Hosting a Backyard Memorial Day Celebration
Memorial Day is not only a federal holiday in the United States, but it is a day of observance and remembrance of those who died in service. In June of 1968, Congress moved the official date of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May in order to create a 3-day weekend. Today, it has become more of a day we spend time with family and friends, while there is certainly an air of remembrance on Memorial Day. This day has also been unofficially marked as the start of summer with many schools finishing for the year around this time.
This Memorial Day weekend many people will take road trips to visit family members or head to the airport to kick-off a nice vacation get-away. But, there will also be plenty of folks having backyard gatherings and spending time with friends and family right at home. However you spend your Memorial Day weekend, there are a few things you can take care of to ensure your celebration is a success when hosting a backyard Memorial Day celebration.
Tips for Hosting a Backyard Memorial Day Celebration
- Beverages – Refreshing beverages such as ice tea, lemonade, and fruit punch are a nice way to keep everyone’s thirst quenched. If you are serving alcohol, strawberry daiquiris, margarita’s and sangrias are great summer cocktails. Setting up drink stations works well along with coolers to keep drinks ice cold. Try to keep your coolers out of direct sunlight. Placing them under an awning will help extend the length of time your ice and drinks will stay nice and cool inside.
- Food – Outdoor grilling is a national favorite. You can grill just about anything: hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, brisket and more. You can also grill an assortment of vegetables for easy sides. Party trays work well for snacking such as cheese, olive, fresh fruit and veggie trays. When it comes serving a crowd, buffet-style is perhaps the easiest way. Another great tip is to keep a separate area for utensils, plates and napkins. This will keep the food line running more smoothly.
- Keep Cool – Keeping everyone cool and comfortable can be a challenge during this time of year. Use any outdoor fans you may have available. Keep your guests covered with umbrella tables, awnings, and canopies if possible. Providing decorative paper fans is a nice touch and can also be given as party favors.
Our team at South Tampa Smiles wants everyone to enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend safely and comfortably. We hope you find our tips for hosting a backyard Memorial Day celebration helpful. Place your focus on creating memories with family members and friends while enjoying your favorite Memorial Day traditions.
Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day from all of us at South Tampa Smiles!
Contact us for your next dental appointment at (813) 289 – 0560. We have appointment times before and after work available. Call for details.
Further reading about the Memorial Day holiday.
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks that carry a type of bacteria called Borrelia Burgdorferi. Once bitten by an infected tick, the bacterium travels through the blood and establishes itself in various body tissues. Lyme disease is a multisystem inflammatory disease that often appears as a localized rash within 7 to 10 days along with a multitude of symptoms, which can sometimes be quite severe. The first symptoms typically start in the summer months, which is the height of the tick season. For this reason, the month of May has been named Lyme disease awareness month.
The initial symptoms of Lyme disease can present as flu-life symptoms including rash, fever, chills, stiff neck, headaches, muscle aches and joint pain. It is important to be informed of the early symptoms of this disease as the later symptoms can include arthritis, neurological and cardiac disorders. We would like to bring awareness to a number of symptoms that involve the head, neck and mouth.
Lyme Disease Head and Neck Symptoms Include:
- Facial Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)
- Grinding or Clenching Teeth (Bruxism)
- Mouth Sores
- Dizziness with Head & Movement
- Dry Cough
- Dry Eyes, Nose & Mouth
- Ear, Palate or Gum Pain
- Jaw Pain (TMJ)
- Sinus Infection
- Unexplained Toothaches
- Difficulty Chewing & Swallowing
- Runny Nose without Cold or Allergy Symptoms
It is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. At South Tampa Smiles, we try to keep our patients informed about illnesses that can affect your overall health and educated on oral manifestations that may occur. Along with regular medical checkups, keep your oral health in check by visiting your dentist every six months. Early recognition is essentially! Give us a call for your next dental exam at (813) 289 – 0560.
For further reading about Lyme disease head and neck symptoms, news and treatments visit American Lyme Disease Foundation. You can show your support and help fight against this potentially disabling or fatal illness by making a contribution online here.
Today is Peace Officer Memorial Day. Thank you to those that died while working to those who have died since retiring. Our thoughts are with their surviving families.
Support research to find causes of and a cure for fibromyalgia. Spread the word!
There would be no dentists without mothers. Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at South Tampa Smiles.
Cinco De Mayo, May 5th, is a day of celebration that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. Many people will be celebrating this holiday at their favorite Mexican restaurant with a salt-rimmed margarita, tortilla chips with salsa and a signature “spicy” Mexican dish. These fiery foods pack a powerful punch that can break you into a sweat. We can all agree that this food is appetizing and keeps us craving more, but we would like to open the discussion:
Is spicy food bad for your teeth?
Perhaps the most recognizable and distinctive ingredient in Mexican cuisine is the chili pepper. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which help minimize infection and also believed to alleviate pain. Another commonly used ingredient to spice up a dish is onion. Onions are packed with manganese, which helps bind calcium to bones and teeth. There are a variety of chili spices that are often used to add some heat. Chili spices are loaded with vitamin A that promotes strong bones and teeth. Spicy foods also stimulate salivary production, which acts as a natural cleanser to wash away bacteria and debris.
Foods that are high in spice can actually have a positive effect on your teeth in moderation. Of course, too much of anything is never a good thing. Frequent consumption of chili peppers can be too acidic and cause erosion of enamel. Also, most of these zesty dishes are topped with a tangy squeeze of lime. Any citrus can be harsh on your teeth when consumed too frequently.
At South Tampa Smiles we believe that variety is the spice of life so celebrate and enjoy your favorite spicy foods in moderation. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rinse the food particles and bacteria away. Maintain proper dental care at home, regular checkups and professional cleanings. Contact your South Tampa Dentist at (813) 289 – 0560 to make your next appointment and keep your smile in excellent health.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo from your South Tampa Dentist Staff at South Tampa Smiles!
Further reading related to
Is spicy food bad for your teeth?
May 3rd is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Give your teachers the gratitude they deserve. Thank You from South Tampa Smiles!
It’s going to be a hot one. It’s National Pool Opening Day. What a great way to spend your day!
