Valentine's Day is a time of love and joy. It is a holiday that everyone looks forward to and celebrates in their own unique way. This year, Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry has decided to make Valentine’s Day even more special by throwing a fun-filled celebration!
At this special event, children of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in activities such as arts and crafts, music, games and even get the chance to meet some of their favorite characters. All this while discovering the importance of good oral hygiene in an interactive, safe and welcoming environment.
It promises to be an incredible day full of laughter, fun, and most importantly – lots of love! Join us at Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry on Valentine's Day for an experience that your family won't forget any time soon. We look forward to seeing you there!
Tips For Making A Child Feel Comfortable In The Dentist's Chair
Making a child feel comfortable in the chair at the dentist's office can be a challenge. It’s especially true on special days like Valentine's Day, when Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry wants to make sure that even the littlest of patients have a great experience. Let’s look at some tips for making kids feel at ease and ensuring their visit is as easy and stress-free as possible!
First of all, it’s important to create an atmosphere of trust and respect. Show your child that you understand their feelings by talking with them openly about their worries and answering any questions they may have. Additionally, it’s important to choose a children's dentistry office that is warm and welcoming – one that makes it easy for kids to feel relaxed in the dentist’s chair.
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry, we strive to make every patient feel comfortable and safe. We provide fun activities so children can focus on something other than being in the dentist's chair, use gentle dental tools designed specifically for children, and work closely with parents to ensure each visit is as positive as possible. With our experienced team of professionals dedicated to providing high-quality care, we are confident your child will have a positive experience during their time at Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry!
How To Prepare Your Child For A Trip To The Dentist
Visiting the dentist can be a scary experience for children. But with the proper preparation and care, it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help you make your child's trip to the dentist less intimidating and more enjoyable!
First, explain what to expect at the dentist's office. Talk about the friendly staff, the exciting tools they use and how they can help keep their teeth healthy. Make sure to let them know that it's okay to feel scared but encourage them to stay brave. Letting them pick out a toy or book from home may also bring some comfort on their visit.
Next, practice good oral hygiene at home with your child. Show them how to brush and floss properly and reward them for taking care of their teeth by providing incentives such as stickers or treats. This will prepare them mentally and physically for their visit while reinforcing good habits that will last a lifetime. Having a positive attitude towards dental appointments is just as important as brushing twice a day – so make sure to speak positively about trips to the dentist!
How We Keep Kids Engaged During A Dentist Visit
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry, we understand how daunting a visit to the dentist can be for a child. That's why we've developed an approach that helps keep kids engaged throughout their appointment, even during Valentine's Day!
Our experienced dentists and hygienists have tailored their techniques to make sure children have fun during their visits. We use all sorts of tricks to keep kids entertained, such as stories, songs, games, and more. Plus, our office is decorated with colorful artwork and exciting activities that will capture your child's attention. Plus, we provide prizes for our patients when they complete a successful visit!
We believe this approach makes the dental experience better for everyone involved. It helps create a positive atmosphere where children feel safe and relaxed while receiving the care they need. Everyone leaves our office smiling!
What Kind Of Treatments Does Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry Offer?
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry, we understand the importance of providing top-quality treatments that keep our kids healthy and happy. That's why, on Valentine's Day and every other day, we make sure to give them the best care possible.
We offer a variety of services that can help your child maintain a healthy smile, from routine check-ups to preventive treatments like fluoride applications and sealants. We also provide restorative procedures for those with cavities, such as fillings or crowns. We have the latest technology to ensure that all our treatments are safe and effective. Plus, we have an experienced team of dental professionals who make sure your child is comfortable during their visit.
And it doesn't end there - we also provide cosmetic dentistry services that can improve the look of your child's teeth. From teeth whitening to braces and veneers, you can trust us to keep their smile looking its best! No matter what kind of treatment your child needs, you can be sure they're in good hands at Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry.
The Importance Of Regular Check-Ups With A Pediatric Dentist
Valentine's Day is a great reminder of the special people in our lives that we care about. At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry, we understand how important it is to take care of those around us - including our children’s dental health. That’s why regular check-ups with a pediatric dentist are so important for your child’s overall well-being.
Regular visits to the dentist help keep your child’s mouth healthy and can prevent cavities, tooth decay and other serious oral health issues. A pediatric dentist has specialized knowledge of the unique needs of children when it comes to dental care, which is why they are an important part of your child’s healthcare team. Regular check-ups can also help monitor any changes in your child’s teeth or jaw structure as they grow, as well as identify any potential developmental issues.
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. From preventive services like cleanings and exams to restorative work like fillings and crowns, our team is dedicated to helping your little one maintain a healthy smile for years to come. We also provide specialized treatments such as orthodontics and sedation dentistry for children who need extra support during their visit. With regular check-ups and professional care from our experienced staff, you can trust that your child will receive the best possible dental care at Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry.
Schedule A Visit To Jungle Roots In Phoenix, Arizona
Are you looking for a place to take your child for their Valentine's Day dental check-up? Look no further than Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry in Phoenix, Arizona. Our experienced and compassionate staff are here to provide the best care for your little one's smile.
At Jungle Roots, we understand that it can be tough to fit regular checkups into your busy schedule. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, so that our services are available when it’s most convenient for you. Plus, our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that everyone feels comfortable while they’re here!
Our team takes the time to provide comprehensive exams and personalized treatments plans tailored to each patient’s needs. So don't wait – book an appointment with us today and give your child the healthy smile they deserve.
Conclusion
At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry, we understand how important it is to make your child feel comfortable during a dental visit. We strive to create an environment that is warm and inviting, and our staff of pediatric specialists are dedicated to providing quality care with a gentle touch. Our treatments range from preventive care and fillings to more complicated procedures, so you can trust that your child will receive the best care possible. We also offer special activities for kids on Valentine’s Day, such as balloon animals and candy hearts.
A regular check-up with our pediatric dentists will help keep your child’s teeth healthy now and in the future. With comprehensive services like exams, cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatment and more, we can provide your family with the best dental care available. So don't forget to schedule a visit to Jungle Roots in Phoenix, Arizona this Valentine's Day!
At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry, we believe that taking good care of your child’s smile is one of the most important gifts you can give them. Our staff is passionate about helping children develop strong oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. So come by this Valentine’s Day for some extra fun and let us help you establish the foundation for a lifetime of smiles!
Stinky breath may not seem to be a big deal in young children, and it often isn’t. However, it may be a warning system that something is happening that should be addressed. There is a reason if your young one has breath that will blow you away! We will discuss what may be the culprit in making your child's breath unpleasant and also ways to prevent halitosis, which is the medical term for this issue.
Halitosis Causes
Many factors may contribute to a child's bad breath. When awakening in the morning, it is common that their breath may not smell good. When they eat foods that have onions, garlic, or other strong ingredients, or if they have a cold, they may have bad breath. These causes are not uncommon and usually are only temporary. But, if you frequently notice that your child has bad breath, it may be due to a condition that needs intervention.
Halitosis may be a warning sign that some other condition is going on. It can be a symptom of many different things. First, we must identify the problem and find the root cause.
Prevention
No matter how old your child is or what condition their mouth is in, it is never too late to begin taking steps to create the healthiest mouth possible. Here are some tips you can implement to help your child prevent or eliminate bad breath:
Good Oral Hygiene is one of the most important aspects of preventing or treating bad breath. Children and Teenagers should:
It is never too early to begin healthy oral hygiene routines to prevent future problems! Help your babies by:
There are additional methods to prevent bad breath and ensure your children have a healthy mouth. It is helpful to eat a balanced diet and limit their consumption of sugary foods and drinks that may cause more bacteria in the mouth, which leads to increased plaque and a greater risk of tooth decay (4).
Encourage them to drink plenty of water to keep their mouths moist and rinse away food particles and bacteria.
Chewing crunchy fruits and vegetables at the end of meals may help remove food particles, making bacteria less likely to stick to the teeth.
How Can We Help?
At Jungle Roots Dentistry, we focus on children. Children's dental health is our specialty, and we can help you identify and treat the reason for your child's bad breath. Their dental concerns are ours, and the number one priority is to minimize those concerns. Halitosis that doesn’t go away is a problem. Of course, prevention is the first step, and we want to assure you that we will do everything possible, with your attention and assistance, to keep your child’s mouth healthy. If bad breath becomes an issue, we will guide you through other steps to minimize or eliminate unpleasant odors from their mouth. We are privileged to be your child’s Dental Home. Call us today for an appointment!
References:
The holidays are upon us once again here in Phoenix, bringing with them the usual array of festivals, performances, and other activities–plus some fun new options– to get all ages into the holiday spirit. This year we’ve combed through what’s available and selected a list of our favorites for you. So take a peek, make your choices, and let us know how you like them!
Opening November 16th, World of Illumination lights up two world-class drive-through animated light shows for Phoenicians to enjoy–one in Tempe and one in Glendale. Said to be the largest animated light show on the globe, each WOI display stretches out for a mile and is equipped with over 2 million dazzling lights.
WOI locations are open 7 days a week, regardless of the weather.
Please observe that park traffic must flow in only one direction.
Tempe Location: Enchanted Safari at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe
Glendale Location: Candy Rush at Desert Diamond Casino, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale
Website: https://www.worldofillumination.com/
Dates: November 16th - January 1st
Prices: Depending on when you go, prices range between $31.99 and $49.
Prices may fluctuate, so check here before you plan your trip.
You must buy your tickets online ahead of time, as no tickets are sold at the admission gate.
Note: Ticket prices are per car, not per person, so you can bring as many riders in your vehicle as you wish. (But please do keep safety in mind!) One Mom rents a 15-passenger van for her family and another family to ride through together, and she says the kids love it! (Do keep in mind that the World of Illumination website says no buses, limos, or RVs, however.)
This show, Cirque du Soleil’s very first holiday production, promises an exciting modern twist on the classic Christmas story, sure to captivate the whole family. Through Cirque du Soleil’s outstanding acrobatics, jugglers, and interesting clowns, the tale unfolds around the discouraged Isabella, who learns about kindness, friendship, and the magic of Christmas.
Cirque du Soleil is a non-traditional circus that does not feature animals.
The performance has no intermission and is approximately one hour and 20 minutes long.
Still not sure exactly what to expect from Cirque du Soleil? Here’s a video of some highlights you can preview to help you decide on attending.
Location: Performance will be held at the Arizona Financial Theatre at 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix
Website: https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/phoenix/twas-the-night-before/buy-tickets
Dates: December 16th - December 24th
Prices: Depending upon the date and time of your attendance, ticket prices can range from $45 to $80. Check your calendar and find dates/tickets here. You can also order tickets by phone at 1-844-765-8432.
If you’ve got a large group, you can save 15% off 10 tickets or more.
A stunning arrangement of music (there’s a full, live orchestra), dance, acrobatics, aerial entertainment, and a remarkable final procession to the nativity, this musical theater performance features more than 175 different character roles. This performance focuses on the quest for purpose and the beauty of New York City at Christmastime.
Location: Dream City Church, Phoenix Campus
13613 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix
Website: https://dreamcitychurch.us/calendar/celebration-of-christmas/
Dates: December 8th - 18th
Prices: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday tickets are:
Tier A: $27
Tier B: $18
Tier C: $10
Saturday and Sunday tickets are:
Tier A: $35
Tier B: $26
Tier C: $15
In addition to purchased seating, there are also limited free seats available for each performance–but they go fast. It is recommended that guests arrive approximately an hour before each performance to secure their seats.
For 21 days at the end of the year, The Desert Botanical Garden transforms into Los Noches de Las Luminarias, or The Nights of Luminaries. With more than 8,000 candlelit luminarias placed along the trails of the garden, the event also features beautifully strung holiday lights, sculptures, hot beverages, and live entertainment such as reggae, mariachi, and choir singing. Since it’s held at night, telescopes are also provided for looking at the stars.
On December 18th, the Garden honors the Mexican tradition of La Posada with pinatas, food and beverages, singing, and other activities. These festivities are all included with a Luminaria ticket on the night of December 18th.
Location:
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix
Website: https://dbg.org/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias-2/2022-12-01/
Dates: Members Only Weekend: December 1st-4th
Additional dates: December 9th-11th, 15th-18th, 20th-23rd, 26th-31st
The hour for this event are from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm
Prices:
Member Adult Tickets: $34.95
Member Child Tickets: $14.95 (ages 3 - 17)
General Public Adult Tickets: $39.95
General Public Child Tickets: $16.95
Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free of charge
Starting November 25th at 5 p.m., the annual festivities of Merry Main Street in downtown Mesa will kick off with a tree lighting followed by live holiday music, vendors, and the opening of the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. The tree lighting festivities will take place at the Mesa Christmas Tree, 1 N. MacDonald in Mesa from 5 pm until 10 pm.
From then on, the ice rink will once again be open for skating, and the Merry Main Street calendar will be jam-packed with activities until December 31st. The impressive 40-ft. Mesa Temple Christmas Lights will be on display in the evenings, Mesa’s Menorah will be lit each night of Hanukkah, the Illusionists bring a bit of holiday magic to Mesa Arts Center, and Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest will be serving up delicious holiday treats, for just a few examples. And as always, there will be visits with Santa, too!
Location: Downtown Mesa
Website: https://merrymainst.com/
Dates: November 25th through December 31st
Prices: Events vary in price, and some are free. Check the Merry Main Street Calendar to find prices for your activities.
The talented dancers of Ballet Arizona take the stage at Symphony Hall for another enchanting performance of The Nutcracker this holiday season. The ballet’s traditional music of Tchaikovsky is played live by The Phoenix Symphony while 150 performers charm the audience through all the classic scenes of this holiday favorite.
Location: Performances take place at Phoenix Symphony Hall, 225 East Adams Street, Phoenix
Website: https://balletaz.org/performance/the-nutcracker-2022/
Dates: December 9th through December 24th
Prices: Ticket prices vary substantially depending upon the date and seating location in the venue. Check Ballet Arizona’s site to choose your date and seat location to purchase your tickets, or call the Box Office at 602-381-1096.
This year’s display is said to be an even larger and more improved version of years past, so if you enjoyed Zoo Lights before, you’re sure to love it now! A Phoenix holiday favorite, guests can drive (or walk!) through an illuminated Phoenix Zoo, complete with animal sculptures, music-in-motion displays, a 3-story decorated Christmas tree, artist performances, photos with Santa (this year there’s an enhanced Santa visit), a Wildlife Lantern Safari, a theater with 4D, and more–as well as plenty of holiday treats like hot cocoa and kettle corn and free admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert with every ticket purchased.
*There are also Sensory Friendly ZooLight experiences (with modifications to lighting, music, crowd sizes, etc) available on November 9th and January 9th.
Location: 455 N. Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix
Website: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/zoolights/
Dates: November 23rd, 2022, through January 15th, 2023 (Member previews will be available November 21st and 22nd). Hours of Operation: 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Prices:
Tickets purchased online: $30 General Admission, $25 Members
Tickets purchased at Gate: $35 General, $30 Members
Bulk tickets are available for 50 guests or more
Children younger than age 2 visit free
Purchase tickets here. For help with tickets, contact the Zoo’s Call Center at 602-914-4333 or e-mail [email protected]
A great spot for families with littles, Schnepf Farms has been transforming its 250 acres into a Christmas Wonderland every year since 2019. Working as partners with World of Illumination, the farm offers everything from a visit to Santa’s magic workshop to a round of snow globe glow-in-the-dark mini-golf to cookie and pine cone decorating, a ride on the Illumination Express (featuring a million+ lights synchronized to classic Christmas music), holiday shopping, a hayride to Santa’s reindeer, and much more. Toddlers have their own bouncy house, and the largest inflatable obstacle course in the world is located on the grounds to boot
Location: 24810 E. Rittenhouse, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Website: https://schnepfchristmas.com/
Dates: November 25-27, December 1-4, December 8-11, December 15th-24
All dates’ hours are from 5 pm until 10 pm
Prices:
Choose the date of your visit here for a list of prices and options on that day.
General Admission is $22.95.
You can also rent private campfires equipped with s’mores kits, etc., for the night for $100.
If your family would enjoy a bit of Christmas at a 65-acre luxury resort, make a note to stop by Christmas at the Princess this holiday season. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort invites the public to their annual holiday event, which includes everything from lit-up lagoons (with swans, mermaids, and pirates) to a 6,000 square foot ice skating rink to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, rides on the Princess Express trains, music and light shows, marshmallow roasting, s’mores making, and so much more.
Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale
Website: https://www.scottsdaleprincess.com/events-scottsdale/christmas-at-the-princess
Dates: November 18th, 2022 through January 3rd, 2023
Prices:
General Admission with no parking: $20 per ticket
Self-Parking for 1 Vehicle with Wrist Bands for up to 4 people: $80
(Valet Parking options are Sold Out)
Note that some activities have a range of separate fees from your General Admission ticket purchase: For Ice Passes, Photos with Santa, and other activities, check The Princess’ site for details and pricing
Ideal for ages 3 and up, Phoenix’s Deer Valley Community Center celebrates the holiday season with their Holiday Family Jubilee Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, December 10th. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family to enjoy the movie ‘Frozen’ while sipping hot cocoa, nibbling candy canes, munching popcorn, and creating holiday cookies and crafts. There will also be singing (practice up on your Frozen song lyrics!) and even a chance to get your picture taken with Santa.
*If you love holiday movies in the park and can’t make this one, check out PJs in the Park for a December 4th showing of Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch at Civic Space Park.
Location: Deer Valley Community Center, 2001 West Valhalla Lane, Phoenix
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/calendar/parks/4418
Dates: Saturday, December 10th, 6 pm to 8 pm
Prices: $20 per family, up to 6 people. Registration is required.
Register your family here.
This December, the City of Peoria holds its traditional Old Town Holiday Festival and Street Market in Old Town Peoria. The festivities include horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, roaming high school choirs, local vendors and food trucks, live entertainment, a stunning Gingerbread house display, and Santa himself. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony at 7:15 pm!
Note: Peoria is having its Annual Gingerbread House Competition from December 1st through 7th, with judging on December 8th and the winners expected to be on display at the Old Town Festival on December 10th. For more info, contact Peoria Community Center.
Location: Downtown Peoria, south of Peoria and Grand Avenues, including Peoria Center for the Performing Arts and Osuna Memorial Park
Dates: December 10th, 5 - 9 pm
Prices: Parking and admission are free
Every year, Litchfield Park prepares its annual Christmas in the Park event for the community (and surrounding communities) to enjoy on the second Saturday of each December – which falls on December 10th this year. This free event features a parade to kick things off, numerous children’s activities, a Holiday Market spread out on the Library Lawn, live entertainment, ice skating, inflatables, food and craft vendors, a petting zoo, photo ops with Santa Claus, and more.
Location: Litchfield Park, 100 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield-Park, AZ
Website: https://www.wigwamarizona.com/events/litchfield-park/christmas-in-the-park-1
Dates: December 10th, 9 am to 5 pm
Prices: Free and open to the public
Once again this year, a Grand Menorah Lighting will take place at Westgate Entertainment District on December 2nd from 6 pm to 7 pm. After the Menorah Lighting, guests can enjoy family-friendly games and activities as well as raffle prizes and live entertainment. The event will be hosted by Chabad of the West Valley.
Location: Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale
Website: https://westgateaz.com/event/menorah-lighting/
Dates: December 2nd, 6 pm to 7 pm
Prices: Free of charge
The APS Electric Parade comes to Downtown Phoenix once again this year on Saturday, December 3rd, at 7 pm. With a history of dazzling the streets of downtown for over 30 years, the parade features all the expected floats and bands as well as activity areas honoring international holiday traditions, food vendors, face painting, arts, crafts, games, and pics with Santa at the parade’s end.
The City of Phoenix recommends taking the Valley Metro Light Rail to the event if possible to cut down on traffic. Lots of folks start showing up several hours ahead of time, and the crowds get bigger every year. Bring your own chairs and blankets for seating, and remember that spots along the parade route are first-come, first-served. Feel free to bring a cooler, but alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.
Location: The parade begins at the intersection of Central and Montebello Avenues at 7 pm and continues through Downtown Phoenix, finishing at Indian School Road and 7th Street.
Website: https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/elp
Dates: December 3rd, 2022, rain or shine
Prices: Free
If your family loves to ice skate under the stars, Phoenix’s CitySkate opens November 28th for four 90-minute skate sessions every night through New Year’s Day. 7,000 square feet of outdoor ice is offered to skaters, as well as skate rentals, plus a huge holiday tree with hourly light shows, music, and the usual shops, nightlife, and eateries of CityScape. CitySkate is managed by American Outdoor Skating Centers, LLC.
Guests can also shop and snack while waiting or after their skating session ends.
Double check hours, parking availability, and Uber/Lyft dropoff info here.
Location: 11 E. Washington St. at Patriot’s Park next to Urban Outfitters in central CityScape of Downtown Phoenix
Website: https://www.reddevelopment.com/cityskate/
Dates: November 28th through January 1st
Prices: Tickets are sold at the door for each skate session, which are divided into four 90 minute sessions beginning at 4:00 pm and ending at 11:30 pm. There is often a line for both skating and skate rentals (and your skate size is not guaranteed to be available at all times), so plan on arriving as early as you can.
General Admission: $20 per person
Children ages 8 and younger: $13 per child
Kids 3 and younger are free
Military ($13 each), seniors ($13 each), and students ($15 each) receive discounts with proper ID.
You get $5 off when you bring your own skates.
When you think about Antarctica, what comes to mind? A cold, vast continent covered in ice? Eternal days of sunlight during the summer and endless dark nights of winter?
And what about the animals that call Antarctica home? Your first thoughts are probably seals and penguins, right?
In both cases, you would be partially right and partially wrong. While Antarctica does have long days of daylight and nighttime at the extreme ends of the calendar, and most of the continent is covered in ice year-round, there’s actually quite a bit of diversity in the continent’s climate. Did you know, for example, that parts of Antarctica are some of the highest, or windiest, or driest places on earth?
And when it comes to animals, the common ones you thought about don’t actually live in Antarctica but are rather temporary visitors. While there are a few large, common creatures that live there full-time, like the Emperor Penguin, the majority of the true, full-time inhabitants of the frozen continent are much smaller than you think. (Hint: you better bring your microscope!)
Let’s explore some of the amazing animals, both big and small, that call Antarctica home.
The Wandering Albatross has the largest wingspan of any modern bird, which allows them to stay in the air for hours at a time. They love to fly way out into the deep ocean waters around Antarctica to feed on cephalopods, crustaceans, and small fish. Sometimes they eat too much and have to float on the water until they digest their food and are able to fly again!
Emperor Penguins are the tallest and heaviest of all penguin species. Like all penguins, they aren’t able to fly. They have wings flattened into flippers that are ideal for swimming. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but also includes krill and squid. Typical life spans are twenty years, but some have been known to live to fifty years old!
As the second largest species of penguin, they are smaller, but somewhat similar in appearance to the Emperor Penguin. They eat mainly lantern fish, squid, and krill. Predators of the King Penguin include skuas, leopard seals, and orcas.
A species of deep-sea lobster, the Hoff Crab lives on hydrothermal vents near Antarctica. These vents emit fluids at temperatures greater than 660 degrees Fahrenheit – wow, that is hot! This creature has adapted to the crushing pressure and extreme darkness of its environment. And yes, it’s named after the famous actor of Baywatch, David Hasselhoff!
This is the second largest species of seal in the Antarctic. The adult male can weigh up to 780 pounds, and the only natural predator it has is the orca. It’s an opportunistic eater, feeding on a wide range of prey, including krill, birds, fish, and penguins.
An all white, small marine bird with dark eyes, the Snow Petrel also has a small black bill and bluish-grey feet. They are restricted to cold, Antarctic waters, and are only one of three known bird species to nest on Antarctica. They prefer to nest in large colonies on cliffs near the sea. They consume mainly fish, squid, and the carcasses of dead whales and other marine animals.
The frigid waters near Antarctica are home to an unusual family of fish known collectively as the Icefish. They have translucent blood, white hearts, and have adapted as the only vertebrae to live without red blood cells, relying instead on copper compounds that function better at low temperatures. They are also known as alligator icefish because of their resemblance to alligators.
Although not a true spider, it definitely looks like one! Part of the crab family, this creature has long legs in contrast to a small body size. Most have eight legs, although some can have ten. A system called proboscis allows them to suck nutrients from soft-bodied invertebrates. They live in many parts of the world, mostly in shallow waters, but can be found as low as 23,000 feet. They thrive in the cold waters of the Antarctic.
Now talk about a cool-looking creature! These are sponges with fused silica (glass-like) skeletons. Experts believe they are the longest living animals on earth, with a maximum life span of up to 15,000 years.
Glass sponges are found in all oceans of the world, although they are particularly common in Antarctica. They range in size from 4-12 inches. Some species are capable of fusing together to create reefs.
One of the coolest and most fascinating creatures on earth is the Orca whale. Beautiful, intelligent, and ruthless killers (their nickname is the Killer Whale), Orcas are probably the most famous whales in the world. While they don’t live full-time in the waters off Antarctica, they do spend a lot of time there. Their favorite food is seals, but they definitely don’t mind the occasional penguin from time to time. Their high intelligence allows them to coordinate hunting attacks, making them very effective in being able to catch their prey.
So now that we’ve learned about some of the large creatures you can find on Antarctica and its surrounding waters, let’s take a microscopic deep-dive to discover some amazing tiny critters that call Antarctica home.
Can you even believe this creature is real? They are really tiny, measuring 1mm in length, and have been found to live in almost every habitat on earth, including Antarctica. These tiny little creatures are known to survive in extreme temperatures, both cold and hot, and have even been tested to survive in outer space! The reason they are so tough is that they have a unique protein in their bodies called Dsup—short for "damage suppressor"—that protects their DNA.
The Antarctic Krill’s tiny size belies its importance in the global food chain – they are the most common food for almost every sea creature that exists. From small fish to giant whales, krill are the basic nutrients consumed that drive the cycle of life in the world’s oceans. Even though the individual krill is tiny, it is estimated that their collective biomass – the total weight of all the krill in the world – is more than any other species in the world!
This wingless creepy crawler is only 6mm in length, but it’s considered the largest land creature that lives full-time in Antarctica. It’s also the only insect that lives on Antarctica. They’re able to survive the frigid cold temperatures by literally freezing themselves! To prevent damaging their internal tissue, they lose close to 70% of their body fluids. Once they are frozen, they spend about six months in a state known as “diapause,” where they don’t move, eat, or do anything at all.
Which Antarctic creature is your favorite? Would you ever want to live in such crazy cold conditions? Let us know the next time you come in for a dental check-up!
There’s no shortage of different kinds of funny things on the internet. Videos, written stories, comics, you name it. But some of the most popular formats of these funny things come in the form of gifs and memes. Read on to see some that will (hopefully!) make you laugh.
A meme is an idea or behavior expressed through a picture or short video that’s shared via social media platforms. A GIF (pronounced “jiff”) is a type of meme and is simply an animated or static picture message that is sometimes accentuated by a short phrase or word. Think of it as a modern version of the old school flip book.
Memes and GIFs have become so popular because they are very effective at communicating a message quickly. As the saying goes, a picture can say more than a thousand words, and Memes have brought that saying to life in the age of the internet!
There are literally millions of GIFs and memes out on the internet, and we’ve compiled some of the best out there. And at the end of the article, you’ll find a link that will help you create your own GIF!
One of the original GIFs to go viral was the dancing baby. First published in 1996, this crazy creepy dancer took the internet and the world by storm, appearing not only online, but in commercials and TV shows.
Since then there have been several variations of the dancing baby, like the E-trade baby and Evian’s Spiderman Baby. It’s safe to say that this original dancing baby GIF is the daddy of all baby-related GIF’s since.
You can see the whole progression and history of the dancing baby here.
Success Kid, also known as Fist-Pump Baby, has helped on many occasions to make the point when a challenge or obstacle was presented and was successfully overcome.
This little dude has emphasized points that were serious and consequential as well as humorous and light.
The mischievous smirk on the little girl implies that she might have something to do with the burning house behind her. Definitely appropriate to use this GIF if you’re behind some mischief but don’t want to come out explicitly and admit that you did it. Could she have done it? Did you do it? No one will ever know…
The wise, warrior baby with a killer goatee and straw hat to match!
You see, it’s all about teamwork and working together, especially on a seesaw. Wait, Bobby! Nooo!
I suppose that’s one way to show support for your team…
Sometimes, you just gotta let go and live life to the fullest. Wow, what a ride!
The most excited and flabbergasted baby you’ve ever seen. How on earth do those duckies do that?!
It’s hard to beat a good animal GIF. Here are some great ones we’ve found around the internet.
The Chipmunk that conquered the world, this little guy’s awesome turnaround and eye stare – especially when paired with dramatic music – has made millions of people laugh around the world.
The dog is calmly sitting at a table with a coffee mug in a burning room, and proclaims everything to be fine. This GIF is perfect for when you come across a totally crazy scenario and the person or people involved don’t seem to really understand the gravity of the situation – or are in complete denial about it.
There are cool cats, and then there are cool cats. Check this tabby out just chilling on the Sally Show back in the 90s. Wonder what he was thinking about? Probably fish. Definitely fish.
Now that you’ve seen the hilariously powerful effect GIFs can have, especially in social media, now you can take a crack at making your own! Check out the link below, upload your own picture or short video, and voila! Your very own GIF.
