Just got back from my week long trip in Haiti. It's true..the destruction is beyond compare. As soon as you step foot off the plane you are ushered into a little make-shift corridor that replaces the old airport terminal that was completely rendered unsafe and for demolition by the earthquakes last year. The irony is as that at the end of that long and narrow corridor you
are greeted by a festive and an almost obnoxiously loud musical trio with their warm welcoming smiles, bright colors, drums and guitars....a true testament to the resilience and courage of the Haitian people! As we left the airport, it was evident that the destruction at the airport was only the beginning. With 1.5 million people left homeless to date, there is much work yet to be done...but we tried to stay focused on our mission...improve oral health for as many kids as possible! We came armed with 4 luggage bags full of dental kits, educational material, toys...and we succeeded!

You've gotta smile more!!!! Top 10 reasons to SMILE!

1. Smiling Makes Us Attractive.
We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away, but a smile draws them in.

2. Smiling Changes Our Mood
Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better. Smiling can trick the body into helping you change your mood.

3. Smiling is Contagious
When someone is smiling they lighten up the room, change the moods of others, and make things happier. A smiling person brings happiness with them. Smile lots and you will draw people to you.

4. Smiling Relieves Stress
Stress can really show up in our faces. Smiling helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. When you are stressed, take time to put on a smile. The stress should be reduced and you'll be better able to take action.

5. Smiling Boosts Your Immune System
Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

6. Smiling Lowers Your Blood Pressure
When you smile, there is a measurable reduction in your blood pressure. Give it a try if you have a blood pressure monitor at home. Sit for a few minutes, take a reading. Then smile for a minute and take another reading while still smiling. Do you notice a difference?

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin
Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Smiling is a natural drug.

8. Smiling Lifts the Face and Makes You Look Younger
The muscles we use to smile lift the face, making a person appear younger. Don't go for a face lift, just try smiling your way through the day, you'll look younger and feel better.

9. Smiling Makes You Seem Successful
Smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and more likely to be approached. Put on a smile at meetings and appointments and people will react to you differently.

10. Smiling Helps You Stay Positive

2011 SMILE MAKE OVER CONTEST

Its here! We are gearing up for our new SMILE MAKEOVER CONTEST for 2011 and we cant wait to pick our winner! One of the hardest things to do is to sift through all the applications and photos to find that deserving person...I am always amazed by some of the photos submitted, and more so, some of the heart-wrenching essays we receive. However the criteria that we have used in past contests have not changed:

Winner must:
1. live within the vicinity of one of our offices
2. be in reasonably good health with no active medical treatment
3. submit an essay telling us why they deserve a new smile
4. photos of your smile and full- face (smiling!)
5. be willing to allow us to use their name and photos in our blogs/marketing!

If you would like to be considered for our contest, or know someone you would like to nominate feel free to submit your essay and photos to drkaloti@reflectiondentistry.com