eNewsletter - Bloor Dental Health Centre

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We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are now relaxed, rested and ready to face 2010 head on.

January 17 to 23 is National Non-Smoking Week. If you have been trying to quit now is a great time! Ask us how we may be able to help. Remember all tobacco use affects your overall health as well as your teeth and smile. If you need some help quitting be sure to visit the smoker's helpline for tips and support.

The 2010 Winter Olympics are just around the corner. If you have been looking for a new sport to add to your winter fun the Olympics should provide you with ample ideas.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner at your sport of choice, remember to stretch and ease back into any activity slowly. Avoiding injuries will help you enjoy the sport throughout the season. If your sport of choice involves contact, remember to ask us about a properly fitted mouth guard.

Until next month,

Dr. Freedman and the Team at BDHC

"Brush your teeth... round and round" we all remember the song. It's amazing, though, how many people still use improper brushing techniques. Brushing your teeth properly with a good tooth brush is your best line of defense against cavity-causing plaque between dental visits.

Improper brushing can be just as, if not more, harmful than plaque itself. Brushing too hard or using an improper tooth brush can erode enamel on the sides and tops of your teeth as well as damage your gums. Don't be discouraged though, proper brushing technique is easy and rewarding.

It is recommended that you brush your teeth after every meal, and especially before your go to sleep, as bacteria will remain unchallenged for an extended period while you sleep.

Click here to learn about proper brushing technique!

This recipe is made with butternut squash and sweet potatoes as the base. These two combined provide a sweet, delicate broth that is alkalizing and delicious. This winter squash is also a great source of natural sugars, carbohydrates and beta carotene. It provides vitamin A and C, potassium iron, riboflavin and magnesium and very low in sodium.

So as you can see, a bowl of this squashy soup is very nourishing and of course delicious. Just like traditional minestrone this soup is chalked full of veggies, bulked up with kidney beans and brown rice macaroni noodles. At this particular time of the year, there is nothing better than a hearty bowl of soup. Squashes are also in season now. Take advantage and make yourself a bowl of yummy minestrone soup!

Ingredients

• 1 Spanish onion, cut into large dice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon, sea salt
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 4-6 cups filtered water or stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into medium dice (or roast half squash in oven on 350F for 45 minutes) - then peel flesh away from skin and place in pot

• 1 sweet potato cut into large dice
• 3 ribs celery cut into large dice
• 1 large zucchini or two small zucchini, cut into small chunks
• 1 bunch of chard, cut into bit size pieces
• 1 cup soaked and cooked kidney beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup cooked macaroni brown rice noodles (optional)

Click here for the rest of the recipe!

This recipe was sourced from Delicious Knowledge.