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Memorial Day didn't become an official holiday until 1971, but Americans started gathering annually in the spring to remember those who lost their lives in war during the 1860s, right after the Civil War. Celebrated on the last Monday in May, people still decorate the grave sites of war veterans and hold memorial services, but Memorial Day has also evolved into a day that signifies the beginning of summer.

During the summer months, many people take road trips to visit family members. Some head off to the airport to enjoy a long-awaited vacation far away, while others look forward to spending time with friends and family at home. However you spend Memorial Day and the subsequent summer months, there are a few things you can take care of to ensure your summertime is enjoyable.

Checklist for an Enjoyable Summer

• Have the AC Checked. During the hottest days of summer, many families find themselves sweating it out due to a broken air conditioning system. Be proactive so you can avoid waiting for hours or days because the HVAC repair person is booked solid. Have your air conditioning system checked before or around Memorial Day each year.
• Ensure Security While You're Away. When you leave for vacation, the last thing you should have to worry about is the security of your home. Install a home security system, if possible, and put a timer on your lights so they go on and off at normal hours. You can also alert your local police department that you'll be gone, and ask them to drive by your house once in a while to make sure everything is okay.
• Visit Dr. Gregory Weaver Before Vacation. Many people put off exams until after summer vacation. Avoid the crowds and make sure your physical and oral health are in top shape prior to vacation time so there are no unpleasant surprises.

Our team at Weaver Dentistry wants you to look forward to Memorial Day and the days of summer by preparing to spend the time safely and comfortably. As you plan ahead, take care of your health and secure your home, you can place your focus on creating memories with family members and friends while enjoying your favorite Memorial Day traditions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 38% of the adult population in the United States did not visit a dentist in 2013. Of that 38 percent, 21 percent cited “fear” as the cause.

With the innovative, state-of-the-art Wand STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia), patients do not have to fear going to the dentist anymore. The Wand STA eliminates the pain of the local anesthetics that are injected with a syringe into the gums to numb the mouth during the dental procedure.

The majority of people who have encountered a bad experience at the dentist say it is because of the injection to numb the area of the mouth that will be worked on. What you may not realize is that the pricking of the skin is about as painful as a paper cut. More often than not, the discomfort comes from the rapid flow of the local anesthetic.

The Wand STA is a computer controlled injection. The computer controls the rate of which the local anesthetic flows. The faster the local anesthetic injection flows, the more uncomfortable or painful the injection is. The computer slows the flow of the injection, guaranteeing minimal to no pain for you.

What does treatment with the Wand STA involve?

• The actual hand piece that provides the local anesthetic looks like a pen.
• The STA delivery system looks similar to a small shaped computer.
• A cartridge that contains the local anesthetic sits on top of the computer unit. A tube is connected to the pen that has a very small needle inside.
• The system has two modes: the first one is the regular wand that has three different speeds for injecting the local anesthetic. This mode is used when more than one tooth is being treated. The second mode is the single tooth mode, used to numb just one tooth and prevent the cheek, lips, and entire side of the mouth from becoming numb.

We’re proud to use the Wand STA at our Raleigh, NC office. It’s a simple but important tool that allows Dr. Gregory Weaver to help you to maintain excellent oral health.

The merry month of May also happens to be National Fitness and Sports Month, so take advantage of the warmer days to get outside and exercise! Bringing a friend, family member, or coworker with you when you go for a brisk walk during a lunch break can provide an opportunity to socialize as well as health benefits. If you need a little more motivation, here are some good reasons to stay active and fit.

Exercise provides:

• Improved stamina and energy as well as toned muscles and bone strength and density
• Improved circulation and breathing for a healthier heart and lungs
• Reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer
• For older adults, regular exercise may help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls as well as improved cognitive abilities

Children and Teens

Children and teenagers spend long hours at their desks in school, on the computer, watching television, and involved in other sedentary activities that result in obesity and poor health later in life. Getting them engaged in school or community sports teams can help them form good life-long exercise habits. One important note: If they are participating in contact sports, Dr. Gregory Weaver and our team at Weaver Dentistry recommend your kids wear an approved mouthguard to protect those valuable teeth from injury! Ask us for a proper fitting of your safety appliance during your next visit!

A gym membership is nice but not necessary to stay fit; try these easy ways to work some exercise into your daily routine.

At Home

• Take a friend along for company on a walk through your neighborhood.
• Pursue gardening or other yard work, including mowing or raking.
• Take your kids on a bike ride or have them push a baby stroller around the block.

Couch potatoes take note: simply moving from the sofa to the floor for some sit-ups, leg-lifts, or push-ups while you’re watching television can help you get in better shape in no time.

At Work

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Take exercise breaks for walks around the building or parking lot.
• Walk or ride a bike to work.

So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

For more information on exercise techniques, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Weaver, please give us a call at our convenient Raleigh, NC office!

Patients who suffer with Temporomandibular Disorders, popularly referred to as TMD, now have the option of receiving TruDenta Therapy. This advanced system combines laser therapy along with electrical stimulation in an ongoing process that takes place conveniently in our Raleigh, NC office.

Stress or injury to the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ which is located in the jaw directly in front of the ear is what causes patients to suffer with this painful disorder. Although some patients have spurts of pain that eases up after a few weeks, this has been known to be an ongoing problem for many patients and can cause severe headaches.

Advantages of Treatment

• Dr. Gregory Weaver will be able to help heal your TMD pain free, with no needles or drugs
• No migraines
• Increased ability to sleep
• No more teeth grinding
• Muscles soreness recedes

Contact our Raleigh, NC office today to find out if TruDenta can help you ease your headaches and muscle tension in your jaws. You will be simply amazed at the difference you will feel with such a simple procedure and what it can do to help you improve your overall health.