Kentucky Creative Living

CreativeLiving Kentucky • September 2009

Pet Sense

INSIDE: Creative Stamper Now in Florence

Roof Time Peace of mind Out in the world

Protect your child

Cedar Village

Mortenson

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Nie’s Pharmacy Better health

An Advertising-Sponsored Magazine Published by The Community Press/Recorder.

CreativeLiving Features 4 8 18

Retirement planning The ABCs of baby boomer retirement planning.

Preparing your home for winter Tips on how to best prepare your home for the winter season.

Pet trusts If something were to happen to you, will your pet be taken care of?

Editor’s note The relationships we share with our pets are quite amazing and unique.

The unconditional love they give can brigten even the darkest of days.

So, in turn we ccare for them the best way we know how. We give them attention and buy them the best food and toys. However, there may be something we’re overlooking. If something were to happen to us, will our pets continue to receive the best of care?

In this issue the article on pet trusts will teach you what you need to know about ensuring proper care of your pet when you’re no longer able to care for him or her.

Specialty Publications Editor

Contact See page 19

Departments & Fitness 3 Health Mind • Body • Spirit

Home 12 At Decor • Repair

Living 7 Senior Apartments • Care

16 Local Business

Shops 9 Specialty Boutiques

18 Pet Sense

& Estate 10 Funeral Planning Pre-planning • Wills

Dinindg • Shopping

Health • Toys

20 Smile Makers Gums • Teeth

Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.

Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com.

For advertising call 578-5501.

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Don’t let this happen to you or a loved one I f you snore and have excessive daytime sleepiness, there is a high probability that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a sometimes lifethreatening sleep disorder.

According to the National Sleep Foundation’s “Sleep in America” poll, 60 percent of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37 percent admit to actually having fallen asleep behind the wheel in the past year.

It has been reported that drowsy drivers are up to 10 times more likely to have an automobile accident, more dangerous than drunk drivers.

An estimated 1 in 20 Americans have sleep apnea, a condition where the airway collapses during sleep, causing the person to stop breathing and awaken multiple times every hour with a gasp.

This leads to chronic daytime sleepiness and if untreated, greatly increases chances of a heart attack or stroke.

How do you know if you have sleep apnea?

At Cincinnati Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller uses a number of screening tools to assess the likelihood of sleep disordered breathing.

During your initial consultation you will be asked the following questions: • Do you snore on most nights?

• Has anyone reported that you stop breathing or

Kentucky

If you aren’t treating your sleep apnea, drowsy driving can kill.

gasp in your sleep?

• Is your neck size large (men 17 inches/ women 16 inches or greater) • Have you had, or are you currently being treated for high blood pressure?

They will also review your score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to determine your level of daytime sleepiness.

If you answer yes to two or more of these screening questions and score a 10 or greater on the Epworth, Dr. Kitzmiller will put together a plan for your proper diagnosis including CPAP alternative Oral Appliance Therapy.

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?

Rate on a scale of 0 being no chance of doz-

ing, and 3 being a high chance of dozing, then add up your total.

1. Sitting and reading 2. Watching TV 3. Sitting inactive in a public place (e.g. a theater or a meeting) 4. As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break 5. Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit 6. Sitting and talking to someone 7. Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol 8. In a car while stopped for a few minutes in traffic Save a life – share this survey with a family member or friend and then call Dr. Kitzmiller’s office at 513-248-8848 with your results.

He and his staff are here to help you feel the difference a healthy night’s sleep can make!

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Are you prepared if the unthinkable happens I f the unthinkable happens … if your child goes missing, are you prepared?

It’s a topic you don’t want to think about, but it’s necessary to take all the precautions so that if the unthinkable happens, you are ready to do everything in your power to bring your child home quickly and safely.

Mortenson Family Dental can help. They are offering Toothprints Bite Impressions for just $20.

Toothprints Bite Impressions were developed by a pediatric dentist, who began using dental bite impressions as a way of safeguarding his

own child and other young patients.

They are a simple, pleasant way to record the dental characteristics of children to use in identification. The thermoplastic Toothprints water is softened by the dentist or staff.

The child bites into the water to record the size and shape of the teeth, tooth position within the arch and the relationship of the upper and lower jaw.

The saliva adhering to the water additionally provides a DNA sample, as well as saliva scent for scent tracking dogs.

It’s a small investment

of money and time to make for the huge return of being able to assist authorities in tracking a missing child or making a positive identification.

Toothprints provide a unique record.

This is not just for young children. Law enforcement officials rarely have ID materials available for teenagers, yet teens are the most likely to become missing.

Toothprints offers a very powerful recovery and identification component of any child’s identification kit.

For more information contact Mortenson Family Dental at 525-7586.

Do I have whiplash?

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uto accidents damage more than just the vehicle. The impact can cause serious pain to the occupants as well.

Drivers have an average of one car accident every 10 years, and many do not experience the painful effects for days after the accident.

In other cases the injured driver or passenger will have initial pain and hope that it will just go away with home or over the counter treatment.

When the spine is suddenly moved back and forth beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting it can be over-stretched or even torn.

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This is often referred to as “whiplash.” The impact can cause spinal vertebrae to be forced out of their normal position causing a subluxation or “misalignment.”

The sudden movement of the spine can also result in damage to the discs between the spinal vertebrae. These injuries can cause many painful symptoms such as headaches, neck and back pain, radiating pain and numbness in the arms and legs, as well as reduced range of motion.

If treated early enough, these injuries can often be reduced, avoiding potential permanent problems.

Dr. Gary Callioni of the Chiropractic Rehab Center is educated and experi-

Dr. Gary Callioni.

enced in treating many types of accident- related

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Relief see page 5

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Better health through nutrition and lifestyle

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oday, chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have become so common that most people don’t remember what it’s like to be in excellent health.

And if they’re not feeling their best, they can’t be their best.

In truth, many chronic health conditions may be preventable. They’re the result of years of poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and prolonged exposure to stress.

And leading health organizations now tell us that by returning to a healthier lifestyle – by getting the right nutrients, becoming active, and learning to manage the stressors in life – many of these conditions can be prevented, managed, or even reversed.

The solution seems so simple, and yet, the incidence of chronic disease is continuing to rise at an alarming rate.

The right nutrition could help people realize their best health possible by positively influencing what makes them unique.

Nutrition is one of the

most important environmental modifiers of gene expression in determining health and disease patterns.

A healthy lifestyle begins with the basics of proper nutrition. A healthful diet is one that is low in fat and high in fiber, with an emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Foods should be low in sodium content, with no chemical additives or refined sugars. Since water is also an essential nutrient, we should drink plenty of fresh clean, filtered water every day.

The water, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from our daily food intake are the building-blocks of life.

Choosing foods that are fresh, pure, and of the highest quality ensures a healthy body.

Dietary supplements can also help with healthy

living. They help to ‘fill in the gaps’ of what your food may not be providing and insure maximum health.

We recommend building a wellness program of dietary supplementation beginning with core nutritionals.

Core nutritionals provide critical nutrients that are difficult to acquire in meaningful quantities in our food. They include: High quality vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, typically in dosages considerably higher than the U.S. RDA (United States Recommended Daily Allowance).

Antioxidants protect the body from damaging free radicals (molecules that react in harmful ways) by neutralizing them.

Essential Fatty Acids are the “good fats” that we don’t get in our diet such as fish oils and oils from certain seeds. They are

called essential because the body cannot manufacture them and so we must get them from our diet or in supplement form, to name a few.

Throughout our numerous wellness centers, you may notice we always recommend a wellness plan consisting of these core nutritionals in addition to other health specific supplements.

Nutraceuticals are, in no way, intended to replace what your health care practitioner has prescribed.

They truly are the foundation of a good wellness program and can help your current therapy achieve a more positive outcome.

Many prescriptions drugs may deplete nutrients from your body. Some of these depletions and can rob your energy, cause a worsening of your conditions or contribute to the development of other con-

ditions.

As Northern Kentucky’s premiere compounding pharmacy, Nie’s Pharmacy offers, not only a wide selection of vitamins, minerals and herbs from many high quality suppliers, Bio-Identical Hormone replacement, Sterile compounding, but can custom blend Nutraceuticals.

Why custom blended Nutraceuticals?

Many times what you need may not be offered.

You may need a higher or lower dose on one or multiple ingredients. Say you have sensitivity to dyes, dairy, gluten or preservatives; Nie’s can remove those agents from your custom formulation.

Review their many wellness centers. See what a difference Nutraceuticals may make for you.

Experience ‘Pharmacy Care, naturally’ in your wellness plan today.

Relief from page 4 injuries. The staff can assist with any questions or concerns regarding insurance coverage.

If you have been involved in an auto accident, please call the Chiropractic Rehab Center today to consult with the doctor about any problems you may be experiencing.

Visit www.nkychiropractor.com for details.

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Curves makes you shapely

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ave you ever wanted to join Curves, but couldn’t afford the service fee?

Good news! For a limited time Curves is offering membership at a 50 percent discount on the service fee. There is a Curves location near everyone, so anyone who would like to take advantage of the special offer should call the location near them.

“We are also very excited about our new free weight management classes,” said Becky Ostendorf, Owner of the Curves in Ft. Thomas. “This is an opportunity for our members to learn our proven method for losing weight

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nate teaching with handson activities. Participants can make weekly appointments to weigh in with their coach, who will provide accountability.

Curves is the largest fitness franchise in the world. The Curves 30 minute workout exercises every major muscle group, and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching.

Find a Curves location near you by visiting www.curvesKentucky.co m, or by calling 1-800curves30.

www.nky.com

Call 578-5501 today to learn how to advertise in CreativeLiving.

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and raising metabolism.”

Curves classes are based on the ground breaking new research findings of the Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University, and offer women in Northern Kentucky the chance to be in on the powerful secret that has helped millions of women lose unwanted pounds, and keep them off for good. Classes will be taught by Curves’ Registered Dietitian, Nadia Rodman, and encouraged by weight management coaches from Curves of Northern Kentucky, through a series of DVD’s that will alter-

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Celebration, transformation ognized that is the time that young people have a CEO/President of Cedar Village Bar or Bat Mitzvah, confirming their commitment n 2007, Cedar Village to their faith. became the third senior Why not, we thought, care facility in the make the ceremony of Bar nation to undertake a 10of Bat Mitzvah, B’nai day mission to Israel.

Mitzvah, available to our It was an extraordinary residents? undertaking to take senOn Oct. 12, nine resiiors, with an average age dents, both from our of 85, traveling internaHealth Care Center and tionally and maintaining apartments, will begin the same intense schedule this unprecedented jourof missions done with ney. younger participants.

And on Oct. 15, at From the top of Robinson’s Arch in Masada to floating in the Jerusalem, they will take Dead Sea and from a visit part in the B’nai Mitzvah to Yad Vashem to a priceremony. vate audience with the Some of the particiU.S. Ambassador, the pants did not have the team from Cedar Village opportunity to do this was in constant motion when they were young and had constant learnpeople, others will be ing. doing it for the second Just weeks from now, time.

Cedar Village will become All will have a chance the first anywhere to to say the blessings over undertake an entirely new the Torah, to read or chant kind of mission – a B’nai a section and to deliver Mitzvah Mission to Israel. their own words of comWhat does that mean? mentary.

Cedar Village is curThe B’nai Mitzvah cerrently in its 13th year and emony will be broadcast as we thought about the live, via U-Stream, to famsignificance of that year in ilies here at home and will Jewish tradition, we recBy: Carol Silver Elliott

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be recorded for future viewing.

It will be followed by a special luncheon which will certainly celebrate this incredible achievement.

Of course, this is not all that will happen during the Mission. There is a full schedule for the rest of the trip including visits to the Knesset, Masada, the Dead Sea, Yad Vashem and more. Residents will be in Jerusalem, Haifa and spend two nights on a kibbutz.

Throughout the mission, we will be sending photos and blogging daily.

Why? Because this mission is not just about those who are a part of it, rather it is for everyone at Cedar Village.

Those who cannot travel are still engaged and involved in the experience and they will have the opportunity to participate to whatever extent is possible for them.

Follow the B’nai Mitzvah Mission at http://cedarvillageblog.blogspot.com.

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The ABCs of baby boomer retirement planning

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f you are one of America’s 78.2 million baby boomers, you are likely considering what ideal retirement will look like, and the steps required to achieve it. With the current economic downturn, many boomers are finding it necessary to revisit their initial retirement goals.

According to the Social Security Administration, today’s retirees count on corporate pensions and Social Security for 56 percent of their retirement income. With a few minor adjustments, some careful planning and a positive attitude, the other 44 percent is attainable.

Consider the following ABCs of retirement planning:

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Assess your financial plan and budget

• Begin to assess your basic retirement income sources such as a 401(k) plan, IRA, and life insurance plans.

• How much will you need to retire?

Determine this by creating a budget that will enable you to pay your monthly expenses such as food, heat, rent and transportation. Consider expenses that may increase such as health insurance and prescription medicines. At the same time, consider those that may decrease, such as work-related and educational spending.

• Health care coverage is necessary in supplementing your financial foundation and these costs can add up fast. It’s important to have an adequate plan both before and after retirement. After age 65 you are eligible for Medicare coverage. But what if you want to retire before then? Your

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employer may offer a plan for retiring employees, or you may have to look into private coverage, so be sure to consider this.

• Take into account variable expenses such as tax liabilities on your home, illness or the care of elderly parents. Other, often underestimated, variables include gifts, clothing, recreational expenses, and increases in costs of living. For valuable retirement planning resources and projected trends in costs of living visit www.usa.gov.

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Begin to explore other retirement income options

• Determine the amount of guaranteed retirement income you already have.

Examples of these are cash savings, corporate pension plans, home equity, or annuity-type investments.

• Are you married? If so, how will that affect your retirement budget?

• Pay attention to how your retirement funds are earning money. Are they structured for maximum returns? It’s crucial that you continually assess these funds.

• Decide when to begin Social Security benefits. According to AARP, for each year you put off collecting your benefits between ages 62 and 70, you increase your

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payments by 8 percent.

• Calculate your potential monthly retirement budget based on your estimated income weighed against your expenses. At minimum, you need enough retirement income to cover basic living expenses for your lifetime.

• If your initial assessment requires additional income, consider part-time work during retirement, or perhaps selling your larger home for a more comfortable, carefree condo.

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Consider life insurance – the foun dation of a solid retirement plan

• If you don’t have a life insurance policy, get one. Life insurance not only helps to leave a legacy for generations to come, it will protect your loved ones and help provide them with financial security once you’re gone.

• Consult an expert in order to find the right life insurance for you.

Start planning your retirement today.

With a little strategy and the right attitude, you can build the financial security you need to live a successful, happy retirement.

Thursday Sept. 17, 2009

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Newport company a ‘glass’ act

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ickey’s Newport Glass Company has served the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati area community for 50 years!

Dickey’s specializes in all types of custom glass work in the automotive, residential and commercial areas.

It all started in September, 1959, when Denton Dickey and Don Gilchrist agreed to purchase the inventory and machinery of a glass company owned by Floyd Morris. It was agreed that Dickey would continue to operate his existing business in Norwood and Gilchrist would operate the Newport location under Dickey’s name. Later, Dickey sold his business to a larger firm and sold his interest in Dickey’s of Newport.

Gilchrist became the sole partner in Dickey’s Newport Glass Company but kept the name.

Gilchrist retired in 1987 and sold the business to Bob Weber, a longtime employee with not only expertise, but education which fitted him to continue the goals and aims of the company.

In 2009 Dickey’s Newport Glass Company continues to exceed their reputation for honesty and quality work-

manship.

Weber credits this to the dedicated, experienced employees like Dennis Herzog (Estimator/Glass Technician) who has 39 years of experience in the glass industry.

Andy Williamson (Glazing Foreman) who has 13 years of glazing experience specializing in commercial, residential.

Paul Czulewicz (Project Manager/Shower Door and Mirror Dept.) who has 17 years of glass industry experience.

Ben Daniels (Shower Door and Mirror Technician) who has 4 years of experience in multiple areas of the business.

Debbie Cripe (Office Manager) has 14 years of experience in the glass industry and Tony Robbers who has 22 years of experience in the auto glass and heavy equipment areas.

The team at Dickey's loves what they do and are experts in the industry. It shows in the work they do for all clients, no matter the size.

For more information call 261-4646 or visit www.dickeysglass.com or check outthe showroom at 525 Monmouth St.

Creative Stamper moves to Florence

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reative Stamper is now located at 225 Main Street, in Florence!

Creative Stamper is a full service rubber stamp store that stocks stamps from about 35 different companies.

The store also carries a large selection of colored cardstock, inks, embossing powders, handmade papers, adhesives and many other items that you will find useful in your decorative card making.

There’s also plenty of resources for ideas, from the displays in the store to the magazines and books carried.

Stop by soon to check out the seasonal stamps now on display.

Creative Stamper is also home to two stamp clubs and an Altered Arts group. These organizations meet at the store on a monthly basis.

In addition, Creative Stamper hosts beginner classes every month, as

well as a large array of classes for everyone from the novice stamper to the highly experienced.

There’s also a monthly card layout competition – submit a card based on the specific layout for that month and you’ll have a chance to win a $10 gift certificate.

There’s always something creative and exciting going on at Creative Stamper visit today or call 344-0700 for more information.

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Pre-planning your funeral

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ost parents will not dispute the fact that providing inoculations for children wards off childhood diseases.

The measles, polio, diphtheria and a host of other childhood diseases have virtually been eliminated in the United States.

People understand the great benefit of doing something a little painful because of the great benefit they derive.

Funeral pre-planning is no different! So many people come in to pre-plan their funerals and say afterward, “It wasn’t what I was expecting. I actually learned a lot and enjoyed myself at the same time!”

This should be the case if the funeral is planned properly with true funeral professionals. Preplanning a funeral is not a formal or uncomfortable event.

People often will say to me, “Just cremate me, and be done with it!”

When people say things like this they often forget what preplanning is about; meeting the needs of their loved ones left behind. It is love for these loved ones that is the main motivation for pre-planning in the first place.

Pre-planning one’s funeral allows that person to have input as to his/her own wishes for the disposition of their own mortal remains, but also provides each person a wonderful opportunity to tailor their funeral to meet the needs of the family members and friends left behind.

These are the two primary reasons why one should pre-plan one’s own funeral. In that same vein, if a person planning his/her own funeral also pre-funds these arrangements, it also relieves loved ones of a tremendous financial burden as well.

By pre-planning one’s own funeral, decisions are made in

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relative calm, allowing each person to make rational decisions, removing the emotional disarray and conflict which accompany families who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

By pre-planning, you are stating to your family: “These are my wishes, and I believe these wishes will also meet your needs at my loss.”

Families are often quite surprised at casket choices, means of final disposition (burial, entombment in a mausoleum, cremation) prayers, hymns and scripture chosen, and many other decisions made by their loved ones while pre-planning.

Without exception, every family who has lost a loved one, who pre-planned their own funeral, expressed emphatically what a great gift it was which their loved one gave them by removing this burden from their own shoulders.

This in turn enabled the family to not worry about the endless list of details which need to be addressed at time of death, and allowed them to focus on what is

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essential at the time of death of a loved one; mourning their loss and sharing of the wonderful memories.

Often times following the death of a loved one, families are not aware of the financial situation of the deceased. Because of a sense of loyalty, because they “want the best” for their loved one, or a myriad of other reasons, families often spend unnecessarily and then struggle to meet the payment.

Those who pre-plan know their own financial situations better than anyone. As such, they will only make choices that are in line with their own financial situation, preventing their loved ones from over extending, and again assuring them of peace of mind financially.

Those who wish to pre-fund their funerals in Kentucky are protected by statute. The Funeral Funding Trust of Kentucky was established for this purpose.

With assets in the billions, it is financially sound, and you can rest assured your money will be there at your passing, along with

interest, to cover your final expenses.

All pre-planning funds not used for insurance purposes must be deposited in the Funeral Funding Trust of Kentucky, so families can be sure their hard earned money will be there many years in the future.

In summary, pre-planning a funeral is for the survivors first and foremost. Your funeral plan informs your survivors of your wishes so they don’t have to wonder what you wanted.

By pre-funding your funeral you remove a considerable responsibility from your loved ones and enable them to focus solely on your loss and of the wonderful memories they have of your life.

Waiting until you get around to it is sometimes too late. What are you waiting for? Think only of your loved ones.

Call Dave Meyer at Linnemann Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Center today at 727-1250 or e-mail him at dave@lfhmail.com with further questions.

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What’s new at Lasting Impressions design and staging?

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inda would like to thank all of you who read the Creative Living article last month and stopped by the store.

The response was wonderful, and they are planning to continue to report to you right here each month so that you will know exactly what is happening as the business continues to expand.

In-Home Consultations have become an extremely popular service. Linda will be glad to work with you on paint choice, room arrangements, accessories, floral arrangements, window treatments, rugs, or whatever your need may be.

Just stop by or call to set up an appointment for this service!

Since you last visited Lasting Impressions Design and Staging at 241 Grandview in Bellevue, several things have changed!

The showroom has three more

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rooms and several of the existing rooms have been painted with more of those warm, up-to-date colors that you may be considering for your own home as you redecorate and prepare for fall.

Each room has been painted with a luscious, warm color to accent unique furniture and accessories.

It becomes obvious as you wander through the rooms that beautiful wall color is one of the keys to having a beautiful home or office and customers have said that Linda is one of the best.

The fall and Christmas merchandise that Linda and Judy found at market in July is beginning to arrive daily. The showrooms are beginning to take on that wonderful fall look that you will be seeing through our windows in the next month.

The new Ashton pictures will

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be arriving very soon along with a fantastic new custom mirror line that gives you the option of ordering custom-framed mirrors to match your artwork. This is a very exciting new concept that you will want to see.

You will also find whimsical new Halloween merchandise including assorted sizes of black, orange, and purple “Boo” signs that add a bit of fun to any room or décor … witches on broomsticks … a trio of chuckling rats... and many more unusual items that you won't find anywhere else.

Will you be doing some entertaining this fall? Of course you will, we all do! Check out the beautiful ceramic acorn plates, candle sticks, and three-piece pumpkin tureens that add a special pizzazz to your table.

Is oil bronze an accent tone

that you need in your home?

Lasting Impressions squirrels, candle sticks, or tabletop finials are just what you need.

The new classic leather book boxes and various sizes of black leather suitcases and other types of leather storage containers are absolutely exquisite and very reasonably priced.

If you like the wonderful warm tones of wood, you will be happy with the various wooden boxes that have just arrived.

When you pair these with our natural looking garlands, greens, feathers, and floral items, you will have a breathtaking piece for the top of your cabinets, your accent tables, or as a focal point for your dining room table. The possibilities are endless!

Custom floral arrangements

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Impressions see page 13

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Roofs with peace of mind

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any people remember hurricane Ike that blew through the tri-state last September, causing widespread damage from trees and peeling shingles from roofs. Ike was just the first of five major storms that have caused damage to homes, keeping insurance companies as well as roofing companies busy.

But homeowners need to be cautious about who they have bid the work.

Because of the extreme volume in work the storms have produced, many “storm-chasing” companies have moved into the area. These companies hire men to canvass neighborhoods knocking on doors and promising “free” roofs with no out of pocket deductibles. That is a form of insurance fraud and should be avoided at all costs. These men work on commission only and will seldom climb onto a roof. A homeowner can never be sure of the exact extent of damage or the true cost, due to the fact that if this type of estimator does not sell a roof, he does not get paid!

Your insurance company will have an approved vendor list of reputable local roofers that you can call on for an estimate. In addition, Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau can also be an excellent source for a roofers name and number.

One such reputable and local roofer is; Rooftime, winners of the Press Communities Readers Choice award for 2009.

“We have been repairing and taking care of res-

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idential roofs since 1995,” says Sandy Feltner of Rooftime, who has a full showroom and office complex located on Burlington Pike. “We come out right away and get onto your roof to inspect for any damage, and then prepare a written estimate. All of our estimates are free and include color digital pictures of what we find. We are on most insurance companies approved vendor lists, meaning our work and bids are preapproved in most cases.”

Impressions from page 12

The family owned and operated company utilizes the same storm estimating computer software that most of the insurance companies use, meaning a Rooftime storm quote will match the adjuster’s figures, cutting through the red tape and speeding up the process of getting a storm damaged roof repaired correctly and quickly!

Rooftime will also complete a roofing project and then invoices the insurance company for

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have always been an integral part of the Lasting Impressions showroom, and that hasn't changed since the move to Bellevue.

Fall and Christmas floral items have already started to arrive and new designs will be filling the showroom very soon. Don't wait! Start planning now for your fall and Christmas decorating needs.

Maybe you need to refresh one of your favorite floral arrangements. Just take it in and one of the design team will be glad to work with you to help you with the

update.

You may have a favorite container that was given to you by grandma or Aunt Mary and you would like to show it off with a beautiful floral arrangement.

Lasting Impressions can help!

You will be hearing more about a life-size Christmas village that will be opening in midOctober on another floor in the 241 Grandview building. Stay tuned!

The showroom is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 655-8189 or 462-2006.

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Make your kitchen the Preparing your home for winter? heart of your home Don’t miss four important steps

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hen people visit your home, is the kitchen the place they like to be?

The kitchen tends to be the heart of the home, because it provides an atmosphere of comfort and hospitality, both for family and friends.

But if your kitchen isn’t as welcoming as you’d like it to be, it is time to call Fort Mitchell Interiors.

“If your kitchen looks good, you look good,” said Mary PenningtonWolfe, owner of Fort Mitchell Interiors.

Pennington-Wolfe brings 30 years of experience to the table when she is called on to design any part of your home.

Kitchens are especially interesting, she said, because they incorporate a myriad of projects – cabinets, countertops, wall treatments, window treatments, lighting, and flooring.

“Solid surface countertops, such as Corian or granite, are a great investment in the home,” Pennington-Wolfe explained.

Fort Mitchell Interiors is located on Hazelwood Drive, across from McDonald’s, and the phone number is 3315327.

Mary PenningtonWolfe is looking forward to helping you unlock the secrets of your home.

As you button up your home for winter, you should take four important steps to ensure you save energy, money and stay toasty all season long.

Insulate When the temperature drops, we often grab a blanket to help stay warm.

Adding insulation to your home is like wrapping it in a warm blanket.

Insulating areas such as attics, basements and crawlspaces can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bills.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, add insulation to your attic.

If your insulation is at or below the floor joists, you likely need to add more – 12 to 24 inches, depending on where you live.

Seal your windows Even if windows are sealed with weather stripping, cold air can still enter through gaps.

Use silicone caulk to seal air leaks or place shrink-wrap film over drafty windows to help reduce energy loss.

You can locate drafts on windy days by slowly moving a burning candle near the window.

Whenever the flame moves or smoke blows, you’ve got an air leak that needs to be sealed.

Have your furnace inspected and clean your HVAC system As you close up your home for the cold season, the contaminates that are in your air ducts and furnace recirculate through your home over and over throughout the entire winter.

Your HVAC system can collect everything

from mold, fungi and bacteria to tiny dust particles and allergens that can cause irritation to everyone in the house. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Change filters regularly Once you have a clean HVAC system, it’s crucial to change your furnace filters regularly.

Filters are designed to remove the dust and debris from the air flowing into your home.

When the filter is dirty, the furnace has to work harder to pull air through the clogged filter and your utility bills will be higher.

Change your furnace filter once a month to keep your system running at peak performance.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Roofs from page 13

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the remaining balance due, saving homeowners from out of pocket expenses.

Roofing contractors who insist on payment when the job is complete leave homeowners no choice but to let their homes leak, or scramble to find a way to cover the thousands of dollars it can take to install a new roof or siding.

At Rooftime, they will do the work and then send an invoice and pctures of the finished project to the insurance company. “We always try to put our customers first,” Feltner says.

Rooftime uses their own trained and shingle certified crews and is fully insured with workers compensation and liability protection. Feltner warns that some roofing companies that employ foreign workers (without social security numbers) can cost unsuspecting home-

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owners thousands if a worker were to get hurt on their property because hospitals now go after homeowner insurance policies.

Rooftime invests in shingle certification classes for its installers and are members of local area chambers, as well as the Home Builders Association, and the National, the Ohio, and the Kentucky, Roofing Contractors Associations. Their ten year membership in the Professional Roofers Advisory Council and their five year status as Shinglemaster’s represents a huge investment in time and money; so that a Rooftime customer can be secure in knowing they will receive a text-book installation.

Visit www.time2roof.com, or call and speak to Sandy right now at 513-528TIME or 859-341-TIME.

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Increase value of home with help from Brentwood Landscape & Design

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ith fall-like weather bringing out the beauty of flowers, trees and shrubs, it is time to look into professional landscaping to highlight the investment that is your home.

“Quality landscaping is the number one factor for increasing the value of your home,” stated Bob Petracco, designer and owner of Brentwood Landscape and Design, Inc, located on the AA Highway in Alexandria.

“We specialize in exceptional, one-of-a-kind landscape installation and design services.”

Brentwood is unique in that they display at their nursery many of the hardscape elements that can be incorporated into a residential design.

“We have on site displays of arbors, pergolas, paving stones, various retaining walls, stonework and boulders to show the client exactly how these ele-

ments will look in their landscape,” Petracco explained.

“We carry an extensive inventory of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses so our clients can see

ments.

Petracco or his co-designer, Derek Archer, can visit the customer’s property and after discussing the project with the client, present design concepts, plant recommendations and relative budgets.

Detailed, scaled plans can be drawn upon request for an hourly fee.

“My definition of a great landscape designer is one who combines the aesthetic elements of a project, including the architecture, color and size of the residence with the practical considerations of plant selection, customer budget, and desired maintenance in a concept that captures the hopes and ideas the

“Petracco started his company because he saw a definite need for quality landscaping in the Greater Cincinnati area, and he set about to fill that need.” the actual plant we are recommending for their plan.”

Brentwood Landscape and Design, Inc, has been in business 26 years, originating in Fort Thomas, and moving to its present location in Alexandria in 200, because Petracco wanted more land to showcase design ele-

client has for the perfect landscape,” he stated.

Petracco started his company because he saw a definite need for quality landscaping in the Greater Cincinnati area, and he set about to fill that need.

Although 90 percent of his business is residential, he does do some commercial installation.

Potential clients can visit www.brentwoodlandscape.com to get more information about Brentwood Landscape & Design, Inc. and to review the company’s portfolio.

“We strive to create a landscape that reflects your own personal lifestyle,” said Petracco.

“Call us at 635-0711 to schedule a complimentary consultation with either myself or Derek. We would be happy to meet on site to discuss your project, and make recommendations about your landscape design.”

Call 578-5501 for information on advertising in CreativeLiving.

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Thursday Sept. 17, 2009

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Purify the air in your home with state-of-the-art filter

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he health of our families is a number one concern in America. Every other week the television broadcasts recalls of items designed for the safety of the health of people in this country.

Yet many people fail to pay attention to their furnace filter. That could change with the new Infinity Air Purifier from Carrier, a state-of-the-art filter which uses the same exclusive technology trusted to protect hospital room patients.

“The Infinity Air Purifier can be installed with most existing furnaces,” said Tom Rechtin, general manager of

Rechtin Heating and Cooling in Bellevue.

“My family had one installed last year, and over the winter we didn’t seem to have the colds we had in years past. Now, you can’t have a home that is totally dust, allergen and germ free, but this filter helps you get as close as any I’ve seen for a whole house filter.”

The Infinity Air Purifier is ideal for homeowners with allergy concerns, those who are susceptible to airborne germs, like infants and the elderly and those sensitive to the effects of molds, pollen, dogs and cats, and other pollutants.

Because of precision point ionization, particles

are charged as they enter the purifier, which captures the particles, and with exclusive technology, kills captured viruses, bacteria, mold spores and other allergens.

“The Infinity Air Purifier is a MERV (minimum efficiency rating value) 15 filter” explained Rechtin.

“Filters with a ratings of 15 and above are the only filters that capture particle sizes that are so small, they usually stay suspended in the air permanently.”

Statistics show that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, breathing an estimated 2,700 gallons of air every day. Indoor air pollution

can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.

Even though the home is the one place people should feel safe, the air inside a home can be up to five times more polluted than outside air.

Due to pollen and mold spores that enter through open doors and windows, bacteria and viruses that are spread by family and friends, and fine dust particles that get kicked up from floors and furniture, as well as dander and hair from pets, it is no wonder that the inside air is so polluted.

Household dust is present even in clean homes, and can be made up of mold spores, bacte-

ria, viruses, animal dander, human skin particles, fabric fibers, dust mites, cockroach parts, food particles and other debris.

The inexpensive filters sold at local hardware stores are only about 10 percent as effective at capturing the largest particles.

“Most people only install the cheapest filters they can find, and that’s if, and when, they remember to change their furnace filter,” said Charlie Teegarden, Residential Sales Coordinator for Rechtin Heating and Air. “In most cases, you don’t have to change the filter on the Infinity as often – what they recommend is every eight to 12 Rechtin see page 17

Brown wins gold in TV and appliances T

he newest television on the market today is an 82 inch Mitsubishi DLP flat screen home theater television.

Bengals fans can only imagine watching games this season on such a screen.

Brown’s TV and Appliances, located at 107 West 11th street in Newport has that TV in stock, and they specialize in custom installation.

“We are a familyowned and operated business,” said Larry Brown, who took over the business from his father Lillard.

“My dad started the

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business in the basement of our house in 1961, and by 1962 we were operating in a store a block down from here.

“When this location opened up in 1984, we came here and have been here ever since. Dad is still here, as are my sister and my son-in-law.”

Brown stated that himself prides in personalized customer care, adding that he knows most of his customers on a first name basis.

“Unlike the big stores, we take care of you,” said Brown.

“If you have a question, you call us, and if we

don’t know, we find out.

We don’t leave you hung out to dry.”

In addition to the televisions, Brown has all kinds of appliances, including the very new front-loading washers, reputed to save up to 12,000 gallons of water a year, plus energy and laundry products.

“Come in and see us,” invited Brown.

“We can promise you service and support. We are a trusted business, and we stand behind everything we do. We offer the right brands, the right price and the right advice.”

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Rechtin from page 16 months.”

Statistics are staggering. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects more than 35 million people in the country, while 50 million people suffer from allergies.

Allergic disease is the fifth leading cause of chronic disease among all ages, and the third common chronic disease for children under age 18.

About 20 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma, and six million of them are children, making asthma the leading chronic illness in children.

And for those with colds, or flu, such as the H1N1 virus, a single

sneeze can put 100,000 droplets of pathogen containing moisture into the air.

“People want their families to have a healthy environment,” said Rechtin. “My wife and I have two kids and we want them to live in a healthy environment.

That’s why we use the Infinity Air Purifier.”

Tom Rechtin, senior, started Rechtin Heating and Cooling in 1964.

Tom Rechtin, junior, who is the general manager, remembers coming down to the store with his sister when he was very young, doing small jobs and just absorbing the

business.

He and his father pride themselves on their business, striving every day for superb quality and personal customer service.

Tom, senior, is also excited about the new Carrier Infinity Air Purifier.

“I think it is great!” he enthused. “I have one at

my house. With everything today, with all the pollution and everything, the Infinity Air Purifier is almost a must.”

Carrier Corporation is the world’s largest provider of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration solutions.

Tom Rechtin Heating

and Air is Factory Authorized and carries a full line of Carrier products and has information at their showroom on Colfax Avenue in Bellevue.

For more information, visit www.tomrechtin.com, or call is 261-8269.

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Kentucky

Thursday Sept. 17, 2009

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Children develop to their fullest potential at NKMC

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t is a proven fact that the brain’s development and stimulation between the ages of 3 and 6 is critical.

At Northern Kentucky Montessori Center, children can organically develop to their fullest potential.

The staff at NKMC encourage children to become engaged in productive work and play at a very independent level.

The curriculum is quite sophisticated at NKMC, including French, Spanish, American Sign Language, geography, science and art.

All of the teachers hold graduate degrees and embrace the Montessori philosophy espoused by Maria Montessori and the American Montessori Society.

“Our highly qualified teachers recognize individual’s interests enabling children to learn the art of self-discipline,

concentration, coordination, and orderly management of their time,” says Executive Director Julia Preziosi.

Because the classroom is a mixed-age group of children from 3 to 6 years old, children learn from their peers and develop empathy and leadership qualities not as easily gained in a single-age grouping.

Children attend school five days a week and adhere to a typical school-year calendar.

Students have options of full days, morning or afternoon classes and afterschool care until 5:30 p.m.

NKMC is expanding this summer into the adjoining building, which has helped them to double in size.

NKMC is located at 2625 Anderson Road in Crescent Springs.

For more information, call 331-3725 or visit www.nkmc.org.

‘Painting Done Right’

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reshCoat Painters of Northern Kentucky is an interior/exterior painting franchise.

The owners and staff live, work and play in this community. You may even know some of the same people.

FreshCoat Painters considers it a privilege to

paint your home and make it feel brand new to you.

FreshCoat Painters provides you with a professional, pleasant experience.

Painting is done right by experienced professional painters who are carefully screened, fully

bonded and insured for your protection.

FreshCoat Painters’ work is backed by a written warranty, so call 3842877 to schedule a free quote and in-home consultation from FreshCoat Painters. Or visit FreshCoatPainters.com.

“Painting Done Right.”

Pet trusts offer animal lovers peace of mind

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any pet owners assume that they will outlive their beloved pets, but that isn’t always the case.

Unfortunately, when animals get left behind, they sometimes wind up in a local humane society where they could be euthanized. A pet trust ensures the animal will continue to receive care

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and housing even after the death of the pet’s human companion.

“It’s interesting to note that very few states allowed pet trusts until 1990. Since then the concept has really taken off, and now more than 42 states allow pet trusts, including three states that passed legislation in 2009.

I wouldn’t be surprised if

they were allowed in all 50 states ultimately,” says Adrian Hochstadt, assistant director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

“Today, pet trusts are still relatively unusual in

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Pets see page 19

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Pet Sense from your friends at Canine Companion

By Khris

children and their friends who came to play – the extra stimulation made ummer is coming to a close. Another sea- her tired and happy.

Now, abruptly, her son is signalling its playmates are gone for end with the inevitable signs – the nights are a lit- many hours of the day.

The house and yard tle cooler, the sun sets a become quiet and lonely. little sooner.

The little hands who Perhaps the greatest herald that the seasons are once patted her head are preparing to change is the now occupied with homework when they return return of the yellow home and have less time school busses. to play in the yard.

If you are a pet who If you could read lives in a home with Fluffy’s mind, you would school-age children, the notice several changes. return of school busses Fluffy has become probably causes you a accustomed to the great deal of anxiety. increased stimulation, Each fall, as school increased activity, and children resume their daily routines, our facility increased attention during gets an increased number the summer months.

When those stimuli are of calls from frantic pet removed, her brain feels owners. The problems the need to maintain that range from “Fluffy has level of stimulus and the forgotten she’s housebrochemicals which are creatken” to “Bruno ate the ed during that time. couch today.”

When she is no longer After further questionreceiving those stimuing, we typically find that the root or trigger of these lants, she is overcome by a tremendous desire to problems is an increase in the anxiety level of the pet. recreate those feelings and when left to her own To understand (and ultimately ease) anxiety in devices, often chooses behaviors which are your pet, I would recommend that you try to envi- undesirable.

So, once we undersion the world from stand why Fluffy has his/her point-of-view. increased anxiety, the next Fluffy has just spent a step is to prepare a plan. great summer with her doting family. Her typical In many cases, it is simply not possible to erase the day consisted of more cause of a pet’s increased exercise in the mild anxiety. weather.

Children returning to She found that there school is one such situawas always an extra little hand to offer a pat on the tion. It is doubtful that a head or kiss on the nose – principal would excuse your child’s absence from in fact, as often as she school on the grounds desired them. She could romp in the yard with her that your dog misses

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him/her!

Since we cannot change the cause of your dog’s anxiety, we must look for other ways to address Fluffy’s issues.

After our trip inside her brain, we now know that she is reacting to a diminished stimulus.

One way to replace that stimulus and thus return her brain to a happy normal state would be to increase her activity level.

This could take the form of an increase in her exercise regimen, a visit to a local dog park, doggie play dates, or a visit to a doggie daycare.

Soon enough, Fluffy will be well-exercised and re-stimulated. In the great

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Companion see page 20

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Pets from page 18 practice – most people choose to will a pet to a trusted family member,” he says. “Pet trusts are one of the fastest growing segments of animal law today.”

Pet trusts can vary according to a person’s needs, and most pet trust laws allow people to will a certain amount of money toward the care of their pet after they are gone.

Gregory Dennis, an attorney in Missouri, says that the state has allowed pet trusts in some form since 1973.

Dennis advises that veterinarians should be made aware of trusts. If a pet is covered by a trust, it’s the trust that will likely be paying the bill and the trust also may stipulate what kind of veterinary care the animal should receive.

“Many state’s pet trust laws include provisions that allows the courts to

reduce a pet trust to a reasonable amount if it’s excessive,” says Linscott R. Hansen, an Illinois attorney who helped draft the Illinois pet trust law, which passed in 2004. “I advise people interested in setting up a pet trust to put into a trust just what the pet needs, and that’s enough.”

Hansen explains that pet trust acts allow people to create a trustee to oversee funds and another to care for the animal, which is a good way to help ensure the proper care of the animal. Dennis adds it may be a good idea to include a clause requiring two veterinarians to separately determine when a pet covered by a trust should be euthanized, and perhaps leave any remaining funds in a trust to a charity after the pet’s death.

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Gentle Dental Care now offers IV, Oral Conscious Sedation

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very day, Dr. Tara Dallmann and her Gentle Dental Care team continue to come across more and more fearful patients.

In Dr. Dallmann’s quest to help the most fearful patients, she entered a year- long educational course at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

This program is one of the most stringent and highly regarded programs in the country for certifying dentists in intravenous sedation and the training and testing Dr. Dallmann received exceeds that required by the state of Kentucky.

Dr Dallmann believes in going above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to the safety and comfort of her patients.

Because she is trained and licensed to do both IV and oral conscious sedation, Dr. Dallmann can choose which method will

be best for each individual patient, based on their needs alone.

Sedation is a way for people that would not normally go to the dentist to get the treatment and attention they so desperately need.

From the moment you call the caring team at Gentle Dental Care, you are comforted, and your fears are relieved. This begins a trust that develops between Dr. Tara Dallmann, her team, and you.

Embarrassment is the first hurdle to overcome.

Put your mind at ease, because Dr. Dallmann and her team see patients like you everyday.

They understand how hard it was for you to call and applaud you for taking the first step. Whether

it has been a year or 20 years since you have seen a dentist, no one will make you feel bad.

Here is what to expect on your first visit: Depending on your chief complaint, most sedation patients come in for a thorough examination.

This allows Dr. Dallmann to find everything there is to know going on with your oral health.

After the examination, which is guaranteed to be painless, Dr. Dallmann will create a treatment plan just for you.

Lastly, Dr. Dallmann and Brenda, the treatment coordinator, will discuss with you all of your options and give you recommendations on how to proceed based on your

The Gentle Dental Care team.

timetable and budget.

Dr. Dallmann will then talk to you about which form of sedation will be right for you.

Here’s what one recent sedation patient said: “Wow … from my first phone call to the full 2.5 hour visit, I have nothing but good things to say about your practice and especially your staff. For someone who has had numerous bad dental experiences, I felt Dr. Dallmann was thoughtful, thorough and comforting. I was embarrassed by how long it’s been since I had gone to the dentist, but no one looked down on me or the state of my teeth. I look forward to getting the procedures done!”

- M. D. Fort Wright

The day of your appointment your comfort and care are Gentle Dental Care?s number one priority.

From your heated blanket, warm neck pillow, and soothing spa music, all efforts are made to keep you comfortable.

“Everyone was great. The visit was much better than I expected and painless! I was quite embarrassed about my lack of dental care over the past “many” years, yet everyone made me feel at ease and non critical of my past mistakes! Thank you all.”

- J. G. Alexandria Call Gentle Dental Care today and “Experience the Difference.”

Companion from page 19 tradition of a Norman Rockwell vision, your dog will be dozing happily at the feet of your children while they complete their nightly homework.

Now, that makes a lot of sense to your dog!

Until next time.

For more information regarding Pet Training, Behavior Counseling, or for Pet Boarding, Grooming, or Daycarecall or visit our Web site at www.caninecompanionky.com.

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