April showers bring May flowers!

We have all heard this rhyme at some point in time, usually having been taught it at an early age by our parents or teachers. It’s a popular thing to say and hear around springtime, but one thing you might not know is where the rhyme originated from. It can be traced back to the mid 1500s, although earlier uses of “April showers bring May flowers” may have existed.

Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings, in which he wrote, “Sweet April showers, Do spring May flowers.”

As you can see, the rhyme was originally a short poem. There is meaning behind the words, as well. “April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – in this case, an abundance of flowers in May. “April showers bring May flowers” is a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day. www.feelingsandflowers.com

Braces will bring you the SMILE YOU DESERVE!

Don't wait another day to have the smile YOU deserve! Call 1-855-BRACES-4-U (855-272-2374) or www.NewEngland4Braces.com to schedule your FREE exam and consultation. 

“Text 2 Like” on Facebook

Be sure to become a fan on our Orthodontic Specialists of New England Facebook Fanpage!!! To become a fan, simply Text like newengland4braces to 32665 or log onto our website at www.NewEngland4Braces.comand click on the Facebook icon link. Then click on the “Like” button on our Fanpage and you will instantly become a fan!  This is an easy way to stay up to date on all of the new and exciting features that Orthodontic Specialists of New England has to offer!

Don't Bite Your Nails

Orthodontic Specialists of New England reminds you...Don't Bit Your Nails!!!

Biting your nails is an awful habit, but you may wonder, "what’s so bad about it?" Nail biting,  is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth! Here’s why: It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment. Braces don’t love it either. Nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots. It can be costly. (www.huffingtonpost.com)

March is American Red Cross Month

Because of donations and volunteer time, the Red Cross can respond to nearly 200 neighborhood emergencies every day. The Red Cross works tirelessly to provide help and hope when people need it most, and are grateful for the public support that enables them to continue our work, here at home and abroad. Since its founding in 1881, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering. (www.redcross.org)

March Madness Fun Clover Facts

Here are some clover facts in honor of MARCH!

The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland. The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover. According to the Guinness Book of World Records 2008, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 21!  One estimate suggests that there are about 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover. Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

March is a GREAT time to get the smile you DESERVE! Call 1-855-BRACES-4-U or log on to www.NewEngland4Braces.com to get started!

Interesting Leap Year Facts

2012 is a Leap Year, which means we're going to have an extra day in February to enjoy. So why do we need to add this day every four years? Well, when the Earth makes its annual trip around the sun, it doesn't take exactly 365 days. It's a little more like 365 and 1/4 days. Because of this, every four years our calendar falls a day behind the solar year. To remedy this, we catch ourselves up by adding an extra day to the month of February every four years. If we didn't, in 100 years the solar year and calendar year would be 25 days apart. We can't have that, or eventually our seasons would not match up with the months we currently associate them with. Egyptians were the first people to add a leap day every four years. However, the Romans were the first to choose February 29th as the official date. (www.womens-place.com)

Valentine's Facts

According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas. Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In fact, women purchase about 85% of all Valentine's cards and gifts. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland. There are about 6,000 marriages take place on Valentine's Day in the United States alone. (www.history.com)