Be Careful Out There!

As we approach the holidays, the weather conditions here in Indianapolis are as intense as ever -- snow, ice and heavy winds all make for difficult driving and walking conditions. The team at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics would like to remind you to be safe when you're out and about! Here is some helpful advice we wanted to share with you for traveling this season:

1. Winterize your vehicle: This includes checking your tire pressure, inspecting all belts and hoses, making sure the battery is fully charged, switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures and inspect the wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility.

2. Drive, accelerate, and brake slowly: Make sure you begin to decelerate well in advance of turning a corner. If you go into a skid, turn your wheels into the skid and accelerate slightly to regain control of the vehicle.

3. Pack an emergency road kit and learn common emergency signs: Get to know winter driving basics, such as always having extra oil and antifreeze, blankets and drinking water, and emergency road flares. Your cell phone should be with you at all times, and if you have an extra, keep a spare charger in your vehicle.

4. Learn how to install tire chains: Choose chains that are easy to install, and then practice putting them on and taking them off a few times in your driveway or parking lot.

5. Learn how to fix a flat tire: Flat tires are easy to fix if you have the right tools and you know what to do. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition, and be sure you have a full set of tools, including a good jack that you know how to operate and a lug wrench that will get the job done. This video explains how to easily change a tire.

6. Learn how to jump start a car: If you should experience a battery that has lost power, you'll need a set of jumper cables and someone who can lend you a car. This video explains how to properly jump start your vehicle.

Finally, if you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics our patients' well-being is our primary concern, and that includes staying safe (and warm) on the roads this winter season!

Help to Get You Through the Cold and Flu Season

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in Fall, but this year it seems to have started much earlier and with the recent spread of H1N1, Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics is taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we have always paid great attention to the sanitation and sterilization of our office, following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we ask that our patients kindly reschedule their appointments if they are experiencing flu symptoms or have come down with a cold or other illness that could infect others.

Maintaining and protecting your oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To help protect yourself, follow these steps:

• Always wash your hands before and after brushing and flossing your teeth, or when removing or replacing your retainer or Invisalign trays
• Allow your toothbrush to air dry after each use, as many harmful bacteria die after being exposed to oxygen
• Store and care for your toothbrush and orthodontic appliances properly when not in use
• Replace your toothbrush after every illness, or every three to four months when bristles begin to appear worn

Hope this helps you stay healthy this cold and flu season!

--Drs. Sondhi & Biggs and the Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics Team