Altitude Physical Therapy August 2019

CALDWELL 1906 Fairview Ave., Ste. 410 Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 454-9839 Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 465-9418 THE ASCENT NAMPA - MIDLAND 130 S. Midland Blvd. Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 461-5057 NAMPA - SOUTHSIDE 3151 E. Greenhurst Rd.

AUGUST 2019

GEARING UP FOR GAME DAY WARMING UP FOR THE WIN

Now that I’ve wrapped up reffing summer basketball, I’m looking forward to all of the fall sports. I know I’m not the only one. All across the Treasure Valley, you can feel the excitement as football, soccer, volleyball, and cross-country ramp up, and the anticipation of going to the games and cheering on the best teams builds. At home, our son, who runs cross-country, is getting ready for his first meet. As kids go from the more relaxed pace of the summer to intense practices, we tend to see more injuries at our clinics. As kids transition into intensive training programs, it’s important to make sure they aren’t ramping up too fast. Some soreness is normal, but if something starts to affect how they’re running, jumping, serving, or moving, it’s worth getting checked out. Gradual increases into any new activity or program you’re restarting are key to staying mobile and injury-free. Remember, no matter how much you want it to, your body can’t immediately perform

at its maximum capacity when you’ve been taking it easy for a couple months. It takes time to get there, and starting incrementally, with shorter distances and lighter reps, will help you enjoy physical activity and get you where you want to be without injury. This can be tough for younger athletes who are eager to get in the game and show a coach what they’ve got, and it can be just as tough for those excited to get back on a bike or play in the recreational soccer league. Here are a few things you and your athlete can keep in mind as the fall season begins.

•

Always warm up before starting a sport or other physical activity.

For game day, while the exact routine depends on the sport, warming up is a key component of preventing injury. This applies to every athlete, weekend warriors included. You want to get your body working and break a sweat before you start an activity or take on the competition. So, whether you’re gearing up for the game against the rival school or for that 50-mile ride, listen to your body and don’t push it too hard or too fast. If you notice anything feeling uncomfortable or painful that doesn’t go away, give us a call. We’ll help you get into your favorite fall activity and have fun while you’re at it.

HOW TO ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FALL ACTIVITIES

•

Gradually ease into a new activity or one you’re picking up after time off.

–Sean Weatherston

•

Some soreness is okay and will usually respond well to gentle stretching and ice.

1 (208) 454-9839

4 Things to Keep in Mind on Your Next Family Camping Trip GONE CAMPING

While summer is winding down, families are looking to go on a few end-of-season adventures, camping trips included. Before you head out into the wilderness with your family, it’s important to be prepared. In fact, “be prepared” is the best piece of advice when it comes to braving the great outdoors. But what does being prepared entail? Here are four key tips. HAVE A FIRST-AID KIT NEARBY. A good rule of thumb is to keep one in your car at all times. You never know when you’ll need it. Kids may get a few bumps and scrapes while out hiking, or you might encounter poisonous plants, such as poison ivy or poison oak. Having quick access to cold water, soap, antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol), and calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream can keep infections at bay. TEACH FIRE SAFETY. When you build a fire, especially with kids, teach them about fire safety. This includes building the fire itself. Pick a spot away from brush and overhanging branches and create a pit surrounded by rocks. Before lighting a fire, have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby so you can quickly extinguish it when ready. Finally,

remember to only build a fire as big as you need. A larger fire can be difficult to manage and keep under control. KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY. Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and sometimes, it doesn’t give notice at all. Keep a close eye on the sky and monitor the weather on a radio. If a storm appears, seek shelter immediately and stay out of low-lying areas. When you’re in mountainous or hilly terrain, a little rain is all it takes for flash floods to occur. If you’re in a ravine when it starts raining, get out immediately. ALWAYS STICK TOGETHER. It’s a good idea to hike with a buddy and keep a whistle around your neck or in your pack. You never know what you might encounter or when you’ll need help. Hiking with kids is also a great time to teach them to recognize landmarks and be aware of their surroundings. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, show kids how to create a trail of digital breadcrumbs or pictures to help them find their way back to camp.

SAVANNA ROOTS FOR OUR PATIENTS CELEBRATING EVERY SUCCESS

As the receptionist at our Midland clinic, Savanna welcomes our patients and is here to support and cheer them on during their physical therapy journey. “I really enjoy it,” she says of her role. “I enjoy talking to our patients, getting to learn about them, and seeing the improvements throughout their journey. I love at the very end of working with somebody when they get to show off what they can do now. It’s a party for everyone!” Having dealt with health challenges of her own, Savanna is empathetic to what our patients are going through. “I understand people might be feeling frustrated and that they might come in with a less-than-excited mindset about physical therapy,” she says. “It’s nice to help change that.” Savanna also appreciates the warm environment she gets to come into every day. “Everyone gets along so well that it doesn’t feel like work,”

Savanna says of her team. “Everybody is really friendly, and it’s a more playful environment than other places I’ve worked. We have a lot of fun.” Since moving to Boise from Winnemucca, Nevada, Savanna appreciates how close she is to so many outdoor adventures. “It’s nice being able to have access to everything,” she says. “Growing up in Winnemucca, we had to drive 2–3 hours to go anywhere. Here, we have access to everything — mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. Lake Lowell is so close, just five minutes away. I take my dog there right after work to play.” Savanna’s pup is a 5-year-old American bully named Bourbon. As a dog trainer, Savanna chose Bourbon with plans to train him as a show dog. His champion titles speak to their success as a team, but it turns out Bourbon also has another specialty. “He managed to slide into the role of

service dog,” Savanna explains. Now, he helps monitor her health and serves as a calming and stabilizing force, allowing her to walk longer distances and manage her health challenges. “I feel like he’s a once-in-a-lifetime dog. I don’t expect to have another dog that’s quite as versatile as he is,” Savanna says.

We’re so glad to have Savanna (and Bourbon) at our Midland clinic! Thanks for all you do!

www.altitudept.com 2

MEET BOURBON THE SHOW CHAMPION WHO’S ALWAYS BY SAVANNA’S SIDE

Savanna’s dog, Bourbon, wants to introduce himself and say hello; though, some of you may already know him from your visits to our Midland clinic. Here’s more in his own words. Hi! My name is Bourbon, and I’m a 5-year-old American bully dog. During the day, I get to hang out at work with my awesome human, Savanna, at Altitude PT. Maybe you’ve seen me around the clinic or maybe not, because I’m usually chilling right next to Savanna under the desk and staying calm until it’s outside time. My first day at work, I was so quiet that no one knew I was there until I walked out from under the desk! I love kids, and it’s my favorite when they pay us a visit. Because I’m laid-back and a good listener, I got to be trained as a service dog. I’m here for support to make sure Savanna is okay and to be here when she needs help. She can lean on me whenever she needs to. We’re here for each other. TAKE A BREAK

When we competed in dog shows, Savanna and I got to travel all over the world, and we earned the title of show champion! It was really special to share that with my human, and I couldn’t have done it without her. Savanna says I help her, but it’s a team effort. At the end of the day, we get to take those titles home together. I like to do my best so we can both win.

When you visit us at the clinic, come say hi! I love getting to meet new people.

You can follow Bourbon’s adventures on Instagram: @BourbontheAmBully.

ROASTED CORN SALSA

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

•

2 medium ears of corn, shucked 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced 1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped 1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced 1/2 red onion, diced

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine. 5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.

•

• •

•

• •

Juice of 1 lime

Kosher salt, to taste

3

Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine

(208) 454-9839

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1906 Fairview Ave., Ste. 410 Caldwell, ID 83605

(208) 454-9839 www.altitudept.com

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 2 2 3 3 4

Find Your Stride With Fall Sports Stay Safe While Camping Get to Know Our Team A Word From Our Canine Friend Roasted Corn Salsa Not Your Average Vacation Lodgings

AMERICA’S WEIRDEST AIRBNBS THIS AIN’T MOTEL 6!

When Airbnb was founded a little over a decade ago, the developers hoped to provide an alternative to traditional travel accommodations. Today, with annual revenue in the billions, the service is an industry unto itself. While most people use Airbnb to “live like a local” while traveling, you can find some truly wacky lodging options if you spend some time searching the platform. Here are just a few of the many contenders for the title of “Weirdest Airbnb in the U.S.” For ease of searching, the listings here have the same titles as they do on Airbnb.

thinking it was a theme restaurant featuring eclectic aviation. Memorabilia lines the walls with a bar front and center, and the bed is in a loft high above the ground.

DOG BARK PARK INN B&B Cottonwood, Idaho

BRAND NEW STUDIO EARTHSHIP Taos, New Mexico

unique living space surrounded by pristine nature and not far from the historic Taos Pueblo.

As you approach the Dog Bark Park Inn, you won’t have to guess if you’re in the right place. After all, how many buildings are shaped like beagles? When describing the space on Airbnb, the hosts make no bones about who this rental is aimed for. “Stay in a giant dog!” they say. In addition to being inside a massive wooden dog, you’ll find canine-themed games, books, and more. Talk about ruffing it.

Earthships, houses run by clean energy and featuring reused materials, are a fixture of the Taos area. This one, which looks almost like a crashing wave with a living space in its undertow, combines the rustic charm of truly getting away from it all with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and in-home laundry. It’s a truly

MANCAVE APARTMENT/AIRPLANE HANGAR Geneva, Florida Airbnb super hosts Dan and Deborah have no shortage of quirky properties for rent — including yurts and treehouses — but their apartment fashioned out of an airplane hangar surely takes the cake. You’d be forgiven for

www.altitudept.com 4