October 31st, 2012
Happy Halloween!! We know that everyone is getting excited to go out and show off your great costumes, collect lots of candy, and to have fun! Now the question is, what do you do with all that leftover candy? Well, we’ll buy it back from you!
We are running our 6th annual Halloween Candy Buy Back Program this year, in conjunction with Panorama Orthodontics. Bring your unwanted treats and candy into either office in November, and we will buy your candy back for $1 per pound, and also make a matching $1 donation to our friendly neighbours at the Tong Louie YMCA. Last year,we collected 225 pounds of candy, and rounded off our donation to the Y to an even $500! Let’s see if we can beat our total collection this year – we’ll be more than happy to increase our donation to the YMCA!
Everyone in the neighbourhood is welcome – you do not have to be a patient of Just4Kids or Panorama Orthodontics. Just stop by, say hello, and bring your piles of candy! Some people bring 1 or 2 lbs; some children have brought up to 10 lbs of candy! Tell all your siblings, cousins, friends, neighbours, and classmates – don’t let all that excess candy go to waste.
Lastly, most people wonder… what happens to all that candy? We donate the candy to our local food banks, drug rehabilitation centres, and other organizations in the Lower Mainland so it can be used in a positive manner.
What’s the goal of the Candy Buy Back Program?
- - We’re teaching children to have healthier dietary habits, with reduced intake of refined sugars.
- - We’re teaching children how to help out in the community, with their matching donations to the YMCA – some children in the past have even donated THEIR OWN portion of the buy back to the YMCA as well!
- - We’re keeping our patients’ teeth and braces healthier by avoiding unfriendly candy
- - We’re helping out other organizations in the Lower Mainland who use the candy in a positive manner
October 26th, 2012
The Children's Oral Health English and Spanish PSAs aim to motivate parents to take action to reduce their children's risk of oral disease by making sure their kids are brushing their teeth for two minutes, two times a day.
The PSAs feature silly activities that kids do throughout the day, such as watching a funny online video and playing video games, in an effort to communicate the importance of taking the time to brush twice a day for two minutes.
Take a look at this video! To learn more, visit 2min2x.org.
October 26th, 2012
Taking care of your smile is nothing new! People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years. In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.
The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.
It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.
Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):
• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in 1955 and Colgate in 1873
October 19th, 2012
Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.
To promote a healthy and clean environment, our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.
And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!
