Saving Your Smile from the Sun
It’s common knowledge to apply sunscreen to your skin before spending a day outside or at the beach.
But there’s one body part that’s often overlooked when it comes to UV protection-your smile. Your lips have a thin layer of skin that help contribute to their red colour, and this is particularly vulnerable to the harmful rays of the sun.
Your lips may also be lower in melanin, which is a protective pigment. More so, because our lips protrude slightly from our face, this makes them susceptible to sunburn.
To help protect your lips from sun damage, consider wearing a hat or applying a lip balm that has an SPF 30+ rating. You’ll need to apply it frequently as eating and drinking can cause it to rub off. Applying it to your lips every hour should provide optimal protection when outdoors.
Low On Energy? Give This Healthy Snack a Try
Often find yourself in a mid-day slump reaching for another cup of coffee? Instead of surviving on caffeine, give your body something nutritious. While you might expect us to suggest vegetables-which is never a bad choice-we’ve got something exciting, easy, and sweet that you can try: Banana energy balls.
Packed with healthy fats, fibre, and protein, this treat is sure to be a hit.
Here’s how to make it:
• Add the following to a food processor and pulse for 10 seconds: 2 cups rolled oats, ½ cup mashed banana, ½ cup almonds, ½ cup pecans, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Using clean hands, separate and roll mixture into bite-sized balls.
• Enjoy! This snack can be eaten right away or stored at a cooler temperature for later.
Is Your Child Grinding Their Teeth?
It’s very common for adults to grind their teeth, but did you know that children are just as susceptible?
A child may grind their teeth for a number of reasons, including anxiety, tooth misalignment, pain from teething or an ear infection, medications or even a medical condition. If your child awakes in the morning and complains of frequent headaches, a sore jaw and face, or an earache, teeth grinding is entirely possible.
If you suspect this is an issue for your child, we recommend scheduling a visit with us to better evaluate the cause. We’ll examine their mouth to ensure no serious damage is being done to their teeth or bite, and may recommend a custom fit bite guard if needed.
We look forward to helping them (and you) sleep more comfortably.
