My New Year’s Resolutions for Parenting Teens

January 1, 2022

I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but I thought I would embrace change this year. As I reflect back on last year my first thought is, “I survived being the mom of twin teens!” Their fourteenth birthday is in February, so this time of year also marks my accomplishment, and yes, I view that as an accomplishment.

If I’m honest with myself, I can also admit there is still room for improvement. Since I know that I can only control my behavior, I plan to focus on what I can do differently as a parent. So here’s my list, in no particular order (even though I numbered it…I just like numbered lists).

1) I will encourage my twin teens to be more independent.

During their morning routine, I will remain silent without saying, “Hurry up or you will miss the bus!” I will also give them a list of things they are responsible for, such as putting away their laundry, cleaning the dishes and packing their lunches.

2) I will allow them to fail.

This is a tough one for me, as I often feel this may somehow be a reflection on me as a parent. I also struggle with being a perfectionist, but I realize sometimes “failing” is the only way you learn and grow as a person. So when they ask me to bring to school their forgotten homework or other items my answer will be a hard “no.”

3) I will continue to attempt to communicate with them.

This year, whenever I tried to ask my teens questions, I heard a lot of one-word, generic responses. When I ask, “How was school today?” often their response is a one word “good” without any other details. After hearing “good” or “nothing” a hundred times, I was tempted to give up trying. But I have been told by more than one person that I’m tenacious, so I tried other methods. I found by asking unusual questions or offering up information about myself, I was often able to engage in what some might consider a conversation. So I’m going to keep trying because when it works, it’s worth the effort.

4) I’m going to nag less and observe more.

I never enjoy nagging, and it rarely yields the results I want. After reading articles and interviewing experts, I learned that making observational comments or questions is much more effective. My favorite one— which even elicits the occasional chuckle— is, “Are you working hard or hardly working?”

5) I’m going to let them know when they are doing a good job.

It’s easy to notice all the things a teen is doing wrong, such as leaving their towel on the floor, staying up too late at night or eating junk food. It’s much harder to point out what they are doing right, such as how they did their homework, helped their sibling, or cleaned their room. I plan to notice at least once a day what they are doing right and let them know how proud I am of them. Because they are doing a lot of things right that make me so proud.

One of the reasons I don’t like New Year’s Resolutions is because— often by March— people are back to their old ways and their New Year’s Resolutions are quickly forgotten. That’s why I’m writing it down, so I can reflect on this list and remind myself that me pursuing these goals will help us have a better relationship, hopefully helping my teens grow up to be successful adults. It’s certainly worth trying something new to achieve that.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter.

Kids Astrology: Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Kimmie

January 1, 2022

December 22-January 19

Capricorns are truly some of the most adaptable children of the zodiac! This adaptability is a good quality, but most parents don’t even know about it until they see the child figuring out ways to make an unexpected situation into a positive experience. Your child was born with the natural talent of turning stressful situations into something that will be grounded and without a lot of drama. That will come in handy because there are a few situations that will get in your child’s way this month.

Be forewarned: The planet Mars is playing with your child’s emotions and, while your grounded child seems like everything is fine, they will be challenged with issues of trust and feelings of being left out. Focus on the energy of “temporary” and take advantage of being able to teach your strong-minded Capricorn child different ways to adapt to change. This is surely a month that your child will soak up a lot of lessons that can be really fun for you as a parent and advantageous for your family.

Head of the class

Erin Holden

January 1, 2022

Behind every impressive educational institution and intensive curriculum, there is always a leader who can mobilize their team to make the whole thing a success. We reached out to area educators who have dedicated their professional lives to enriching the lives of children. Through their innovative techniques and pedagogical philosophies, they truly make a difference in their students’ educational journeys.

Jack Hunter

Principal Toledo Public Schools’
Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy
419-671-3400
tpsmed.org

Toledo Public Schools is now taking applications for their newest program, in partnership with ProMedica, which is set to launch in fall of 2022. Incoming ninth graders will have the chance to earn their STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) certification, along with education in phlebotomy, pharmacy, and biomedical engineering at the Toledo Pre-Medical and Health Science Academy.

Jack Hunter, who has served as an administrator at TPS for a decade, will serve as principal of the school. He says that the program will be intensive, but within a nurturing environment suited to help students thrive. “The academic courses will be designed to meet each student’s needs every year,” Hunter says. “We understand how mental health plays a role in education and life, so we will meet with families frequently to check on how the learners are doing with coursework to decide what is best for them moving forward. We will have numerous types of course track options, allowing our students unprecedented flexibility.”

Hunter is the ideal leader for this new initiative, as his philosophy is to challenge the status quo and “uncovering the hidden talents in students.” What he loves most about this position is its potential to help students become immersed in a career that they love, and to see them excel as they move from high school to college, or immediately into the job market.

“Many times I have met students who already have the vision for what their success will look like,” adds Hunter. “My passion is to help remove all barriers so that learners can reach their goals.”

Sarah Bennett

Leadership Resident iLead Spring Meadows
1615 Timberwolf Dr., Holland
419-491-7423
ileadspringmeadows.org

Years at institution: This is my second year at iLEAD Spring Meadows. I have spent 13 years in charter school education.

Describe your responsibilities within this position: To support the campus, however possible, with my background in charter school leadership, and also to learn and grow within the iLEAD organization.

What is it that makes iLEAD stand apart from others? Aside from the open concept class spaces and project-based learning, we truly focus on the learners as individuals. iLEAD’s vision and mission provide opportunities for intentional activities that truly support all aspects of a learner’s growth.

What do you love most about your job? The people I work with, as well as the freedom to do what’s right for those people!

Educational philosophy: When you put people and relationships first, the rest will come. You can’t teach people if you don’t know them.

Jordan Nathaniel

Director, Lead Preschool Teacher
Cardan Montessori Center
1555 S. Byrne Rd., Ste. 100
419-787-7376
cardanmontessori.com

Years at institution: 6 years

Describe your responsibilities at Cardan Montessori: I play a dual role as a teacher and as the school’s director. As the lead preschool teacher, I create group and individual lessons to ensure I’m meeting each child’s needs academically. As the Director, I oversee curriculum, budgeting, and student-parent relations. I aid our staff in creating and implementing developmentally-appropriate lessons, as well as guide and support them during their Montessori training. To me, it is essential to form a relationship with every family that attends Cardan Montessori Center. If I’m familiar with each child’s individual needs, I’m better able to help them develop a life-long love of learning and to reach their highest potential.

What is it that makes your school stand apart from others? We are bridging the education gap by providing high quality early childhood education to children and families from low-income homes. Our goal is to make Montessori education accessible to everyone, regardless of the family’s ability to pay, and to support them as their child’s first and best teacher.

What do you love most about your job? My favorite part of my job is being in the classroom when children make new discoveries and realize they are capable of anything they set their mind to. I love when a child understands a new concept, especially if it’s one they’ve been struggling with, and you see the lightbulb go off…it’s the “aha” moments for me.

What is your educational philosophy? I believe the purpose of education is to create individuals who can think, not only for themselves, but for the well-being of others in their community. All children deserve equal access to a quality education, regardless of any differences they may have. Children need an enriching environment in order to succeed, and as an educator I provide that.

Michael Blochowski

Computer Science teacher and baseball coach
St. Francis de Sales High School
2323 W. Bancroft St.
419-531-1618
sfsknights.org
Years at institution: 29

Describe the work you do at St. Francis: My current responsibilities are teaching Introduction to Computer Science, Web Design, Game Design, AP Computer Science A and Principles, Cybersecurity, and Introduction to Engineering; however, over the last 29 years, the courses I have taught have changed in the same way that technology has changed.

What is it that makes your school stand apart from others? St. Francis is a high academic institution that focuses on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college. What makes us different is that the uniqueness of each student is valued and supported, and the students form a bond that no other word can describe except “brotherhood.” The slogan, “Be who you are and be that well” is lived.

What do you love most about your job? Most teachers realize that they won’t inspire every student they teach to love their subject or even love themselves. But when that does happen, it brings a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. Additionally, seeing a student go out and make an impact on the world is very rewarding.

Joella Simmons

School Leader HOPE Learning Academy
4234 Monroe St.
419-297-6313
hopelearningacademy.org
Years at institution: 3 years

Describe your responsibilities as school leader: As the school leader of HOPE Learning Academy of Toledo, it is my responsibility to uphold the mission and vision of HOPE. Our primary goal is to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of students with special needs and exceptionalities. Hope Learning Academy uses a non-traditional classroom approach to meet the needs of students we serve. I support my staff in executing their commitment to high standards and success for all our students.

I lead the day-to-day activities of the school with a positive, enthusiastic attitude, taking the time to listen to what the students, staff, and parents need. It is my responsibility to ensure that our teachers are effective by supporting classroom instruction, providing professional development, and providing a curriculum across all grade levels that will support our students’ learning.

My most important responsibility is to provide a safe and engaging learning environment where each individual student can learn, be inspired, and grow academically as well as socially.

What is it that makes your school stand apart from others?

There is no other school in the Toledo area that is like HOPE Learning Academy. We are dedicated to being a successful school by focusing on the social, emotional, and academic needs of the students we serve. HOPE provides small classroom sizes, sensory integration, social skills, and arts integration.

We believe in:

Helping each student reach his or her potential
Obtaining and implementing various teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles
Protecting each student’s right to learn in a safe and healthy environment
Expecting only positive outcomes

What do you love most about your job? I love that every day I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on those around me. My goal is to inspire others with kindness, grace, and positivity. I lead with patience and kindness with the hope that others feel the impact of that approach while working with me.

What is your educational philosophy? My personal philosophy of education is that all children are different and have different learning needs. Every child deserves to have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my mission to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. HOPE provides a safe environment where students are invited to be themselves.

My personal mission is to teach, inspire, and help others to grow. HOPE Learning Academy is about giving hope to students and families that may have faced challenges in traditional classrooms. We individualize our education and instruction so that each student can learn and grow to their fullest potential. As the school leader, I am able to make a positive impact on the students and teachers that I lead.

Kindness Rooms: Student Volunteers Promote Mental Health

Laurie Bertke

January 1, 2022

Kindness Card Makers at Central Catholic High School — Card makers at Central Catholic High School include, from left, Bart Reamer, Ryleigh Smigielski, Julie Friesel, Dylan Hegedus, Karis Pfeiffer and Antiwon Brown. Student volunteers donate time after school and on weekends to produce more than 100 cards a month in the Kindness Room.

Mona McGhee affectionately refers to them as her “kindness kids.” The card constructors: a group of students at Toledo’s Central Catholic High School that spend their free time folding, stamping, cutting, punching and gluing to create greeting cards that are miniature works of art.

The teens produce hundreds of handmade cards a month, working in the school’s “Kindness Room” after school, on Saturdays and during any other downtime they have. Central Catholic students then personalize the cards with notes and distribute them monthly to faculty and staff, as well as to outside organizations such as nursing homes, hospitals and military bases. “We want our cards to look professional. Not just like you whipped it together. Rather, (the cards should) look like there’s been love and time and effort,” says McGhee, a college and career advisor who oversees the card making operation. “We’re just excited to spread kindness.”

Inspiring space/Personal motivation

At Central Catholic, the walls of the kindness room are painted a soothing baby blue and covered in inspirational quotes about kindness. Pegboards and shelving are lined with colorful, neatly organized supplies for paper crafting, and comfortable couches invite students to relax and socialize when they aren’t working on cards. Along with inspiring young people to do kind things for others, the rooms are meant to provide a safe haven for students who are struggling with bullying or other challenges, according to Boyle.

She knows the stakes firsthand: Boyle founded the Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness in 2017 after her oldest son took his own life at the age of 14 in response to a cyberbullying incident. She began speaking to youth about the dangers of bullying three months after his death, and has since shared her family’s story with hundreds of young people in honor of Luken. “I just knew I wanted to get the message out,” says Boyle. “I wanted young people to understand the power of their words and their actions.”

Luken had planned to attend Central Catholic, and McGhee describes the school’s Kindness Room as a labor of love where positive things have arisen from a terrible tragedy. She would like to see similar rooms in every school to foster intentional kindness. “It would make all of us happy to know that we were a catalyst for a change like that,” added McGhee.

Advocating for and empowering youth

The Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness, founded in Maumee, the organization advocates for and empowers youth to find their voice and to facilitate positive conversations with kindness, as well as to support those affected by bullying/cyberbullying. Now in its third year, Central Catholic’s room has far exceeded anything the Campaign’s executive director, Samantha Boyle, could have imagined. “It’s a collaborative effort, and it’s really cool to see kids, who would not normally engage or hang out with each other, working together in the Kindness Room, and essentially becoming friends,” says Boyle. “It’s really fostered relationships within the school, and it’s inspired them.”

Bart Reamer, a senior who serves as student coordinator for the room, says the card campaigns allow students to interact with people they wouldn’t otherwise meet. “It expands the horizons of who people know and how connected we all are, even within the walls of Central,” he explains.

Building more Kindness Rooms

With support from the Campaign, kindness rooms are spreading to other schools. A second room opened this year for elementary students at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, and a third is in the works at Blessed Sacrament School. Boyle says other private and public schools have reached out to her expressing interest in creating kindness rooms.

It can cost between $5,000-$10,000 to get a kindness room up and running, and Boyle’s organization works to cover those costs through its own fundraising and by soliciting private donors. The concept is adaptable to any sized space and any grade level, according to Boyle. “The kindness room is a gift from us,” she says. “It’s up to each school how they want to facilitate it.”

Learn more about the Luken T. Boyle Campaign for Kindness here.

Local Artist Creates Handmade Doll Furniture

Lila Waterfield

January 1, 2022

Business owner, Stephanie Scigliano revisited an aspect of her childhood she thought that she had left behind. When her friend, Becky Gannom, acquired a dollhouse she reached out, knowing that Scigliano had been very interested in dollhouses years ago. There was no hesitation, and Stephanie readily agreed to help build and redecorate it. “I was into dollhouses, and I had a lot of them when I was young,” says Scigliano. “I would make the furnishings and little people or animals. It’s funny that I’m doing it again, and I’m now in my 50s.”

A growing project

What started as a small project got a little larger when a woman in Old Orchard sold Scigliano an unfinished four-story vintage dollhouse. Determined to work on it in her spare time, she has been slowly transforming it into a dollhouse hotel, where each room will have a different theme.

Originally embraced as a way to keep her sane during Covid, her creations transitioned online to her Etsy store for the general public to thoroughly enjoy. She is selling handmade pillows, bedding and even miniature planters. One type of dollhouse that has been selling especially well lately are her Suitcase Dollhouses; they are single room “houses” that are easy to pack up and bring along on any road trip or outing. It makes a great gift for your little ones who like to take their Barbies and Kens along for a car ride.

Scigliano is no stranger to running a brick-and-mortar business, as she was the owner of one nearly 20 years ago in Plymouth, MI. In 2019 she was approached by Lynda Kuehn, who had a store named “Art & Soul” at Cricket West. Kuehn’s former partner had to step back, and she realized she was going to need some help to keep the business running smoothly. Though Scigliano initially declined, a few months later she envisioned how great the concept could be when the Main Branch of the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library allowed the store to move into the giftshop area. By September, 2019 the store was open and ready for business.

“Libraries are trying to come up with different ideas and offering different experiences to bring people in,” notes Scigliano. “They want to be a community resource. Libraries are evolving.”

Fast forward to today and Art & Soul is still thriving, having survived through the harshest parts of 2020. The store consists of “mainly local and regional artists, so we have a lot of Ohio and Michigan talent,” explains Scigliano. There are handmade delights of all kinds, ranging from notecards and crocheted dolls to painted vases.

To browse the unique doll furniture, visit Scigliano’s etsy page. For store hours, up to date news, or to contact Art & Soul’s Facebook page or website.

What is your favorite Toledo hangout? We go to Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar regularly, and not just because my son works there — we love their pizza!

What is your favorite thing to do with your family? My husband and I love going to Mud Hens games. We go to a lot of shows at the Stranahan Theater. My daughter is really into theatre, and she is going to be studying film at Cleveland State next year.

Describe Toledo in one sentence. I’ve always felt that Toledo is a very art-centric city since we moved here [nine years ago].

A quote that you really like? “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

Health & Wellness

Emily Remaklus

January 1, 2022

By Emily Remaklus

Ringing in the New Year provides a chance to ring in some new healthy habits. We asked local health experts what helpful tips they have to start the year off right.

Dr. Nick Goin
CACCP
Innate Health Chiropractic
26580 N. Dixie Hwy., #101, Perrysburg
419-872-2255
getinnatehealth.com

Tell us a little about your practice and what sets it apart?

The focus of our office is prenatal and pediatric care, which makes up over 60 percent of our practice. Our doctors have extensive training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) which allows them to specialize in these areas, which includes certification for the Webster Technique for prenatal moms.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health and chiropractic care?

You don’t have to have neck or back pain to see a chiropractor. A large portion of our practice comes for healing from other health challenges like colic, reflux, digestive issues, poor sleep, anxiety, ADHD, ear infections, prenatal care, baby positioning and much more!

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health?

The biggest mistake is when health is not made a priority. Most people wait until they have a health challenge before they pay attention to their body, which can be too late. Preventative care and proactive care is always the best approach!

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022? Get your spine and nervous system checked. Nervous system health is vital to reaching your health goals because your brain and nervous system control and regulate all functions of your body!

Ashley Hirzel
Open Arms Wellness Center & Yoga Loft
2300 Navarre Ave., #204, Oregon
419-720-8604
openarmsmassagestudio.com

Tell us a little about your business, and what sets it apart from other wellness centers?

Open Arms is simply a unique and wonderful all-in-one wellness center. Offering massage therapy, prenatal and postpartum specialties/mother roasting and belly binding, aesthetics and waxing, yoga, infrared sauna, halotherapy, LED therapy, education seminars and a boutique full of beautiful gifts. We set ourselves apart by offering a wide variety of self-care, alternative therapies and educational CEU programs for professionals in the massage industry. Our Massage Therapists are specifically trained in a wide variety of modalities, including lymphatic drainage with specialties in lymphedema, cancer and more. Other specialties include cranial sacral release, prenatal, postpartum, delivery support, reflexology, cold/hot stone, couples massage, fertility, menopause, ashiatsu, cupping, medical massage, oncology and energy healing, such as reiki and crystal healing.

Our philosophy is that visitors should receive affordable massage therapy and alternative care. It is our goal that each time you come through the doors, you’re not treated like just another client. We are personable and work with you to improve your overall well-being, mind, body and soul. We want to help you overcome the obstacles in your everyday life, whether it be fibromyalgia, back pain, arthritis, chronic pain or migraine. We customize each session to address these issues.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty?

Our health, body, mind and soul are so important. It’s what keeps us enjoying our lives, our children and our grandchildren and what keeps us moving and traveling to the places we want to go. Over the last two years, we have faced something no one in history should have to endure: a pandemic. The result has been fear, panic and stress, all of which can add to overeating or even stress-induced health issues.

Massage therapy is among the top stress reducers in the world today! COVID hit us hard. We forgot what it was like to hug and experience a simple handshake. Touch is essential to our human body. It is the first sense we develop and the first sense we engage in when we are born. We crave it from the very beginning. When you experience touch, your brain engages your pain relieving receptors and engages those feel good senses, reducing stress, fear and panic. Touch therapy does not have to be a massage, it can be a completed clothed session such as reiki (energy healing). Massage and touch alone are beneficial for all mankind. The research is there: it improves the immune system, decreases blood pressure, reduces pain, improves range of motion and helps reduce sleeplessness, among so many other benefits. If you’ve never received a massage before, I think it’s time you tried one!

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health. The biggest mistake is not trying to slow down. Everyone tells me they do not have the time, or choose not to have the time, to take care of themselves. The time is there! You just need to make room for it, or before you know it you’re overworked, burnt out and unhappy. Make time for self-care, whether that involves a walk, a class or a massage. Make time for you!

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022? Consider taking the time to develop a passion for something that makes you happy. Not your significant other, not your children, but you! Find something that you LOVE that gives you the chills when you talk about it! Those touch receptors will thank you!

Dr. Jon Frankel
DDS
Jon Frankel Dentistry
5012 Talmadge Rd., #100
419-474-9611
jonfrankeldentistry.com

Tell us a little about your practice, and what sets it apart?

Frankel Dentistry is the first 100 percent employee-owned dental practice in the United States. I am sharing the legacy my father started in 1946. Seventy-five years later, Frankel Dentistry continues to change the lives of patients and the owners.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? Regularly scheduled dental visits are the key to not only a beautiful, healthy smile, but enhanced overall health. Dentistry has changed dramatically over the years. Most of our patients tell us they look forward to their visits.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health? Avoiding preventative measures and symptoms of disease. Waiting too long leads to serious issues. Take care of small issues before they become big problems.

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022? Schedule a dental appointment.

Dr. Shawn Brohl
D.C., C.C.S.P.
Spring Meadows Chiropractic Center
6923 Spring Valley Dr., Holland
419-866-6325
springmeadowschiropractic.com

Can you tell us a little about your practice, and what sets it apart?

We are a family practice that strives to help patients with peak performance, not just pain relief. Our staff is top notch and that helps set us apart.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty? We help our patients maintain their health, not just pain relief.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health? Waiting until they have symptoms rather than practicing prevention.

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022? The Toledo area has a lot of great chiropractors, so make a resolution to visit one if you are not already seeing one.

Ashley Bush
MSW, LISW-S, PMH-C
Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting, and Wellness LLC
128 E. Dudley St., Ste. F/G, Maumee
419-326-5732
bloomwomenscounseling.com

Can you tell us a little about your practice, and what sets it apart?

Bloom Women’s Counseling, Consulting, and Wellness, LLC provides services exclusively to women experiencing postpartum mood disorders (such as postpartum depression/anxiety), miscarriage/pregnancy/stillbirth/infant loss, motherhood adjustment, as well as relationship and parenting concerns. This is a unique area of mental health that is often underserved. It requires specific knowledge and training to effectively treat and manage those going through these experiences.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health? I think many women suffer in silence because they may be afraid to admit they are struggling in their motherhood journey, or they are not sure where to turn. I wish more women knew how common many of these experiences are, and that they are not alone.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health? I see many women waiting to get the help they need. While seeking care for mental health is something you can do at any time, if you are struggling with a postpartum mood disorder, grief or anger related to motherhood, getting help as soon as possible can make a world of difference for both you and your children.

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022? No matter who you are, I think prioritizing self-care is essential (especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic).There are six types of self care: psychological, emotional, spiritual, personal, professional and physical. Making a resolution to focus on just one of these types of self-care can greatly improve your wellness over the year to come, and finding a qualified mental health professional can be a perfect way to help you meet this goal!

Dr. Janelle Crozier Sullivan
MD
The Pediatric Center, Inc.
3900 Sunforest Ct. #215
419-473-6670
2702 Navarre Ave. #106, Oregon
419-697-6777
3309 Quail Hollow Dr. #C, Lambertville, MI
NEW ADDRESS IN JANUARY: 3417 W. Sterns Rd., Lambertville, MI
734-854-2428
facebook.com/pediatriccenter.inc

Tell us a little about your practice and what sets it apart?

The Pediatric Center is a private practice with offices in Oregon, Toledo and Lambertville. An advantage to being a small private practice is that we are able to quickly adapt and be flexible to address the healthcare needs of our community.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health?

Taking care of your health includes mental wellness, and many people have been struggling with this even more during the pandemic. Wintertime, when there is limited daylight, can also affect mood. There are many resources in the community if you are struggling with depression, anxiety or any other mental health concerns.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health?

Not getting enough sleep. It can affect many aspects of your physical and mental health. A consistent bedtime, a bedtime routine and avoiding electronics before bedtime can help improve sleep quality.

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022?

Work on finding a way to fit physical activity and going outdoors into your regular routine. It can improve sleep, boost mental well-being and maintain physical fitness.

Dr. Andre Haerian
DDS, MS
HLS Orthodontics
6407 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-1017
7928 Secor Rd., Lambertville, MI
734-854-6221
4413 Keystone Dr., Maumee
419-887-1247
perfectbraces.com

Can you tell us a little about your practice, and what sets it apart?

Our practice is unique in that, although we offer the most advanced techniques and technology, we also provide care in a fun atmosphere.

What’s something you wish people knew about their health in regard to your specialty?

Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is not just about pretty smiles. Although the end results are always aesthetically pleasing, our treatment offers jaw alignment for long-term oral health.

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health? Looking for treatment when something is wrong as opposed to preventive health maintenance.

What health-related resolution would you suggest people consider for 2022? 2022 can be the year for everyone to consider their own health and how their decisions can affect their loved ones and others in the community. Stay healthy and avoid unhealthy habits.

Debbie Evers
RDH, EFDA
Sylvania Pediatric Dental Care
5860 W Alexis Rd, Sylvania
419-882-7187
sylvaniapediatricdentalcare.com

If families made one change or added one new habit regarding their health in the New Year, what would you suggest they do? Drink more water. It’s a great way to keep your teeth and body hydrated, clean and healthy.

What sets your practice apart?

Our office provides pediatric-specific specialty dental care. We work with kids of all ages and LOVE what we do!

What’s the biggest mistake you see people making when it comes to their health? Following diet fads and trends. Nothing can replace simple, wholesome ingredients. Eat a variety of colors and try to find foods with as few modifications as possible.

What tips do you have for a happy, healthy 2022? Be present. Life gets very busy at times and it is easy to lose sight of what really matters. Put down your devices and spend time connecting with your loved ones.

1...210211212...701 Page 211 of 701