Advanced PT | Torrington - April 2022

Advanced PT | Torrington - April 2022

APRIL 2022

WWW.PHYSICALTHERAPYCT.COM | 860-482-0600

OUR TEAM JUST GOT BIGGER! MEET LISA AND AMANDA, THE NEW RECRUITS

I have big news — we brought on two new patient care coordinators! I hired Lisa and Amanda around the end of January, so you may have met them by now, but we haven’t shared their stories in the newsletter yet. Today, I want to fix that. Below, you’ll find a little note from each of them introducing you to their work, their families, and their hobbies. When you finish reading, I think you’ll agree that we really got lucky when we found these two.

“I think you’ll agree that we really got lucky when we found these two.”

Hi, I’m Amanda. Like Lisa, I’ve been on the team since earlier this year. We’re both patient care coordinators, so we do a lot of the same work and you’ve probably seen me behind the front desk. I’m really happy to be here because I’ve always been interested in the medical field. My mom is a nurse, and she used medical language a lot while I was growing up. Thanks to her, even when I was a stay-at-home mom, I had one foot in medicine. When my son, Frankie, was about a year old, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Angela. So, I decided to up my ante a little bit and get a medical billing and coding certification. I hoped it would help me get a better job for myself and my growing family — and it did! I started working the front desk at an optometrist’s office checking in patients and helping them with benefits. That was a great job, but I like working here even more, because I get to see the same patients over and over and really build rapport with them. I still get plenty of time with my little ones, too. We live near the Farmington River so we’re always outside taking walks and feeding the ducks. They’re a handful (Angela is 6 and Frankie is almost 8), but I couldn’t be more proud of my sporty, outgoing kids. When we aren’t outside, we’re at home crafting. We’ve made lots of jewelry and done painting and woodworking. Basically, if you can build, paint, or color it, we’re in! I’m so happy to be here at Advanced Physical Therapy Torrington, and I’m looking forward to meeting you in person if I haven’t yet.

–Kevin Smith

Hey there, I’m Lisa! It’s nice to “meet” you. I’ve worked at Advanced Physical Therapy Torrington since January 31, and I've loved every minute of it. I like to keep busy — and, boy, does this job make that happen! I’m always running around doing something, whether that’s getting paperwork ready for a new patient, answering the phone, returning voicemails, or scanning documents into the computer. I’ve worked the front desk before, but a PT office is a whole new ball of wax for me. Most of my background is in insurance. I worked for The Hartford for 10 years and ConnectiCare for six. I also worked the front desk at a dental office when my family lived in Oklahoma. Just before this job, I had a part-time gig at HomeGoods in Simsbury. I’ll tell you what, working in retail was definitely an eye-opener! I saw all different personalities at the register. Fortunately, I’m the type of person who will start talking to you in line at the grocery store, so I never have trouble chatting with new people. One thing I love about working here is that I get to do that all the time. I work in the clinic on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. When I’m not at work, you can probably find me outside. I do a fitness bootcamp three days a week and love to bike and kayak. You might also catch me relaxing with my husband, Daniel, or visiting my 36-year-old daughter, Darci, and my granddog, Stella, the white golden retriever.

–Amanda

–Lisa

• 1 860-482-0600

Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com

HEALING AS OLD AS DIRT HORTICULTURE THERAPY MIGHT HELP YOU TO RECOVER!

When you’re in pain, daily activities like walking to the mailbox or reaching for a plate from the cupboard can exacerbate inflamed joints and weak muscles. However, just simply being a human can intensify this pain, too. The reason is in your brain. For years, researchers have connected our mental well-being with our physical health. Study after study shows that those who suffer from mental illnesses also have intense bouts of pain. Physical therapy is a powerful treatment method designed to use your body’s strength and movement to stimulate physical healing. But to holistically recover from an injury or pain, you may have to also address your mental health. This spring, as April showers loom, consider a centuries-old practice that has shown time and time again to improve mental wellness. All it requires is a little dirt, patience, and the great outdoors. What is horticulture therapy? As the American Horticultural Therapy Association explains, horticulture therapy can improve cognitive and memory abilities, balance, language skills, and endurance, among

other benefits. It’s the practice of gardening to stimulate mindfulness. Dating back to

ancient Mesopotamia, the Persians were known for creating beautiful, calming gardens for this very purpose, and the first documented use of gardening for medical reasons is from the 1800s. Since then, connecting humans to plants is now a common treatment in many countries. What do I have to do? To effectively engage in horticulture therapy, you have to engage with nature. Plant a small garden in your yard and tend to it each day or week. Join a community garden, plant an indoor herb garden, or pluck weeds from your yard. If you’re not much of a gardener, try visiting local botanical gardens or hike a local trail and identify plant life each week. Or, ask your local nursery for suggestions about plants that are easy to care for. The goal is to physically and mentally connect with nature, which bonds you to a simpler form of life.

To learn more about horticulture therapy, connect with a local psychiatrist or counselor.

Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most famous golf courses in the world. The golf club was constructed back in 1933 and has enthralled golfers of every skill level. Augusta is mostly known for the Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships on the PGA Tour. In its nearly 90-year history, Augusta National Golf Club has seen some crazy events. From hostage situations to near- death experiences, there’s no shortage of unbelievable stories that have taken place on the course. Below you’ll find 3 Insane Events That Happened at Augusta National Golf Club

three of the most bizarre events that have occurred at this golf club.

Ronald Reagan’s Bizarre 1983 Round Many presidents throughout our country’s history have enjoyed the game of golf, and Ronald Reagan was no exception. While Reagan was in the middle of a round at Augusta, a man named Charles Harris rammed his pickup truck through a locked gate, stormed into the pro shop, took five hostages, and demanded to speak with the president. Reagan left the course after Harris refused to speak to him over the phone, then the police handled the situation from there. Reagan returned the next day to play an uninterrupted round. The Years Without the Masters During World War II, golf was one of the last things people thought about. After seeing the bulk of their members sent overseas to fight in the war, the owners of the course came up with an alternative way to make money. They

decided to allow cattle and turkeys to roam the course before they were ready for market. It took years for the foliage to return to playing shape. Death and Return At the 2018 Masters, a man named Johnny Pruitt got to live his dream by attending the championship as a spectator. He never made it to his seat though as an irregular heartbeat stopped his heart. Pruitt was taken from the course, and his heart was restarted with a defibrillator before he went into a coma. He awoke from the coma a week later, and Augusta invited him back to attend the 2019 Masters.

2 • WWW.PHYSICALTHERAPYCT.COM

Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com

Protein Doesn’t Equal Bulk! ENHANCE LIFELONG WORKOUT GOALS AND FIGHT AGING High-protein diets and protein powders are a bodybuilder favorite — which is probably why everyone thinks eating extra protein will make them bulky. But that’s not true! Here are four reasons why everyone agrees that protein is crucial to any healthy routine.

No. 1: Protein reduces your appetite and hunger levels.

growth, but it can also help maintain your muscle mass while you are losing weight or even aging. Who knew protein could be a part of your beauty regimen? No. 3: Protein boosts metabolism. Your body uses calories to digest and utilize nutrients in food, and it’s a lot easier for your body to process protein compared to other nutrients. That’s why high protein intake has been shown to significantly “boost” people’s metabolisms and increase the number of calories they burn. No. 4: Women need protein most, especially as they get older. As women age, protein becomes important to balance hormones as well

as keep weight off. This could be due to the abundant amino acids found in protein and how important they are to hormone production. In a 2015 study, hormone experts found that a diet of 20–30 grams of protein per meal can lead to significant anabolic and metabolic benefits for adults. The best way to consume protein is through high-protein meals. Don’t rely solely on protein powders, which often lack the additional nutrients, both macro and micro, that benefit a high-protein diet. Thankfully, there are many options for having this type of diet, even if you’re vegan. We hope this information will help you stay healthy for many decades to come!

While fats, carbs, and protein will affect your body in different ways, studies show that protein is the most filling. You won’t reach for midnight snacks as often, if at all. Not only does it help you feel fuller for longer periods, but it also accomplishes this with less food. In one study, increasing protein intake from 15%–30% of calories helped overweight women eat around 441 fewer calories every day without intentionally restricting their diet. No. 2: Protein increases muscle mass — and maintains it. Protein is in every cell in our bodies. For your muscles, protein not only helps promote muscle strengthening and

HEALTHIER, LIGHTER DEVILED EGGS

TAKE A BREAK!

Inspired by LiveEatLearn.com

INGREDIENTS

• 6 large eggs • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp lemon juice • Optional: Hot sauce, to taste • Optional: Paprika and chives, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, add eggs and cover with water. Put on high heat, and then boil eggs for 10 minutes. 2. Once boiled, peel eggs by gently tapping and removing the shell. (Adding the eggs to an ice bath after boiling can make this task easier.) 3. Cut eggs lengthwise and place yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Set egg white halves open side up on a plate. 4. In a bowl, combine yolks, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if desired) until smooth. 5. Transfer the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with paprika and chives if desired.

• 3 860-482-0600

Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com

860-482-0600 | www.PhysicalTherapyCT.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

881 New Harwinton Rd. Torrington, CT 06790

1. Meet Your New Cheerleaders 2. Your Garden Can Help You Heal! 3 Insane Events That Happened at Augusta National Golf Club 3. Why Protein Will Fight Aging — And More Healthier, Lighter Deviled Eggs 4. The Truth About ‘Exergaming’ INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Experts Love Fitness Video Games — You Might, Too ‘EXERGAMING’ CAN MAKE REAL EXERCISE FUN

To make your fitness goals more fun, you might consider implementing fitness video games, such as Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch, into your routine. But do they actually work at keeping you in shape, or are they a gimmick? Which is better? A treadmill or an active video game? Recently, researchers from Brazil and the UK put together a randomized trial comparing the physiological effects of jogging on a treadmill compared to playing a few rounds on an active video game. All participants had Type 1 diabetes, and exercise is crucial to managing the condition. What went into this study? All participants, no matter their activity, were tested for heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption efficiency, and endothelial function (a marker for blood fluidity). Health readings were collected

on three occasions, including immediately after the activity, 30 minutes after, and 24 hours after. The study went on for three weeks, with two workouts per week. The results? The health readings were not only very similar, but also the blood glucose levels among participants declined to safe levels after both activities — with the added bonus that individuals who played active video games enjoyed the exercise a lot more.

“Exergaming” is all about putting yourself in a workout you enjoy most, especially for those with diabetes, says

Dr. Jorge Brito-Gomes, a researcher at the Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Brazil. He told Eat This, Not That: "Gamifying exercise not only takes your mind off the exertion, but working toward rewards in the game or even competing against friends helps motivate you to keep coming back to do more." Looking for an active video game to try? Check out Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch or Just Dance 2021 for all gaming consoles, or if you have a virtual reality headset, try Beat Saber, which starts out at low intensity as a rhythm game but can quickly turn into a mid- to high-intensity experience with increased difficulty!

Are games a replacement for gym exercise?

Not necessarily — it depends on your workout intensity and fitness goals. If you tend to go for mid- to high-intensity workouts, you need to find an active video game that allows you to achieve that level. When it comes to exercise, the human body doesn’t discriminate. Carrying heavy groceries burns calories just like weights do at the gym!

4 • WWW.PHYSICALTHERAPYCT.COM

Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com