Altitude Physical Therapy - March 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.

MARCH 2019

EAGER FOR SPRING OPERAS, NEW FAMILY, AND RUNNING

During the last bit of winter, I start to get bad cabin fever. Do you experience it too? I’m itching to hit the trails and get to warmer weather. You’ll often find me scrolling through travel websites this time of year, lost in palm trees and beaches as I consider sunny vacations to one tropical location after another. Though the dreaming usually stops at the bottom of the page, just imagining a sunny day on the beach gets me through the long days of winter.

opportunities in Utah, they do miss Idaho. I’m excited to see what the future holds for them.

Something else I’m excited for is the start of running season. I’m planning on participating in the annual Race to Robie Creek this year, so I’d better get running! After Robie, we’ll be starting up our Run Club, which is open to anyone who wants to run (or even walk). Our PTs and staff, including certified running coaches like myself and Kayla, will be there, as well as supportive community members. It’s amazing how much more motivating it is to get outside and run when you’re doing it with other people. You can read more about Run Club and how to join inside the newsletter. I look forward to seeing you there.

While our family would be excited about a spring trip, there is enough going on this season that we’ll happily stick close to home. Our first grandson arrived on February 16th! His name is Jens, and we’re excited to spend more time with this new arrival to our family. On top of that, Jens’s dad, my son, Bryan, is performing in an opera in Utah, and we’re going there to support him and learn more about his passion. After studying music in college, Bryan sang in his first opera at the College of Idaho. Last summer, he was invited to an opera camp and immersed himself even more in the art of opera. The experience prompted him to move to Utah, where he’s currently studying at the Utah Valley University in their vocal program.

I have to admit that it’s been a bit of a culture shock to our family to see Bryan pursue his musical vocation. Opera is a little different from the Foo Fighters, which is more along the lines of what I usually listen to. Bryan admits the storylines can be cheesy. If they weren’t sung in foreign languages, you’d realize the storylines aren’t too far from a soap opera. They sound so much cooler in Italian or German! But we’re learning to appreciate this new medium, and I’m really glad we’ll get to be there for Bryan’s performance this spring. It’s been an adventurous first year of marriage for Bryan and his wife, Julia. They got married, moved to Utah, and now baby one has arrived. While Bryan and Julia have found some amazing

Have a great March, and until next time,

–Sean Weatherston

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How to Decide if Your Family Can Care for a Pet ARE YOU READY FOR FIDO? IS YOUR FAMILY READY? Every family is different, and it’s important to have an honest discussion about the implications of owning a pet. If you have kids, consider how much they will be able to contribute to such a responsibility. Another factor to consider is how much free time you have to spend with your pet; some animals require more attention than others. To avoid major conflict down the road, discuss care and responsibility plans as a family before welcoming an animal into your home. Keeping a pet can be a source of joy for your family, but it can also be a source of stress. Before making any major choice, talk to your family members and consider what owning a pet would mean for all of you.

While we don’t know exactly why humans keep pets, one fact is certain: Millions of people love them. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet. But no matter what you see on your favorite dog Instagram accounts, keeping a pet isn’t endless playtime. Ask yourself the following questions before buying or adopting a furry companion. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO? Owning a pet can change your lifestyle. To start, you will have to consider the animal’s well- being when hosting events or taking vacations. You will also have to make room in your budget for pet-related expenses. Additionally, some animals can live for upward of two decades.

Discuss how responsibilities will change as a pet ages and what your future will look like before making the commitment. DOES AN ANIMAL FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE? When choosing a pet for your family, gather research from animal experts and other pet owners. Calculate the cost of owning a pet, and evaluate how that animal will fit into your lifestyle. For example, dogs are one of the most high- maintenance and expensive animals to own, but they tend to be more involved in family life than a cat or a hamster. That said, your home’s size and location may make it better suited for a smaller pet, as many larger animals require more square footage and plenty of outdoor space.

ANN SHARES WHAT SHE LOVES ABOUT ALTITUDE AND HER COMMUNITY

As the front desk receptionist at our Nampa Southside clinic, Ann is one of the first friendly faces you’ll see here. She relishes the opportunity to be in such an interactive position. “Working with patients is really awesome,” Ann says. “I love working with them and welcoming them to our clinic. It’s a benefit of working at the front desk.” Ann says these good feelings extend to her team members, who are a big part of what makes working at Altitude so great. “I really enjoy everyone I get to work with. Sean is a great boss. Kayla, our PT, has been really great, and Dan as well,” Ann says. One of her favorite parts about working for Altitude PT is how involved we are in community outreach and volunteer work. “Our overall commitment to local community is great. We did a coat drive, Rake up Nampa, and Run Club, and all the workshops Sean does are totally free,” she says.

about how physical therapy can help ease pain and discomfort. “We provide information for people who aren’t familiar with it. These may be people who couldn’t otherwise afford to come in to see a PT. They can get good information and ask Sean questions.” As a Nampa resident (in fact, home is only a few minutes from work), Ann understands the value of community events and businesses that create these connections for people. “I try to have fun at work and at home — sometimes the two coincide,” Ann says. “We all like to joke and have fun at Altitude while being professional and taking our jobs seriously.” Ann adds, “I love working for a small business. We’re like family.” After a day at work, Ann practices what we preach about a healthy lifestyle. “I enjoy staying active and running, and I can’t wait for warmer weather for hiking. I love to explore,” Ann says. She’s looking forward to the start of Run Club this spring, and she also loves spending time with her two

Ann and her daughters exploring Celebration Park last summer!

daughters on adventures in Nampa and Boise. “Last weekend we went roller skating,” Ann says.

We’re so glad to have Ann on our team, and we know you feel the same way. Ann, thank you for all you do for our team and our patients!

Ann has been helping coordinate workshops aimed at educating and informing the community

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RUNNING CLUB

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS ADVENTURE!

Running is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that allows the body to burn more calories per hour than any resistant workout. As the weather starts getting warmer, it becomes more and more ideal for people to get outside and exercise by stretching their legs. If you’ve wanted to start running or are already an active runner looking to push yourself, then Altitude PT’s Running Club is perfect for you. Our club is set up so anyone who is interested can participate. People who love running, want to challenge themselves, run longer distances, or have never tried running long-distance are welcome to join us as we train toward our goal. Every year, we train during the summer and early fall to participate in a race. This year, our focus will be participating in the FitOne 5K and half-marathon. Is this your first race, or are you nervous about running? Not a problem! We provide coaching from two of our physical therapists, Sean and Kayla, who are certified running coaches. Both have been running since their college years in TAKE A BREAK

multiple track events. Our coaches will give you tips and encouragement throughout this training program. Altitude PT will also treat any injuries that may occur during our training. The training also includes training videos, nutrition, hydration, warmups, cool-downs, suggestions on the right footwear, and specialized swag for all participants.

This year’s Running Club will officially kickoff at the end of April, so be sure to sign up! Sign-ups and more information regarding our club and running programs are found on our website. Get ready for a summer filled with fun, running, and achieving your goals!

BEET, MINT, AND RICOTTA HUMMUS

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

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1 6-ounce beet (about the size of an adult fist), scrubbed 1 15 1/2-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Wrap beet tightly in foil. On a foil-lined baking sheet, roast wrapped beet until fork tender, about 60–70 minutes. 3. While beet is roasting, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, ricotta, garlic, salt, pepper, and coriander until smooth. 4. Once beet is cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to remove beet skin. Trim root end and cut into small pieces. Add to blender or food processor, and blend until entire mixture is smooth. Add additional salt if desired. 5. Transfer to a shallow bowl, top with garnishes, and serve.

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1/3 cup tahini, well-mixed 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

1 garlic clove, grated

1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander Mint leaves, poppy seeds, and olive oil, for garnish

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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

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Eager for Spring Should You Get a Pet?

Meet Our Awesome Team All Run Lovers Welcome! Beet, Mint, and Ricotta Hummus Don’t Let the Rain Dampen Your Spirits

4 RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

As the weather warms up, the urge to get out of the house becomes stronger. However, any plans you might have can be abruptly canceled due to rain. If you find yourself stuck inside for the day, here are a few activities to keep you occupied.

involve your kids in the binge-watching, you can let them pick out one of their favorite movies too.

PIECE TOGETHER A PUZZLE A rainy day is a great opportunity to pull out a puzzle. You can also grab your friends or family members and make the puzzle a team activity. With the whole day ahead of you, you’ll have several hours to devote to one of your favorite hobbies. Don’t let the rain keep you down! Instead, take advantage of the weather and enjoy a cozy day at home.

GET BAKIN’ A wet and chilly day is an excellent opportunity to warm yourself up with some baked goods. Bake your favorite snickerdoodle cookies or fudge brownies, and pour yourself a mug full of hot chocolate or cider to get through the stormy day. READ A BOOK If you have a bookshelf full of novels you’ve not cracked open, a rainy day is the perfect time to jump in. Settle down on the sofa with a cuddly

blanket and enjoy some uninterrupted reading. The rain smattering against your windows creates the perfect background noise to delve into the pages of a new adventure. CREATE YOUR OWN FILM FESTIVAL Having a movie or TV series marathon is another great way to pass the time. You can watch some of the classics, like “Forrest Gump” or “Singing in the Rain,” fill the day with “The Lord of the Rings” series, or start a new Netflix show. If you want to

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