Healthy Habits - Remote Monitoring Is Not Remote-Control Orthodontics

According to Dr. Bryn Cooper of Cooper Orthodontics, remote monitoring can make orthodontic treatment more convenient without compromising diagnostic or prescribed treatment. But it should not be confused with remote-control orthodontics. “Orthodontics should never be ‘direct to consumer’ because moving teeth and bones inside a patients’ head is complicated,” Dr. Cooper said.

Orthodontics is not the only branch of medicine to embrace the remote patient and doctor connection. But it is one where beliefs about its capabilities are not understood, possibly due to the influence of the now bankrupt SmileDirectClub. Remote monitoring does have its place and value for orthodontics but should never be thought as a substitute for in person treatments.

Cooper Orthodontics uses remote monitoring technology to help follow the progress of appropriate braces and clear aligner patients between office visits. But Dr. Cooper says the technology works best when it supports — not replaces — diagnosis, treatment planning and clinical judgment by a trained orthodontist.

“Remote monitoring is not the same thing as remote-only orthodontic treatment,” Dr. Cooper said. “The difference is important. With remote monitoring, the patient still has an orthodontist who has examined them, made a diagnosis, created the treatment plan and remains responsible for their care.”

That distinction has become more important as patients hear more about artificial intelligence, smartphone scans, clear aligners and treatment that promises fewer office visits.

“AI can help us watch treatment more often, but AI does not know the full patient,” Dr. Cooper said. “It does not replace the clinical judgment that comes from examining the patient, understanding their bite, looking at their X-rays, evaluating their gums and bone, and knowing when something needs in-person attention.”

Remote monitoring can help orthodontists identify certain problems earlier, including aligners that are not tracking properly, hygiene concerns, broken or loose appliances, missed elastic wear, or teeth that are not moving as expected. For some patients, that can mean better communication between visits and fewer unnecessary trips to the office.

But Dr. Cooper said convenience should not become the main story.

“The real value of remote monitoring is not simply that it may reduce visits,” she said. “The real value is that it gives us more information between visits. When used correctly, that information can help us catch small problems before they become bigger problems.”

Cooper said this is especially relevant for families considering clear aligners, because patients often assume they can automatically move from one tray to the next on a calendar. In reality, teeth do not always move on schedule.

“Sometimes the most important instruction we give a patient is, ‘Do not move to the next aligner yet,’” Cooper said. “That is where monitoring matters. It gives us a better chance to see whether the teeth are ready for the next step.”

The same principle applies to braces. While remote monitoring is often discussed in connection with clear aligners, braces patients can also benefit from more frequent observation. Brackets can loosen, wires can irritate, elastics may not be worn correctly, and oral hygiene a concern between appointments.

“Braces are not passive,” Cooper said. “Neither are aligners. Both require active supervision, patient cooperation and adjustments when treatment does not go exactly as planned.”

Cooper said patients and parents should ask three questions before choosing any orthodontic treatment that includes remote technology:

1. Has the patient received an in-person orthodontic examination?
2. Who is responsible for reviewing the patient’s progress?
3. What happens if the technology shows that treatment is not going as expected?

“Those questions matter because orthodontics is not just about straight teeth,” Cooper said. “It is about bite, function, health, timing and long-term stability. Technology can help us deliver care, but it cannot be the care.” Cooper Orthodontics has offices in Houston and Lake Jackson and provides braces, clear aligner treatment and remote monitoring when appropriate for the patient.

About Cooper Orthodontics
Cooper Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults in Houston and Lake Jackson, Texas. Led by Dr. Bryn Cooper, the practice offers braces, clear aligners and remote monitoring for appropriate patients, with a focus on creating confidence through smiles. 

Consumer Critique - Food Ornaments from Old World Christmas

Do you have a friend or family member with some quirky food interests? National Foodie Day is coming up (July 28th), and I had a chance to see some fun food-themed ornaments.

Old World Christmas Holiday Ornaments, available on Amazon, are great for more than just a Christmas tree. They can be used for centerpieces or just fun kitchen decor. With hundreds of designs that include classic holidays, sports, hobbies, and more, you'll definitely find something that fits your style. They're brilliantly colored and add a touch of brightness.

Check out their extensive collection of food-related ornaments - they have something for every taste!

Parenting Pointers - AI Use Survey

AI is quickly becoming a behind-the-scenes parenting assistance for many families across the U.S.

 

A nationwide survey from Lurie Children’s Hospital finds 3 in 4 parents worry about the rise of AI use among children and 28% don’t have rules or limits around their child’s AI use.
  

• 34% of parents say their children use AI tools, toys or chatbots
• 55% of children use AI unsupervised
• Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) of kids use AI daily

 

“As AI becomes more accessible and integrated into everyday life, it is important that we communicate about digital literacy and work with children on how to use these tools effectively,” said Rachel Follmer, MD, developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Lurie Children’s. “Parents should have open conversations about risk and also benefits of using the technology.”

 

Lurie Children's experts are available to discuss how parents can set healthy AI boundaries, navigate the risks and benefits of AI for kids, and encourage responsible AI use at home.

 

Take a look at the full report for more insights

Book Nook - The Tales of Mr. Leopard, Mr. Jackal and the Lady Dragon Parts One and Two

“The Tales of Mr. Leopard, Mr. Jackal and the Lady Dragon Parts One and Two” are a delightfully complementary duo of modern fables, designed to engender positive character traits and make learning about co-operation, trust and resilience become not just fun – but also unforgettable.

Seasoned author and poet Blessed Kearns brings all her life experience, compassion and insight to these educational stories – her lyrical style is deeply evocative of the savannah, and she has an uncanny ability to capture not just the rhythm of days under African skies, but also the tone of voice and character of each animal.

Through her immersive imagery and vibrant characterisation, these two books book invite young readers into a world where animals have distinct personalities, co-exist and build relationships that can weather storms, and the adventures of two unlikely friends can transform life across their habitat, making a better world for all.

 

Synopsis:

Book One - A clever Mr Jackal and a wise leopard form an alliance out of necessity to steal food. After greed nearly ruins their plan, they learn lessons in trust and humility, gradually building a strong friendship. Their partnership becomes a symbol of reconciliation across the savanna, inspiring others to value cooperation and peace.

Mr Jackal and leopard join forces for a theft, requiring close trust. Greed from a hyena interrupts their escape, teaching restraint. Mistakes prompt humility and wisdom, deepening their bond. They start sharing resources respectfully, fostering understanding. Their friendship grows as they tackle challenges together. Their alliance sets an example, encouraging unity among other animals. Facing dangers as a team strengthens their commitment. Their lasting friendship inspires hope and harmony in the community. The alliance transforms the savanna, replacing rivalry with kindness. The story captures how trust and patience transform two rivals into friends who inspire peace throughout the savanna.

Book Two-In the heart of the African savannah, where ancient baobabs stand sentinel and dawn paints the plains in gold and rose, Book Two of “The Tale of Mr. Leopard, Mr. Jackal and the Lady Dragon” continues the timeless story of unlikely friendship and quiet courage.

Following the fragile beginnings of their alliance, Mr. Leopard and Mr. Jackal step into a new day where old instincts of rivalry slowly give way to something deeper: trust earned through shared trials and patient understanding. Beneath starlit skies and the watchful gaze of the great baobab, they learn that strength is not found in solitude but in the steady rhythm of walking side by side.

With lyrical prose that captures every whisper of wind through the tall grass, the scent of wild basil after rain, and the golden hush before sunrise, Blessed Kearns weaves a gentle yet powerful tale of transformation. The savannah itself becomes a living character -vast, alive, and full of wonder - as the companions discover that differences once feared can become the very threads that bind them together.

As new voices join their circle and fresh challenges test the bonds they have built, readers are invited into a world where forgiveness blooms, courage is chosen daily, and even the smallest creatures play their part in the grand weaving of the wild.

 

Perfect for children aged 8-12 and families who cherish stories of heart and hope, this beautifully illustrated duo celebrates the quiet magic of friendship, the wisdom of the natural world, and the enduring power of choosing partnership over pride.

 

Blessed Kearns has created a double act of stories that reminds readers of all ages that the greatest adventures begin when we dare to trust, to listen, and to step forward together.

 

 

About the Author:
Blessed Kearns is a devoted mother and advocate whose life reflects resilience, determination, and faith. Drawing from her life experiences and insight, she loves to interact with the younger generation in a spirit of compassion, hope and optimism.

A graduate of the University of Wolverhampton and a student nurse mentor, Blessed also celebrates a rewarding career in nursing and education. Through her writing, she shares a message of courage, compassion, and hope.

Book Nook - A Coven of Witches

 I recently had a chance to review A Coven of Witches (publishing July 14), a book that reimagines witches from folklore, legends, and history - figures like Baba Yaga, Circe, and the Salem Witch Trials.

The book is written for middle grade readers, which means that although they are eerie and slightly spooky, they aren't at all gory. I also like that the figures come from around the world, potentially inspiring more research into the stories of the figures that inspired the tales in the book. It's a beautiful book with haunting illustrations that are perfect for the mood of the stories it contains. It's a great read for anyone interested in legends and slightly dark tales - and a perfect book for later in the year to curl up with on a creepy blustery fall day!

Going Green - Sheila Swimwear

Australian, female-founded swimwear label SHEILA is excited to unveil its latest collection bringing three new hues, the brand’s first-ever print, a new ribbed texture, and seven new styles making it richer in color, broader in coverage and deeper in versatility.

Known for functional swimwear, SHEILA is expanding its design language through bold new colors, texture, and prints. Each of the three new colors offers something different. Cocoa is a rich chocolate brown that feels grounded, warm, and wearable. For something calm, but quietly striking, Daybreak is a soft cornflower blue. And Poppy brings the heat, with a red that is bold without being loud. SHEILA also developed their first-ever print called Sundown Stripe, bringing together Cocoa, Daybreak, and Poppy alongside a new pale yellow and intentionally designed to mix-and-match with the full collection.  This season, SHEILA introduces a new vertical rib fabric that adds visual dimension and a tactile premium feel. The rib construction provides added structure, helping the fabric hold its shape through movement. And it features all the same performance standards: UPF 50+, GRS-certified recycled nylon, and their signature stay-put construction.  Because great design doesn't need reinventing, several best-selling styles return this season, including the Alyssa Mid Swim Short, Cate Rash Guard, Grace Mini Swim Short, Mina One Piece and Nellie Scoop Bikini Top. The Celeste One Piece is back as well, but with a new refined fit. It now has a slightly longer leg cut to reduce rolling on the thighs, and redesigned straps allow for greater adjustability.  The collection also introduces seven new styles, including the Bindi Racerback Swim Top, Elle Swim Tee, Gemma Swim Capris, and Nicole Long-Sleeve One Piece. Also new is the Kylie One Shoulder One Piece, featuring an asymmetric neckline, a waist-defining seam, and a mid-length short. The Naomi One Piece offers a flattering square neckline, sculpting princess seams, a built-in shelf bra with removable foam cups, and mid-to-full coverage.  The new collection is now available to shop at SheilaTheLabel.com with prices ranging from $125 - $250. About SHEILA Founded in 2023 by Clare Barrins, SHEILA is an Australian swimwear meets activewear label made for land, life and sea. Boasting UPF 50+ for sun safety and crafted from luxury GRS-certified recycled nylon, sourced from discarded materials like fishing nets and plastics, SHEILA offers pieces that feel-good in every way. They also keep inclusivity top of mind, honoring every shape, size, and style. Their collections are intentionally designed to offer support and comfort in and out of the water.

Money Makers - Tapping Hidden Wealth in Your Jewelry Drawer with Ease

By Merilee Kern, MBA

Jewelry has long been associated with sentiment, style, and tradition. Yet for many consumers, it remains an overlooked financial resource. Unvault, a fintech platform designed to ease and expedite the appraisal and sale of gold jewelry to function as readily monetizable liquid assets, is shifting that perception by helping people understand that what sits quietly in drawers may represent real, accessible value. The platform introduces a new way to think about jewelry, not only as adornment but as financial power that can be understood, tracked, and acted upon.

Most people own jewelry worth thousands of dollars and have no clear understanding of its value. It often remains unmanaged and misunderstood until a moment of need forces a decision. At that point, consumers are typically left navigating inconsistent pricing, unclear valuation logic, and resale environments that lack transparency. This gap has created a category defined by hesitation and distrust.

Unvault addresses this challenge by offering instant, transparent valuations powered by AI and real-time market data. Users upload photos of their jewelry and receive an estimated value within seconds, including a clear range and confidence level. This approach replaces guesswork with informed insight, allowing consumers to make decisions based on actual data rather than assumptions.

The platform goes further by enabling users to build a digital jewelry portfolio. Each piece can be tracked over time as market prices fluctuate, offering visibility into how gold and other materials impact value. This transforms jewelry ownership into an active, informed experience. Consumers can decide what to keep, what to insure, and what to sell, all from a position of clarity.

When users choose to sell, the process is designed to maintain transparency at every step. Items are shipped using insured labels, then authenticated through a recorded evaluation process. Final offers include detailed breakdowns of weight, purity, and pricing, along with a clearly stated platform fee. The consumer remains in control throughout, with no obligation to proceed.

This model reflects a broader cultural shift. Consumers increasingly expect transparency in categories that have historically been opaque. Jewelry, despite its economic significance, has lagged behind. Unvault introduces infrastructure that aligns with modern expectations, bringing visibility and accountability to a space that has lacked both.

The company’s origin story reinforces this mission. Founder Nidhi Singhvi grew up in Jaipur, a global center for gemstones, where jewelry was deeply tied to financial security and independence. Her experience, combined with a career in financial markets, highlighted the contrast between sophisticated systems for digital assets and the lack of structure for physical ones like jewelry. Unvault represents a return to those roots, with a focus on modernization.

With thousands of users and tens of millions of dollars tracked on the platform, Unvault is gaining traction as a trusted alternative to traditional resale options. Its emphasis on transparency, data, and user control positions it as a new standard for how consumers engage with jewelry.

Ultimately, Unvault is not about encouraging people to sell their jewelry. It is about giving them the tools to understand its value. Whether that leads to holding, insuring, or selling, the decision belongs to the consumer. What changes is the level of confidence behind that decision.

As fashion continues to intersect with technology and finance, platforms like Unvault highlight a new dimension of ownership. Jewelry is no longer just a personal or aesthetic choice. It is an asset that can be measured, tracked, and leveraged. And for many, it may represent value that has been hiding in plain sight all along.

~~~

Entrepreneur Leadership Network member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / X http://www.X.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.

Book Nook - The Only Possible Solution

I recently had a chance to review The Only Possible Solution: How to Shape the Future for Our Next Generations. It's a book that combines journalism-style writing and forward-thinking solutions.

Environmental and health issues like climate change, and social issues like inequality, have been around for quite a while. And despite a lot of people working on solutions, they're still major issues. Instead of treating everything as a separate issue. investigative journalist Fons Burger shows how they're actually all interconnected, and that the way to solve them is together - fixing one problem while ignoring others often makes other issues worse or creates whole new issues. This book looks at ways to get back at the roots so that human well-being and ecological balance reinforce each other.

I liked this book. My family and I already do what we can in small ways to improve our communities, but have often wondered if there weren't larger things that could be done. This book is hopeful and optimistic, written with the attitude that we have all the abilities and skills we need to solve big problems - we just need to take a holistic approach.

Music Minute - Blake Whiten: Something to Say

Enchntmnt / Warner Records singer-songwriter Blake Whiten releases his debut album, Something To Say, available everywhere now. Arriving as the first full-length statement from one of country music's most gripping new voices, the 12-track collection captures Whiten's raw vocal, confessional instincts and alt-rock-leaning country sound in full force. Just hours after the album's release, the 21-year-old Six Mile, South Carolina native will make his national television debut this morning on NBC's TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Live from New York City during the 4th Hour of TODAY, Whiten will perform his fast-rising single “Bet On That.”    Following his morning show appearance, Whiten will head back to his 750-person hometown of Six Mile for a special "Back Home" fan event on Sunday, July 5, where he will perform the full album with free gas, food and a bonfire for the community.   LISTEN: SOMETHING TO SAY   “This album means so much to me,” shares Whiten. “I've put so much time, heart and effort into this project, and I'm so happy I finally get to let everyone hear it. These are 12 songs I've brought with me on my journey so far. This is my story and I've got something to say.”   Produced by Austin Shawn, Something To Say finds Whiten turning instinct into identity. After breaking out just a year and a half ago with head-turning bedroom originals and covers, Whiten has quickly separated himself through a voice that feels lived-in far beyond his years and songs that pull from heartbreak, grit, small-town roots and the emotional weight of growing up fast. Across the album, he teams with esteemed writers including Erik Dylan, Ben Johnson, Wyatt McCubbin, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Brock Berryhill and more.   The result is a debut that introduces Whiten as more than a viral discovery. Opening with the bluesy “This Bar Is My Friend,” Whiten finds refuge in a barroom confession before delivering the gut-punch power ballad “Barely Gettin' By,” a heartbreak anthem built for the back row of an arena. “Mess You Made of Me” leans into the tortured edge of his alt-rock influences, while the clever, steely “Bet On That” flips a poker metaphor into a no-looking-back breakup anthem. On “Whiskey Wish,” he sinks into bottom-shelf devastation with a shot of acoustic comfort before “Boots By The Wrong Bed” pairs sharp hooks with a melodic drive that nods to the radio rock he grew up on. Watch the music video HERE.   Across the back half, Whiten counts down to romantic disaster on the addictive “Number 7's Gone,” while early releases “Ghost House” and “Break Me” show his ability to turn pain into something haunting and visceral. The album closes with “Time,” a tender look back at his hometown of Six Mile and the cost of rushing toward a future before realizing what gets left behind.   The release arrives amid a defining stretch for Whiten, who has already surpassed 340M global streams and continues to turn early discovery into long-term momentum. Just a few weeks ago, he hit No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway with “Hard to Break,” while the recently released “Bet On That” surges to over 15M streams and continues to gain traction on SiriusXM The Highway.   Whiten has also spent the year proving himself onstage, bringing his heavy-hearted songs and signature broken-glass vocal to crowds across the country. After completing Bailey Zimmerman's Different Night Same Rodeo Tour, Whiten is off to a run of major fairs and festivals this summer before joining Morgan Wallen's Still The Problem stadium tour later this month. Come fall, he will launch his 17-stop headlining Something To Say Tour, kicking off Oct. 8 in Lexington, Ky. and hitting major markets like Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, New York City and more. The run has already seen multiple sellouts, including Madison, Cambridge, Toronto and Nashville, where a second show has been added.    Whiten's rise has been matched by early support from SiriusXM, Pandora, Country Now and more, including recognition as a SiriusXM Highway Find, one of Pandora's 2026 Country Artists to Watch and one of Country Now's “Country Next: 10 Artists To Watch in 2026.” For tour dates and more information, visit www.blakewhitenofficial.com and keep up with him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Blake Whiten Live Dates: July 7, 2026 in Memphis, Mo. at Scotland County Fair July 10, 2026 in West Salem, Wis. at Country Boom # July 11, 2026 in Chicago, Ill. at Windy City Smokeout # July 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at Hot Country Nights: Kansas City Live! July 17, 2026 in Petersburg, Ill. at Menard County Fairgrounds July 18, 2026 in Paris, Ill. at Edgar County Fair Grounds July 24, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Mich. at Michigan Stadium ! July 25, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Mich. at Michigan Stadium ! July 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pa. at Lincoln Financial Field ! Aug. 1, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pa. at Lincoln Financial Field ! Aug. 6, 2026 in Sikeston, Mo. at Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo # Aug. 7, 2026 in West Chester, Ohio at Voice of America Country Music Fest # Aug. 8, 2026 in Oshkosh, Wis. at XRoads41 2026 # Sept. 4, 2026 in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico at Cabo Country Splash # Sept. 4, 2026 in San José Del Pedregal, Mexico at Paradisus Los Cabos   # festival ! with Morgan Wallen   Something To Say Tour Dates: Oct. 8, 2026 in Lexington, Ky. at Manchester Music Hall # Oct. 9, 2026 in Knoxville, Tenn. at The Mill & Mine # Oct. 10, 2026 in Chattanooga, Tenn. at Barrelhouse Ballroom # Oct. 15, 2026 in Chicago, Ill. at Joe's on Weed Street % Oct. 16, 2026 in Madison, Wis. at High Noon Saloon % Oct. 17, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minn. at Fine Line % Oct. 22, 2026 in Charleston, S.C. at Music Farm # Oct. 23, 2026 in Anderson, S.C. at Wendell's Dippin Branch # Oct. 24, 2026 in Charlotte, N.C. at The Fillmore - The Underground # Oct. 29, 2026 in Cambridge, Mass. at The Sinclair # Oct. 31, 2026 in Washington, D.C. at The Atlantis # Nov. 2, 2026 in New York, N.Y. at Bowery Ballroom # Nov. 5, 2026 in Toronto, Ont. at Horseshoe Tavern # Nov. 7, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Mich. at The Intersection - The Stache # Nov. 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga. at Terminal West # Nov. 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at Exit/In # Nov. 14, 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. at Exit/In #   # with Slater Nalley % with Eli Winders

ABOUT BLAKE WHITEN: Wielding a broken-glass vocal on self-penned songs that cut straight to the bone, Enchntmnt / Warner Records singer-songwriter Blake Whiten is a 21-year-old instinctive songsmith raised in Six Mile, South Carolina, whose talent launched him from bedroom videos to the biggest stages in the world. Revealed as a generational diamond in the rough, raw emotion and heavy-hearted lyrics have earned Whiten over 340 million global streams in two years since his first public performance, with more to come. Growing up on everything from Keith Whitley to Nickelback, Whiten learned guitar at seven and was penning angsty tunes by 15. After discovering the depths of his raspy vocal, a cover of Morgan Wallen's “I'm the Problem” racked up 9 million views and sent him down a new path. His solo-written 2024 single “Rollin' Stone” amassed over 129 million streams and his co-write on Bailey Zimmerman's “Holding On” broke the Top 40 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. The self-penned 2025 EP debut Six Mile captured his essence, while SiriusXM, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Country Now, Holler and All Country News have lined up in support. After headlining his Rollin' Stone Tour and making his Grand Ole Opry debut in early 2026, Whiten's first album Something To Say is out now and features 12 co-written songs, as his confessional instincts collide with pitch-black alt-rock intensity. Having just wrapped Bailey Zimmerman's Different Night Same Rodeo Tour, he'll take the stage in stadiums this summer for Wallen's Still the Problem Tour 2026 before embarking on his headlining Something To Say Tour this fall.