Thinking Out Loud - Car Conversation With Myself

Too Much Stress For State Testing In Elementary School Kids

When I was in school we took some bubble tests. Granted it was in the 70s but I don't remember a lot of talk about it in class. The teachers just placed a test in front of you and you were told to fill in the circles with a number 2 pencil. You had to remain quiet if you finished for the others taking the test and that was it! It was over and no one spoke about it. There was not talk about "OMG I am so nervous about this test" or "it took me the full 2 hours to finish the test". 

Fast forward to 2023 when kids who spent two years of their short lives dealing with lockdowns, not seeing friends and family, covid and getting back up to speed from all the lost time in their very short lives.   I spent the past two mornings hearing about how stressed the 3rd graders in my before care class are. They are quiet, squeezing stress balls and talking about how stressed and nervous they are. Why?! Why are 8-9 year olds stressed about tests? Why is there so much emphasis put on these standardized tests that are truly for holding the teachers accountable? The kids should have no stress. They should be told to do their best. Just plop the test down. It's a test like all others. 

I spent the past two mornings letting these kids who should honestly be playing outside and running around in the sunshine, playing board games, puzzles, reading, playing with friends or whatever it is kids need to do telling them that they will do fine and just do their best which is what my teachers use to say in the 70s.  The kids of today have so much to deal with so putting so much weight on these tests is really unfair and unhealthy. They have years and years to be stressed about school and tests. Is 3rd grade really when we should be stressing them out?

Photo by Katerina Holmes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-black-teacher-with-kids-in-classroom-5905928/

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Losing teeth can be an unfortunate and traumatic experience for anyone. It can make simple tasks like eating and speaking challenging and can also have a significant impact on self-esteem. Fortunately, advances in dental technology now offer a range of options for replacing missing teeth. In this article, we will explore the most common options available.

Dentures 

Dentures are a tried-and-true option for tooth replacement. They are custom-made for each individual and can be either full or partial. Dentures are removable, making them easier to clean and maintain. There are two types of dentures: traditional dentures that need adhesives to hold them in place, and implant-supported dentures, which are attached to dental implants in the jaw. While dentures can take time to get used to and may require adjustments, they provide an affordable and accessible solution to missing teeth.

Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are similar to complete dentures, but they replace only a small section of teeth, rather than an entire set. They can be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Partial dentures attach to the existing teeth with clasps, and they can be removed for cleaning or sleeping. One disadvantage of partial dentures is that they can feel bulky and uncomfortable at first. However, they are a cost-effective and practical solution for those who need to replace just a few missing teeth.

Bridges 

A bridge can be used to fill a small gap, such as when a front tooth is missing. Crowns are fitted to the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth is fixed in the middle, so the gap is bridged. The crowns are fitted onto the teeth on either side of the gap, providing a sturdy foundation for the false teeth in between. Bridges are a less invasive and more affordable alternative to dental implants.

Resin-retained Bridges

A resin-retained bridge is a conservative tooth replacement option that involves bonding a false tooth to the remaining teeth on either side of the gap. This method requires minimal tooth preparation and provides a strong, natural-looking tooth that can last for several years. This option is particularly useful for those who have natural teeth that are still healthy and strong enough to support the replacement tooth.

Dental Implants 

Dental implants from a private Northwick dentist have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their natural look and feel. An implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, onto which an artificial tooth is fixed. The implant mimics the root of a tooth and ensures a sturdy, long-lasting foundation for the artificial tooth that feels and looks as close to natural teeth as possible. While dental implants have a higher initial cost than some other options, they offer a permanent and reliable solution with a high success rate of over 90%.

As you can see, there is a range of options available for replacing missing teeth, and the best option will depend on individual needs, budget, and lifestyle. Whatever option you choose, restoring missing teeth can have a significant impact on your overall dental health, self-esteem, and quality of life.

Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash

Sedan vs. SUV for Accident Safety

With two kids coming upon driving age we talk about vehicles for them constantly. When purchasing a vehicle, you need to consider that if an accident were to occur while driving, would the car keep you safe. It is not a fun thought to think about when shopping for a new vehicle, but it is necessary. When choosing a vehicle, you may debate whether an SUV or a sedan would be the best option for you and your family. Knowing and understanding which would be safer in an accident may help make your decision.  

Is an SUV Safer than a Sedan in an Accident?

Just because an SUV is larger than a sedan, does that make it safer in an accident? As you look at a new Chevrolet for sale and consider which vehicle would be best, it would help to look up the crash-test ratings of each vehicle, as this will give you some valuable information. Although, this does not guarantee one is a hundred percent safer than the other. For instance, a front-crash score will show the crash results of hitting a vehicle roughly the same size.

The laws of physics show that the smaller vehicle receives the brunt of the impact when a larger vehicle is also involved. There are also many who choose an SUV because being higher off the ground makes them feel safer. 

What About Rollover Accidents?

No accident is the same. For example, in a rollover accident, you may wish you were in a sedan rather than an SUV. When you drive an SUV, you are more likely to roll over in an accident than if you were in a sedan, and you also have a higher chance of survival in a sedan than an SUV in a rollover. This is because their higher center of gravity makes it more likely for them to roll over, and when they do, it can be potentially fatal.

Safety Features to Look Into

If you choose to purchase an SUV over a sedan, the thing to consider when choosing a safe vehicle is seeing what features they offer for accident safety. That includes what airbag systems they have and any other crash response features they have that can provide help and emergency assistance to you quickly whenever a collision does occur. 

Some sedans and SUVs too have safety features that help limit the chances of a collision from happening in the first place. That might include blind-spot systems, automatic braking, and a traction control system. That way, you will be driving a vehicle that is more likely to keep you and your family safe in a crash and help prevent an accident from happening altogether.

Find a Safe Sedan or SUV for Your Travels

In the end, there are many sedans and SUVs that are ready to provide you with safe travels each day. To find the one you want to take out on the roads, consider the safety features they have and their crash-test ratings.