Dr. Hansen's Peruvian Adventure

 

Dr. Hansen and his wife, Katie, got back last night from a seven day vacation!  Believe me, it was a much deserved seven day break for the both of them.  Seven days without work, seven days without kids, seven days in a beautiful tropical oasis!  Oh wait, that's my dream vacation! OK, all of that is true except for the last part...  Dr. Hansen and Katie decided not to take my advice and go somewhere "tropical" and "relaxing" for their vacation.  They decided to take "the road less traveled"or as I like to call it... The "Man vs. Wild" vacation.  The majority of their vacation was spent hiking, sleeping on the ground and stepping over poisonous snakes and bugs.  If you don't have a good mental picture yet go turn on your TV and watch an episode of "Survivor Man". 

Dr. Hansen and his wife traveled to Urubamba Valley, Peru where they met a group of friends whom I can only assume are all big fans of the Discovery Channel as well.  Machu Picchu is a 15th Century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level.  Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World (or so Wikipedia says).  I'm going to attach a link to the Wikipedia page on Machu Picchu... that way I can stop plagiarizing.  My high school english teacher would be ashamed!  

Four days and nights Dr. Hansen, Katie and their friends hiked straight up a mountain!  With backpacks stuffed to the brim they stopped only to eat and sleep... stragglers were left behind.  In all honesty I'm not 100% sure on the accuracy of my last comment but that's what happens in the movies, so I can only assume.  Dr. Hansen did say that even though the trip was physically demanding it was as equally rewarding.  From the above image you can see Machu Pichhu is a very beautiful and picturesque place.  It is no wonder why the Inca's decided to build their most famous city atop it.  Talking to Dr. Hansen it sounded like the two of them had an amazing time.  From sampling new and "different" cuisines to enjoying an outrageously fun adventure with Katie and some of their closest friends to going the better part of a week without a shower... how could he not!?!  Everyone in the office is looking forward to see pictures from their exciting adventure to Peru. As I learn more about the trip I will share more stories with you.  Stay tuned, pictures to come.

Machu Picchu Link (as promised) : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Machu_Picchu,_Peru.jpg

March marks the end of our School visits

February has come and gone and along with it our 2011 school presentations.  Final tally had us going to 6 different schools and seeing just under 1000 students.  977 to be exact... but I wasn't counting.  =)  Each student participated in presentation that was put on by various staff members of Hansen Orthodontics.  During the presentation students (grades 1-5) watched a video, "Dudley the dinosaur and his classroom adventures"! Dental health was the theme of this adventure.  Dudley and his friends were a huge hit and provided a nice transition into the rest of our presentation.   

During our presentation we use a number of props to help illustrate our points. The first was a GIANT toothbrush.  With that we demonstarted how to properly brush your teeth on a stuffed dinosaur... which was a dead ringer for Dudley (total coincidence).  If you find yourself questioning your own brushing technique at this point in the post... please... let me know.  I will point you in the direct of nearly 1000 elementary schooler children who are now experts!  Giant floss was next!

Not only did we teach proper brushing and flossing technique but Janell her own presentation on healthy foods and healthy snack.  "Did you know what floss does for your teeth" she asked the kids.  It acts as "nature's floss"! Who would of thought?! She also went over healthy drinks to keep your teeth strong and clean.  Bad news people... soda isn't on that list.

After our presentation the kids were given the floor to ask questions about orthodontics and/or dental health.  Let me tell you first hand... they came up with some really great questions!  I was impressed.

Before leaving the students were given a goodie bag that included an activity sheet, Hansen Ortho pencil, toothpaste, free smoothie card and an award for participating in children's dental health month.  Sadly, this was their favorite part of the event!  Oh well... maybe next year it will be my explanation of tooth form and function.

Presidents Day

Did you know that today, February 21st, is Presidents Day?  I bet you did considering that most of you don't have class!  President's Day dates back to the very first president, George Washington.  His birthday is February 22nd and it became a National Holiday in 1832, 100 years after his birth.  This day from then on was celebrated each year, nationally.  Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12th, the year after he was assassinated his birthday also became a holiday (makes you feel bad for President Garfield, Mckinley and Kennedy whom were all assassinated in office but did not receive a holiday).  Lincoln's birthday was celebrated but was not recognized as a "national" holiday like Washingtons.  In 1968 Congress passed legislation that moved all National Holiday to a Monday, to ensure a 3 day weekend (GREAT IDEA).  Washington's holiday was moved to the third Monday of February and in 1971 President Richard Nixon combined Washington's and Lincoln's birthday celebrations, renaming it President"s Day. Finally all the president (including Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy) were recognized.

Even though we, Hansen Orthodontics, did not receive the day off Dr. Hansen was kind enough to treat us to lunch.  We went to one of our favorite office lunch destinations... Qdoba! Thanks for being a great boss Dr. Hansen!

February - Children's Dental Health Month

It's February again... which means that is it Children's Dental Health Month.  To be 100% honest this is my favorite month of the year at work.  Ok ok ok... it's tied for first with July.  July is when we hold our annual Patient Appreciation Pool Party (WHAT A BLAST!).  I love February for a completely different reason.  This month we get to go into local schools and teach 1st-5th graders about braces and the importance of good oral hygiene.  Here at Hansen Orthodontics we all feel that it is very important to teach proper brushing technique from a young age.  Students at that age are developing routines and habits that will stick with them for the rest of their lives... that is why we like to teach them young.

This year we will be seeing anywhere from 700 to 800 students in seven different schools! EIGHT HUNDRED KIDS... WOW! We are so thankful to the schools and teachers that allow us to come in, steal a little class time and teach the students about OH (Oral Hygiene).  Good OH is very important and we make sure in every presentation that the kids know they are supposed to brush and floss 3 times a day, 7 days a week.  Goodie bags with toothbrushes, floss, pencil and activity sheet are handed out as well.

So far this month we have seen 300+ kids in 3 schools.  I cant wait till Friday when we get to visit Heckethorn Elementary!

Martin Luther King Jr.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday.  He lived from January 17th, 1929 to April 4, 1968.  It has been over 40 years since his passing yet his words still resonate throughout our society daily.  He is best known for his work with civil rights in the United States and all around the world.  He preached non-violence and understand.  His birthday was made a National Holiday in 1986.

His most famous speech was entitled "I have a dream" so try to take a moment today and remember Dr. King's words and what they mean to you THEN go out and enjoy this beautiful day off of work/school! =)

Groupon / Jan-Feb Office Contest

    We all hope that everyone had a great 2010 and fun/safe NYE.  2011 is here and to kick off the year we held a special on Groupon.com (see previous post).  We expected a lot of people to jump on this great deal but not 142! 142 people bought the Groupon deal. WOW! We are so happy for everyone took adavantage of this one time deal and hope that you all choose our office over the rest (4 offices took part in the deal).  We are the only Orthodontic office in the deal, BONUS for them and I think (err.. hope) that everyone takes advantage of having Dr. Hansen and his expertise available to them at no extra cost.  General Dentists are legally allowed to offer Invisalign but an Orthodontist is trained to treat all different types of malocclusions (misaligned teeth).  A general dentist deal with cavaties and root canals all day long just as Dr. Hansen deals with correcting malocclusions all day.  For the best treatment and results its almost a no brainer who you should come see. =)  You're going to have your teeth forever so its important to take care of them and see a specialist... like Dr. H.

Ok... now on to the fun stuff.  Below is the contest for Jan-Feb.  Its an Eye-Spy Contest.  All you have to do is find the 17 differences in the two pictures.  Sounds easy, right?  Good luck and we cant wait to see you in the office at your next appointment! SEE YOU ALL SOON!!!! (CLick on the image and it should enlarge)

Groupon Ad

Hansen Orthodontics is going to be featured on Groupon.com! From December 30, 2010 - January 2, 2011 (still cant believe its 2011... WOW) we will be giving a HUGE discount on Invisalign.  It's the biggest discount we have ever offered.  With purchase ($49 @ Groupon.com) of the coupon you will recieve...  $1100 off normal Invisalign fees, tooth whitening gel that can be used along with your Invisalign tray and a free cleaning.  If you know anyone who is interested or has talked about Invisalign let them know because we are only offering this deal for 4 days.  Start the New Year off right with the promise of a perfect smile.

How it works:
1) Log on to Groupon's website and purchase the coupon
         - Coupon cost: $49 (it is 100% refundable if you decide not to use it).
         - Coupon is good for an entire year!
2) Call our office (702.568.1600) and give us your coupon ID number and we will set you up with a consultation.
3) Come in and meet Dr. Hansen, his wonderful staff and take a tour of his office.
4) THAT'S IT!

Log on to our website if you have any other questions. http://www.hansenortho.com/

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