Smile Generation-trusted dentists and Pacific Dental Services team members were on hand to hear charity: water founder Scott Harrison, speak about the importance of funding clean water projects.

A highlight of the evening was the Waterwalk, in which guests were asked to walk around a circular stage carrying two water-filled jerry cans, in order to experience just a fraction of what many people around the world go through walking hours each day just to collect dirty water.

Dr. Bobby Raber, a Smile Generation-trusted dentist, who practices at an Every Kid’s Dentist dental office in Arizona, experiences the Waterwalk.

Gia Jaramillo from Beach Dental Group, a Smile Generation-trusted dental office in Huntington Beach, CA, experiences the Waterwalk.

Dr. Burson, a Smile Generation-trusted dentist practicing in Colorado, does the Waterwalk.

Dr. Burson, pictured above, was part of the dental team that visited Ethiopia last year.

A performance by musician Mat Kearney capped the evening.

In just one night, The Smile Generation succeeded in kicking off 155 campaigns that will help fund 100 wells for Ethiopia by the end of 2013.

You too can donate to the cause at smilegeneration.com/100wells

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #100wellsforethiopia

I remember in elementary school our class would plant a tree or pick up trash in the surrounding area on Earth Day. Picking up trash not only taught us how bad littering is, of course, but it also showed us that if everyone does a little, it adds up to a lot!

I still, to this day, do not understand people who litter. Is it just laziness? Or do you really think that one piece of trash won’t affect anything? It blows my mind when I see someone toss something out of their car on the freeway. Whether it’s a cigarette butt, or a plastic cup, it makes me want to scream. Are you kidding me right now? Start caring, people!

When everyone does a little, it really does add up to a lot. Not running the water while you brush your teeth, taking a reusable water bottle to work, bringing your own bags to the grocery store, and picking up your own trash – it all makes an impact. You can make an impact. Caring is cool. Get into it.

The mouth and face of a child or young adult can be easily injured if proper precautions are not used while participating in sports or recreational activities.  According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of the 7 million sports-related injuries that happen each year are sustained by children as young as 5 years old.

Mouth guards and helmets will dramatically decrease the risk of oral injuries. An effective mouth guard holds teeth in place, resists tearing and allows for normal speech and breathing. Your dentist can recommend the best mouth guard for every sports activity.

Here are some important tips from the experts of the ASD, AAPD, AAOMS, AAO and ADA:

• Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports.
• Wear a helmet.
• Wear protective eye wear.
• Wear a face shield to avoid damage to the delicate bones around the eyes, nose and jaw.

Opening Day Baseball Trivia

Did you know that William Howard Taft became the first president to throw the ceremonial first pitch? It happened on the first day of the 1910 season, and since then, every president besides Jimmy Carter has thrown at least one ceremonial first ball for Opening Day, the All-Star Game or the World Series.

Did you know that it was on Opening Day in 1947, when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier? The 28-year-old Robinson became the first African American to play for a Major League baseball team, when he made his debut at Ebbets Field, playing first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Did you know that Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and Ken Griffey Jr. share the record for most career home runs on the first day of the season, with eight Opening Day homers each?

Last year, we had a ball (pun intended) with all the teams we sponsored. Here are some highlights from last year.

I know. You’re busy and you don’t have time to make or eat breakfast. I get it. But starting off your day with something nutritious doesn’t have to be time consuming or require a lot of preparation. I love this smoothie because not only is it quick and easy, it’s healthy and delicious! I’ve seen several variations of this breakfast smoothie. Other recipes include adding some almonds, protein powder, using kale instead of spinach, or adding in additional fruit. My version is pretty basic, but feel free to mix up! It’s a great way to ensure that you’re getting a healthy start to your morning. Lately I’ve been using a frozen banana, but I’ve also used room temperature bananas and just added a few ice cubes. Both ways are equally fantastic.

photo credit: João M. Fernandes via photopin cc

In the spirit of National Nutrition Month, here’s my super easy recipe:

Green Breakfast Smoothie

1 generous handful of spinach – rinsed
1 frozen banana
1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 or 2 Tbs. of honey

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you want a less-thick smoothie, just add in some more almond milk until it reaches a consistency you like and blend some more. And that’s it! Cheers to a healthy you!

Photo Credit: João M. Fernandes

About the Author:

For every Ducks’ goal scored, the Smile Generation made a donation to CHOC Children’s Hospital. Photo courtesy of The Anaheim Ducks.

Fans attending or watching Sunday’s FOX Sports West telecast were able to participate in the “text to donate” campaign. There was also a silent auction with Ducks memorabilia.

Wild Wing with young fans. Photo courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks

CHOCO Bear with some hockey fans. Photo Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks.

CHOC Children’s was named one of the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report (2011-2012). It is exclusively committed to the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients. Affiliated with the University of California, Irvine, CHOC’s regional healthcare network includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo, CA.

“There can be a misperception that eating healthfully means giving up your favorite foods,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan A. Bergman. “Our ‘Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day’ National Nutrition Month theme encourages consumers to include the foods they love as part of a healthful eating plan that is tailored for their lifestyles, traditions, health needs and, of course, tastes.”

Read the Academy’s National Nutrition Month website to find out helpful tips, games, recipes and other recipes that promote good nutrition.

Enjoy.