Advanced PT Torrington - April 2021

Advanced PT Torrington - April 2021

APRIL 2021

WWW.PHYSICALTHERAPYCT.COM | 860-482-0600

'TIS THE SEASON FOR FRESH STARTS! SAYING GOODBYE TO AVERY AND HELLO TO THE GOLF COURSE

When I hire someone new to work in my clinic, I always ask them about their dreams.

“I know that you’d love to work here,” I say, “but what is your ultimate goal? What do you want to do next?”

That might seem like a weird strategy. After all, wouldn’t I like to keep my team together as long as possible? But the truth is that there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing an employee who came to me, eager to learn, go on to bigger and better things. This spring, that’s exactly what happened with our physical therapy aid, Avery. When I hired her in the summer of 2019, her long-term goal was to get into PT school and become a full-fledged physical therapist. A few months ago, she got the news that she’d done it! Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, accepted Avery’s application, and she’ll start next school year. I’m happy for Avery and proud of everything that she has achieved. She’ll stay on here at the Advanced Physical Therapy Torrington until this summer, and I’ll ask her to give you a proper goodbye in the newsletter then. For now, though, I just want to say that I know she'll do great work in PT school. She’s already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was at that point in my career, in both anatomy and physiology knowledge and experience treating patients. We’ll miss Avery’s skill and energy here in the clinic (and I’m guessing you will too), but I can’t wait to see what she does next. April seemed like the perfect month to share Avery’s big news because, for me, it has always been a time of fresh starts and a gateway to spring. When April comes around, I prioritize getting back outside and enjoying the fresh air — particularly on the golf course. As I write this, I can’t wait to get out on the green at Fairview Farm and work on my swing. (Speaking of swings, if aches and pains are hindering yours, a physical therapy session could help.)

Georgia, this month. Nothing is more picturesque or perfectly spring-like than the Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters. The bright green grass and beds of colorful flowers just add to the perfection of the game. Luckily, I’m not the only one in my group of family and friends who feels that way. I have a lot of golf buddies, and every April we get together for a little Masters-themed party. We have Masters-inspired foods like the famous $2 pimento-cheese sandwiches and Georgia peach cobbler, and we watch the final round together on TV. Even when we’re not in the same room to celebrate, we’re constantly texting during the tournament to keep each other up to speed. Are you a golfer, too? If you are, I’d love to talk about the Masters next time I see you. And if you’re not, I hope this spring you and your family will get to enjoy the outdoor hobbies you love. If stiffness, pain, or another physical issue is hindering your ability to have a good time, let me know, or send your family member my way, and I’ll see if I can help.

Wishing you a happy, healthy fresh start,

Although Avery’s news is bittersweet, I’m feeling nothing but excitement for the 2021 Masters Tournament in Augusta,

–Kevin Smith

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As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. The Benefits of Pet Ownership A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES HOW PETS IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. Find the Right Pet Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .

DON’T SLEEP ON THESE TRACKING DEVICES WANT A BETTER NIGHT’S REST?

Sleep is essential for good health. It recharges your body and helps you start your day refreshed and alert. With so many wearable devices and sleep tracking apps on the market now, you may be wondering if you should be tracking your sleep. If any of the following apply to you, you may benefit from using a sleep tracker. • You have difficulty sleeping soundly. You wake up repeatedly throughout the night, either due to environmental noises (a snoring partner) or a sleep disorder (sleep apnea). • You feel exhausted during the day. When you don’t get enough sleep at night, you’ll feel tired during the day and may have difficulty focusing and be less productive.

table. Many track your heartbeat and movement. It’s important to keep in mind that while sleep trackers can provide valuable insights, the >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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