Make new friends ...but keep the old

I can still hear my young daughters singing the song, "Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold." It's a song I've always loved because in my heart it truly represents sustainable friendships. Old friendships you cherish. New friendships you nurture.

Something else I've loved has been visiting area preschools these past 10 years during the month of February, Children's Dental Health month. I believe this is when the dental profession can shine its light, share it with others and in turn create sustainable dental habits for children. But as much as I have LOVED  sharing my dental health passion with preschoolers,  it's the time and smiles spent with these young children that fills my "bucket." year after year. #pricelessmemories

And speaking of buckets, below is a photo of two cardboard boxes I have lugged around with me these past 10 years. I place items in each bucket the children can talk about and decide if the item will make their tooth happy or sad.

 

Well, when I resurrected these cardboard boxes I realized it was time to create something more sustainable. So, I headed to the store and selected two containers I thought would help make things easier to transport. I was thinking: Sleek. Simple. Sustainable. As you can see below, I think I achieved cleaning up the appearance of the containers...but I'm not sure they make me smile as much.

 

 

Anyone who knows me, knows I lead with my heart and won't be surprised that I'm now feeling a little nostalgic recycling these cardboard boxes. They have over served their purpose and are now falling apart.....but they still have my heart.

 

So maybe, like the song says, "make new friends but keep the old" I'll work with the new containers but keep a photo of the old ones near by. A photo to remind me of each child's smile and giggle when we talk about cavity bugs, wiggly teeth and every silly story they've share with me. I am so blessed!

 

Sending a smile

Judy

 

 

 

 

 

The Sustainable Generation

The Lost Generation. The Silent Generation. The Greatest Generation. The Millennials. Baby Boomers. Generation X. Generation Y. Generation Z. Hipsters.

Who knows what label will be generated next to define a group of like minded people. Well, I’d like to propose one, if I may be so bold. Introducing the Sustainable Generation (Probably not a surprise to anyone following my blog.)

To me, the Sustainable Generation encompasses all ages, all genders, all cultures of people existing on this planet who are environmentally aware of their surroundings. Past present and future! People. Planet . Profit.

Some of this Sustainable Generation will be living a Farm to Table lifestyle (http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/farm-to-table-food-movement) , one I could only dream of. Check out the attached website though. Very cool and inspiring. Others will be composting, recycling and reusing items on an occasional basis. Others, sustainability choices may have only arrived on their radar screen. Either way, we are all in this together and can certainly glean from each other’s experiences. We all win….when we all win.

Sending a smile,
Judy

A-mish you!

Yes, I have missed you and this Blog! No, I haven’t misspelled anything in the header. Just inviting you to climb aboard my writing horse and buggy to take a ride:)

I was blessed to spend childhood summers living on a lake with my family of seven in a small three bedroom cottage surrounded by over 40 first cousins. It was a blast. At times, it was magical. Funny though, when I return to that childhood cottage I’m more aware of the beautiful Amish community that surrounds the lake. A community steeped in a sustainable lifestyle. A community rich with values of peace, honesty, obedience, compassion, respect and humility.

Fast forward 40 years.  I now find myself trying to integrate more sustainable habits into my own personal and professional life. As I reflect on the Amish culture though, I am in awe of the lifestyle choices they have made. Think about it. They truly live “off the grid”. No electricity in most Amish communities. No electronics. No cell phones. No automobiles. No washer and dryers! This is not an easy life. There are plenty of hardships, sacrifices and challenges. I wonder if there is also a healthy balance of joy, family, friendship and fun as well.  And yes, I do believe there is also plenty we can learn from the Amish way of life without having to dramatically change our own lifestyles.

At home or at the dental office, use electricity wisely. Turn off or power down a machine while not in use. Update your lighting! Use energy efficient lighting choices.

Give back to your community. To become truly sustainable we must give back to the community we are a part of. Bake a pie for your neighbor. Donate dental supplies to mission trip.

Work hard. Produce quality work at a fair price.

Be good stewards of your home, community and world!

In all that you do, be honest. When you blow it, make amends right away!

I do hope this short blog has sparked a sustainable idea or two for you to integrate into your life. I don’t think we have to sell our vehicles or disconnect from Consumers quite yet but we can make small choices towards a more sustainable lifestyle. “Gut-n-Owed.” Good night!

 

Sending a smile:)

Judy

Just breathe......

Breathe. A small phrase gently shared from a Yoga teacher. The same phrase very enthusiastically shouted from a Jazzercise™ instructor.  An action encouraged from a Meditation presenter.  I can even recall a movie scene where the actress Drew Barrymore, chants to herself…..”Just breathe.” How can one simple action bring about  calm, clarity and sometimes rejuvenation? Could it be something as simple as the exchange of oxygen? I don’t know, but if I don’t focus on the metabolic and physiological components of breathing, I could grab around the simple fact that when I breathe, much needed oxygen is brought into my body and used accordingly.

Simply put, breath equals life.

So where am I going with the topic of breathing? Well, long story short, I’ve been a little challenged lately to do just that. For me, it’s been a season of exciting changes and activity some of which have lead to shorter, shallower breathing instead of deeper, more cleansing breath cycles. This simple action has caused me to look inward and then outward. And guess what? I was reminded how much I take breathing for granted. Even more so, breathing clean unpolluted oxygen.

I am very fortunate to live in a community that takes the quality of air very seriously. What about you? Do you live in an area that fosters forestry and plant growth to help create and replace oxygen? Are your community factory emissions monitored? If not, I challenge you to begin talking to your community representatives. Ask questions. Seek to help foster sustainable air quality where you live.

Now, what about your work place? Is there proper ventilation near your dental sterilizing equipment? Look around. Ask around. What about your personal operatories. Are you satisfied with the air quality or could you benefit from a small portable HEPA Filtration System™? What about other co-workers in your building? Are they challenged with the quality of air flow that could easily be corrected? Remember, we’re in this together. Each and every member of you dental team, patients included, are deserving of clean, sustainable air circulation.

Simply put….we all deserve to “just breathe.”

 

Sending a smile,

Judy

Dancing on the Grid

The Grid. Better yet, the Smart Grid. 

Traditionally, "grid" is a term used to describe a pathway where energy is collected and distributed.  Today, we are being introduced to the concept of a "smarter grid." A system that not only draws from coal and oil production but now taps into solar energy, hydro energy and wind energy.

I am blessed to live in a community that supports wind energy and solar shingle research. After touring an actual wind farm 5 years ago and following the progress of solar shingles production my quest to learn more was fueled.

What I dream about today is applying those sustainable energy options to our dental profession. I believe we can. Someone has to dream a more sustainable world, why not us? Why can't we imagine a world where individual wind turbines are placed that directly supply energy to our dental buildings? If excess energy is over produced it could be stored or sold back to the Smart Grid. When wind energy is not enough, why couldn't the placement of solar shingles on dental office roof tops supplement our energy needs? We may not be able to fly solo just yet, but we can try to reduce our dependence on coal and oil. A Smart Grid is using what we already have...... better!

What about fueling your "personal grid?" How do you produce, store and redistribute your personal energy?  Had you asked me that question 5 years ago I would have been challenged to answer you. My life didn't show signs of "collecting" energy, it was in the "energy distribution mode" almost 24/7. Thankfully, I have discovered a much loved exercise routine, meditation practice and educational opportunities that really fill me up. What I love most about fueling my personal grid is what pours from me....more compassion, enthusiasm and physical stamina.

So whether you wobble, shuffle, scoot or boogie....just come dance with me along the grid.

No pointing fingers....only open hearts

For me, this is a challenging post to share. By now, most everyone in the dental profession has heard of the recent infection control break down in the Tulsa Oklahoma Oral Surgeon’s dental office where over 7000 patients may have been infected with HIV, Hepatitis B and/ or C. Sadly, this isn’t the first situation in which devastating consequences have occurred because of human error. I’d like it to be the last though!

What I’ve learned, first and for most, is to not pass judgment but rather to learn from circumstances. I like reminding myself when judgment and criticism creep into my thoughts and I begin to point a finger, there are actually 3 of my own fingers pointing right back at me. Seriously, stop and try this. With your index finger, point at your computer screen and then look at your hand. Notice the 3 fingers pointing right back at you? I rest my case.

So what have I learned from the tragedy in Tulsa:

Do not, even for sustainability efforts, reuse single use items. Follow the recommended use for your dental supplies. If you are not the expert in that product manufacturing, you must learn to follow the expert’s recommendations.  Just keep it simple. Do not reuse single use items.

Follow the law. If you are not licensed to perform a dental procedure, then don’t do it. Use the end result of this case to share with your employer if you are asked to perform a service you are not licensed or qualified to perform. On the flip side of this coin, if you are licensed to perform a needed procedure, but do not feel qualified, then seek out continuing education on this matter.

No matter what the cost, do not utilize broken instruments or unreliable sterilization equipment. Believe me, I am the queen of “waste not, want not” but we all must have strong boundaries when it comes to the sterilization chain. The sustainability model we strive to recognize believes in people, planet and profit. Notice that the word “people” is placed first in this phrase and profit is last. While I respect and acknowledge the reality of profits, one must never place human life behind the component of profit. Keep your instruments up to date. Keep your sterilization equipment current and regularly tested. If you don’t already test for the effectiveness of this equipment, call your local dental school and ask for assistance. There is guidance and help available.

Challenge yourself and other team members to evaluate your infection control procedures. We are human, we are not perfect. I don’t believe anyone  purposes to cause harm to those we are serving but we can become blinded to our automatic routines. So sit down and discuss your sterilization techniques with your team members. Leave fear at the door. Leave criticism at the door.  Help each other out. Don’t let this tragedy in Tulsa be a wasted learning opportunity.

Let our actions be an offering of support to the victims and employees suffering through the unknown outcomes of this event.

No pointing fingers... just open hearts.

Criss cross applesauce

Just imagine a group of precocious preschoolers all sitting with their legs "criss-crossed applesauce" waiting for you to enter their school room.  It really is a beautiful site, even as one whole-heartedly attempts to sit "criss-cross applesauce" with the children.  I laugh about that undertaking now. I'm sure others still do but that's OK. For the past 6 years I have volunteered during the month of February (National Dental Health Month) at area preschools and it is an absolute blast! Yes, volunteering is a part of the sustainability model of People Planet Profit. It's also a great way to fill up your own life bucket!

So what does filling up your life bucket look like? To me, it's all about adding something substantial, something of value, something that gives passion and energy into your life and the lives of others. That "something" is going to look different for each us. The sharing of my dental health passions with young children is what ultimately fills up my life bucket. What fills up yours?

Let's look at the flip side of this action now. I wonder, and hope, that if I've shared my time, talent and treasures with others I might fill up their life bucket as well.  Going even deeper with this concept please read.the following tale from India that I believe is never too "old " to repeat:

 

The Cracked Pot 

 A water-bearer carries two large pots on a yoke across his shoulders up the hill from the river to his master's house each day. One has a crack and leaks half its water out each day before arriving at the house. The other pot is perfect and always delivered a full portion of water after the long walk from the river.
Finally, after years of arriving half-empty and feeling guilty, the cracked pot apologized to the water-bearer. It was miserable. "I'm sorry that I couldn't accomplish what the perfect pot did."
The water-bearer says, "What do you have to apologize for?"
"After all this time, I still only deliver half my load of water. I make more work for you because of my flaw."
The man smiled and told the pot. "Take note of all the lovely flowers growing on the side of the path where I carried you. The flowers grew so lovely because of the water you leaked. There are no flowers on the perfect pot's side."


Now imagine what our world would look like if we all reached out to share our gifts and talents with other regardless of our imperfections. I'd love to know what you do that fills up your life bucket. How do you reach out into your community  to strengthen your piece of the sustainability model? For me, whenever I look into the face of a child and see hope, curiosity, joy, and a wealth of untitled expressions spilling from them....... my bucket gets filled to the brim.

Sending a smile:)
Judy
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The tortoise or the hare?

Quick question. Do you relate more to the tortoise or the hare? Remember the race between a slow & steady turtle and an over-confident rabbit? The Olympic Marathon between animals with extremely opposite physical attributes as well as work disciplines. Sound familiar?

Well, who ever you've chosen to wave your Olympic flag for, I must now share that my middle name should have been turtle. Seriously. Even I have grown tired of hearing myself say "I get off to a slow start.....but I eventually finish!"

If you're wondering where I'm going with this topic just keep you're running shoes on and your mind open. I must now confess to you that just last week I had the grandest epiphany regarding sustainability I have ever had. I'm not kidding. It was simple yet so profound.

If you've been following my blog, you may have noticed that several, if not all of my topics, have dealt with more external sustainable actions. Recycling efforts, lighting choices, product duplication. Whether it has been on a personal or professional level, I've been running a race trying to enlighten you on external sustainable efforts within the dental world.

Now, my epiphany: What about the energy we put into creating sustainable dental habits for the patients we serve? The coaching and educating that we share with our patients to help foster their sustainable dental health. Whether this means restorative appointments are scheduled, continuing care appointments are made or alternative home care tools are encourage. Our ultimate goal is to help each and every patient achieve their optimal dental health. That my friend, I believe is at the core of dental sustainability.

So keep your running shoes on. We're all in this together regardless of when we cross the finish line. Our patients health is our primary concern. Let's  try to keep viewing it through the lens of sustainability.

Sending a smile
Judy

"Luceat Lux Vestra" Let your light shine!

Yes, let your light shine!  Sustainability is both a personal and professional journey. And yes, forgive the following pun, but we will need to shed a little light on this subject.

Personally, I want to encourage every reader to let their inner light shine brightly. Even during challenging times, the most beautiful rays of light can shine through our brokenness. What if you find your inner light already shining brightly? Fantastic! Share that warmth and energy with others. Reach outward, not inward.

Let's address the professional element of lighting sustainability. Lighting is a critical element in any dental facility and should be evaluated for improvement and effectiveness. There are many lighting options available to us today that can reduce our energy dependence, lessen our negative environmental impact and ultimately reduce operating costs. In today’s lighting market our standard T-12 fluorescent light bulb has become more environmentally compatible. By simply choosing to switch out this bulb with a T-8, T-5 or Compact Fluorescent light (CFL) you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint on this earth. In operatory areas where specific lighting is required you may want to work closely with your supply representative to evaluate LED options. Always consult with an electrical contractor before making any electrical changes.

People. Planet. Profit. Lighting can simply and profoundly effect every piece of the sustainability formula. Fill up your light source, let it spill out onto everyone you meet. Take a look around your office and home to evaluate your light sources. See if you can do better. Why not "let your light shine" for all to see!

Sending a smile
Judy

Cleaning out your closets. Fun times!

It's used to be a popular phrase to announce you were going to do a little "Spring cleaning". You know, that dreaded time of year you committed to going through your closets to see what needed to be rearranged or donated. What still fit, what didn't. I can't say those were ever fun times for me, but I must confess to you that I LOVE clean closets! It's not just how they look when you open the closet door, it's how I actually feel when the clutter is cleaned out of my closet and my life.

So, I challenged myself to bring that attitude to work with me this month (and it's not even Springtime!). I committed to going through just one "closet" draw of mine and I'm very thankful I did. I took on the dreaded "lost or broken instrument draw." You  know, the one you inherited 10 years ago when you began working in that operatory. The one you continually add too when a instrument tip breaks or just isn't one of your favorites anymore.

I discovered I could easily donate those instruments back to the supply company I ordered from. Check with your sales rep. They have different instrument offers that will allow you to turn in a certain number of old instruments in exchange for a few free or discounted instruments. Check with your co-workers before you do this though. You never know, they could be needing what you want to donate. Reduce, reuse, recycle......just keep it sterile :)

As my world turns, I got so excited about cleaning out my instrument drawer that I even tackled a part of my personal life as well, my uniform closet. How many of us have old uniform scrubs that we don't wear anymore? I know I do. Why not consider donating them to Goodwill? Check online for uniform donating opportunities. I've even cut up some of my cleaned scrubs and turned them into quilt tops to be donated.

Remember sustainability is simple. It can begin with one closet at a time. People. Planet. Profit. Anytime (not just Springtime) is the right time to make the world we live in a better place to live.

Sending a smile
Judy

Product duplication. Let me say it again, product duplication!

Evaluating your supply shelves for product duplications can really jump start your commitment to sustainable dental practices. Journey with me to your dental supply cabinet where you may find, as I did, a few duplicate items that needed some accountability.

As a courtesy to our patients we give away free samples of different products.  When I began evaluating these products, I realized I stocked several items that produced almost the same end result.  Unfortunately, this product duplication created more strain on our supply budget.  Instead of ordering one product in bulk which reduces costs and packaging waste, we were ordering small quantities of different products. This scenario did not look favorable held up to our sustainability equation of people, planet and profit.

After careful evaluation I challenged myself to choose one product, in each take home category, as a free sample to my patients. I still inform the patient of the other products, I just no longer have them all in the office. This action is really working in our dental office. Patients are being served. Our profit isn't being strained and less waste is being dumped onto our planet. 

They say every thing in life begins by taking the first step. So join me in taking one step at a time, and not duplicating your footprint!

Sending a smile,

Judy

Helmet hair....who cares!

May 18, 2012 National Bike to Work Day. National Bike to Work Day was started by the League of American Bicyclists, who also promotes Bike Week and Bike Month during the month of May. This day has now grown into a nationwide event!

I invite you to join me as I peddle into work this week, helmet hair and all:) Seriously, many communities are encouraging this activity not just on Friday, May 18th, but the entire work week.
     So look at your calendars. 
     Check out the weather forecast. 
     Inspect your bike and helmet for safety.
     Take a trial run to your work place to avoid road surprises or work tardiness. 
     Share the idea with a co-worker.
     Get excited to do this!
Remember, sustainable actions meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. People. Planet. Profit. It's simple and can really be fun. So come on, join me. I don't want to be the only one at work with helmet hair this week:)

Sending a smile,
Judy

Staying in the moment. My sustainable soul

I'd like to tap into the emotional/spiritual element of personal sustainability. As dental health care professionals we are bound to encounter many exhilarating as well as challenging emotional moments. Most recently someone very special entered my day and left a mark on my soul. A very courageous young person dealing with cancer showed me what living sustainably really meant. Stay with me. I promise this story will fill and sustain your "bucket" with hope.

While updating a young person's health history with his mom, it was shared that he was dealing with significant health challenges. His cancer diagnosis and treatments had been grueling. As Mom tried to steer the conversation towards a more joyful subject I eagerly listened as I gently helped this young person into my dental chair. It was revealed that the family would be going to Florida soon. Ah ha! My segue to safe conversation with this young person.

With barely skipping a breath, I began to recline the dental chair and asked the patient "So, where are you going?". Expecting to hear the word Florida come out of this young child's mouth, imagine my surprise when the word "backwards?" was uttered. Yes, this child, at that moment in time was just "going backwards". He was with his mom, he was safe in my dental chair, and  he was truly living in a sustainable moment.

What a lesson learned. I didn't need to project out to his Florida vacation. I didn't need to project out to his next chemo treatment. All I needed to do was stay in the moment with this young child, also known as my hero.

So what about you? Any challenging emotional moments in your life that you could do a little "backwards" motion? Stay sustainable. Stay in your moment!

Sending you a smile,
Judy

Excellence. Not an act but a habit.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit."     ~ Aristotle~

I truly believe excellence is not an act, but a habit. So how can we make sustainable choices habit forming? Let's start with the obvious and perhaps easiest action toward bringing sustainability into your life. Recycling! Now, before you dismiss this topic give me just a minute of your time to share a few simple suggestions.

1. Call your city's recycling department. By making one simple phone call you can determine if your city has a recycling program and if your business qualifies for this service. I was very fortunate to discover that our municipality offers curb side recycling. One simple phone call opened the door to this sustainable action. Recycling bins were delivered. Indoor containers were placed to collect box board, plastics and other recyclable items. We organized ourselves. We were off and running!

2. No city recycling? Contact a non-profit Recycling Center. If your municipality does not offer a recycling program don't give up hope. You may have success with a non- profit recycling center. Don't hesitate to call and connect with their services. Some centers even offer, for a minimal fee, pick up services if you need them.

The habit of recycling can lead to excellence. We live in a time that sustainable actions are desperately needed as well as respected. Be the dental office in your city to lead this effort!

See you next week with more sustainable ideas.

Sending a smile,
Judy

Connecting with your community

I believe some of the most amazing and generous people on this planet are part of our dental profession. I have witnessed many random acts of kindness and compassion from co-workers while serving dental patients over the past 30 years. I want to challenge you today though to evaluate your sustainable connection to the community you are a part of. Remember....... People. Planet. Profit. Let's focus on the planet piece of the sustainable equation.

So how do you "give back to the community/planet" you are a part of? Many already volunteer with a religious, community or non profit organization. Great! Thank you! How many are volunteering some of their dental time and talents back to the community though? You could contact a local pre-school and present a simple dental health program. I love doing this! Just fill up a back pack with dental goodies such as toothbrushes, healthy food choices and even dental gloves and mask to share with the pre school students. How about a dental jeopardy game with middle school students. Total fun! And if your passion leads you to geriatric care, why not contact an assisted living facility to volunteer with staff and guests. I believe many of these facilities hold hidden treasures in our communities.

Whatever sustainable volunteer choice you make I promise countless blessings returned to you and the practice you are apart of. Get connected to the community you serve. Stay connected. Stay sustainable.

Sending a smile,
Judy

Keep is simple. Keep it sustainable.

Yes, keep things simple. To create sustainable change in both your professional and personal life you need to keep things simple. Consider the following professional actions:

Paper vs. plastic bags

As a courtesy to your patients, many dental practices provide a take-home bag of dental products. The items often include a toothbrush, sample of toothpaste, and/or container of floss. Why not consider creating new, more sustainable habits with your patients? Simply asking if your patient would like or require a take home bag is a first step. Many consumers today believe in "reduce, reuse, recycle" and are also now adding "refuse" to that cliche. Yes, many consumers will now refuse items they don't have a need for, especially single-use plastics such as plastic bags. This action is certainly the least costly, most environmentally friendly and does not seriously compromise the patients you serve.

If your dental practice still wants to provide a courtesy bag why not evaluate more environmentally friendly and less costly substitute paper bags. Take some time to compare plastic to recycled paper bags. You'll find many options in both categories and may be happily surprised to discover a recycled paper courtesy bag that is more environmentally friendly, profit friendly and yet sill provides a service for your patients.

Paper vs. Plastic. One very simple option for you to evaluate in your dental practice this week.

See you next week!
Sending a smile,
Judy

Personal Sustainability

Until we become sustainable ourselves, I believe we will always struggle to positively influence others in our personal and professional lives. Begin this journey today! Begin today by looking within yourself. Are you in balance mind, body and soul?

Look within. How are you feeling? Do you need more or varied physical activity to bring about a stronger physical sense of self? This could be something as simple and sustainable as an daily walk. Cold outside? Too hot? Too humid? Try walking at your neighborhood mall or community center. What about beginning a yoga practice? Think about incorporating a gentle yoga practice into your lifestyle to bring about healing, inner calmness and increased strength.

Yes, begin at the beginning.  Personal sustainability must occur to propel you into a more professional sustainability.

"The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step" - Lao-tse

See you next week!
Sending a smile,
Judy

People Planet Profit.....begin at the beginning

Sustainability. "To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (World Commission on Environment and Development).

Sustainable dentistry. Ever dream of it? I have and want to champion dentistry into a more sustainable future. As a registered dental hygienist for 31 years, a published author in RDH professional magazine and sustainability education from a local community college, I hope to offer practical guidance to other dental professionals. I am so excited to share with you what I've learned, and in turn, learn from you. 

People Planet Profit. Sustainability is our future. Join me on this journey!

See you next week
Sending a smile,
Judy