Tasty Bites: About Living in the Central San Joaquin Valley and Everything Else!

0 to 5 in 30 Minutes! -- Fluoride Varnishing.wmv

2012-01-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

It's a New Year, and after all those holiday treats, here's how to protect your child's teeth from all those "acid-attacks"

2011-11-13T15:05:00.001-08:00

This a test message to my blog. Hope you thanked a veteran on Friday!

It's B-a-a-a-c-k! HALLOWEEN CANDY BUYBACK!!!

2011-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunties, and Uncles,

Halloween is coming, and normally it’s hard for your dentist to get excited about that day because of all the candy your kids will eat. However, this year will be different. Don’t you just wish that on the day after Halloween that your kids’ sacks full of candy would just disappear? Well we can help, and this is something we are very excited about! This year we’ll buy the candy back from your kids. We’re not kidding! Sure, they can have a few treats on Halloween night and maybe even keep a couple more for later in the week. But we’ll take the rest of it and pay them for it! The candy will be shipped overseas to our courageous troops (who could sure use a treat or two!) serving our country abroad . In return, we’ll give your kids $1 per pound of donated candy and a goody bag! If they create a card or letter to send to our troops, they’ll be entered in a special contest for a Jamba Juice gift card Also if you “Guess the Total Candy Weight” correctly, you could win 4 movie tickets!

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be very watchful now more than ever before. Too much candy can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain, as well as cavities or worse. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.

Kids should still dress up, go out, have fun, and yes, even eat some candy. But after picking out the best of their stash, they will probably have about 10 pounds left, and nobody needs that much candy!

Bring your kids and your candy to 2630 N. Fresno St. #101, Fresno CA 93703 on November 1^st between 3:00 pm and 6:30pm (559-226-3010) and please spread the word!

Sincerely,

Treva D. Lee, DDS,

Master of the Academy of General Dentistry

Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists

P.S., If you’d like to donate any promotional items to include in the kid’s goody bags, or help defray the shipping costs to Operation Gratitude, that would be terrific!!

Adding Another Tool in the Toolbox to Help Dental Patients

2011-08-09T19:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Central Valley Resident,

As you well know, treating high fear dental patients while they sweat and squirm in the chair is stressful for both the patient and the doctor. These kind of dental appointments increase the patient's hatred of dentistry and many patients go untreated for months if not years!

If you have a friend, relative, or colleague in need of dental treatment who:

Consistently break appointments due to fear

Cannot get numb

Are needle-phobic
Have a high gag reflex

Have had a traumatic dental experience
Have very sensitive teeth
Simply don't have the time

Then I invite you to consider referring them to us to complete their general dentistry while they are sedated. As an active member of DOCS (Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation), I have updated my training in the safe and effective use of sedation for dentistry and have an additional California Dental Board license specifically for Oral Conscious Sedation.

Many simple to complex, multiple-visit procedures can be performed in as little as one visit. I am dedicated to helping people have healthy, attractive smiles.

If I can be of help to you or someone you know, please call me at 559-921-4692

Yours Sincerely,

Treva Diane Lee, DDS, MAGD, FICOI

P.S. I also invite your to email me: info@trevaleedds.com

Free Children's Dental Clinics Cancelled

2011-02-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

BECAUSE OF DAMAGE TO THE DENTAL HYGIENE CLINIC FROM A BURST WATER MAIN, THE FRESNO-MADERA DENTAL SOCIETY FINDS IT NECESSARY TO CANCEL THE S.O.S.(Save and Seal Our Smiles) PROGRAM AND THE (G.K.A.S.)GIVE KIDS A SMILE PROGRAM. BELOW IS A STATEMENT FROM DR. GREG NALCHAJIAN AFTER VISITING THE CLINIC.

“After seeing the clinic this morning, and talking with the directors, it is clear there is no possible way to safely manage the numbers of patients and volunteers in the clinic in its current state...There's a good chance the clinic may not be fully put together this summer, as they are changing out some of the chairs, and finishing the reconstruction. Let's talk about it when we have more information from FCC and then we'll move forward from there.

I'll notify all the dentists/teams that have signed up through my office, and for each of you, please contact the groups you have made contact with and we'll hopefully catch just about everyone who is planning to come that Saturday. Thanks to all for a great volunteer effort, and I'm sure we'll come out of this stronger and better.”

SOS & GKAS is an annual volunteer effort by Fresno-Madera Dental Society member-dentists, clinical team members, and dental assisting/hygiene students to provide free pediatric preventive and restorative treatment targeting primarily disadvantaged children. Efforts are also made to connect families with available dental and medical resources in the local community. The majority of preventive care and screening of the children is undertaken at the Fresno City College hygiene clinic and those needing immediate dental treatment are then directed to several dental offices, again, staffed by volunteers. This year the plan was for the offices of Dr Starr, Dr. Asselin, and Dr Voytilla to be used for the restorative clinic. Unfortunately, as was previously explained, the FCC hygiene clinic is unavailable and the SOS and GKAS events have been cancelled from their Feb 26th,2011 date. Please look for this event's return!

What’s the “down-low” on Electric Toothbrushes?

2011-02-02T11:07:00.001-08:00

Doesn't it seem like there's been a lot of advertising going on lately about electric toothbrushes? Especially those funky ones on TV infomercials? Well, to help sort through all the hype, I'd like to cover some features to look for when buying an electric toothbrush. If you have decided to go ahead and buy an electric toothbrush, either sonic or high end conventional rotary type, you will find that the various models you have to choose from will each offer their own combination of options. Some of these options will vary by way of the design type of the toothbrush (i.e. sonic or conventional electric) while other features will vary by way of the individual manufacturer and what they feel is important to offer.

Listed below are the options we have observed as being available. No doubt you will find some of these to be of great benefit and then others of much less importance to your specific situation, but I list them all in an attempt to be thorough and complete.

Electric toothbrush timers: As you probably know, one of the main problems with brushing is that many people simply do not brush long enough. So to help to alleviate this problem many electric toothbrush manufacturers have incorporated timers (with either audible or tactile signals) into their products so to give their users an idea of how long to brush. The most common variations on the idea of brush timers are as follows:

Brushing duration timers: These timers are intended to provide a guideline related to the total amount of time to brush. Typically these timers trigger at one or two minute intervals.

Quadrant timers: Dentists will often refer to the mouth as being composed of four "quadrants" (i.e. the upper left teeth, the lower right teeth, etc...). Some electric toothbrush manufacturers have incorporated timers into their brushes that trigger at intervals marking how long you should brush each single quadrant of your mouth. Usually these timers trigger at 30-second intervals.

Electric toothbrush power settings: Some electric toothbrush designs allow for an option that sets the power of the brushing action to either a "high" or "low" level.

Typically an electric toothbrush's greatest benefits will be achieved with the brush set to its higher setting. The lower power setting is usually suggested for those who have just started to use the product and find that either they or their oral tissues require a transitional brushing motion.

Is more than one person going to use your electric toothbrush?: If more than one person will be using your new electric toothbrush you will need a way of identifying each individual person's brush head. Most manufacturers color code their brush heads so they can be easily identified. You will also have to consider where you are going to store these extra brush heads when they are not in use. With some electric toothbrush models the brush heads can be stored on the toothbrush's recharging base.

Replacement brush heads: Just as with manual toothbrushes, the bristles of electric toothbrush brush heads do wear out. I reviewed the websites of several electric toothbrush manufacturers and found that they typically recommend replacing brush heads somewhere between every 3 to 6 months. When choosing an electric toothbrush don't forget to figure in the cost and availability of replacement brush heads.

Does the electric toothbrush have a money back guarantee trial period?

Some toothbrush manufacturers and/or vendors offer a trial period during which you can use and evaluate an electric toothbrush. This may be an important option to those who have never used an electric toothbrush before and are hesitant to go to the expense of buying one, not knowing if they will use it.

I hope that this was educational and that it helps you find the right brush for you! And if you really want to know which brush I actually use, please leave a comment/email address and I'll message you back!

Wacky Wednesday: What Not to Do to Your Teeth

2011-01-12T17:25:00.001-08:00

What Not to Do to Your Teeth

So you think your teeth are strong. They can handle anything, right? Wrong. While you may be tempted to use your teeth as a household tool or stress relief aid, think again. You could be damaging your teeth beyond repair. A recent poll of local dentists to find out some of the worst (and wackiest) dental habits they have seen in patients.

Warning: do not try these at home!

Cleaning teeth with Comet, bleach or other household cleaners. Household cleaners are abrasive and will wear down the enamel of your teeth. Some cleaners are poisonous.
Chewing toenails. Your teeth are for chewing food and speaking. Use a nail file or clippers to keep your mouth…and your feet…safe from bacteria.
Using "crazy glue"for loose dental work. Super-strong glue will still dissolve over time. See your dentist for long-term solution for loose dental work.
Opening beer bottles with teeth. This can break the tooth; get that bottle opener out of the drawer!
Sucking on lemons. This is sometimes done with the misguided goal to whiten teeth or freshen breath. But, the citric acid will break down the enamel on your teeth and cause sensitivity and decay.
Filing teeth(real & fake) with a nail file. You can risk taking too much of the tooth and damaging the tooth. See your dentist if the shape of the tooth doesn't seem right.
Flossing with household items. Dentists have seen people floss with objects including hair, needles, credit cards, paper, and rubber bands. These things can break in your mouth and put you at risk for injury and infection. Hard items like paperclips will wear away enamel when used repeatedly and can even chip your tooth.
Rinsing with acidic liquids. Just like sucking on lemons, sloshing liquids like vinegar, orange juice or soda in your mouth will wear away teeth and cause decay. Your best bet is a mouthwash containing fluoride or xylitol.
Removing teeth with pliers/power tools. Yep, leave this to the professional! Doing it yourself risks infection, broken teeth, and bone damage to your jaw.
Chewing pens. This can fracture teeth, leading to otherwise unnecessary dental treatment, besides maybe swallowing some ink. There are safer ways to relieve stress and fight boredom. Preserve your teeth for their real jobs: talking and chewing food.

If you would like your smile to be attractive and healthy, Dr Treva Diane Lee can be reached at 559-921-4693 or visit her website www.TrevaLeeDDS.com for free reports!

WalMart's Fighting Hunger--in Fresno

2010-12-30T23:41:00.000-08:00

This a a guest editorial by KMJ radio host and personality Chris Daniel:

An open letter from Chris Daniel to Salt Lake City...

by KMJNOW on Tuesday, 28 December 2010 at 12:40

For all of our lives, and those of the past 4 generations, Fresno and the surrounding San Joaquin Valley have fed this country. Your fruit, your grapes and raisins, your peaches, plums and nectarines. Most of your citrus. All of your almonds and walnuts. A large majority of your dairy. Even a great deal of your cotton and meats.

How was that tangerine in your Christmas stocking? Fresno grown, I'll bet.

Fresno feeds America...but America just makes it a punchline and wonders if there's a beach.

Now, with EPA-created drought, Sacramento ineptitude and a crushing business climate (with regulations galore no Utahan would tolerate), Fresno finally needs food for herself. Neighboring city Mendota has 44% unemployment. FORTY-FOUR percent. Fresno's food banks are bare.

I know it's hard to believe that America's #1 food producing area needs food. But we truly do. That's 2011 America.

It is wonderful that you want to support your excellent city's hungry people. But, before you vote for Salt Lake, please consider this:

Fresno has always fed you. Now Fresno needs food. I hope you'll step up for all of the years you shared her bounty and vote for Fresno.

-CD

Coming Soon: Halloween Candy Buyback!

2010-10-01T18:19:00.001-07:00

Dear Moms and Dads,

Halloween is coming, and normally it's hard for your dentist to get excited about that day because of all the candy your kids will eat. However, this year will be different. Don't you just wish that on the day after Halloween that your kids' sacks full of candy would just disappear? Well we can help, and this is something we are very excited about! This year we'll buy the candy back from your kids. We're not kidding! Sure, they can have a few treats on Halloween night and maybe even keep a couple more for later in the week. But we'll take the rest of it and pay them for it! The candy will be shipped overseas through Operation Gratitude http://www.opgratitude.com/ to our courageous troops (who could sure use a treat or two!) serving our country abroad . In return, we'll give your kids $1 per pound of donated candy and a goody bag! If they create a card or letter to send to our troops, they'll be entered in a special contest for an I-tunes gift card. Also if you "Guess the Total Candy Weight" correctly, you could win an I-Pod Shuffle!

Kids can still dress up, go out, have fun, and yes, even eat some candy. But after picking out the best of their stash, they will probably have about 10 pounds left, and nobody needs that much candy!

Bring your kids and your candy to 2630 N. Fresno St. #101, Fresno CA 93703 on November 1^st between 4 pm and 6pm (559-226-3010) and please spread the word!

Sincerely,

Treva D. Lee, DDS,

Master of the Academy of General Dentistry

P.S., If you'd like to donate any promotional items to include in the kid's goody bags, or help defray the shipping costs to Operation Gratitude, that would be terrific!!

Form Letter Email Response from "My" Representative

2010-09-15T14:59:00.000-07:00

Now I really don't feel like part of the political process. Yes, I'm venting. "Write your representative, express your opinion. Your thoughts count (...only if they are congruent with the politician's interests)! Let them be your voice." Uh huh, below I have what Senator Boxer's aides have emailed me in response to my efforts to communicate regarding an issue I am concerned about:

Dear Dr. Dds:

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.

If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.Barbara BoxerUnited States SenatorPlease do not respond to this message. If you would like to comment on legislation, please visit my website and use the correspondence form at http://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm

Blah, blah, blah. For starters, they couldn't even mail merge my name onto the salutation correctly. Who's "Dear Dr. Dds"??? No mention whatsoever regarding the nature of my views or comments. To tell you the truth, with no reference like a bill designation, I don't have a clue either as to what issue I'd written to her about! How is she supposed to represent me if she doesn't even acknowledge what I was concerned about in the first place? Two-thirds of the brief boilerplate email is all about her....doesn't that just seem to be wrong? Serving in public office should not be all-about-you, it should be all about your constituency.

And she thinks she's in touch with the public?I'm trying to do my civic duty, how about she do her's and represent ME!

Invisalign Orthodontics Can Improve Oral Health and Your Appearance Too!

2010-08-31T00:30:00.001-07:00

Invisalign® Can Work for You AND Improve Your Oral Health!

The hygienic benefits of Invisalign®

It’s removable for good hygiene.
You can brush and floss normally, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Healthier gums.

Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart. Research has shown that periodontal tissue health may improve after Invisalign® treatment reducing the risk of periodontitis and gingivitis. 1

You can still eat when you want.
Because the aligners are removable and should be removed when you eat, you don’t have to worry about what you eat.

Cleanings are quicker and easier than with traditional orthodontics. There are no brackets or wires to clean around as with traditional orthodontics.

Recognizing October as National Hygiene Month
Treva Diane Lee, DDS, MAGD will offer

FREE Invisalign® Consultation
Complimentary Whitening with Invisalign® Treatment
$500 off All New Treatments Started Now & Through October
(With $500 down payment)
(O% interest-0%finance charge payment plans available,O.A.C)
Call now 559-921-4693
For more information about Invisalign visit: http://www.clearbraces.com/

See how Invisalign can give you the best opportunity to have a healthy smile not just at the end of treatment, but during treatment.
Offer Expires October 31, 2010

Smarter Living event with your BBB at the Sierra Vista Mall

2010-08-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Come on out to this great event where you as the consumer will be able to learn about all the great programs and businesses available to you! As a Better Business Bureau accredited business, Dr. Lee ensures that her patients and clients will be taken care of according to a very high standard of ethical business practices.

She will have a table-booth where you can enter a drawing to win an MP3 player, backpack of back-t0-school supplies, or a bottle of wine. So stop by her booth and pickup some treat tips and information. She'll have some great specials on teeth whitening and "invisible braces". See you this Saturday the 14th from 10 am to 3pm!

What Does the Clovis Rodeo Have to Do With Your Dental Insurance Benefits?

2010-04-21T15:47:00.001-07:00

Howdy Partner!

Last weekend in April around these here parts, means the Clovis Rodeo will be in town. So do all you Cowgirls and Cowboys have those pearly whites all nice and clean to flash at one another at the Hoe-down on Saturday night?

If not, you'd better saddle-up and giddy-up your pony on over to the dentist soon! 'Cuz if you have dental insurance and haven't had your 1st cleaning & exam before the month of June rolls around, you'll lose out on your already-paid benefit for the 2nd cleaning & exam in a calendar year (if insurance only allows cleaning every 6 months, you'll never get those benefits paid out before the end of the year)!!

See? that's different than plans that allow those continuing care appointments twice a year.

Every 6 months not the same thing as twice a year.!

So if y'all and your family need a good dental home, call Dr. Treva Diane Lee's office now 559-226-3010 and reserve some time. For a new first-time patient special offer, go to www.DrTrevaLee.com

Treva D. Lee, DDS, MAGD

I help people of all ages have healthy attractive smiles!

559-226-3010

The Stupid Tax

2010-03-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Again, I can't take credit for writing this blog, and I don't know who did...

The Stupid Tax

When he spoke the room grew quiet. What he said next gave the entire assemblage one of the biggest ah-ha's of the entire conference. First, he related how he had tried to go it alone and how much he had spent. It was nearly fifty thousand a month promoting his business. His tone foreshadowed his next words.

"I had been paying the stupid tax month in and month out because I thought I could go it alone. Yet when I finally did get the advice and consulting I needed, my promotion spend dropped to twenty-five thousand a month with better results."

John's admission created more than a little buzz in the room as each member of the crowd reflected on his own life and the stupid tax he had paid on more than one occasion.

For the throng, it was one of those unexpected learning moments - a treasure that made the entire day worthwhile all by itself.

How many forms of the stupid tax have you seen others pay? Have you paid yourself?

First, the definition of stupid tax: the money, time, energy or effort you paid or lost needlessly.

The stupid tax is an error that costs you that didn't have to.

Patients pay this toll repeatedly - waiting until the problems are so bad that the time, energy and expense to repair them mount to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

The tax is paid when one keeps doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.

The tax is levied against one when one fails to act when one knows one should.

The tax is extracted from one's bank account when one tries to go it alone when one is not an expert in a field when one needs an expert.

This "unnecessary fee" is paid when one fails to implement what works.

The tax comes due when one tries to go cheap when one shouldn't.

The tax gets paid when patience is required and impatience reigns.

The tax is paid when one doesn't nurture one's leads and doesn't continue to communicate with both leads and existing patients.

The stupid tax is life's way of teaching us lessons - hopefully only once instead of several times over.

Do you know someone who is paying one now? Can you help them?

Alzheimer's Awareness Walk

2010-03-12T00:51:00.000-08:00

It's coming soon. Senior Living Network, to which yours truly belongs to, is organizing the annual Alzheimer's Awareness Walk on March 20th, 2010 at Woodward Park. The Facebook link http://twurl.nl/u2qoyk (or click on title of this blog entry) should also have a registration form available for your to print out and get registered! Teams of 4 are just $50. T-shirts and goody bag for every entrant!

5K race, 2k run/walk, kids race. Benefits three LOCAL organizations: Alzheimer's foundation, Valley Caregiver Resource Center - Oasis, UCSF Alzheimer's & Memory Research. This is not affiliated with the "memory" walk that takes place in the Fall and takes donation money out of the Valley. Should be great weather, so come on out and join us. C'mon, you know you need to "move your body"...!

Rogue Fresno Is coming

2010-02-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

Fresno's own "fringe"festival celebrating a variety of arts is coming soon! All different types of independent performers, groups, and exhibits will be featured!

It’s the All “Saints” Springtime Special

2010-02-18T11:09:00.001-08:00

In honor of the New Orleans' Saints victory in the Super Bowl,

we feature two saints of importance: Saint Valentine and

Saint Patrick for our special seasonal offer…

Want a Whiter, More Youthful-Looking Smile?

We have two great programs that many of our patients have

had great results with: Zoom! in-office whitening (as seen on

"Extreme Makeover" TV show) which in about an hour's

treatment time gets your teeth 4 to 6 shades lighter using the

special gel and unique visible light spectrum light.

Or, our Whitening for Life™ take-home system where you may

be eligible for free whitening touch-up gel for as long as you

are a patient of Dr. Treva D. Lee.

Plus, for a limited time only, have your smile brightened and we'll give you a gift certificate for the same whitening treatment that you can give a friend or loved one. Call Jessica at 559-921-4692 to schedule now and tell her you want the "Saints-Whitening-Special"!

Hurry! This special only lasts until March 19^th!

www.DrTrevaLee.com

Free Annual Sealant and Dental Care Clinic for Kids

2010-02-01T17:47:00.001-08:00

It's B-a-a-a-a-c-k!

SOS:Seal & Save Our Smiles Clinic, Free Dental Care!

SEAL & SAVE OUR SMILES CLINIC

GIVE KIDS A SMILE CLINIC

FAMILY CARE FAIR

FREE DENTAL CARE!

For students in kindergarten – 6^th grade who attend

Fresno, Central and Clovis Unified School Districts

Dental Exams, Sealants, Cleanings, Fluoride Treatment, and Screening for restorative care at Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic
Crowns, White and Silver Fillings, Extractions and more off campus in a private dental office
All provided by local dental providers at no cost!

Effective Jan. 1, 2007 AB 1433 went into effect requiring all children must have a dental exam before their first year in public school.

Please Note: Services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. Comprehensive treatment will not be available.

WHEN: Saturday, February 27^th, 2010

9:00 am – 12:00 pm at FCC Dental Hygiene Clinic

9:00am – 1:00pm at dental office (location to be determined)

WHERE: Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic

Health Science Building

Corner of Weldon/Glenn

1101 E. University Ave.

Fresno, CA 93741

Private dental office (location to be determined)

Educational Booths will be available as well as nterpreters.

For More Information, call the Fresno-Madera Dental Society, 438-7284.

(Posted by Dr. Treva D. Lee, 226-3010, www.DrTrevaLee.com)

Honoring Those Who Really Serve Our Country

2009-11-16T01:13:00.000-08:00

For this little story, the author is unknown. A belated Veteran's Day thought:

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.' His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks...'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

November: National Alzheimer's Disease Month

2009-11-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

Excerpted from the Senior Living Network (Fresno)2009 Fashion Show Luncheon Fundraiser Program--- National Alzheimer's Disease Month is an annual, national observance that was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. The observance began as a way to increase public awareness and Federal research funding with the goal of finding treatments and cure for Alzheimer's disease

I just found this poem to be very moving:

SHE MISSES HIM
by Tim Johnson

She shaves his face, she combs his hair,
She helps him find his rockin'chair.
She cooks his meals, she wipes his mouth
And the window that he's lookin' out.

She reads him books, she speaks his hame
Oh, every day is much the same.
She sights that sigh from deep within.
The one that says she misses him.

She misses his gentle touch.
And the way he used to make her laugh.
She misses the man he was
In all those old photographs.
So strong, so kind, so sweet, so smart.
The man who stole her very heart...
She misses him.

His children come on Saturday.
There at his feet his grandkids play.
It's sad they don't know him at all,
He's just the one they call Grandpa.

The take out his trash, they mow his lawn,
Things he can't do since he's been gone.
She's grateful that they're pitchin' in.
And like everyone, she misses him.

And yes, they're still together after all these years
But sometimes you can almost feel
The sadness in her tears
The man who stole her very heart, she misses him.

...Senior Living Network (Fresno) raises funds and community awareness through education about Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. The proceeds this year will benefit: Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California, UCSF-Fresno Alzheimer's & Memory Center, Valley Caregiver Resource Center-OASIS

Oral Health Care for Seniors & the Aging Mouth

2009-09-09T22:52:00.001-07:00

Form Letter From my State Representative

2009-08-11T00:16:00.000-07:00

I'm so disappointed. I took the time to write my local representative and I still got a very generic form letter. This could have been referring to any other bill as the language is so vague and generalized. Here is what his aides sent out, boilerplate email(they couldn't even merge my name in the note???):

Dear Constituent:
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding SCA 21 and ACA 24. It is important for all elected officials to hear from their respective constituents regarding matters of concern.

I believe, as you do, that California is a great state which needs to be maintained in such a manner. As we move forward, you can be assured that I will take your concerns into consideration.

Once again, I appreciate your time and effort in contacting my office. Please do not hesitate to call my district office at (559) 445-5532 if I may be of further assistance to you on any state related issue.

Sincerely,

Juan Arambula
Member of the Assembly
Thirty-First District

Here is my original email:

-----Original Message-----
From: treva@cal.berkeley.edu
Date sent: 08/03/2009 11:47 pm

I am writing to express my opposition to SCA 21 & ACA 24, which would cause irreparable harm to California's world-class public university system. First of all, I really hope I don't just get some templated email form as a reply. Secondly, I bleed Blue & Gold, I attended undergrad at CAL and grad school at UCLA. I am a productive, tax-paying individual, who actively contributes to the well-being of my community. I had the best education that public funds can buy. I think the UC system should remain relatively free and autonomous of the legislature and it's tendency to do whatever is politically expedient. The so-called legislative take-over of UC is a misguided and over-reaching proposal under the false guise of reform. That's why I'm joining a broad coalition of concerned Californians -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- to oppose this plan. For 140 years, the current system of governance has served UC, its faculty, its graduates, and all Californians well. The University of California has an unparalleled record of success. Why should we put that at risk with an unproven, untested, undefined legislative take-over? The University of California must remain true to its mission, which is firmly and historically rooted in its independence. We should not take lightly any attempt to weaken UC's ability to compete and succeed and, in turn, weaken California's future. Fiat Lux ! Thank you, and I urge you to oppose SCA 21 and ACA 24.

Central San Joaquin Valley-centric videos on YouTube

2009-06-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, last Christmas I got one of those Flip video cameras as a gift. Kind of like the “point & shoot” equivalent between SLR cameras and auto-everything cameras. Easy to use and not too many bells & whistles to confuse someone else that you’d hand the camera to for an impromptu photo or video. For a newbie like me to upload/download stuff to different websites, their very direct and simple instructions makes it very easy to share stuff with everyone. So my YouTube “channel” is Yayvalley. That means go to www.Youtube.com/yayvalley and you’ll be able to view what I’ve got posted up on there. Pretty mundane things like my kids’ concerts and activities and of course, since I’m a dentist, I’ve included in some of my pleased patients (hey, do you think I’d put “Ms Grumpy-grouchy” in there?). So I hope you like my slice of life. Please feel free to comment on here, or on the video itself on the website.

Kids and Cell Phones:Discuss Amongst Yourselves!

2009-04-01T01:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, this essay has been prompted by the fact that my 11 yr old daughter just recently lost the cell phone she was supposed to "share" with her 14 year old brother. The phone is supposed to be mainly for communication with us, her parents, regarding schedule changes for after-school rehearsals, pickup needed school project items, etc. You know, "important" relevant stuff. We are on a family plan that currently only shares voice minutes...but wait! The kids are all into texting now a days, and that can really run up a phone bill fast! And given that you are usually locked into your current plan for at least a year to two years, those extra data minutes can add alot of zeroes onto your bill.

So what's a parent to do? Well for starters, the phone is not for recreational use. At least, not when it's in the kid's possession:
1. Just Say NO! No texting to friends via cell phone, especially when they're just hanging out in the same room or playground, or have just finished talking on the phone.
2. Set a number to limit the # of text messages sent/received and voice minutes. Check the account on-line and have your child graph it...good practical application of math.
3. Use parental controls to set time limits, time of day usage, or block certain numbers. One cellular service provider, www.kajeet.com makes it very easy to do this. Check to see if your wireless company gives you access to the same features.
4. Your child cannot give out their phone number to their friends without your approval. Only relatives or recognized extended family members will make the cut. This will help to keep teasing/harassing/bullying opportunities to a minimum. If someone calls or texts them, and it was not prearranged, your child will lose cell phone privileges accordingly. Your child, however, may initiate calls
5. Give them the oldest cell phone in the family. They should not have the latest, most expensive phone with all the bells & whistles. They don't deserve it! You deserve the souped-up version. Good for us parents is that an older phone simply won't do as much, and kids are less likely to be tempted to do the latest and greatest thing on the Web with it.
6. Use a pre-paid phone or phone cards, or have your child pay a small fee to help defray the cost of the cellular service...once some of their money is involved, your child will quickly learn ways to "save".

What do you think is the best way to moderate cell phone usage by your children?

SOS Seal & Save Our Smiles clinic (hmong version)

2009-02-20T14:56:00.001-08:00

SEAL & SAVE OUR SMILES CLINIC

FAMILY CARE FAIR

Kuaj Hniav Dawb Xwb!

Rau cov me nyuam kawm ntawv nyob kindergarten –txog qib 6 es kawm nyob

Fresno, Central thiab Clovis Unified School Districts

Muaj saib, ntsaws, txhuam, thiab ntsuav hniav pub dawb rau cov me nyuam nyob rau ntawm Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic
Yog yuav tau looj hniav, ntsaws hniav, thiab lwm yam nyuaj nyuaj yuav tau mus ua rau pem ib tug kws kho hniav (Muaj tsheb loj khiav pub dawb)
Txhua yam no yog muaj pub dawb los ntawm cov kws kho hniav nyob hauv zej zog!

Pib lub 1 hlis ntuj xyoo 2007 no mus muaj ib txoj cai tshiab hu uas AB1433. Txoj cai no yuav kom tag nrho cov me nyuam uas yuav pib mus kawm ntawv lauv yuav tsum tau mus kuaj hniav ntawm ib tug kws kho hniav ua tej yuav pib mus kawm ntawv.

Nco Ntsoov: Leej twg tuaj ua ntej tus ntawd yuav tau txais kev pab ua ntej.

Thaum Twg: Vas Xaum , Hnub tim 28 lub 2 hli ntuj, 2009

9:00 Teev Sawv Ntxov txog rau 12:00 Teev Tav Su

Qhov Twg: Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic

Health Science Building

Nyob qaum Weldon/Glenn

1101 E. University Ave.

Fresno, CA 93741

Muaj ntaub ntawv qhia txog ntau yam pub dawb thiab muaj neeg txhais lus rau neej.

XAV PAUB NTXIV,HU RAU NEJ TUS NAIS MAUM(school nurse) NYOB HAUV NEEJ TUS MENYUAM LUB TSEV KAWM NTAWV.

Posted by Dr.Treva D. Lee, 226-3010,www.DrTrevaLee.com

SOS:Seal & Save Our Smiles (Spanish version)

2009-02-20T14:54:00.001-08:00

CLINICA SELLE Y MANTENGA NUESTRAS SONRISAS

FERIA DE SALUD PARA LA FAMILIA

CUIDADO DENTAL GRATIS!

Para estudiantes en los grados de Kinder al Sexto que atienden a los Distritos Unificados Escolares de Fresno, Central y Clovis.

Exámenes Dentales, Selladores, Limpieza de Dientes, Tratamiento de Fluoruro, y chequeos dentales serán proveídos en Colegio de la Cuidad de Fresno (Fresno City College).
Tratamiento de Coronas, Rellenos de Amalgama y Porcelana, Extracciones y servicios adicionales serán proveídos fuera de la escuela (transportación será disponible)
Todo los servicios serán proveídos por dentistas locales sin costo alguno!

Efectivo Enero de 2007 la Ley AB1433 requiere que todos los niños tengan un examen dental antes de entrar a su primer año en una escuela pública.

Atención: Los servicios serán proveídos a las personas que lleguen temprano.

Cuando: Sábado, 28 de Febrero del 2009

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Donde: Clínica de Higiene del Colegio de Fresno

Edificio de Ciencias de Salud

Esquina de Weldon/Glenn

1101 E. University Ave.

Fresno, CA 93741

Puestos Educacionales y Intérpretes también estarán disponibles.

Para más información, Por favor de comunicarse con la enfermera de la escuela

("Posted" para la Doctora Treva D. Lee 226-3010, www.DrTrevaLee.com)

SOS:Seal & Save Our Smiles Clinic, Free Dental Care! (English version)

2009-02-20T14:44:00.001-08:00

SEAL & SAVE OUR SMILES CLINIC

FAMILY CARE FAIR

FREE DENTAL CARE!

For students in kindergarten – 6^th grade who attend

Fresno, Central and Clovis Unified School Districts

Dental Exams, Sealants, Cleanings, Fluoride Treatment, and Screening for restorative care at Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic
Crowns, White and Silver Fillings, Extractions and more off campus (transportation available)
All provided by local dental providers at no cost!

Effective Jan. 1, 2007 AB 1433 went into effect requiring all children must have a dental exam before their first year in public school.

Please Note: Services will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

WHEN: Saturday, February 28, 2009

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

WHERE: Fresno City College Dental Hygiene Clinic

Health Science Building

Corner of Weldon/Glenn

1101 E. University Ave.

Fresno, CA 93741

Educational Booths will be available as well as interpreters.

For More Information, call the Fresno-Madera Dental Society, 438-7284.

(Posted by Dr. Treva D. Lee, 226-3010, www.DrTrevaLee.com)

My New Smile Thanks to Dr. Treva D. Lee

2009-02-16T14:17:00.001-08:00

Happy patient after his smile-makeover!

vitamin question

2009-01-21T23:58:00.000-08:00

In response to a question on Centralvalleymoms.com:

hey ladies
i am using future formulations vitamins(way expensive,found them a little cheaper over the internet,"adrenal rebuilder,Adrenal c and super adrenal stress formula) supposidly because i have adrenal fatigue,who doesn't, any how was wondering what vitamins you all take?(if you do)
need to find some a little less costly
i also take a calcium supp,fish oil and magnesium supp
thanks for your input/advice...

Dr. Treva Diane Lee's response:

Howdy,
Like everything else, the human body was designed/evolved to respond to things in moderation: moderate levels of pleasure, stress, physical activity, mental activity, and to use a wide variety of food as sources of energy and nutrition. Tablet or liquid forms of various nutritional supplements can help out when our ability to ingest adequate amounts of certain vitamins and minerals is variable, or when we need higher levels to meet the body's demands to react to ever-changing challenges of living.

Moderation is key, too much of anything can be toxic (even water!), too little of something can also be harmful. Over-the-counter stuff can have very medicinal effects without the benefits of accurate doseage and monitoring. Just because you don't need a prescription doesn't mean it's beneficial effects aren't without risk!

That having been said, excepting previously diagnosed nutritional deficiency syndromes. Most people eating a well rounded diet and no chronic health conditions (smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) are fine with a multivitamin or vitamin combination containing essential minerals and vitamins and anti-oxidants. Searching the American Dietetics Association website will give you fact-based information without alot of emotional and anecdoctal hype. It's great that you are searching for answers to help you and your family!

...and if I sound like I'm lecturing, well, I do have a background in nutrition, food science & dietetics...

Pulling aside the curtain...

2008-12-11T00:31:00.001-08:00

Here's link to see photos of members of my dental family in 2008
http://ping.fm/Bo5l6

Social Media: a new way to interact with others?

2008-12-10T01:50:00.000-08:00

Give it a try and let's see who we know in common and learn abit more about each other. Please practice "safe" social media networking! : )

"friend" me on facebook at http://profile.to/drtrevalee-office/

Wandering Mind: To Chicago and back again

2008-12-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here in Chicago, sorta listening to the lecturer that's presenting to me and about 70 dentists and key staff members. There's snow all around and it's 18F outside. This is really different weather than what the Central Valley is experiencing right now. Having grown up in the Valley, it's so unusual to me to see snow at pretty much sea level. I'm used to having to travel up to 7000 to 8000 foot elevation before any snow stays around! Fortunately, I do have my down coat that only comes out of the closet when I have travel East of the Rockies during the wintertime!

All the Christmas lights and decorations are up and twinkle brilliantly at night with the reflected lights dancing off the snow. Last night, the hotel shuttle driver making the run between the hotel and the local outdoor mall (it's below freezing, and this Chicago suburban shopping mall is "outdoors". Funny that 100F+ weather warrants indoor shopping malls in the Valley, but not in blustery, ice-cold Chicago in December!)slowed down as we went past an ornately decorated home. The shuttle driver's country of origin is Senegal. He believes in the American Dream. He's living the American Dream. He was remarking on how his 4 year old daughter calls him every day to find out when he gets off work. She won't go to bed until he's home. To me, this is a real slice of what the United States represents. That you are given the opportunity to improve your circumstances. This is way different than just expecting to have your lot in life improve with little effort on your part.

I disagree with a recent politician's remarks that people around the world no longer respect us or that our aspirations are meaningless. We can choose to be successful...yes, we may fail in our attempts to succeed, but nobody is actively stopping us from trying. We have opposing groups and opinions, but the rule of law still plays an active role in this county. You only have to read about countries where there are warlords and tribes based on familial and religious ties and very few societal institutions that protect the less fortunate. Heck, in about 90% of the habitable areas on earth, someone such as myself, an educated, christian woman wouldn't even be allowed to exist!

So as my mind's wandering, I think: I really dislike how the media seems so eager to emphasize the negative. They so love bad news. Look how triumphant they sound the horn about increasing unemployment rates. Hey, newsflash, in our area, traditionally we have a higher unemployment rate due to less seasonal agriculturally based jobs anyway. So how valid is that statistic. How does it compare to previous years' rates? I remember a popular college textbook titled "How to Lie with Statistics". Yep, you can slant numbers anyway you want to support your opinion.

What's my point to my thoughts? 'Tis the season of goodwill. Remember and find the good in people. Seek the best out of the world and you'll attract and receive the best of what the world has to offer. Love your friends and family. Don't have any family or friends...then go make some! Read any of the books in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Let's make 2009 meaningful and terrific...despite the media doom and gloom. Let's prove those talking heads on TV wrong! Power to the people...

How Can a Fresno-Madera County Resident Whiten a Smile?

2008-10-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

Your high school reunion is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement? Whatever the reason, tooth whitening isn’t just for movie star celebrities, and it isn’t just a temporary fad. Many people have had their teeth whitened or “bleached”, and probably hundreds more are thinking about doing it. Tooth whitening safely lightens the color of your teeth lasting for up to 5 years(depending on if you smoke, drink double espressos, etc). Many people feeling much more confident about themselves when their smile is no longer a source.

We are pleased to offer and in-office “power” whitening procedure, called Zoom!. You may have seen this system used on the TV show “Extreme Makeover”. Dr. Lee believes this system safely and effectively “jumpstarts” your whitening process. This greatly reduces the frequency you may need to wear custom made whitening or bleaching trays maintain Your new shade with “touch-up” gel applications that you do yourself. This is great for people on-the-go. We will continue to offer the traditional procedure that requires wearing custom made trays 45 minutes twice a day for 5 to 10 days. The non-ZOOM! system is better suited for people with sensitive teeth, ie many fillings or crowns, post-orthodontic treatment or receded gumline areas; or have deeper discoloration due to oral antibiotics.

Dr. Treva Diane Lee would be happy to determine whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening and which system would provide you the smile you’ve always wanted!

It's Almost Fall and it's Back to School Time!

2008-09-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

It' s now been over a month since most of the kids in the local Fresno, Central, and Clovis Unified School Districts( besides the private faith-based schools) have resumed their daily routines and attendance. Oh, but the mad scrambling of schedules to accommodate the after-school activities that are no longer available on campus. Transportation is a big deal. And carpools only work in a limited fashion.

Gone are the days when a school's auditorium or classrooms or playing fields were readily available for use by groups whose members were students at that school. Remember Camp Fire Girls? Girl Scouts? Boy Scouts? Pick-up basketball,football, baseball, and soccer games? No after-school meetings of student groups for extra-curricular activities unless it's a strictly organized rehearsal or practice. or "extended daycare" with an actual teacher or administrator present. Hey, now a days a bunch of kids aren't even allowed to hang around after-school to even kick a ball around on their own. And we wonder why kids aren't getting as much physical play time?

Gone are the overloaded bike racks of yore, when everyone rode their bikes or walked to school. We're too scared to allow our kids the independence that we had. And if we do, and something does happen to them, then we run the risk of being accused of bad parenting. What a "Catch-22". Children must now be promptly picked up...heaven forbid that a parent's vehicle should have mechanical problems! The school has the authority to report such dereliction of parental duties to Child Protective Services. Public transportation? The bus system is so inconvenient. It doesn't go where you want and when you want it. And again, children riding unsupervised? Such an idea!

I know, I know. The schools' cannot assume the liability for what happens to student's once the school day has ended. But they barely want to assume the liability during the regular school day also. Common sense doesn't seem to prevail as regards students and medications. Asthma inhalers are kept locked up in the school office, and the office workers aren't allowed to administer them to the kids. So if your child has an asthma attack on the playground or classroom, that inhaler is really going to do them a lot of good in a locked cabinet? Same thing for diabetes medications. The extra syringes and needles and insulin aren't going to anyone much good if the child cannot keep them in his backpack and readily available. Ditto for anti-bee sting adrenalin pre-loaded syringes. And the zero tolerance policy on medications makes those Pamprin or MIdol tablets that we used to take during "that time of the month" ( especially when adolescent cycles are just establishing themselves with varying degrees of discomfort) totally banned and grounds for suspension and expulsion! Didn't know we were such subversive elements in our youth!

All the legal mumbo-jumbo twists things around to point that those that the rules and laws are supposed to protect, are actually harmed by the threat of legal action based on the very language of those rules and laws. I still maintain that it seems that oftentimes something may be legal, but it's neither moral nor ethical to continue down a certain path to accomplish a goal.

Dental Insurance, Yes or No?

2008-07-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

Question: Does anyone know of a good dental coverage plan??...asked by:hope0806 on centralvalleymoms.com health forum

Answer: Unfortunately, a "good" dental plan does not exist for individuals. The best value is those plans bundled together with medical plan premiums (usually only found through large employee groups like school districts, large companies, etc.)which are paid for with "pre-tax" dollars and are not overly restrictive of your choice of dentists. I am really not being self-serving when I inform people that you may want to reconsider plans that only pay a benefit when you use their doctors...how soon will you be seen? Will the doctor be reachable after hours? Will the plan require that your doctor use the 'least expensive treatment' (not necessarily the best). I really dislike that interference in the doctor-patient relationship and decision making. What happens if you are out-of-town...will the plan still pay a "non-participating doctor"?

I once was a "provider" in a pre-paid discount plan. It was too frustrating for me and my patients. The limitations for treatment and the expectations of what was to be provided were not realistic. The lists of doctors and specialists look extensive, until patients try to see if the office is still accepting new patients on their plan. I quit the plan because there were no specialists within 45 miles on the plan, and people did not understand how little the plan actually benefited them. Plus, I could not ethically allow my patients to receive sub-standard treatment just because it was cheaper.

Rule of thumb that I tell my patients is if you have to pay more than $600 aftertax premiums a year for so-called dental insurance by itself, then you are are better off just paying for routine exams, xrays, and healthy gum cleanings on your own. You won't go over $600. Even with investments in your dental health like root canal nerve therapy or crowns, most plans will max out after $1000-$1500 is used.( The maximum benefit hasn't changed in over 40 years. If benefits kept up with equal value of medical benefits, dental benefits would be about $6400 annually) Dental insurance is useful, but the way it's structured, it will never pay for someone to be brought back to total dental health in a timely manner.

Third party financing, like a separate healthcare credit card (good at ER's, vets, MD's, etc) have really made it affordable for people to get the treatment they need and want. On the interest-free plans, the practice/doctor pays for the finance charges and interest. I know the insurance people don't like me saying this, but: 1. you do get what you pay for, and 2. almost 87 cents for every healthcare dollar(that includes medical plans) goes to the insurance company (its administrators,claims delayers, oops! I mean claims processors, executives, shareholders and commissioned salespeople), only 13 cents actually goes to pay for actual care (labs, hospitals, doctors, nurses, therapists, etc.)

If I ruled the world, we would truly provide monetary incentives for people to stay healthy and figure out ways to make doing preventive stuff profitable. The way healthcare is right now, the more procedures and treatment that is done, the more profitable it is for the providers. By helping my patients stay healthy, I actually "hurt" the profitability of my business. Something's wrong with that business model.

Treva D. Lee, DDS, MAGDhttp://www.drtrevalee.com/
Help for Smiles of All Ages

Summer Time Memories

2008-07-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

I'm searching for our bug spray, sunscreen, Uno playing cards, marshmallow roasting forks. Into stuff sacks the sleeping bags go. How many spiders did it take to make all those cobwebs on our folding chairs? Do we get a 1 day fishing license or a season pass? In 48 hours we'll be able to see the stars, smell the pines and feel the cool mountain air. And my 2 kids will just have to do without any "screen" time, ie, TV screen, computer monitor screen, or DS Nintendo screen. Our mini-van is too old to have a DVD player built in, and my husband and I have held our ground on making it a-portable -DVD- player-free-zone. The only screen they may see in the coming week is the outdoor movie screen at Pinecrest Lake. It's like a pedestrian's version of a drive-in movie theatre.

It's an unwritten rule with the other families that video devices are verboten! MP3 players for music are ok, but not to view video. Use those eyes to really see what's around you.
We might even have some real conversations that will encourage them to actually express an opinion and defend it. Time will slow down where they'll be allowed to have their adventures sloshing around in the creek, telling ghost stories 'round the campfire, paddleboating on the lake, and getting way too sunburned because they ignored mom's advice. Heck, I'll even let them make and eat gooey, sticky, sweet s'mores!

It's old-fashioned and nostalgic to attend Family Camp...where waiting your turn to use the showers and saying "please", "thankyou" and "pass that platter of food" are the rule and not the exception. Where the kids are allowed to figure out their own pecking order free of parental interference and egos. Where the college-aged counselors are role models and they know it and behave accordingly! A place where I first allowed my children to go to the bathroom unaccompanied by me, their dad, or another relative. And where they learn lessons like mosquitos are especially hungry and fierce at dusk! Or ants are much bigger in the mountains. Or the ground squirrels and stellars jays are aggressive foragers and think nothing of rifling through your belongings.

Here's to making summertime memories!

Have We Forgotten How to Think?

2008-05-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

It seems like lately there have been plenty of "doom & gloom" stories of how the United States is lagging behind our European and Asian counterparts when it comes to educating our population about science and technology. Our kids K-12 do not score as well on science and math tests compared to their global peers.

As a society, our US culture has always seemed to hold athletic prowess above academic achievement...traditionally, rallies were held for football and basketball team events, but never for forensic or music competitions. Our entertainment is more important. Tickets for a professional football game can cost more than a visit to the doctor that may improve our quality and longevity of our lives. Are those screwed-up values, or what?

Many of our teachers themselves were taught science and math in boring and confusing classes. No wonder that attitude carries over to when they have to teach their pupils. Have you seen the science and math textbooks currently in use now? In an attempt to seem more interesting, their layouts are colorful, but totally illogical in their presentation of facts. Sometimes rote learning is all that is require and needed...there is no extensive reasoning associated with why 2+2=4. Or why a rectangle has 4 sides! Some of these textbooks seem to fill up their pages with words just so their author can justify their reason for publishing a "new" version. Some textbooks written 40 years ago seem to be more reasonable and give concrete examples of practical problems and solutions. Like, "If you need to pour concrete in a semicircular area with a radius of 10', and each bag of concrete can cover 2.5 sq ft, how many bags of concrete will you need?" None of these silly "if train A leaves the station A at noon and travels 40 mph towards station B, and train B leaves station B at 12:25pm and travels 60 mph towards station A, when will they crash into each other?" Who the heck cares? Who would ever need to make that kind of calculation?

Science helps us describe the world around us, it helps us describe ourselves. It attempts to organize and explain. Science is what provides us sustenance and shelter. It even gives us an appreciation for things on a more spiritual plane as there is so much we still cannot explain.

However, science, math, and associated fields do require you to think! To analyze and form opinions and judgements based on what is seen, on facts...not emotions or conjecture. All too often people really do not want to take the time and effort to really think things through. They are too lazy...at work, they just go through the motions just to pull a paycheck. At home, they have no interest in improving their minds, and therefore the opportunity to improve their position in society, help their family, or help their community. It would be considered outrageous to request them to read up on something related to work on their own time. TV or computer games waste away a lot of leisure time. It really is a kind of selfish existence. And their kids have these parents as their role models.

We allow the news media to present their version of what is "news". Editors are just that, they edit an article not so much for space reasons, but more so for content. Creative cut & paste can make any article sound totally different than what was originally reported. The Internet is a great medium for exchange of information, but it's a two-edge sword. There is lots of misinformation out there also. And if we choose to not really think about the source or credibility or validity of the information, then we really will find ourselves in "Alice in Wonderland" where the normal rules do not apply. Even this blog is just one person's opinion...it is not fact, but there has been some thought behind it.

Be skeptical. Challenge people when they express an opinion. Ask them what they think, not what they feel. Encourage questions. Ask why?

Get the Lead Out! by Your Fresno, Central Valley Dentist

2008-05-06T23:04:00.000-07:00

Seems like China is having a problem keeping things from where they're not supposed to be. The pet food scandal with melamine contamination, lead in children's crayons and toys, and now lead contamination showing up in porcelain & metal crowns/caps that are placed in people's mouths. Air transport shipping has made it economically feasible to ship dental lab cases off-shore to China where for a myriad of reasons it costs less than if fabrication took place in the United States. Workmanship can be quite good and comparable quality in the best of scenarios. At the worst, you may end up getting what you pay for: cheap materials with compromised quality.

Apparently in China there few regulatory agencies that have much authority to act on behalf of the consumer. It's definitely "let the buyer beware". Some dentists may be unaware that their US based laboratory has shipped their patients lab case overseas. Please be assured that the dental labs I use are very local: 2 are within 2o miles of my dental office, one other is located in Southern California and is adamant about their "made in USA" status.

Gold and you, from your Central Valley cosmetic family dentist!

2008-04-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Howdy, this will be a place where yours truly will put random and not so random thoughts down for all the world to see. For starters, usually people will consider how jewelry prices may increase as the cost of gold increases. It's at an all-time high nearing $1000/oz! So all those pretty earrings, rings, bracelets, watches and settings for bling will set you back some dollars ( or euros) at a price much higher than just 6 months ago.

Gold, however, is used in electronics and also less obvious items made for human useage. I'm talking about the gold alloys (gold, mixed with other metals or chemicals to create a stronger metal) commonly found in older fillings and the caps or crowns placed on teeth to preserve and restore chewing function and improve one's appearance. Even many of the porcelain tooth-colored crowns have a gold alloy substructure onto which the porcelain is baked and layered onto. So your local dentist and dental lab technician is feeling the pinch of gold's rising value on the global market. Eventually these costs get passed onto the dental patient. Gold alloys have the unique properties of being easy to shape and polish...qualities admired in jewelry and also in the fabrication of crowns, besides not triggering any immune response from the human body. Ever notice how some cheap earrings or bracelets can cause your skin to itch? It's the non-precious or non-gold metals that are causing an allergic response in your body.

Crowns can now be made out of non-metal materials, but the process is less forgiving to obtain a high quality restoration. And until recently, more expensive than the traditional method of making a crown for a tooth. Also, until recently the esthetics of non-metal crowns left something to be desired. They are however, improving in appearance as newer materials are developed. Ahh, but now there seems to be a backlash about using synthetic materials in the human body, so we may just end up going "back to the future" and using gold.

If you'd like more information regarding possible options for restoring your teeth and smile in a no-guilt, no-lecture environment, then checkout my website: www.drtrevalee.com or contact my office at 559-226-3010.