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, The team @ Dental Care Tooth Decay describes the break down of strong healthy teeth over time. Your tooth's surface is composed of a hard mineral coating called enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissue in your body, but by no means indestructible. Actually, enamel is exposed to bacteria all day which produce plaque. Plaque is the substance that covers your teeth and eats away at the enamel causing the holes known as cavities. Brushing your teeth, flossing and regular dental visits will help keep plaque under control. Leaving plaque on your teeth leads to tartar buildup which brushing and flossing alone can not remove. Letting plaque get out of control can lead to many oral problems ranging from bad breath and cavities to gum recession Periodontal disease and tooth loss. Even teeth with fillings aren't immune to plaque. The acidic substance damages fillings and other dental work and can lead to future problems. Click here to learn effective ways to prevent tooth decay! 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.