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New CTE Programs Los Fresnos CISD Adds New CTE Programs for Health Science
Remembering September 11th
Page 2
Falcons Hit The Road For Calallen
Lady Falcons Kickoff 32-6A with a Win
Page 4 On the group picture, the names of the students from left to right are: Moon Gonzalez, Jo Dee Rodriguez, Martha Fuentes, Kayla Valdez, Julissa Salas, Karen Garcia, Naomi Hinojosa, Sophia Sifuentes, Alexia Flores (not in picture), Mr. Luis Muniz Photo Provided by LFCISD
What is CTE? CTE, or ‘Career and Technical Education classes, are classes more directed towards an individual’s career interests. They are generally more handson than traditional academic courses and can help improve skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication in students. Skills like these can add value to students early on, boosting their confidence while teaching them the hands-on side of their dream career. Los Fresnos CISD offers a multitude of Career and Technical Education Courses for students and can check them out on their website at https:// sites.google.com/lfcisd. net/jperez01/home.
Muniz’s is a Health Science Teacher and Patient Care Technician/ Phlebotomy Practicum Instructor for Los Fresnos CISD having 7 years of experience in a healthcare setting and 2 years of experience as an educator. He’s currently working on his Health Science graduate degree from UTRGV and hoping to finish in December 2021. Rolando Guerra, the Career and Technical Education Director, reached out to Los Fresnos Newspaper on informing those interested in pursuing a later career in the healthcare industry. The goal with the CTE program is to ‘empower students by providing them the opportunity to graduate college and career ready and be prepared for a lifetime of learning.’ Mission Statement from Los Fresnos CISD Website.
New CTE Courses This School year there are new Health Science courses being offered and taught by Luis Muniz at Los Fresnos CISD. Luis
Benefits for Students Taking these Courses When asking LFCISD what would the benefits would be in taking these courses they responded with the following
Emilio Flores & Jazmin Perea LFN The Next Chapter: A Poem by James Arnold
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UTRGV Signing Agreement
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LOOK INSIDE Classified................. pg 3 Sports...................... pg 4 Puzzles.................... pg 5 Activity Page........... pg 6
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quote, “Obtaining a certification in Patient Care Technician and Phlebotomy can guide students into any nursing, allied health, or even to medical school programs nationally. The purpose of these certifications is to help students gain knowledge and experience in the medical field and to facilitate their understanding whenever they proceed to more advanced degrees in healthcare. PCTs and Phlebotomists can work at any hospital, clinics, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, and dialysis clinics— anywhere that involves hands-on patient care.”
students who have an interest in pursuing in the medical field. Moon Gonzalez says that the certification can get her straight into the
program she wants with a bit of a head start by having PCT/Phlebotomy certification. She would like to attend college and become a psychiatrist to care for mental health. She’s currently a Senior, 17 years of age. Another student by the name of Naomi Hinojosa says that she would like to expand her knowledge and gain experience in the medical field to reach her goal of becoming a NICU Registered Nurse. NICU nurses work with premature infants born with any type of complication. She says she loves caring for infants and children. She’s currently a Senior, 17 years of age. These courses are a great way for students to finally pursue their dreams of working in the medical field.
Lower Tax Rate
Los Fresnos CISD Board Approves New Budget, Adopts Lower Tax Rate At the August 30, 2021 Special Called Board Meeting, the Los Fresnos CISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved a budget and set a tax rate for the 2021-2022 school year. The tax rate adopted is a three cent decrease from the previous year. Trustees approved
Helping Students a budget that sets the Succeed in their district’s tax rate of $1.16 Dreams per $100 valuation, which Rolando Guerra is the three cents lower explains the importance than the $1.19 rate that has of investing in our been in place since 2010. children. That they are the future of this career. “The Board of Trustees, And they themselves in their oversight capacity, are choosing to have continue to stress the an interest in helping importance of exercising others, and we are CULL Generic 5x2 eng_Layout 1 10/30/12 11:27 AM just here to help the the fiduciary responsibility Parents’ kids can reach we have to the residents their dreams. Here of our community. are some quotes from Throughout the years, the
Board has worked with administration to save where we can so we can spend where we must and we have strived to operate the District efficiently. It is a good day when we can pass a $63 million school construction bond and turn around and adopt a balanced budget and set a tax rate that is three cents lower than the tax rate set the previous year,” said Superintendent Gonzalo Salazar.
The adoption of the budget demonstrated the District’s commitment to its fiscal responsibility and support for initiatives that will ensure that Los Page 1 Fresnos CISD remains one of the top academic school ® districts in the state.
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2 • September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
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REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11th
Duke Martell
Before anything, let us give thanks to Almighty GOD, for our lives, our freedom, and for this great country we live in. Despite the terrorist attacks which occurred twenty years ago this month, our great country is stronger than ever. Even though twenty years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September the eleventh,
every year on September 11, it seems like it just happened. The American people will never forget the tragedy and horrific attacks that scared our country on that day; it is remembered by millions as 911. How can we forget it; undoubtedly it is a number referred to daily; it is a call for help. The terrorists couldn’t have picked a better day that would always remind us of the day they attacked The United States of America. It became another day that will live in infamy. It was a morning like any other, in this country; people were getting ready for work, others were on route to work while others were already at work. September 11, 2001 was just another day in the good ole U.S.A. Unknown to our country were the diabolic
ideas of a foreign enemy which was in position with plans to attack and destroy the very fundamental ideas which make up this great country. That morning of September the eleventh, I was getting ready for work, and as usual, I always had my TV on the news channel with the volume on loud, so I could hear the morning news. When I heard the newsman interrupt the morning news with a ‘SPECIAL BULLETIN’, I went to the living room. The TV screen was showing tha twin towers and a lot of smoke around one of tha towers. The announcer was talking fast; I was trying to listen to what he was saying. I was standing right in front of my big screen TV when the announcer exclaimed, “Here comes
another plane! . . . it’s going to hit the tower!”. I stood there in front of my huge TV, totally shocked as I saw tha plane crash into the tower. My TV screen was big; it seemed to me as though I had witnessed the horrific crash through a huge picture window. It was an Unbelievable real nightmare; how can I ever forget that tragedy of September the eleventh. My loyal readers it was an unpredictable attack, and it should be a reminder to all, that any country is only as great as its’ people. We need to appreciate our country and believe in the fundamentals of our democracy. Our forefathers founded this country on freedom, equality, and justice for all. A country divided among itself, with little disregard for its’ democratic
foundation, opens the doors to enemy forces, whose evil believes are not ours. My loyal readers let us all live as a free society, and respect each other’ rights, as American Citizens. Freedom is a beautiful possession which was earned by many of our great men; those who served, fought, and died for this country that we know as The United States of America; GOD shed HIS Grace on thee. On September 11, fly your American Flags, show your patriotism and respect for our American Veterans. Now I will share with you all a patriotic composition, dedicated to all our American Veterans; “LET HER FLY” GOD Bless the U.S.A. DUKE MARTELL
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WEEKLY COLUMNS printed in the Los Fresnos News contain the opinions of the Authors. They may or may not be the opinion of the Newspaper. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: 1 year subscription delivered by U.S. Postal service...$27.95 or can be purchased at several convinent locations through out the cities of Los Fersnos and Brownsville for 50¢. The Los Fresnos News is mailed and delivered Tuesday, September 14, 2021, and published weekly by Los Fresnos Publishing, LLC. Periodical Postage Rates paid at Los Fresnos, TX. Post Office. Advertising deadline is noon Thursday at the office at 203 N. Arroyo, Los Fresnos, TX 78566. (POSTMASTER send address changes to Los Fresnos, P.O. Box 990, Los Fresnos, TX 78566.)
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September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 3
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4 • September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
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Falcons Hit The Road For Calallen
Los Fresnos Falcons
By KEVIN NARRO Los Fresnos News
2021 Varsity Football Schedule Date
Opponent
Time
Site
Scrimmage
Thur, 8/19
Edinburg Vela Sabercats
7 pm
Away
Week 1
Fri, 8/27
+Edcouch Elsa Yellowjackets 7pm
Home
Week 2
Fri, 9/3
#Gregory Portland Wildcats
7pm
Home
Week 3
Fri, 9/10
Calallen Wildcats
7:30pm
Away
--BYE WEEK--
Week 4 Week 5
Fri, 9/24
*San Benito Greyhounds
7pm
Away
Week 6
Fri, 10/1
*^Donna North Chiefs
7pm
Home
Week 7
Sat, 10/9
*Rivera Raiders
7pm
Away
Week 8
Fri, 10/15 *%Weslaco Panthers
7pm
Home
Week 9
Fri, 10/22 *Harlingen Cardinals
7pm
Away
Week 10
Fri, 10/29 *Brownsville Hanna Eagles
7pm
Away
Week 11
Fri, 11/5
7pm
Home
#Parents Night
*Harlingen South Hawks
*District Game
^Homecoming
%Middle School FB Night
+Band Night
LOS FRESNOS-The Falcons hope to be back on the field for Week 3s road test at Calallen. The Falcons saw their Wee 2 game against Gregory-Portland get cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns. The game will not be made up and Los Fresnos will now prepare for a trip
up to the Coastal Bend to meet a perennial state power. The Wildcats enter Friday with a clean 2-0 record. Calallen is coming in with a 41-19 win over Gregory-Portland and a 5520 thumping of Jourdanton in Week 2. The Wildcats are led by a pair of seniors in QB Terik Hickmon and running back Epi Hinojosa.
Hinojosa has ran for 468 yards on 28 carries and five touchdowns, while Hickmon has ran for 235 yards on 25 carries and three scores. On defense, a pair of seniors also lead the way for the Wildcat defense. William Burch leads the team with 27 tackles and hard hitting Colton Calloway is second on the team with 23 tackles.
Lady Falcons Kickoff 326A with aFresnos Win By KEVIN NARRO got their district head coach Anissa Lucio. Los Fresnos News
SAN BENITO-The Lady Falcons shook off a slow start and received plenty of help from across their lineup. Los Fresnos earned a road win in straight sets, (25-21,27-25,25-8) over San Benito. With the win, Los
season off on the right track. Mia Brown shook off a slow start and found her mojo on offense, Olivia Para, Shilo Jones and Dakota Martinez all chipped in throughout the match. “I’m proud of my girls’ effort and for finishing strong,” said Los Fresnos
“That’s something we’ve been working on, and they were able to do that against a tough defensive team.” Up next is a home match against Donna North were Los Fresnos looks to get their second district win in as many games.
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September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 5
THE SPORTS PROGRAM JUST GOT CUT. The Next Chapter OR HADN’T YOU HEARD? Poem
When government wants to do something with your tax dollars, it must let you know. But that right to know is being threatened.
Numerous governmental entities across the state want to hide their public notices on little seen, rarely visited government websites.
Guide Me At the end of the day When I kneel down to pray, Guide my mind in the way, In the words that I say. Fill my heart with Thy Love As my Savior above. May I look to the sky And lift the fallen who lie, For Thou art the Way To show me each day.
What you don’t know will affect you personally!
If it is not in the newspaper, you won’t know about it.
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This story continues next week. The Next Chapter is a column featuring a serialized continuing short story from
a local author. You can submit your own original story for publication at our Facebook Page.
-James Arnold
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LAST WEEK’S SUDOKU ANSWERS
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORDS ANSWERS
THEME: TV COUPLES ACROSS 1. Sweeney Todd’s weapon 6. It’s in the hole? 9. Plural of #6 Across 13. Soft palate dangler 14. Each one for himself? 15. Red Cross supply 16. Short skirts 17. Flightless bird 18. Wavelike patterned silk
19. *Philip Banks’ wife 21. *Dre Johnson’s wife on “Black-ish” and occasional site around rain storm 23. 31st of the month, e.g. 24. E-mailed 25. Digital audio workstation 28. Essence of idea 30. Mouth infection 35. Fusses 37. Burden or load 39. Official language of
Lesotho 40. Choose politically 41. Sashay 43. Thailand, formerly 44. All worked up 46. One assigned menial work 47. Rancher’s unit 48. Blue jeans 50. Famous Scottish lake 52. A cause of inflation 53. Number one 55. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s
guitar 57. *Stars Hollow Luke’s love interest 61. *Louise Jefferson’s husband 64. Like a solitaire player 65. Government Printing Office 67. Home to BYU 69. Request to Geico 70. Calendar mo. 71. Gladdened 72. 36 inches 73. *Jake and ____ of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” 74. Rub off DOWN 1. Cuba Libre ingredient 2. Tel ____, Israel 3. Pueblo tribesman 4. Good will branch 5. Leveling to the ground 6. Congregation’s echo 7. *Mitch’s husband in “Modern Family” 8. Accustom 9. Long, long time 10. Baby container 11. German currency 12. Old World duck 15. The ____, an English rock band from the ‘80s 20. Goodbye to amiga 22. Marching insect 24. Classroom attendee 25. *Patrick’s fiance on “Schitt’s Creek” 26. Dig, so to speak 27. King of the gods in Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” 29. Barber shop sound 31. Civil Rights icon 32. Ancient city in Africa 33. *Javen’s companion on “Temptation Island” or Lamb Chops’ puppeteer 34. *Marge Simpson’s husband 36. Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence 38. Kind of gin 42. Follow as a consequence 45. Bald Eagle to Americans, e.g. 49. Old Man’s turf, according to Hemingway 51. Capital of the Republic of Macedonia 54. Fraternity letter 56. Trial’s partner 57. Like a doily 58. Paella pot 59. Big cat sound 60. Blyton or Bagnold 61. Like a bloody horror movie 62. Romantic painter Francisco ____ 63. December 24 and 31, e.g. 66. *Jim’s co-worker and wife on “The Office” 68. Type of poem
6 • September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
28th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival October 15 & 16 2021 Featuring 13 of the best conjunto bands in Texas! Memorial Park · 900 N. Arroyo Blvd. · Los Fresnos, TX Information @ 956.367.0335 For City information (i.e.,hotels, restaurants, etc.) call the Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce @ 956 / 233-4488
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UTRGV Signing Agreement
September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS • 7
UTRGV, City of Pharr celebrate signing agreement on new building for the university’s School of Nursing
UTRGV President Guy Bailey and City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., celebrate the UTRGV School of Nursing expansion at a signing ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 2, in Pharr, Texas. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)
By Karen Villarreal RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 3, 2021 – The UTRGV School of Nursing on Sept. 2 celebrated its expansion during a signing ceremony with the City of Pharr, at the site of the school’s future facility at 2800 N. Cage Boulevard. The U.S. Department of
Commerce in May awarded the School of Nursing a $2 million grant under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act fund, known as the CARES Act, passed by Congress in March 2020 to provide fast economic relief to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal funding will
be matched with $24 million in local investment, with the project expected to create 750 jobs and generate $30 million in private investment, according to a Department of Commerce press release. UTRGV President Guy Bailey said this collaboration with the City of Pharr is an important step in growing the School of Nursing
and providing education opportunities for the Valley. “We are grateful to the City of Pharr for its generosity and thank Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez for his support of the UTRGV School of Nursing,” Bailey said. “Together, we can help attract and retain the best and the brightest students as we further expand the Valley’s
healthcare services.” The planned, two-story facility will be about 50,000 gross square feet, with the first floor housing classrooms and labs, a simulation center, nursing lab, skills center, graduate program lab and student study rooms. The second floor will have conference rooms and administrative, faculty and staff offices. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., said the signing event marks a moment of great celebration. “The City of Pharr is proud to partner with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for a new nursing school that will address the shortage of these vital professionals in our area," he said. "This facility will serve as a catalyst to grow our nursing profession in the region … “We are especially proud to have this facility anchored here in Pharr, the hub of the Valley, and an ideal location as we are situated only minutes from area hospitals and UTRGV.” UT System Regent Dr. Nolan Perez attended the ceremony, along with other UTRGV leaders and local representatives. He said the expansion of the UTRGV
School of Nursing is an important project, not only for the UT System but also for the state. “UTRGV is critical to the success of Texas,” he said. “Young kids who grow up here are the faces of the future of Texas and this nation. With the state growing as fast as it is, we need UTRGV to keep up its rapid growth. We’re proud of what’s going to come from this School of Nursing.” Dr. MaryJane Lewitt, interim dean of the UTRGV School of Nursing, said the signing ceremony marks an important step for nursing in the Valley. “We know there’s a huge need for nurses in the community,” Lewitt said. “In this new building, we’ll give students the skills and capacity they need to make a difference from day one.” She said the facility will help the university’s nursing programs to increase enrollment at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, and help expand the K-12 pipeline already in place with local high schools. The project is in the design phase through November. Construction is projected to start in December 2021 or January
Rendering of the UTRGV School of Nursing facility in Pharr, Texas. The project is in the design phase through November. Construction is projected to start in December 2021 or January 2022. Completion is slated for May 2023, with the facility fully operating for the Fall 2023 semester. (Courtesy of City of Pharr)
A Need for Personal Care Attendants
HHSC and Texas Workforce Commission Highlight Increasing Need for Personal Care Attendants to Serve People with Disabilities AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Workforce Commission are launching a public awareness campaign focusing on the statewide need for personal care attendants who help people with disabilities live independently in their own homes and communities. “These jobs change lives for both the people who receive attendant care, and the people who provide attendant care,” said Clair Benitez, HHS director of Office of Disability Services Coordination. “Personal care attendants truly make a positive
difference in the lives of those they care for by helping Texans live more independently.” More than 300,000 people receive community attendant services in Texas through long-term services and support programs. To meet the growing need of direct care service workers, HHSC projects that the personal care attendant workforce in Texas needs to grow from the 301,000 workers in 2019 to 484,000 in 2031. Personal care attendants, also known as personal care assistants, community attendants and direct care service workers, work for a
person with a disability, a legally authorized representative or a home health agency. Personal care attendants may assist with dressing, bathing, cooking, feeding, shopping and light housekeeping duties, as well as accompanying someone to classes, running errands or to social gatherings. This type of work offers a flexible schedule for people seeking a meaningful profession. “Personal care attendants provide essential support to individuals with disabilities and help them participate in employment,” said Texas
Workforce Commission’s executive director Ed Serna. “We encourage more people to consider this field, which is a calling of compassion and service.” Texas’ workforce solutions offices provide opportunities for families to post openings through MyTXCareer. com for these positions and TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation program supports training for participants who are interested in entering the personal care attendant profession. "Personal care attendants allow people with disabilities to live
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8 • September 15, 2021 • LOS FRESNOS NEWS
Walmart Community Grant TSC, Walmart Partner to Fight Food Insecurity Among Local College Students
TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, the TSC AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) program and the TSC Student Services division provide students with 200 bags of free groceries during TSC’s Welcome Week Back-to-School Brain Food event.
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (September 3, 2021) – Texas Southmost College and Walmart teamed up to provide students with 200 bags of free groceries during TSC’s Welcome Week Back-to-School Brain Food event. Funded through a Walmart Community Grant from the local Walmart on Boca Chica Boulevard, the initiative was designed to help combat food insecurity among students on campus. “At Texas Southmost College, we are dedicated to student success and working to remove barriers to seeking a college education.” said TSC President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez, Ph.D. “There are many obstacles that students may face while pursuing their goals, and hunger should not be one of them.” Rodriguez noted that while TSC is already the most affordable institution of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley, sometimes students need a little extra assistance. “Through community partnerships, such as this one
with Walmart, we can expand students’ access to wrap-around support services that make a big difference in helping them stay on track towards graduation,” he said. “Our students need to know the Scorpion Family is here for them.” The Walmart Community Grant program provides funding to support community needs in regions served by Walmart stores, Sam's Club stores and corporate distribution centers. Each bag distributed to students included canned goods, soups, fruit, pasta, breakfast items and snacks. TSC business major Aldo Morales said the Back-toSchool Brain Food provides welcome support, especially for students like him who share in their family’s financial responsibilities. The 29-yearold student also works as a Walmart cashier. “This event has been a great opportunity for students like me,” he said. “I’m working toward graduating and becoming successful so I can
take care of my mom, and this lends a hand in achieving my goal. Thank you, Walmart and TSC, for giving us a fighting chance.” Morales expects to earn his associate degree in business in May 2022. Nationwide, approximately 42% of two-year college students experience food insecurity, and the rate is slightly higher at TSC at 50%, according to The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice at Temple University. Mario Rodriguez, digital coach at Walmart on Boca Chica, said he is proud that Walmart is playing an active role in fighting against food insecurity for local students at TSC. “Not only does the food that TSC and Walmart are providing during this event help the student, but it also helps their families,” he said. “We (Walmart) are part of this community, and we work to help make our community a better place for everyone and so everyone has equal access to life-changing opportunities like higher education.” The Back-to-School Brain Food event is one of several anti-poverty initiatives in development at TSC through the AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) program. TSC VISTAs conducted research, applied for the grant, and hosted the event with the Student Services division. “We’re here to help students find success by providing the resources they need on campus,” said VISTA Retention Specialist of Anti-Poverty Services Abigail Folker. “Their job is to focus on their studies to graduate and start careers. Our job is to get them there.”
Ask Our Dentists by DR. ADAM LALONDE
Q: Why do I need to see my dentist every six months to maintain my oral health? ANSWERED by DR.ADAM LALONDE:
Located next to Los Fresnos Pharmacy
Oral health means more than just an attractive smile. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases can have a significant impact on quality of life. Many reports indicate a relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and stroke, heart disease, and pre-term low-birth-weight babies. Sadly, studies have shown that more than 75% of the population is affected Dr. Adam Lalonde by some type of periodontal disease or gingivitis, which could easily be prevented. Poor dental care can also contribute to oral cancer, which now takes more lives annually than cervical or skin cancer. Systemic diseases have oral manifestations, meaning your dentist may be the first healthcare provider to diagnose a health problem. Regular exams allow your dentist to keep your mouth in tip-top shape and watch for developments that may point to problems elsewhere in the body. Oral tissues reflect symptoms of other problems, and many diseases can be diagnosed in their early stages through an oral examination. A dental exam also picks up on poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. Oral health mirrors overall health. Seeing a dentist every six months, combined with your own daily effort, will ensure that you keep a healthy smile and help identify diseases in their earliest stages. Call your dentist every six months to set up an exam or contact our office if we can schedule you for a new patient exam.
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