Cornerstone Physical Therapy - May 2018

Cornerstone Physical Therapy - May 2018

May 2018

CORNERSTONE Monthly

77 Brant Avenue Suite 101, Clark, NJ 07066

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www.cornerstoneptnj.com

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732.499.4540

Cornerstone PT Patients

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and the kids and I will surely be waking up extra early to bring my wife breakfast in bed on her special day. As I wrote last year, my sister and I started this tradition for our mom. It was a small token to show her just how much we appreciated all of her hard work. Thinking back to my childhood, I always picture my mom coming home in her scrubs after a long shift. But no matter how tired she was, she always had a smile for my sister and me. Our mother showed patients the same kindness all day long; her limitless compassion was inspiring. “Mom, you’ve taught me so much over the years, from the importance of a good work ethic to the difference a smile can make in a patient’s day.” MOTHER LESSONS FROM MY As a single mother, she worked three jobs to support my sister and me. Over the years, she worked in various medical fields, requiring long evening shifts. Somehow, she still found the time to come out and cheer for my basketball team and my sister’s cheerleading squad. At least I know where I get my boundless energy from! To this day, I never feel comfortable resting on my laurels; I always have to be working on something, just like my mother.

VIP Referral Patient of the Month!

DANIEL STEINBERG

Thank you to all of the mothers in my life!

The best compliment we can receive is to have one of our patients refer a friend or family member to our practice. If you refer someone, and we are able to take them as a patient, you and the person who was referred

order to give us a good education. As we grew older, my sister and I got jobs to help pay the bills. Thankfully, we all had evening or night shifts, so we still saw one another in the mornings. Her support didn’t stop after I grew up. When I took the big leap of opening a private practice of my own, my mother’s experience in health care was invaluable. While she’d never worked in physical therapy, there was a lot of overlap in the ways we approached care — plus, she’s always been a people person. Her advice helped shape Cornerstone Physical Therapy Health and Wellness Center’s patient-first mentality. Last September, my mom finally retired. For once in her life, her time is her own. It’s great to see her just sit and relax; she’s definitely earned it! My sister and I will always be grateful for everything she did for us. Mom, you’ve taught me so much over the years, from the importance of a good work ethic to the difference a smile can make in a patient’s day. But most of all, you taught me how to be a good parent. No matter how stressful things got, you always put your kids first. I try my best to do the same for your grandchildren. Happy Mother’s Day.

Thank You! will be entered to win a $25 gift card! It’s just our way of saying

– Your Son

Love,

Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t be around all the time. It was difficult, but she did what she had to in

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“I slipped on black ice and broke my wrist. I was in a splint for about eight weeks, but I started physical therapy at about the sixth or seventh week. I was not able

ROAD TRIPS DON’T HAVE TO BE PAINFUL

to do much at all. In four weeks, I saw an improvement. I did four more weeks here and gained my rotation and motion back, as well as my strength. I am happy about the improvement, I still do the recommended exercises at home. I found the staff at Cornerstone to be professional, friendly, and compassionate.” –Veronica Rotondo

Summer is right around the corner, which means you’ll soon pile the whole family into the car, ready to brave the road for a vacation. Everyone knows that riding in the car for hours can be torture. But with a little creativity, you can turn the worst part of a long trip into a fun event. PACK A TRAVEL GAME When the excitement of the family vacation starts to wear off, keep the peace and entertain your kids with a travel game. Many board game manufacturers offer travel-sized versions that are easy to pack and play in the car. Before your next road trip, consider purchasing digital Yahtzee, which packs all the fun of the classic game without the dice, or IQ Fit, a logic game with over 100 challenges. Both games cost around $10 and can provide hours of entertainment. INCLUDE THE WHOLE FAMILY Once the travel games no longer pique anyone’s interest, try an activity that can be fun for the whole family: a traditional road trip game. If you have a car full of storytellers, try “Fortunately, Unfortunately.” The rules are simple. The first person starts by saying, “fortunately,” and mentioning something good about the road trip or the destination. The next person (moving clockwise) then follows by saying something “unfortunate” about the previous person’s statement. Take turns with every passenger in the car. If someone stumbles, they get a strike; three strikes and you’re out. The last passenger standing wins. PLAY AN AUDIOBOOK OR PODCAST We get it. Sometimes passengers don’t want to play games. Occasionally, they’d rather relax or take a nap. However, your listening material doesn’t have to be limited to Dad’s favorite music. Instead, consider listening to a family-friendly audiobook or podcast, which can make the longest and most boring parts of your trip an entertaining or educational experience. Almost any popular book is available in audio form, but it can be hard to find an enjoyable podcast. “Transistor” is a science-focused podcast that explores subjects kids and adults will find fascinating. Or if you’re looking for something fictional, try “Storynory,” in which the narrator tells fairy tales and legends from all over the globe. Try Games, Audiobooks, and Podcasts to Pass the Time

“I fractured my clavicle from a youth-wrestling injury. I had trouble getting dressed and doing my homework. I had to sit out of recess and g ym. I could not have the

fun I usually would with my friends. The staff here made me better, and I am very grateful. I am back to school activities and karate. Thank you, Cornerstone!” –Nicholas Doll

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NEW JERSEY’S BEST TRAILS TAKE A HIKE!

After months of rain, sleet, and snowstorms, spring fever is sure to be strong this year. If you’ve been itching to get out and enjoy the outdoors, why not make a day of it? Amid the hubbub of city life, it’s easy to forget that we have some of the most beautiful nature trails in the country in our own backyard! Here are a few of our favorites. Hacklebarney State Park If you’re not an experienced hiker, or if you want to take the kids along, Hacklebarney is perfect for you. Less than an hour’s drive from Clark, this beautiful park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. This 3.7-mile hike will take you through a tranquil forest and alongside the rocky bends of Black River. Sourland Mountain Preserve

boulderers and mountain bikers to this nature preserve. Don’t worry, though; the presence of boardwalks on the trails means you won’t have to scramble to find your footing! If you don’t want to walk the 5 miles yourself, horseback riding is also allowed at Sourland Mountain Preserve.

Monument, a tower erected at the highest point in New Jersey. If you have the energy to climb its 200-plus steps, the view from the top is breathtaking. No matter your age or experience, we hope you get a chance to enjoy nature this spring. This list barely scratches the surface of the best places to explore in our state. If you experience pain or balance issues before or after a hike, please come in for a visit. Our therapists can help get you back to the activities you love.

High Point State Park

The views from these Appalachian trails make the long drive north more than worth it. You don’t have to walk very far before you are treated to sweeping vistas of countryside

belonging to three different states! This hike will take you through a

beautiful white cedar swamp before arriving at High Point

This trail network rocks — literally. The dark boulders that line this intermediate-level hike attract plenty of

SAUTÉED ZUCCHINI & SQUASHWITH FETA

Zucchini and summer squash are arriving on grocery store shelves. Here is a great way to take these humble, delicious vegetables to the next level. This easy dish is perfect for early summer.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 zucchini • 1 summer squash • 1/2 medium red onion • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize. 4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta.

1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. 3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season with

Recipe inspired by realsimple.com

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77 Brant Avenue Suite 101 Clark, NJ 07066 732.499.4540 www.cornerstoneptnj.com

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INSIDE This Issue

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What My Mom Taught Me

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying

How to Make Your Road Trip a Breeze

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Scenic Spring Hikes

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta

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The Key to a Memorable Vacation

Buy Local When You’re Abroad

ENRICH YOUR VACATION

Art Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! People While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. Memories Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!

The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all-inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. Food Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business!

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