Gilbert PT - April 2020

April 2020

GILBERT Gazette PHYSICAL THERAPY Helping Others

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The Same Way Others Helped Me

Growing up, I was blessed to have some really wonderful women who became mentors to me. Even today, I have women in my life I know I can rely on and look up to when I need guidance or support. Today, I’m honored to pay it forward and help young girls, too. April 20 is Volunteer Recognition Day, and while I don’t mentor teen girls for the attention, I couldn’t think of any topic more fitting for my feature spot in the Gilbert Physical Therapy newsletter than the work I do with these girls. I’ve been attending my current church for just over a year, and early on, I wanted to get involved in the community. I love the idea of helping people, and when the opportunity to help came up with the church’s youth group, I knew I had to get involved. I took on similar roles during my undergraduate career and physical therapy schooling. I would guide young women through bible studies and help them navigate their lives with faith. It was enlightening to offer my voice to these women and mentor them through the difficulties they were facing. I’m currently working with a group of ninth-grade girls, serving as another adult presence to support them through their faith and life. It can be difficult to be a teenage girl. Between social media telling you how you should look and act and the ever- growing worth placed on having followers and fame, it can be really hard for young girls to figure out who they are, feel loved, and understand that their Creator accepts them. My goal is to serve as a friend and mentor who will always support them, especially since I’ve been where they are. It isn’t always easy, but I love every minute I spend with these girls. In fact, a lot of the same skills I use here at Gilbert Physical Therapy are applicable

“Everything is better whenwework together, andwhen you’re doing something you’re passionate about, the feeling is even sweeter.”

to my work with the girls! I have to be an active listener and ask questions that dig deeper into the heart of the problems my patients and the girls are facing. Sometimes, people just need to externally process and serving as that sounding board can be powerful. Other times, I may have solutions and tools to help them mend their emotional health and mentality. It’s really empowering. I’m so glad I took a chance on leading a group of girls at my church. It’s something I’m passionate about, finding a cause to dedicate myself and my life to. I would encourage you to partner with meaningful causes that light a fire inside of you. It’s far easier to devote precious free time to causes when it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice. Instead, it feels exciting to help! Whether it’s mentoring, cleaning up litter, or serving meals, volunteering is a powerful way to connect to your community and be part of something larger than yourself. Everything is better when we work together, and when you’re doing something you’re passionate about, the feeling is even sweeter.

–Dr. Abbey McMillen

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Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety The Age of STRESS It’s hard to imagine kids as anything but carefree, happy, and eager to explore the world around them. However, children experience stress just like adults do, which can severely impact their typically cheerful dispositions. Since April is National Stress Awareness Month, now is an opportune time to familiarize yourself with tools and information that can help you alleviate your child’s stress. Any number of everyday factors can lead to stress, and stress can plague anyone who feels overwhelmed. Toddlers and young children going to day care or school for the first time may experience separation anxiety due to being apart from their parents. Older kids and teenagers may feel mounting social and academic pressure. Even something as simple as overhearing loved ones arguing or seeing a sad news report can add to a child’s stress levels. What are their stressors?

also pick up habits like twirling their hair or sucking their thumb, while older kids may start to bully others, lie, or rebel.

Can I help reduce their stress?

According to KidsHealth.org, good nutrition, proper rest, and healthy attention are great ways to help kids manage their stress. Set time aside each day to talk and spend time with your children; talking about worries will reduce or relieve anxieties. If you know about an upcoming stressful situation, like a school exam or a health checkup, prepare your child by studying with them or talking to them about what to expect.

How do I know if my child is stressed?

When a kid is stressed, they will exhibit odd behavior and even undergo physical changes. Depending on your child’s age, watch for mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, headaches, trouble focusing, or withdrawal from the people around them. According to KidsHealth.org, younger children may

Don’t stop here. For more tools and information regarding stress reduction in children, visit KidsHealth.org or contact your doctor.

“Before coming in to Gilbert PT, I had constant pain during the day and very often at night. Under the care of Dr. Abbey, Matt, and Julian, I saw slow and steady improvement. They were always professional and concerned for my health, pain level, and constant improvement. Thanks to Gilbert PT, I am much better, with little pain. I can sit cross- legged and enjoy playing on the floor with my grandsons — something I couldn’t do for months. The entire staff at Gilbert is caring and friendly. Thank you for providing excellent care.” –Dana M. Why We Love PT

WE APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK! Follow these easy steps to review our clinic online: 1. Point your smartphone camera at the QR code to the left. 2. Tap the notification to go to our website review page. 3. Follow the directions on the webpage to rate and review our clinic. THANK YOU!

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Clean Up Nicely and Safely Our Spring-Cleaning Injury Prevention Tips

As the days get longer and the breezes get warmer, nothing is quite as refreshing as sprucing up your space. Spring-cleaning can be a great way to clear your head and your home after the fog of winter, but pursuing a clean space shouldn’t leave you in pain or injured. Follow these tips to stay safe and combat spring-cleaning hazards.

Regularly stretching your shoulder and giving it a chance to rest will also prevent injury. If you feel pain or aches, stop immediately and give your shoulder a chance to recover.

Get Stronger

Lift Better

While going to physical therapy to prepare for spring-cleaning may not sound feasible, the idea behind it is sound. Physical therapy routines are designed to strengthen your body and improve joint integrity and muscle health. If you have suffered through a long winter of aches and pains, or if it’s been a few years since you were active, physical therapy can be the best way to create a stronger body and be active — safely. Plus, physical therapy is one of the best ways to prevent injuries!

You may have heard the age-old advice to lift with your legs when moving heavy items, and this is vital to keep in mind! When you pull an object upward using your legs, you put the force and weight of the object on the lower half of your body instead of on your fragile spine. While the back is an impressive support for our bodies, it wasn’t meant to bear weight and force like your legs are. However, never overexert yourself. If you have knee pain or are not confident in your ability to lift, ask for help!

Reach Higher

Spring-cleaning requires flexibility in your arms whether you’re reaching into gutters or reaching for a box on a high shelf. The best way to prevent shoulder injuries while cleaning is to know your limits. Don’t strain to reach for something, which increases tension on your shoulders. Instead, use a ladder, or ask for help.

Before you tackle the dust and clutter of winter, make sure your body is up to the task. Our team at Gilbert Physical Therapy can help you get back to an active lifestyle and treat any injuries you sustain this spring. Just give us a call at 717-591-0955.

Easy Deviled Eggs

BRAIN THERAPY!

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

While the kids hunt for Easter eggs in the yard, whip up this easy deviled egg recipe for a hearty snack that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 2 tbsp milk • 1 tsp dried parsley flakes • 1/2 tsp dill weed • 1/2 tsp fresh chives, minced • 1/2 tsp ground mustard

• Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, to taste • 12 large eggs, hard-boiled • Fresh parsley, minced, and paprika for garnish

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, parsley flakes, dill, chives, mustard, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. 2. Cut eggs lengthwise and remove yolks carefully to preserve egg whites. 3. In a small bowl, mash yolks. 4. Mix mashed yolks with mayonnaise mixture. 5. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. 6. Garnish with fresh parsley and paprika. Refrigerate before serving.

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717-591-0955 www.GilbertPT.com Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Friday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

5103 Carlisle Pike Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Inside

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Dr. McMillen Shares Her Passion

Helping Your Child Manage Stress Why We Love PT

Spring-Clean Safely With These Tips Easy Deviled Eggs

Enjoy Some Local Flair This April!

Get Outside and Get Involved Locally This April

ages, this hourlong class is perfect for beginners wanting to perfect their moves. Afterward, dancers are invited to stay to show off their moves until 11 p.m. And don’t worry if you don’t have someone to dance with. Someone is always willing to twirl a few rounds on the floor. Learn more by calling 717-245-9757. ‘Waitress When: April 14–19 with various matinee and evening shows Where: Hershey Theatre, Hershey Admission: Starting at $25 The critically acclaimed and Tony-nominated Broadway musical “Waitress” is traveling to Pennsylvania, and tickets are selling fast! When waitress and expert pie maker Jenna feels stuck in her small town and a bad marriage, she dreams of a new life while creating scrumptious pies that reflect the course of her life. When an introduction to a new friend and the possibility of baking

success give her a glimpse into what could be, Jenna must decide whether it’s the path she truly craves. Learn more and purchase tickets at HersheyEntertainment.com. Earth Day Tree Planting When: April 25 at 8 a.m. Where: Mechanicsburg planting location TBD Admission: Free! There’s nothing quite like our Pennsylvania landscape, so help preserve it for future generations with a tree planting event. With help from the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, volunteers and experts will plant 200 saplings in parks across town. The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership works with state, local, and national agencies to plant 10 million trees across Pennsylvania by 2025 to create a more sustainable and healthier state. Lunch will be provided for volunteers. Call Silver Springs Parks and Recreation at 717-766- 0178 ext. 2505 to learn more.

As the weather warms up, get involved in our community! Check out these events and volunteering opportunities across the region. Swing Dancing! When: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Where: The Green Door Dance Studio, Carlisle Admission: $6 Lace up your dance shoes and join the Central PA Swing Dance Club twice weekly at The Green Door Dance Studio. Intended for dancers of all

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