July 2013: Tips, eNews and More!     Happy 146 Birthday Canada! We hope you enjoyed the long weekend and took a moment to get outside and explore a piece of this wonderful country (even if it was just your own patio). Did you know? There is no accurate count of the number of lakes in Canada. If we define a lake as being larger than 3 square km in area, there are over 30,000 lakes in Canada; if we lower the minimum threshold, the number climbs well into the millions, with over 250 000 lakes in Ontario alone. Canada has more lakes than all other countries combined, which contributes in no small measure to our country's overall beauty. With all of the fresh water at our fingertips we ask, are you drinking enough? While estimates of how much water you should be drinking vary from one study to the next, there is usually a common theme. Most of us are not drinking enough! Keep a glass of water at your desk and drink it throughout the day, getting up to refill your glass will give you a reason to take a break every hour or so. Drinking water helps proper hydration, cleanses your body and rinses bacteria from your mouth as you drink! Have a safe and healthy summer, Dr. Charles Weingarten and Team Change Your Brush! Next time you brush your teeth take a closer look at your brush and ask yourself... "Is it time to to change my tooth brush?" If the ends are starting to fray or the bristles are starting to lose their shape, its time for a new brush. We recommend a soft bristled brush as it is easier on your gums and enamel yet effective enough to remove daily buildup and food particles. The head size and brush shape are also important. You should be able to maneuver the brush comfortably around your mouth, especially when brushing around and behind your back teeth. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush at least every four months, so if you can't remember when you last changed your tooth brush...perhaps today is a good day. Are You Juicing? Juicing your own fresh fruits and vegetables has gained a lot of attention, and for good reasons. Juices are delicious and carry many health benefits. While any fruits and vegetables you juice yourself will be better for you than sugary/preserved/pasteurized juices you can buy at the store, we suggest you juice organic fruits and vegetables when possible (and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly). We're not suggesting a 'juice diet', rather replacing an over-the-counter drink or a light meal or snack. Adding a fresh juice into your daily diet can have amazing positive effects on your well-being. A fresh juice in the morning can offer a quick healthy alternative to a traditional toast, eggs and bacon, a midday juice can give you a refreshing boost of energy, while having a nutrient filled juice for dinner can free your body up to repair itself overnight rather than digest a heavy meal. Here are some of the many benefits of juicing: Click here.