Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester Shares Top Tips to Protect Your Children’s Teeth this Fall!

When it comes to playing sports, safety is the number one priority. Unfortunately, dental injuries are not uncommon when it comes to sports-related incidents. Here are our top tips to protect your children’s teeth during the back to school sports season.

Wear a mouth guard
The best way to prevent a dental injury is to wear a mouth guard. You don’t want your child’s teeth to be knocked out, broken or chipped. Before purchasing a mouth guard, talk with your dentist. Your dentist knows your child’s mouth the best. They know the appropriate suggestions for which mouth guard should be purchased. It is extremely important the mouth guard fits your child’s mouth properly. You do not want it to fall out while your child is on the field playing sports.

Maintain a healthy diet to build strong teeth and gums
By staying away from sugary snacks, you are building strong roots in your gums. When it comes to your child’s diet, limit soft drinks and sugary foods that promote tooth decay. Replace the candies, soda, and potato chips with fruits and vegetables. If your child does consume a sugary snack, the best thing they could do is drink water and brush their teeth. The water helps rinse away bacteria and brushing your teeth gives your child a good cleaning. The stronger your child’s teeth, the better protected they will be when playing a sport.

Take your child to the dentist twice a year
Taking your child to the dentist more than once a year might seem like a lot, but it is the easiest way to prevent any dental problems from forming. The dentist wants to keep your child’s teeth in tip-top shape. If any problems do occur, your dentist can fix it before it gets worse.
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Encourage good hygiene at home
From a young age, you want to encourage good dental hygiene in your children. Keeping good hygiene at home includes: brushing your teeth twice a day or after every meal, flossing at least once a day, and changing your toothbrush every three months. Good hygiene will help make your children’s teeth strong and prevent any injuries from occurring.

ABOUT ADVANCED DENTISTRY OF WESTCHESTER
Advanced Dentistry of Westchester offers patients of all ages the latest in dental care available in less than 1% of dental offices. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is run by Dr. Kenneth Magid, DDS, FICD, and Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD. The practice offers a variety of services including family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry and works with patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester also offers technology that enables them to care for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is located at 163 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY. For more information call (914) 835-0542 or visit www.adofw.com.

Summer is a time for pool parties and BBQ’s, but it is important to keep those pearly whites healthy too! Chips, sodas and sugary drinks are favorites of many people, but are also dental health dangers. Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester shares the top cavity culprits to look out for this summer and her favorite healthy substitutes. 

Lemonade 
When people think of summer, they often think of lemonade. What they may not think about is how sipping on this refreshing drink is affecting their teeth. Not only does the sugar in lemonade feed the bacteria in your mouth, but even the sugar-free lemonades have acid. It's the acid that actually causes tooth wear and decay. “When people talk about sugar causing cavities, what really happens is that the bacteria eat the sugar and produce acid which erodes the teeth. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your mouth to recover from the acid, so how often you sip or snack is actually more important to your teeth than how much,” said Dr. Magid-Katz. For a healthy substitute, try cucumber-infused water instead. It's just as refreshing on a hot summer day and good for you too!

Dried Fruit
Summer is a great time for fruit! Make sure to opt for fresh fruit instead of dried. Not only are many types of fruit in season now, but eating them fresh is a much healthier alternative. The dried fruit is sticky and holds on to your teeth for extended periods of time, constantly feeding the bacteria in your mouth and causing cavities. When eating any kind of fruit (or any food at all for that matter) beware of hidden pits that can break teeth and seeds that can hide under your gums and in the grooves of your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to keep the seeds out!

Gummy Candy
While gummy candy can be tempting this summer, it is one of the top cavity culprits! Be sure to avoid sticky candies and sour candies. “Sour candies get their sour taste from acid, which dissolves teeth,” said Dr. Magid-Katz. The sticky part of the candy sits on teeth and feeds bacteria. Go for the dark chocolate instead of the sour patch kids. Also avoid fruit by the foot. Fruit by the foot is many things, but fruit isn't one of them. It is like gluing sugar to your teeth. 
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“Healthy” sticky snacks
Granola and raisins are considered “healthy” snacks that are actually dental dangers. These snacks are prone to sticking to teeth and contain substances that help keep bacteria in the mouth. As a healthy alternative this summer, opt for a less sticky “healthy” snack such as celery. Celery has lots of fiber and water, which is good for your whole body. Try some nut butter on it for an extra boost.

ABOUT ADVANCED DENTISTRY OF WESTCHESTER
Advanced Dentistry of Westchester offers patients of all ages the latest in dental care available in less than 1% of dental offices. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is run by Dr. Kenneth Magid, DDS, FICD, and Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz, DMD. The practice offers a variety of services including family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry and works with patients who suffer from sleep apnea. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester also offers technology that enables them to care for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is located at 163 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY. For more information call (914) 835-0542 or visit www.adofw.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

​Nestled between Chappaqua and Mt. Pleasant towns, Sprout Wellness is a new family centered yoga studio located at 25 Broadway, Pleasantville. The studio's philosophy is to create a community learning space that enriches individuals and families by providing support and education. The goal is to become a resource for the community, in hopes of building a village of support for all.

To register for series:

1. Visit www.sproutwellnessny.com
2. Click on REGISTER FOR CLASS
3. Visit ONLINE STORE
4. Select Workshops & Series or Kids Classes or Family Yoga
5. Check out

While infertility is no laughing matter, the comic relief of knowing you are not alone can give you a little encouragement. The journey can feel never ending and impossible at times but for many women it often ends with a healthy, precious baby in your arms (or two… or three). 

​Going through infertility treatment is incredibly difficult, but here is a lighthearted look to make your trying to conceive journey more tolerable. 

​1. You think you’re alone but you’re actually part of the biggest underground female cult out there. Infertility can feel lonely, until you see the waiting room at the fertility clinic and realize that everyone is infertile. You are now part of a secret society. 

​2. Every thing in your life reminds you of infertility. You’re at a diner for brunch and the waiter asks you, “would you like some eggs?” “Yes, please, working eggs would be great.” 

3. You can get away with making your spouse do anything for you after you have done the deed. “Sorry honey, I can’t reach the remote/clean the dishes/do the laundry. I need to put my legs up.” 

​4. Balancing all the appointments might work in your favor. Juggling trips to the doctor and work is hard, but if the appointment is a nine in the morning and the mall opens at ten and you don’t need to be back at work until noon…. Retail therapy really is a thing. 

​5. Any excuse for wearing yoga pants all the time. Not that we needed an excuse to wear yoga pants and hoodies, but saying, “My ovaries are too big for real pants” does help to justify it. 

​6. You have the calendar memorized. What’s today’s date? What day of the month was it two Tuesdays ago? What’s the date next Thursday? Ask you, because you have it all memorized and highlighted with little flowers on the app on your phone. 

​7. Your lady parts are getting more action now than in college. What’s that? You weren’t prom queen? No worries, your nether region is making it up to you by winning the “Most Popular” award. 

8. “Sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name”. Once you’ve acquired fertility clinic frequent flyer status you become a combination of one of the Cheers cast members and Lebron James. Super staredom. 

9. Immaculate conception. If you want your father to think you’re still a virgin after having a kid, he can - since sex was not part of your child’s conception at all. 

​10. The Graduation that no one is invited to. If you missed your high school or baccalaureate graduations, don’t despair, eventually you will graduate from the clinic and transition back to your regular ob-gyn where the “normal” people are. The trumpets of Pomp and Circumstance will play loudly in your head while you size up all the other “normal” pregnant women who didn’t need fertility to get pregnant. The biggest façade of it all is that eight out of ten of those women are just as infertile as you, you’re never alone.  

The woman behind Hilariously Infertile is a Westchester native who now lives in White Plains with her husband and two daughters. After going through fertility treatment to conceive her children she wrote a book about the process with a hilarious, self-deprecating, comedic spin. She is actively seeking publishers for her book.

You can read more about her and her book at www.hilariouslyinfertile.com. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

​​Tips from Meghan Covington, Personal trainer, mom, and owner of Mind Body Fitness NYC
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​Summer is here and the swimsuits are out! Mixed feelings about it?  In a culture that is drilling "bikini body" images into our heads at every opportunity, moms often feel defeated when it comes to their physical self. We are constantly putting our children’s needs before our own.  How can we take care of the kids, clean the home, cook the dinner, maintain a job, AND stay healthy and fit? As a personal trainer, I encourage my mom clients to take a realistic approach. It's not about maintaining your 24-year-old-bikini-wearing body. It's about living in your healthiest, strongest, happiest body RIGHT NOW.
 
Here are a few realistic ways to find YOUR summer body. I promise it’s not too late!
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​Practice Mindful Eating
Do you catch yourself shoveling food into your face over the kitchen counter with the kids screaming in the background? Or do inhale your meal while binge watching your favorite show at the end of the day? Munching with distraction often causes us to overeat.  In these moments we do not allow our mind to process what the body is consuming.
 
Practice mindful eating. Put away electronic devices and wait for a quiet moment (without your kids around if possible). Savor each bite of your food. Notice the taste, the smell, and the texture. Remind yourself that each food is nourishing your body. By doing this we are better able to receive the message when we are satiated. We will also enjoy our eating experience on a deeper level.
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Find an Exercise Buddy
Do you know a friend who may be ready to make some healthy changes with you? Finding a workout buddy can help you stay on track. Set a weekly workout date, share recipes, or sign up for new group classes together.  Not only will you be more likely to exercise, but you will have more fun doing it.
 
Another option is finding an experienced and knowledgeable health coach, nutritionist, or personal trainer (like myself) to guide you. It may not be as cost effective as using a friend, but it will ensure that you see results in a timely, safe, and effective way.

Good luck finding your summer body! I am happy to offer Westchester NY Moms readers 40% off their first 3 in-home personal training sessions. My team does amazing work with moms throughout NYC and Westchester. We are here to help.  We also offer virtual skype sessions at a fraction of the cost. Visit www.mindbodyfitnessnyc.com for more info.
 
Want to chat with me in person? Come to the Hastings Flea next Sunday, July 10th for 10am to 4pm. I will be giving away free sessions, doing fitness consultations, and teaching kids yoga! www.hastingsflea.com
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With the first official day of summer just a few weeks away and temperatures on the rise it’s a great time to mix up your fitness routine. Stand Up Paddling also known as SUP-ing has gained a lot of attention in recent years as it actually works your entire body (literally from head to toe). The art of balancing has also been proven to help offset the natural deterioration of our brains as we age. Not a bad benefit right?
 
Not sure if SUP-ing is right for you? Here are 5 things to know before taking the plunge.
 
How does SUP-ing differ from other workouts today?
Unlike other workouts that isolate certain areas of the body, SUP-ing works almost every single muscle from your head to your toes literally all at once.
 
What are the physical benefits?
SUP-ing is a full body workout. You will work your arms, back, shoulder and leg muscles as well as your core, back and abdominals.
 
It’s also a low impact workout so there is less risk of joint damage. This is appealing for runners in particular who are battling shin splints, knee or hip pain.
 
Will it improve my balance?
Yes. You need to stand upright which requires a significant amount of core stability and leg strength to maintain your balance on the board.
 
Are there any other benefits?
Mastering the art of good balance can increase your focus and balance in your day-to-day life as well. Exercising while gliding through the water is soothing which in turn can reduce stress and positively impact your mental health.
 
Is it expensive?
The pricing is comparable to other workout class rates in Westchester and includes the use of all gear (board, paddle, life vest).  Class sizes are kept small which is a great advantage for learning in a small group environment.

Today, May 31st, Baby + Mom Fit opens its doors in Scarsdale. This is great news for moms of babies because your little one will take the class with you (no babysitter needed)! Classes are specifically designed for mommies by local mommy & trainer,  Norma LaVecchia. 

Unlike other fitness classes, your baby is placed in a carrier during class and is part of the regimen. The workout consists of isolated and compound movements, cardio exercise without jumping and no mat work. It's a total body workout using TRX, dumbells, steps and of course your "weighted vest"... your baby.  Classes are one hour and accommodate baby’s unpredictable schedule. Is your sweetheart snoozing? No problem! The studio is stroller friendly. Let your pumpkin sleep! Extra weights are available to make up for it. Of course, whatever your comfortable with and can handle.  

Beyond her AFAA (American Fitness Association of America), Personal Training, Group Instructor, Kickboxing, and Cycling Certifications, Prenatal and Postnatal trainings, Norma is a Mom. She knows how hard it is for Mom to take care of Mom-- especially during the first year of baby’s life. She designed a safe environment that supports and motivates all Moms to invest the time into strengthening their bodies. 

Classes begin on May 31st. Baby + Mom Fit is offering a FREE FIRST CLASS! If you love it they offer a drop-in rate ($25 per class) and multi-class packs ($112.50 for 5, $200 for 10, $380 for 20). 
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00am-12:00pm
Location: MYX Fitness 1142 Wilmot Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583, Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center

A few months ago, my sister-in law Vera and I decided we needed some time to ourselves to decompress and yoga seemed to be the right choice. Between us, we have six boys; and knowing that just getting out of the house on a weeknight would be an impossible feat, we hired a yoga instructor who was willing to come to us on a weekly basis.

Other than motivating ourselves to get excited about yoga after a long day, the biggest challenge was what do with our six boys (and one cute but overly attached dog) while we would be trying to find our  “inner peace”.  We decided to have the first session in Vera’s basement. We gave the children strict instructions that they were not to disturb us or come downstairs, and left them under the not so watchful eyes of my brother-in-law Jonathan.

Our instructor arrived and we immediately took a liking to her.  If anyone could inspire us she was that person! During this first session, we were not surprised to find that we were equally inflexible and uncoordinated. Our tree poses looked like trees during a Nor’easter. We laughed as we “transitioned” from our down dogs to our cobras. We tried desperately to relax as the sounds of 6 boys running and screaming in the living room vibrated above our heads. We tried to ignore Daisy’s whimpering and scratching at the basement door. We wondered where Jonathan was and grew frustrated at his inability to keep everyone quiet. But then something surprising happened. Somewhere between the final stretching and the soothing sounds of music emanating from our instructor’s iPhone, we managed to unwind. By the end of the hour amid all the chaos and cracking bones we did actually feel more relaxed.

Since then, we have kept up with our weekly sessions, even when life’s crazy schedule gets in the way. I did once miss half a session because my toilet overflowed. I came over to Vera’s house in tears, saying  “I have no time for yoga! I need to fix my toilet. Can I borrow your plunger?”

Our instructor continues to teach us how to focus our minds on the moment and away from the stresses and sounds of our daily lives.  For one hour every week, we simply focus attention on ourselves. For the most part, we’ve learned to tune out the kids, our husbands, the barking dog, the lawnmowers, the ringing phones and find our own version of quiet. Sure, there are still plenty of good laughs and unlimber limbs but it’s one hour that belongs to us, with lots of love and sparkles!

Marcie Gandell is a full time Westchester NY Mom to three boys and a part-time web designer. She is also a cook, housekeeper, chauffeur, handyman, expert negotiator and an excellent juggler!

Read more from her at her blog, Random Stupid Thoughts, a Mom's View of the World

Harrison is getting a whole lot healthier! If you're looking for a terrific new workout or a neighborhood place to take a cycling or yoga class, the new TotalFusion studios has you covered.
 
Conveniently located in the Harrison Mall (near  Key Food and right next door to Joli Salon & Spa) and just steps away from the Harrison Metro North train station, TotalFusion offers a unique selection of classes such as combo cycle/yoga, combo cycle/weight training, and rhythm (think Zumba but better and much more fun!) as well as traditional classes like Barre, cycle, yoga, dance (hip hop) and more. For a complete list of classes visit www.totalfusionstudios/classes/.
 
TotalFusion’s classes, created by their founders leading cardiologist, Dr. Dima Teitelman and anesthesiologist and pain management expert Dr. Allen Coopersmith, were designed with a specific goal in mind: to create a better workout that is fun and improves members' physical and mental health. Many of TotalFusion's classes combine elements of various exercises to create new and better workouts that you cannot experience anywhere else. Studies have shown that the benefits of an intense workout that focuses on a singular activity can often peak after 30 minutes, and switching to a different activity for the next 20-30 minutes (for example, cycle to weight training) will maximize results. Expect a great workout and a great time each time you workout with them.
 
TotalFusion offers the complete experience. The studio itself is beautifully decorated, the amenities are free (towel service and bottled water to name a few) and there is plenty of parking. Men's and women's showers allow commuters to work out, shower and head to the office, a great way to start the day.
 
If you're still on the fence, every new customer gets 3 FREE CLASSES to sample their various classes.

You can visit their website at www.totalfusionstudios.com to register and schedule your classes.

Visit our Community Calendar to see upcoming events and classes at Sprout Wellness.