Huntington, West Virginia is a city where history, innovation, and natural beauty intertwine to create an inviting community. This vibrant city sits along the majestic Ohio River, offering residents stunning views and a serene atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with its bustling downtown. People here find a blend of small-town warmth and the conveniences of modern urban life, making Huntington a delightful place to call home.
The heart of the city
pulses with an impressive cultural scene. Marshall University breathes youthful energy into the area, encouraging a robust blend of art, music, and academic pursuits. Residents enjoy a variety of festivals and events year-round, none more cherished than the annual ChiliFest, which brings the community together for delicious food and lively entertainment.
Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat, with Huntington's beautiful parks like Ritter Park, offering walking paths,
Discover the Heart of Huntington, West
4 | HelloHuntington, West Virginia • Summer Issue
Hello Huntington, West Virginia • Summer Issue |5
sports facilities, and picturesque picnic spots. Those seeking adventure can explore the nearby Ohio River for an exhilarating day on the water.
Huntington truly offers a welcoming and dynamic place to live, where the spirit of community thrives alongside cultural diversity and natural splendor. Whether walking through its scenic parks, exploring its historic streets, or engaging with its innovative...
Discover the Heart of Huntington, West
Discover the Heart of Huntington, West Virginia: A Gem of Appalachian Charm
Huntington, West Virginia is a city where history, innovation, and natural beauty intertwine to create an inviting community. This vibrant city sits along the majestic Ohio River, offering residents stunning views and a serene atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with its bustling downtown. People here find a blend of small-town warmth and the conveniences of modern urban life, making Huntington a delightful place to call home.
The heart of the city pulses with an impressive cultural scene. Marshall University breathes youthful energy into the area, encouraging a robust blend of art, music, and academic pursuits. Residents enjoy a variety of festivals and events year-round, none more cherished than the annual ChiliFest, which brings the community together for delicious food and lively entertainment.
Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat, with Huntington's beautiful parks like Ritter Park, offering walking paths, sports facilities, and picturesque picnic spots. Those seeking adventure can explore the nearby Ohio River for an exhilarating day on the water.
Huntington truly offers a welcoming and dynamic place to live, where the spirit of community thrives alongside cultural diversity and natural splendor. Whether walking through its scenic parks, exploring its historic streets, or engaging with its innovative spirit, you'll find a city rich with opportunities and warm-hearted people.
How Parents Can Help Minimize the Need for Braces in Their Children
Many children eventually require orthodontic care, but there are meaningful ways for parents to encourage healthy dental development and possibly reduce the need for braces. This begins with instilling consistent oral hygiene routines from an early age. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly helps
prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease or cavities—both of which may contribute to tooth misalignment over time.
Beyond cleaning habits, it's important to address behaviors that can interfere with natural tooth positioning. Prolonged
6 | HelloHuntington, West Virginia • Summer Issue
How Parents Can Help Minimize the Need for Braces in Their Children
Many children eventually require orthodontic care, but there are meaningful ways for parents to encourage healthy dental development and possibly reduce the need for braces. This begins with instilling consistent oral hygiene routines from an early age. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease or cavities—both of which may contribute to tooth misalignment over time.
Beyond cleaning habits, it's important to address behaviors that can interfere with natural tooth positioning. Prolonged thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, and tongue thrusting during swallowing are all habits that can gradually push teeth out of alignment. Guiding children away from these behaviors, ideally before the age of four, helps preserve the integrity of developing bite patterns.
Jaw and facial development also play critical roles in how a child's teeth grow in. Encouraging children to eat firm, fibrous foods—such as apples, carrots, and nuts—can help build strong jaw muscles and promote proper bite alignment. It’s also essential to observe how your child breathes. Habitual mouth breathing can affect the shape of the jaw and facial bones. In many cases, nasal breathing supports healthier oral and skeletal development.
Regular dental checkups provide a chance to monitor the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Baby teeth serve as natural guides for permanent teeth. If they are lost prematurely due to decay or injury, other teeth may drift into the empty space. This can interfere with proper alignment and may require intervention, such as space maintainers, to preserve room for the adult teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists advises that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early assessments allow professionals to identify developing issues and consider interventions that may reduce the need for braces in the future. While genetics influence alignment, promoting healthy habits and early care lays a strong foundation for a confident, functional smile.
Dr. Joseph H. Thompson
facial development also play critical roles in how a child's teeth grow in. Encouraging children to eat firm, fibrous foods—such as apples, carrots, and nuts—can help build strong jaw muscles and promote proper bite alignment. It’s also essential to observe how your child breathes. Habitual mouth breathing can affect the shape of the jaw and facial bones. In many cases, nasal breathing supports healthier oral and skeletal development.
Regular dental checkups provide a chance to monitor the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Baby teeth serve as natural guides for permanent teeth. If...
thumb-sucking, extended pacifier use, and tongue thrusting during swallowing are all habits that can gradually push teeth out of alignment. Guiding children away from these behaviors, ideally before the age of four, helps preserve the integrity of developing bite patterns.
Jaw and
Healthy oral habits and mindful observation during childhood can significantly support natural tooth alignment.
About the Author
Dr. Joseph H. Thompson, a Huntington, WV native, earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from West Virginia University, ranking 5th in his class. He began his academic journey as a chemistry major at Marshall University before pursuing dentistry.
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Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Huntington who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in
the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
Hometown Heroes
10 | HelloHuntington, West Virginia • Summer Issue
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes celebrates the brave men and women from Huntington who answered the call to serve. They left their homes, families, and communities to defend our freedoms. They brought with them the values of their upbringing, woven into the fabric of the communities they cherished. Across generations, these heroes stood united, embodying courage, sacrifice, and a love of country that knows no bounds. Whether on land, sea, or in the skies, they carried the spirit of their hometowns with them, facing challenges with unyielding resolve and selflessness. We honor their service, their legacy, and the communities that raised them. Today, we remember not just their dedication but the strength and unity that bind us all as Americans. Their stories are our stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of the United States and the bonds that make us strong.
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Hometown Heroes
Huntington By The Numbers
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Proudly Partnering with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors
At HelloNation, we are honored to serve as America’s Video Magazine, bringing to life the stories of over 40,000 towns and cities across the country. Our mission is to celebrate the vibrancy, culture, and opportunities in every community, creating a digital platform that informs, inspires, and connects residents, businesses, and newcomers alike.
We are deeply proud to have the support and endorsement of two of the
nation’s most respected organizations: the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Through their partnership, the NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors affirm their confidence in HelloNation’s vision and our shared belief in the power of storytelling to highlight the unique character of each community.
Their words underscore the importance of our mission: to make every town and city visible on the national stage, highlighting what makes each one special and worth exploring. Together, with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, we are committed to ensuring that every community in America has a voice and a platform to shine. Thank you for supporting our journey as we bring local stories to life, one video at a time.
These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
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These influential entities advocate tirelessly on behalf of America’s cities, towns, and villages, representing every community and ensuring their voices are heard on a national scale.
