Happy New Year! A good resolution for 2012 is to have better flossing practices. Below you will find some great idea’s to make flossing a “family health habit”.

1. Buy a pocket mirror and flossing bag and floss on the drive home from school.

2. Make a flossing chart (you can print off a calendar from your computer). For each week the flossing is done, the kids get a special treat, i.e. an extra hour of fun time, T.V. or video games.

3. Turn T.V. time into a flossing game. During commercial breaks, everyone flosses. The one who finishes first wins.

4. Try different flavored floss, like Toms Cranberry, for something fun.

5. Make an envelope puppet (link for directions is below). Hang one on every bathroom door as a flossing reminder. Each family member can create thier own puppet.

http://life123.com/parenting/young-children/kids-crafts/how-to-make-puppets-from-envelopes.shtml

HAPPY FLOSSING! 

Dr. Vickie

Hi, this is Dr. Vickie and welcome to my blog. From time to time I will be posting helpful information for my patients and their families on a variety of topics. I would love for you to stop by anytime and comment if you like.

This month is all on Halloween safety. Walking through your neighborhood in costume can be a fun activity, but you need to remember to do it safely. Below you will find several tips to make your Trick or Treating experience safe and fun! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.

Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.

Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

Enter homes only if you’re with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.