south charlotte living magazine july 2011

NationalChildren’s

Oral HealthFoundation

America’s Toothfairy...

Because Every

Child Deserves

A Healthy Smile

Living the Good Life

JULY 2011

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� sclivingmag.com • JULY 2011 JULY 2011 • sclivingmag.com �

8 • Cover Story: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation Because Every Child Deserves A Healthy Smile

14 • Destination Charlotte: Discover our Queen City

17 • Fun in July: Here is what’s Happening

18 • Dental Professionals can help detect oral cancer

20 • Beating the summer blues by mixing it up your routines

22 • Heartworm Tips for you and your pet

26 • Good Eats: The Fat Man Wines Yadkin Valley style

28 • Parents: Fun with food and refreshing coolers

29 • At your Service

contents

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Publisher - David Simms, Jr. 3122-100 Fincher Farm Rd. Suite 216 Matthews, NC 28105 704-443-8216 www.SCLivingMag.com Art Direction/Graphic Design - Katie Kidd Advertising - [email protected] Office - 704-443-8216

Advertising Sales - Chuck Sheridan 704-345-8608 Jason Brown 704-907-1540 Carlton Peade 704-957-0819 Betsy Green 704-280-1370

Contributing Writers - Nancy Moore, The Fat Man

Cover & Cover Story - Nancy Moore & Lorayn DeLuca Photography

E-mail submissions and ads - [email protected]

South Charlotte Living reserves the right to deny anyadvertisement or listing that does not meet South Charlotte Living standards. Submissions are welcome, butunsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned.South Charlotte Living assumes no responsibility forinformation, products, services or statements made byadvertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved.Reproduction in whole or in part without writtenpermission from the publisher is prohibited.

July 2011Living the Good life

Tell us what you think! Let us know what you want to see in future issues! Q

SCL

Happy Fourth! In honor of our Independence day holiday this month I would like to share these wise words from our founding fathers or about our fair country....about the freedom we share as proud Americans. We hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and kick of a sunny summer.!

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!” –Robin Williams



Publisher, South Charlotte Living

David Simms, Jr.

Photo by Piotr Sikora.


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*America’s Toothfairy

If you were asked to name the number one chronic childhood disease, what would your answer be? Asthma? Cancer? Acne? If you thought any one of those, you’re wrong. Surprisingly, the answer is pediatric dental disease. In fact, tooth decay is five times more common than asthma, four times more common than early-childhood obesity, and twenty times more common than diabetes. “How can that be?” you may wonder. In this day of ten thousand different kinds of toothpaste, and just as many different types of toothbrushes, and fluoride in the water, how is it possible that something that is preventable be so rampant?

“Every day you spend without a smile is a lost day.” Author unknown

The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, known as America’s Toothfairy and headquartered in Charlotte, began in February 2006. As a strategic developer, Fern Ingber, M.Ed., President and CEO of NCOHF, was asked to evaluate and study the prospect of developing a national program that addresses the oral health care needs of underprivileged children. Fern looked at the mouth as the gateway to the body understanding the correlation between oral health and systemic issues such as heart disease. She realized that she had the opportunity to give children an enormous life-changing experience.

“Each day, millions of children in America and thousands

of children in Charlotte experience the anxiety, stress, and embarrassment that come from not being able to smile. A lack of access to pediatric dental care and prevention education for low-income and uninsured children creates

a set of health disparities that will impact wellness for a lifetime,” says Fern.

NCOHF provides financial, product, and technical support to a growing network of not-for-profit affiliate programs and volunteer dental professionals who

provide dental care for children. It’s important to understand that America’s Toothfairy is not a dentist’s office – the organization doesn’t provide dental services. Rather, it brings together universities, including the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, hospitals, health centers, health clinics, and dental practitioners to provide dental treatment to children who, without America’s Toothfairy, would suffer immeasurable pain from a condition that is preventable and treatable.

“A smile is a universal welcome.” Max Eastman Across the United States, four to five million children

are in preventable and treatable pain. Most of us have had a toothache and know that sometimes the pain can be excruciating. Imagine being a child and living with tremendous mouth pain on a daily basis. Imagine this pain affecting your day-to-day life and activities such as eating, sleeping, going to school, studying, and socializing. Beyond that, imagine being embarrassed or ashamed of your smile; of knowing that, whether real or imagined, people may be laughing at you and talking about you behind your back. Sometimes they’re doing it right in front of you.

“If you smile at me I will understand ‘cause that is something everybody everywhere does in the By: Nancy Moore | Photos: Lorayn DeLuca

Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma, four times more common than early-childhood obesity, and twenty times more common than diabetes. Each day, millions of children in America and thousands of children in Charlotte experience the anxiety, stress, and embarrassment that come from not being able to smile.

Because Every Child Deserves A Healthy Smile

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation

National Children’s Oral Health Foundation**

*

Fern Ingber, President and CEO of the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy® at the Charlotte headquarters located on Park Road

10 sclivingmag.com • JULY 2011 JULY 2011 • sclivingmag.com 11

same language.” Stephen Stills, Paul Kantner, David Crosby

NCOHF is the only national organization with a singular focus of eliminating children’s pain and suffering from preventing disease through delivery of services. So far, it has impacted one million children nationally through its growing network of nonprofit community partners throughout North America, and is looking to the future to expand internationally. NCOHF has provided over $9 million in grants, services, educational materials, and products to its affiliate organizations. Think of it this way, the Tooth Fairy we grew up with has come a long way. She’s more of a superhero than an unseen childhood visitor who leaves money under pillows in exchange for teeth. She is an educator, a preventer with simple, consistent oral health practices, and a protector of children who need the most, yet have the least.

“A winning smile makes winners of us all.” Author unknown

Children who are free from pain are more productive in school than their counterparts in chronic pain. They get better grades, develop socially, have higher self-esteem,

and, eventually, they become successful in life and in the workforce. The pain many children have endured has forced them to grow up all too soon, and, at a young age, realize that their future is compromised due to poor oral health.

“America’s Toothfairy believes every child deserves a healthy smile,” says Fern. “A healthy smile not only affects physical health but also contributes to the self-esteem and confidence to reach their full potential.” Ultimately,

these children will be given the opportunity to lead happy, healthy, and productive lives.

“A smile can brighten the darkest day.” Author unknown

Fern is intense, ambitious, and determined. Her goal for Charlotte is to engage dental professionals, educators, corporate and civic leaders, and caring individuals to deliver the important message of rescuing children from preventable pain. The passion she has for the organization, and the role she plays in it, is inspiring. She confesses that quite often she wakes at 3 a.m. and jots down notes to herself and her staff.

Her staff consists of Chris Drake, Chief Operating Officer, Donna Mitchell, Director of Development, Jill Malmgren, Marketing and Communications Manager, Jennifer Drake, Program Administrator, and Eddie Rochester, Executive Assistant. Each one of these people is as determined and driven as Fern to make sure that America’s Toothfairy succeeds in treating and educating as many children and people as possible to further prevent pediatric dental disease.

Interns at America’s Toothfairy meet with Fern to discuss their projects.Pictured: Huy To, Intern; Akshita Tyagi, Intern; Lorayn Deluca, Intern

Fern Ingber, President & CEO; Lea Powell, Intern

Discussing new ways America’s Toothfairy can transform pain and suffering into bright smiles for children in need. Pictured: Christian Drake, Chief Operations Officer; Fern Ingber, President & CEO; Jennifer Drake, Program Administrator; Jill Malmgren, Marketing & Communications Manager **

“I don’t have to turn my head or cover my mouth with my hand when I want to laugh or smile.

Thanks very, very much to Tomorrow’s SMILES!”

Before his acceptance into the Tomorrow’s SMILES® program, Darian refused to smile, “Changing the appearance of my smile would help me a lot. It would make me feel more confident. Kids would stop talking about me, laughing at me, and singling me out…It would change my life!”Pictured: Darian Lamar Richardson, BEFORE Tomorrow’s SMILES®

After a restored smile, a changed life and a bright future. Darian remarks on the impact of Tomorrow’s SMILES® on his life, “I’m not afraid to smile again.”Pictured: Darian Lamar Richardson, AFTER Tomorrow’s SMILES® *


* Fern recently spoke before the Foundation’s scientific advisory board and stated, “Together, our team is committed to a strategic vision that will continue to place the vital needs of the children, families, and communities we serve at the very center of all that we do. By combining exemplary treatment, educational and preventive services with operational excellence, NCOHF will have a significant impact on the oral health of this nation’s most vulnerable children.”

In order for America’s Toothfairy to continue its work and touch the lives of millions of children, the medical profession, such as obstetricians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, etc., need to be involved. These professionals are often on the “front line” of witnessing poor oral health and tooth decay. Making them aware of America’s Toothfairy can be a first step in reducing the prevalence of the disease.

If you would like to become a real-life tooth fairy by donating services, making a corporate gift, adopting the care of a child, or volunteering for one of their community education and outreach programs, give them a call at 704-350-1600, or visit their website www.ncohf.org (www.americastoothfairy.com). You’d give a child a real reason to smile.

Prior to establishing NCOHF, Fern served as the founding general manager of the National Marrow Donor Program, founding director of the Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program, primary consultant for the formation of American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Network and the ACS Prostate Cancer Alliance, founding executive vice president of the National Health Museum, and president of the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation.

The Foundation’s board of directors and scientific advisory board read like a veritable who’s who in the dental community. Corporate partners include Wells Fargo, the KaVo Group, Invisalign, Listerine/Reach, and many others. Corporate partners cover operational expenses, allowing 100% of all other contributions to go directly to child-saving programs.

The affiliate network is comprised of nonprofit dental clinics and healthcare facilities scattered throughout the country. The success of America’s Toothfairy is only possible because of the enormous commitment made by these corporate sponsors, affiliates, and readers like you who understand that addressing childhood dental health is critical to the success of our children and to our future workforce.

“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.” Author unknown

Other keys to the success of the Foundation are the Tomorrow’s SMILES and Pay It Forward programs. T o m o r r o w ’ s SMILES provides

comprehensive restorative treatment for promising at-risk teems, who do not have the financial means to pay for the services. In order to be considered for the dental services, the teen must write why it is important to have the work done. What often comes out in these essays is the child’s future. They are worried about career success and finding a job that will overlook their very poor dental health.

Teens who are selected to participate in the Tomorrow’s SMILES program subsequently share their experience and newfound knowledge by serving as mentors for young children, teaching them good oral health behaviors and emphasizing the need for proper dental care. It’s a continuous cycle of treating and educating.

“Smile an everlasting smile, a smile can bring you near to me.” Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb

Fern says that the key to America’s Toothfairy is educating prenatal women. Supporting these women and educating them in the importance of oral health is critical to ending the cycle of pediatric dental disease. With simple, consistent oral health practices tooth decay is preventable.

(

Top right: Donna Mitchell, Director of Development; Eddie Rochester, Office Manager; Jill Malmgren, Marketing & Communications Manager

America’s Toothfairy® has reached over one millionchildren with vital oral health educational, preventive

and treatment services.

Children dress up to “Trick or Treat for America’s Toothfairy®”

Find out more atwww.ncohf.org*

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3rd Street Station (near the Convention Center) and exit towards College Street. Once you’re on College, enter One Wells Fargo Center (the one with the rounded top that looks like a jukebox).

From inside the building, take the escalator to the atrium on the lower level. Rather than going right back outside, take the second set of escalators up to the catwalk to Overstreet Mall, located in the BB&T Center, where you can shop, dine, or sit for a while enjoying a cup of coffee. If you’re not ready to rest, continue on to Bank of America Plaza, where, once again, you can sit, dine, or shop.

When you leave the plaza, you’ll go into Founder’s Hall where, you guessed it, you can sit, dine, or shop. Depending on the time of year, you may find yourself in a Carolina Panthers’ pep rally.

Which way to go?

First visit the urban garden in 1 Bank of America Center, accessible via catwalk from Founder’s Hall. It’s a nice quiet spot that, while indoor, feels like you are sitting in an outdoor park. Take the escalator downstairs and step outside. Cross 5th Street to the International Trade Center, where you’ll find a statue of Queen Charlotte walking in her garden. The artist is Graham Weather and the statue was placed there in 1989.

If you have time (and energy), stay north on College Street and visit the Levine Museum of the New South, whose entrance is on 7th Street, and the library, with its gorgeous water fountain, literary quotes on the outdoor pillars, and artwork in the building. Take a right onto North Tryon and walk almost two blocks to Transamerica Square on the opposite side. The dome in the archway leading

to the courtyard houses Continuum. Completed in March 1998, it is Ben Long’s first curved and exterior fresco, and one of several you will see on your tour.

Yet another piece of history

Retracing your steps, walk back down North Tryon and stop in the Dunhill

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Snippet from a childhood conversation: “What do you want to do?” “I don’t know; what

do you want to do?” “I don’t know. There’s nothing to do around here!” Does this sound familiar? It’s funny how there is never anything to do in our own backyard. That’s why we travel.

Fast forward ten or twenty years and you’ve relocated to Charlotte or the metro area. You have family and friends who want to visit and they have asked you to show them around. Are you going to tell them there’s nothing to do in Charlotte? You know what their response will be, “But we found all of this stuff on the Internet!” Then you have egg on your face.

As we take South Charlotte Living Magazine’s first foray into learning about destinations both near and far, let’s look at the center of the Queen City and sites you and your guests can see in a day.

The Queen City

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, with a population of more than 730,000 in the city proper. Add another million to that and you have the approximate population of the Charlotte metro area. The city of Charlotte was named in honor of Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg, who, upon marrying King George III one year prior to the settlement of Charlotte, NC, became Queen Charlotte. Queen Charlotte’s namesake was incorporated in 1768, when King George III ruled England. Mecklenburg County was incorporated in 1762 and is named after the Mecklenburg-Strelitz region of Germany – Queen Charlotte’s birthplace.

Although many Charlotteans may consider Muggsy Bogues as one of the original Charlotte Hornets, the truth of the matter is, the “Charlotte Hornets” were a minor league baseball team

from 1901–1973 and a World Football League team from 1974–1975. Even before its sporting name, Charlotte had earned the nickname “The Hornets Nest” during the Revolutionary War, when hostile residents drove commander General Cornwallis out of the city. This prompted him to report Charlotte as “a hornet’s nest of rebellion.”

Uptown/Downtown

There are still a lot of people who don’t realize that Charlotte is a progressive city. (Sometimes I think many believe we still have outdoor plumbing.) Charlotte is the second financial capital of the United States, right behind New York.

A great way to show off your knowledge of Charlotte is to take a tour of Uptown; not just any tour, but a walking tour. A convenient and worry-free way to begin the tour is on the LYNX Blue Line. Ride the train to the

Destination Charlotte

By: Nancy Moore


right. You’ll walk a couple of blocks to Latta Arcade. Built in 1914 by developer Edward Dilworth Latta and on the National Historic Register, the building is very much old Charlotte. Walk through the iron gate that opens Latta Arcade to its neighbor, Brevard Court.

Back out on Tryon Street, cross the street to the Wells Fargo Plaza. (You are now on the atrium level, where you first started.) The Plaza’s water fountain was created by Dennis Smith and David Wagner. It’s a terrific photo opportunity and a great place to people watch.

The final fresco

Before ending your walking tour, take a left from The Plaza and walk past The Green to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in Charlotte. Behind the main altar is Ben Long’s three-part fresco called a triptych. Sadly, due to nearby construction, the fresco fell. Parts of it were saved and when you see the main altar today, the fresco is framed. Other portions of the fresco are throughout the church. Still, it is one not to be missed.

Still so much to see

As you leave St. Peter’s, you can take a left and go into the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts and Culture, or cross South Tryon and visit the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and have your picture taken beneath “The Firebird.” The Mint Museum Uptown is to the left of the Bechtler. Whatever your choice, your final stop will be “The Green.”

For the kid in all of us

The Green is a whimsical park dedicated to reading and books. As you meander through the park toward College Street, you’ll see Fish Fountain, which is where some children cool off in the warmer weather, and you’ll hear sounds of wildlife as you walk along the walkway. In the winter, an ice skating rink appears along College Street. It’s a wonderful spot to sit and relax.

If you have time

Drive over to Fourth Ward and, when you find a parking place, take a stroll through the area to admire the Victorian-era homes. Charlotte was organized into political wards from the mid-1800s to 1945, with Fourth Ward being one of the originals.

Tips for the traveler

There are so many sights to see and things to do in Uptown Charlotte. Take your time. You’re not in a road race. Keep in mind that, if you’re there during the week, there will be a lot of people and, more than likely, a lot of traffic. Most, if not all, of the retail shops are closed on Sunday. There are plenty of places to eat or wet your whistle. It’s all up to you.

Research the above-mentioned locations before you go, so you can be sure they are open to the public. More importantly, enjoy the city and all of its sights. The next thing you know, your family and friends will say, “I want to move to Charlotte!” It happens every time.

Hotel. Built in 1929, it is the last remaining historic hotel in Uptown. Leaving the Dunhill, cross North Tryon and walk to the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets. You are now at Independence Square, or “The Square” to locals.

The Square is the historic center of Charlotte. American sculptor Raymond Kaskey created the bronze statues on each of the four corners. (Kaskey also created the Queen Charlotte statue at the airport.) The Square’s statues were erected in 1994.

Three of the statues, Commerce, Industry, and Transportation, represent Charlotte’s beginnings as a mining town, a mill town, and railroad hub. Each of those three statues looks toward the fourth – Future. (Look closely at the face below the pouring gold on Commerce; you may recognize it as former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan.)

Behind Transportation, in front of the Bank of America Plaza, is Charlotte’s oldest piece of public art, Il Grande Disco by Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. Erected in 1974, this 6-ton, 15-foot bronze disk was designed to move with the wind. Once city planners realized it could get pretty windy in the downtown corridors, the disk was secured.

A sight to behold

After admiring the four statues, cross Tryon to enter the Bank of America Corporate Center, Charlotte’s tallest building at sixty stories and a fantastic destination. The building itself is located at the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets.

The lobby contains, not one, but three Ben Long frescoes.

The Bank of America frescoes are Long’s first secular frescoes. They are comprised of three huge panels (10-feet off the floor and 28-feet high) representing making/building, chaos/creativity, and planning/knowledge. Ask the concierge for a brochure further describing the frescoes.

Leaving the Bank of America Corporate Center, walk down West Trade Street, crossing over Church Street, and stop at the First Presbyterian Church. Inside you’ll find another Ben Long fresco. This fresco depicts the parable of the Good Samaritan and was completed in October 2001. Note: If you want to see Long’s final fresco in Charlotte, you’ll have to drive to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department at 601 East Trade Street. It’s worth the trip.

Cross Trade Street to the Carillon Building to view an amazing moving piece of art by Jean Tinguely. Tinguely’s medium was kinetic art. This piece was completed in 1991, the year of his death.

South Tryon

When you leave the Carillon Building, walk back to South Tryon and take a (

A great way to show off your knowledge of Charlotte is to take a tour of Uptown; not just any tour, but a walking tour.


Lorayn DeLuca PhotographyP O R T R A I T S E V E N T S F I N E A R T

704.962.6962 [email protected]

www.lorayndelucaphotography.smugmug.com

In�nitely Alive to

Possibility

JULY2011EVENTS

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY IN JULYGrab your family friends and head to BLAKENEY VILLAGE GREEN (Blakeney Shopping center) for a summer night of great entertainment. Enjoy the sounds of Jazz, Acoustic, Blues and R&B from 7pm - 10pm!

7/2 – 7/4COCA-COLA 4th of July Festival @ the U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTERThe biggest event of the year with 3 consecutive days of FREE live music and fireworks. Begins at 4:00, with a fireworks show that will launch from Hawk Island nightly at 9:00 and display over the whitewater river. There’s not a bad seat in the house!!Check out usnwc.org for more information.

7/2MATTHEWS SUMMER CONCERT & MOVIE SERIES: Too Much Sylvia @ Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade Street Mathews NC Check out matthewsfun.com for more information

7/3 - Pack a picnic and join the CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY for a wonderful eveningof music under the stars. “Celebrate America” with Albert-George Schram,conducting. Concert @ 7:00pm, at Symphony Park (SouthPark).

7/4PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR @ Memorial Stadium (310 North Kings Drive). Family-fun activities will take place from 4-9pm. Find your viewing area, grab a blanket and claim a spot for the spectacular fireworks show beginning at 9:30 (weather permitting). FREE admission! Alcohol free! Food, live music and more!

7/8 MOVIES IN THE PARK! (2nd Friday of the month) Freedom Park – movie begins @ sunset. FREE popcorn and door prizes!

7/3011th Annual CHARLOTTE CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL & PARADEMetrolina Tradeshow Expo – 7100 Statesville Road Admission to festival($10) includes parking. Parade begins at 1:00 inside the festival village

Find out what’s going on in your community!• matthewsfun.com • charlottesgotalot.com •

True“Own Occupation”Disability Insurance

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With family schedules full to the brim, it can often be challenging to find quality time to spend together.

One way to create a night of fun without distractions is by planning a family game night. Parenting expert and Family Adventure Mom, Deb Geigis Berry, offers tips for sharing sweet moments of family fun during game night:

Schedule a date and time. The best time to play is after dinner. If it’s a school or work night, agree that homework and assignments will be finished so you can focus on the fun.

Build excitement with lunchbox invitations. Turn game night into a special event by making an invitation for each family member. Simply fold a piece of paper into a card and write “Are you game?” on the cover along with the date and time of your game night inside. Place the note into lunchboxes for kids to discover.

Sweeten Family Game Night. You can substitute playing pieces in games like Hasbro’s SORRY! with different Hershey’s Kisses Chocolates. Players can choose from chocolates in silver, gold, orange, purple, striped or polka-dotted foils. The iconic candy also makes the perfect treat when the game is over at the end of the night.

Pick a game that’s new to your family. It may be the next family favorite! Be sure to designate one person as “Game Captain.” That person will review the rules prior to game play and present them to each of the players at the start of the night.

Create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for fun and eliminate distractions.

Why not play in your pajamas? Feeling comfortable boosts the enjoyment factor. Also be sure to turn off cell phones, televisions and other distracting devices during the event.

Present a door prize. When players eat a Hershey’s Kisses Chocolate, have them roll up the wrapper into a ball and place it in a small clear jar or vase. At the end of the evening, have everyone guess the number of foil balls in the jar. After the official count, award the winner (closest to the correct answer) with a prize.

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Did you know that one American dies every hour from oral cancer? This is according to recent statistics released by the American Cancer Society.

Did you also know that the death rate for oral cancer has remained essentially unchanged for more than 40 years?

Here are other little known, but deadly, facts:

• The death rate in the United States for oral cancer is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, cancer of the brain, liver, testes, kidney, or ovary.

• More than 30,000 Americans will receive an oral cancer diagnosis this year. In five years, only 57% will still be alive.

• 25% of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol and have no other lifestyle risk factors.

The reason for the high death rate of the disease is mainly due to discovering the cancer only in its late stages. The good news is that when detected early there is a 90% cure rate. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages.

Equally unfortunate is the fact that there has been very little advancement in screening techniques - until recently.

New technology at the dental officeDentists and hygienists now have a weapon to combat the

threat of oral cancer. It’s called ViziLite ™. This technology allows the user to examine a patient’s oral cavity with a specially designed light that can immediately identify suspicious tissue. If any abnormalities are found a biopsy is ordered to confirm or rule out cancer. It is painless and fast.

Be sure to ask your dentist or dental hygienist about this new life saving technology. An annual examination is highly recommended.

For more information contact: Carolinas Dental Center at 704-543-1102 or on the web at www.carolinasdentalcenter.com

For more information contact: Carolinas Dental Center2515 Cuthbertson Road, Suite AWaxhaw, NC 28173 (704) 243-1122www.carolinasdentalcenter.com

Dental Professionals AreYour First Line of Defensein Detecting Oral CancerBy: Todd Johnson, DDS


can rearrange cupboards, furniture, and other items around the house. You can move from room to room and create a plan for how you would like to organize it, and where the furnishings should be moved.

Create your own entertainment. Research has shown the poor effects that watching TV and playing video games can have on children. It can be fun to unplug the electronics and create your own entertainment. As a family, you could put on your own show by pretending to be lost in the jungle or in outer space. The possibilities are endless!

By using simple variations to your daily summer routines, you can create a new and exciting adventure each day. The summer months do not need to be boring for families, since by adding simple variations to your daily routines you can create a household full of excitement and fun!

About The Author:

Autism specialist Courtney Kowalczyk, of the Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, provides practical information and advice for families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. If you are ready to reduce your stress level, enrich your child’s development, and improve your family’s quality of life contact Horizons today. www.HorizonsDRC.com

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The summer months don’t need to be boring. Here are some easy ways to engage restless children on

these long summer days.

School has been dismissed now for almost a month, and families may start becoming restless with the lackadaisical days of summer. For many families, this is the time of year to unwind from the business of the school year and enjoy each other’s company. But for other families this time of the year can become very stressful, not knowing what to do with the kids while they are home from school.

Some of you may be feeling overwhelmed by what you can do with your children each and every day during the summer months. Here are a few simple strategies and variations that you can add to your day to make it fresh and new for everyone at home.

Switch your daily meals around. You could have lunch foods during breakfast time, dinner foods for lunch, and breakfast foods for dinner. This would be a fun variation on the typical meals of the day that everyone can enjoy. Be sure to have your kids help with the planning and preparation!

Have a slumber party! For many children, slumber parties are a lot of fun. You can create your own slumber party at home by sleeping together in the living room, camping in the backyard, or switching bedrooms with one another for an evening. You could even switch houses with a relative or neighbor for a night!

Use a different mode of transportation. We are all used to hopping in the car each and every time we need to go somewhere. Since our schedules are more relaxed during the summer, try using a different mode of transportation to reach your destination. Riding bikes, walking, and even taking the bus can be fun and educational experiences for yourself and your youngsters.

Cook your meals using different instruments. If you normally use the oven to cook, try using the grill, toaster, or stovetop. Cooking your dinner over a fire in the backyard can be very enjoyable as well. Involving your children in the meal time preparations can also lead to wonderful learning experiences.

Rearrange the house. Summer is a great time to do some reorganizing and rearranging. You and your children

Create a new and exciting adventure each day.

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mix it up to add some sunshine to your day


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With warm weather here, pets as well as people are spending more time outdoors. But is your pet

protected from one of the most common - and deadly - diseases?

A nationwide survey of more than 5,000 veterinary hospitals was recently completed by the American Heartworm Society (AHS) to gauge the incidence of heartworm disease in the United States. The sad news: While effective and affordable heartworm preventives for dogs and cats have been available for decades, the 2010 AHS survey documented heartworm in each of the contiguous United States and Hawaii - as well as in almost every county and parish.

If you’re a pet owner, here are five facts you should know about heartworm disease:

1. Blame the mosquito. Pets don’t infect each other, they require a go-between: the mosquito. More than 20 species of mosquitoes are known to spread heartworm, and they can carry the infected larvae for miles, even

transmitting the disease from wild animals (such as coyotes) to pets. And while mosquito repellents are a good idea for reducing mosquito numbers, they don’t take the place of monthly heartworm preventives. All it takes is for one infected mosquito to bite your dog or cat, and even the best mosquito repellent won’t provide adequate heartworm protection.

2. Your pet can’t escape the threat of heartworm disease. Heartworm incidence has been documented in all 50 states. That’s why the American Heartworm Society guidelines recommend that all U.S. pets be given heartworm preventive on a monthly basis, and dogs be tested annually for heartworm.

3. Cats get heartworm disease, too. Dogs are more susceptible than cats, but cats can become seriously ill

from just a few worms. The bottom line: if you live in an area where heartworm disease in dogs is prevalent, your cat should get preventive medication, too.

important facts about heartworm:

Providing state-of-the-art and compassionate health care of unsurpassed quality to your companion animals.

We are committed to being the leaders in animal health care for your loved ones. Our compassionate staff, sophisticated equipment and facilities provide

the most sophisticated veterinary care in the Carolinas.• Emergency Medicine • Surgery • Avian/Exotic Pets Behavior • Cardiology •

• Internal Medicine • Neurology • Oncology • Ophthalmology •• Radiation Oncology • Radiology • Rehabilitation •

EMERGENCY LOCATIONSCharlotte: 704-588-7015 Matthews: 704-815-3939Huntersville: 704-949-1100 Greensboro: 336-632-0605Winston-Salem: 336-896-0902

4099 Campus Ridge Rd. Matthews, NC 28104 • 704-815-3939 2225 Township Rd. Charlotte, NC 28273-3903 • 704-504-960812117 Statesville Rd. Huntersville, NC 28078• 704-949-1100

www.carolinavet.comwww.carolinavet.com

Carolina Veterinary SpecialistsCarolina Veterinary Specialists

4. Pets need more than “fair-weather” friends. While spring is when many pets are tested for heartworm, the American Heartworm Society recommends that pets be protected from this deadly parasite year-round. Between varying weather conditions, warm microclimates that form protective pockets where mosquitoes can survive and frequent travel with pets, limiting heartworm protection to warm-weather months can be a risky proposition.

5. Prevention beats the cure any day. Dogs with heartworm disease can and should be treated, but the cost is significant; treating a dog can cost more than $1,000 and dogs need careful monitoring and cage confinement for a month or more. Meanwhile, there is no effective medication for treating cats with heartworm disease. The good news: prevention, which is available for both dogs and cats, is a fraction of the cost of treatment and is much easier on your pet.

Only a veterinarian can ensure your pet is getting optimal protection from heartworm. For more information, talk to your veterinarian or visit www.heartwormsociety.org.

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I know I usually tell you about a dining experience in the South Charlotte area, however I decided that since no matter where you want to go in Charlotte around a

meal time your commute will take about 30 minutes. So why not expand a little bit, after all an hour and a half is not far when your experience is fantastic.

I had the pleasure of attending the Yadkin Valley Wine Festival this year. In case you haven’t been, it is held in Elkin, NC around the 3rd weekend of May. Over 30 different local wineries were present; there was live music and the weather was perfect. I was riding the shuttle bus back to the hotel when a mother and daughter were talking about dinner plans, I asked them where their favorite place was and they immediately said Sanders Ridge in Boonville, NC. I took my family there for lunch on Sunday.

It was kind of a lazy day since we had such a long and fun day at the wine festival on Saturday. We visited the general store in Rockford, NC and picked up some old time candy and we also discovered that you can rent canoes and kayaks right across the street at Yadkin River Adventures, this was a find since we don’t have to go all the way up the mountain to canoe on the river.

Finally, we meandered over to Sanders Ridge after stopping by Rag Apple Lassie Vineyards and sampling a few great wines, they also have a restaurant but we had made prior arrangements to meet some friends at Sanders Ridge, so we will have to try it another time. Sanders

Ridge is a beautiful place, although I am not a big fan of gravel driveways (gets the caddy dirty). The entrance is beautiful and the feeling you get when you arrive is like when you have rented an upscale cabin and you are finally there; everyone in the car remarks on some aspect of the beauty there. They have a pond with a gazebo where you can watch the turtles swim around, and just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature at its best.

Although the restaurant is beautiful inside we opted for a table on the large wrap around porch so we could blend with nature. Our server, Kelli, greeted us and offered to bring us a taste of some wines we were having a hard time deciding on. This was a big help, however, since our crowd was so diverse we still picked 4 different bottles, Chardonnay, Big Woods, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Round Hill, all them excellent and yes they went very fast.

The menu is diverse and features in season produce from Sanders Ridge Organic Farm as well as produce, meats and cheeses from local farms. The menu is a delight to browse from starters & salads to entrées & desserts; I love the variety of organic veggies used in the recipes.

My son and I chose to split the Grilled Tuna and Avocado sandwich served on ciabatta bread with roasted tomatoes and wasabi mayo. My wife & daughter-in-law opted to split the “Big Woods” burger, grilled and served with Chef Starr’s pimento cheese. When our meals arrived we were

The Fat Man Wines...!very pleased to see that the kitchen split our meals for us and added the necessary things to make it a complete and beautiful plate. I hate it when you want to split a meal and they just give you an extra plate and you have to mess with splitting it up.

Sanders Ridge is first class all the way, you can split a meal and it arrives at the table like it is the full entrée. Take my word for it Chef Starr is a master of combining ingredients so that each compliments the other, I never found myself saying “this is good but needs…”,

I did however ask for some extra wasabi mayo to dip my fries in. Although I have never been a big fan of pimento cheese, I did try a bite of the “Big Woods” burger with the pimento cheese and WOW I now like pimento cheese; I am sure it is a closely guarded secret and that’s ok, it gives you an excuse to come back to Sanders Ridge.

Our server Kelli was a joy to be around, very knowledgeable on the wine and food offerings. It turns out she is from Maryland where I am from and even attended the same high school I did although 25 years later “sigh”. It was fun to talk about the “hometown” and just have general conversation with her. Kelli was adept at finding common ground with you and I think that makes for a great dining experience since you feel relaxed around everyone in your space.

Now, let’s talk dessert! First of all, just the bringing of the dessert tray makes my wife smile and wiggle with excitement like a small child. It is fun to watch and I am sure she is not the only one that thinks dessert is a necessity in life. The dessert tray does not disappoint, you really want a bite of each one but since we are adults we only choose one dessert, my wife and shared the cheesecake.

Well, actually she got the cheesecake and I got a bite, but that was perfect; it went with the final sip of red wine I had left in my glass. We had a very enjoyable time at Sanders Ridge. We never felt rushed at all, but then again that is what life is like in the country, relaxing with friends

on the porch having a glass of wine with a great meal, all tied together with pleasant conversation amongst friends.

I should mention that Friday is ½ price bottles, so it is a great way to start your weekend in the Yadkin Valley. Oh, and just in case you want to do something more than just have a great meal, they also have a zip-line, and some organized nature walks, you can find details at www.sandersridge.com. So although I love to hang out and of course eat in South Charlotte, a short trip to the Yadkin Valley makes for a great experience.

If you have any ideas or would like the Fat Man to visit your restaurant, or if you want to share a favorite recipe then send me an email: [email protected]. (

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. . . yadkin valley style


Fruity Iced Tea Cooler Recipe

Fruity Iced Tea Cooler is a refreshing new way to enjoy your iced tea.

Recipe Ingredients• 2 quarts iced tea• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen cranberry, raspberry, lemon, lime or• orange concentrate, partially thawed and undiluted• 1 cup orange juice• 1/4 cup granulated sugarDirections1. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate.2. Serve cold over ice and enjoy!3. Serves 8.

Creamsicle Milk Shake Recipe

This orange-flavored Creamsicle Milk Shake is delicious!Recipe Ingredients• 2 scoops vanilla ice cream• 1 scoop orange sherbet• 1/3 cup milk• Splash of fresh orange juiceDirections1. Place all ingredients in a blender and mix until well

combined.

Similar Recipes• Peach Or Raspberry Iced Tea• Fruit Fluff Shake• Hot Butterscotch Cocoa• Fruity Iced Tea Cooler• Pudding Shakes

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