver oxygen into the skin, refresh, revitalize, and renew your glow. Like a breath of fresh air, this advanced brightening and oxygenating treatment detoxifies the skin while infusing it with antioxidants. The result is a radiant, healthy-looking glow that will prep your skin for your next event!

Ready, set, glow with a Dermaplane Treatment!

Book an experience for your skin and filter out signs of aging while smoothing texture and reviving vibrancy. Dermaplane treatment creates a canvas for both professional skincare and cosmetic applications! Our Estheticians will perform a physical Dermaplane to remove dead skin cells and fine peach fuzz’ hairs, followed by a series of anti-aging finishing treatments. The result is fresh, smoother-feeling skin that is photo-ready!

Nourishing Light Treatment, Glow for it!

Our Nourishing Light Treatment uses LED light therapy to boost your skin’s natural processes. This non-invasive FDA cleared treatment increases collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and speeds up the healing of blemishes. The result is a brighter, clearer complexion that radiates health and vitality. Embrace the glow and see the difference for yourself!

The Ultimate Glow Up!

PCA chemical peel is a deep exfoliation, meant to refresh your skin, improve discoloration, repair aging skin, and address concerns with acne or fine lines and wrinkles. There is minimal downtime associated with a PCA Chemical Peel and we offer a peel for every skin type. Massage Envy now offers new technology that promotes transformative results with no downtime, ask your Esthetician about PCA’s No Peel option at your next appointment!

Keep the Glow!

Once you achieve glowing skin, we want you to keep it! Skincare maintenance is essential with a combination of home care and professional treatments. Massage Envy’s Microderm Infusion service is crucial for maintenance as it exfoliates, hydrates, and infuses a skin-specific serum into your skin. This advanced service is ideal for maintaining that healthy glow!

Book your next facial or advanced service today by calling one of our Rhode Island Massage Envy locations.

Cranston (4 - -4

You don’t have to be an expert to understand why impaired driving is a bad choice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( HTSA), about 3 people die every day due to drunk driving crashes that’s one person every 3 minutes. If that is not enough of a deterrent, police departments across Rhode Island are stepping up their efforts to identify impaired drivers and a DUI is a costly mistake.

Knowing the consequences, why would someone get behind the wheel after drinking or using cannabis? Part of the reason is the cultural acceptance of drinking and driving, which (wrongly) is seen as a minor infraction rather than a serious crime. This mindset must change. Impaired driving is not ust a lapse in udgment it is a reckless and selfish act that endangers everyone on the road.

What is impairment Many people believe they are fine to drive after a few drinks, often unaware they may be over the legal limit. Additionally, combining even small amounts of alcohol with other substances, such as marijuana, results in impairment. Trying to counterbalance one drink with a gummy to drive safely is futile, as effects all add up to impairment. This false sense of confidence leads to dangerous decisions and tragic consequences.

Addressing impaired driving begins with each of us adhering to simple, safe driving behaviors. If you plan to use alcohol or cannabis, arrange a safe way home in advance. Waiting until after you've started drinking or using substances increases the likelihood of poor decisions. Getting home safely is always worth it, and options include designating a sober driver, using rideshare services, or planning to stay where you are.

So, what else can you do to make our roads safer? Always buckle up. Seat belts are your best defense against impaired drivers, and they save lives. Always adhere to posted speed limits. Driving at the speed limit gives you more time to react to unexpected maneuvers by impaired drivers and allows for better vehicle control, making defensive driving techniques easier to execute.

We all share a small state and working together we can take steps that will make our roadways safer. By taking personal responsibility and promoting safe practices, we can save lives and build safer communities. Thank you for doing your part to make good choices and drive sober.

Colonel Connor is President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Chief of Police for the City of Warwick.

The senior care experts at Briarcliffe have been helping people in need of care for decades. All it takes is a phone call to connect with us. You’ll find friendly and caring assistance on the other end of the line. If calling isn’t your thing, the Briarcliffe website has been designed with education in mind. At www.briarclifferi.com you’ll find information on everything from Supportive Independent to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. There’s even a Financial Options section where you can compare your current costs to Assisted Living.

Tucked away on 3 beautiful acres ust off Central Avenue in ohnston, Briarcliffe was established in and is still family owned and operated to this day. When you make an appointment to visit, we will spend time getting to know you and your needs as well as explaining numerous safety, care and lifestyle benefits.

The Briarcliffe Preserve is a modern supportive independent and assisted living community that blends the care and compassion that Briarcliffe is known for with the elegance of private apartments. There are beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces along with access to amenities, concierge, restaurant style dining, fitness center, a rich resident engagement calendar and personal care services. Briarcliffe is designed to create the perfect senior lifestyle.

ENVIRONMENT

There are numerous architectural features that allow you to age in place, feel safe and have easy access to the outdoors. The community size was designed to be just right. Each unit

features a kitchenette, specially designed bathrooms and upleveled interiors, personalized to meet your discerning standards. Wide corridors, extra-large windows and high ceilings bring an abundance of natural light and uplifting energy creating a light, airy feeling. Apartments feature either individual patios, oversized windows or Juliette balconies. Travel distances from apartments to community spaces are easy to navigate.

SAFETY

Fire code standards at assisted living communities typically require residents to evacuate independently without assistance. Built to higher healthcare standards and fire codes, The Preserve is allowed to utilize a “defend in place” strategy where this is not required. Each bathroom features barrier free showers for safety and ease of access. There are multiple emergency alarm pull stations in each apartment and throughout the community spaces for your safety. Each apartment features individual climate controls. Briarcliffe has a back-up generator for each of it’s four buildings. The Preserve generator powers the entire building and exceeds what standards require.

Ask The Experts

At Briarcliffe, you’ll find an expertly designed, one-of-a-kind community focused on care, safety, comfort and lifestyle. There’s simply nothing else like it. Get in touch with the senior care experts at Briarcliffe. You can call 4 . 44. 4 ext. or visit www.briarclifferi.com

The Problem Gambling Services (PGS) is a Network of Comprehensive Resources throughout the State of Rhode Island providing screening; education; case management; peer services; as well as family, individual, and group counseling for individuals with problem gambling and concerned family members. Services are offered In-Person or through Telehealth communication by licensed providers throughout Rhode Island.

PGS can provide information about how to put a responsible gambling game plan in place by using some of the available steps, including setting:

Deposit limits

Wager limits

Time limits

PGS also offers In-Service training on problem gambling and responsible gambling to behavioral health treatment centers and

the community including senior centers, community centers, schools, colleges/universities, etc.

For general questions, information, resources or to schedule a presentation for your facility, PGS can be reached directly at 4 -4 - 4 .

For those in crisis, help can be reached at PGS by calling - - AMB E ( - - 4 - 3), or the Helpline, 4 hours a day, days a week, 3 days a year.

Services are available to anyone who is experiencing a problem with their own gambling or that of a family member, regardless of insurance or ability to pay for services.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing or have concerns about your or your loved one’s gambling, call us for a free screening and or a referral to treatment.

PonagansetHighSchool

OPENHOUSE

October10,2024

Location:Auditorium

Time:5:30-8:00pm

OURHISTORY

Since1959,our100+acrecampushas continuedtogrowandprosperto deliverthebesteducationalexperiences forourgraduates.Ponagansetis accreditedbyNEASCandoneof21 schoolsacrosstheU.S.tobe recognizedforanXQ+RIgrant.These fundsandmorehavebeenusedto furtherpersonalizeourschooland advanceprogramsforourstudents.

CourseOfferings

OURMISSION

Ourmissionistoempowerfuture-ready graduateswiththepassion,purpose,and proficiencytoStartHere.GoBig! Ponagansetprovidesstudentswitha supportiveandcutting-edgelearning environment.Weofferhighquality educationalexperiences,state-of-the-art facilities,and15CTEprogramsdesigned to providestudentswithwork-based learningopportunites,collegecredit and/orindustrycertifications.

Weofferstudentsacomprehensivelistof coursesthroughouttheirfouryears.This includes18APcourseofferings,40Honors courses,and26coursesthatcouldearncollege credit.VisittheProgramofStudiesonour websitetolearnmore.

www.fgschools.com

WHYCHOOSEUS?

Ponagansetprovidesstudentswitharigorous learningenvironmentthatinspiresthepursuitof personalgoalsandpassions.Ourstudentto teacherratiois 12:1withanaverageclasssizeof24 students.

OURADMISSIONS

Ponagansetisseekinghighlymotivated studentsentering9thor10thgradewho wanttopursuetheirinterestsand passions.Studentscanapplytoattendone ofour15CTEprogramsonourwebsite. Transportationisprovidedtostudents whoresideinCoventry,EastGreenwich, Scituate,Warwick,andWestWarwick. Limitedtransportationisavailableto studentsatdepotstopsavailablein Johnston,Cranston,Burrillville,Smithfield NorthProvidence,andScituate.

Athletics

PonagansetAthleticsishometomany stateanddivisionaltitles.Athletestrain inourtop-notchfacilitiesproviding themwithoptimalperformancetoearn NCAArecruitement.

137AnanWadeRd.Glocester,RI02814

StudentSupports

OurSchoolCounselingDepartment consistsoffourschoolcounselors.One schoolcounselorisassignedto9th gradestudentstoassistwithtransition andsupports.

One of Catholic Cemeteries’ goals is to provide our families with various options of cemetery space that meet the needs of ones’ final wishes, while being affordable in these economic times. Columbariums of niches for cremated remains are now available at each of the active Diocesan cemeteries. Additionally, lot layouts previously not offered, are being integrated into new sections.

Many of our faithful do not realize the teachings of our Church when it comes to the time death. We want to assist you with these teachings. There are only two places that are consecrated grounds……our churches and our cemeteries. We are brought into our faith through baptism in the confines of our consecrated churches, the same concept applies at the time of death. Each life should be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial, and the body which carries our souls for our years on earth, should be honored by being placed in a Catholic cemetery, the second of our consecrated places within our faith.

unique, as we approach our meetings more as an informational discussion on the teachings of our Church, and what types of cemetery spaces are available, while making our families feel comfortable in their choices. The last thing we want is for our families to have their appointment feel like a typical pressured sale. It truly is our goal that our families leave each appointment comfortable with their purchase. We realize that you have reasons for your choices, and that is why we tell all of our families that there is no “right or wrong” or “good or bad choice” purchases.

We firmly believe that end of life choices are personal ones and we want to make every attempt to provide a choice that YOU are comfortable in making. Our sales appointments are

There are so many circumstances that a family may be faced with during the difficult time of death, and that is another reason a pre-need appointment is so important. This is where we can discuss YOUR decisions, and how we can assist you in making arrangements that YOU would like. We can also answer the “what if…” questions you may have. Understanding that circumstances change and unexpected circumstances arise, we can discuss the preferences within the teachings of our faith, so that you can make the arrangements you want, while fulfilling those teachings.

Improving your dental hygiene goes beyond just brushing and flossing. Here are some additional tips to enhance your oral care routine and maintain optimal dental health.

Enhance Your Brushing Technique: Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential, but ensuring you do it effectively is equally important. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently in circular motions to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth, including your gums and tongue. Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Embrace Daily Flossing: Flossing should be a daily habit to remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone can’t reach. Choose between traditional floss or floss picks based on your preference and ease of use. Proper flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities between the teeth.

Monitor and Address Pain Promptly: Any persistent pain or sensitivity in your teeth or gums shouldn’t be ignored. It could be a sign of underlying dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or infection. Promptly make an appointment with your dentist to diagnose and treat the problem before it worsens.

Avoid Harmful Habits: Smoking and chewing tobacco not

only stain your teeth but also significantly increase your risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental problems. Quitting these habits will improve not just your dental health but also your overall well-being. Additionally, reduce your consumption of sugary and sticky foods which can lead to tooth decay.

Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Even if your teeth feel fine, regular dental check-ups every six months are crucial. These visits allow your dentist to detect early signs of dental issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. They can also provide professional cleaning to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate.

Communicate with Your Dentist: Your dental visits are opportunities to discuss any concerns or questions you have about your oral health. Whether it’s about improving your brushing technique, choosing the right dental products, or addressing cosmetic concerns, your dentist is there to help.

By following these comprehensive dental care tips, you can maintain a healthy smile and minimize the risk of developing serious dental problems. Consistency and proactive care are key to achieving and preserving excellent oral health throughout your life.

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