In Motion OC - February 2019

In Motion OC - February 2019

IN MOTION THE EXPERIENCE

FEBRUARY 2019

FROM CHURCH BELLS TO THE BREAKFAST TABLE 15 Years of Marriage and Still Going Strong

17332 Von Karman Ave. Suite 120 Irvine, CA 92614

Marriage can’t be controlled, but it can be guided. When I met my wife at church many years ago, I had no idea I’d been set on a path that would change my life forever. But sometimes life is made worthwhile by the most inconspicuous of moments. When I walked in that day, God orchestrated events that would draw me to my future wife. I remember fondly that, among a crowd of people, my eyes just immediately landed directly on her, and I thought, “I hope I get to meet her.” About five minutes later, I was sitting next to a gentleman I’d met about a month before, and he said, “Hey, Jeff. I want to introduce you to someone.” When I turned and looked, there was the woman I had picked out of a sea of faces. We started talking, but then the service began, and we parted ways with the intention of connecting afterward. Church finished, but I quickly learned I wasn’t her only potential suitor. While we talked, all these other men kept coming up and intervening. I decided to let them have their opportunity, and I would find a way to reconnect with her in a more private setting — when we’d conversed earlier, she mentioned where she worked. So, being the young and ambitious man I was, I called her up at her job and asked her out. The rest is history.

broken world, so our marriage needs help every day. That’s why we’ve implemented some structure into our lives that keeps us close to each other and God. One way we do this is that most mornings we spend about 30 minutes together just connecting. It’s a critical time for us because we are raising four children, and homeschooling them, and leading our clinic, so we don’t get much time throughout the day to invest in each other. Another strategy we employ is something taught to us by local resident Dr. Roger Tirabassi called “the six A’s.” It’s been a great way for us to recognize each other’s needs. The first A stands for “appreciate,” and that means we both say one thing we appreciate about the other person. The second is “apology,” where we volunteer anything we feel we need to apologize for. The third stands for “apologize again,” so we ask each other if there is anything else that we need to apologize for. The fourth is “ask,” in which we ask if there is anything the other needs from us that day. The fifth represents “affection,” so we take time to demonstrate our love with a hug. The sixth and final A is “amen,” and we close in prayer. We don’t do it every day, but it provides a framework to thoughtfully and intentionally communicate with each other. Each of us is heard and understood (OK, usually understood). It’s a tool that makes our marriage stronger, and it could work for you, too. This month, on Valentine’s Day or any other, take time to practice the six A’s with your loved one, or find another way to connect with them and express your love.

949-861-8600

InMotionOC.com

ORANGE COUNTY’S PREMIER PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER

Here we are over 15 years later, and our marriage continues to grow. We’re far from perfect, but what makes our relationship work is our submission to God; He makes us work. The Lord gives us the fuel, strength, and perspective to continually commit to each other.

That relationship keeps us grounded and connected. Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t have challenges. We are broken people in a

–Jeff Thomas

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ONE FOR THE AGES HOW SUPER BOWL XXXIV MADE AN ICON OUT OF A GROCERY STORE CLERK

Going into the 1999 NFL season, no one expected anything from the St. Louis Rams. When starting quarterback Trent Green went down with a gruesome knee injury in the preseason, ESPN The Magazine slated the Rams to be the worst team in the NFL that year. With few options, coach Vermeil named a virtually unknown player as his new starting quarterback, humbly stating in a press conference, “We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we’ll play good football.” Five years before his start, 22-year-old Kurt Warner was stocking shelves at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for $5.50 an hour. However, he had amassed a whopping 16 snaps in the NFL prior to taking the reins for the 1999 season, and what transpired on the field was utter pandemonium, giving the Rams the nickname “The Greatest Show on Turf.” This improbable season and the resulting MVP award for Warner set the stage for one of the most dramatic games in Super Bowl history. After going up 16–0 against the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, Warner and the Rams looked poised to coast on their way to the Lombardi Trophy, but the late Steve McNair and the Titans had different plans. The Georgia Dome was rocking after two

Eddie George touchdown runs, and a field goal brought the Titans level at 16–16, with just over two minutes of play remaining. In response, Warner dropped back and found receiver Isaac Bruce for a 73-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 23–16 with 1:54 left on the clock. But the Titans weren’t done fighting. Quickly moving the ball down the field, Titans quarterback Steve McNair found himself with a third and 5 inside the Rams 30-yard line with 22 seconds left. Scrambling around and fighting off two players trying to pull him down, McNair threw the ball to Kevin Dyson at the 10-yard line. A quick timeout left six seconds on the clock, and the Titans were one play away from tying the game. What proceeded was a play that will be forever known as “the tackle.” McNair found Dyson on a quick slant, and when he caught the ball at the 4-yard line, it appeared a touchdown was imminent. Suddenly, linebacker Mike Jones wrapped the receiver up at the hips. As he fell to the ground with the ball in his hand, Dyson extended his arm, but when he hit the AstroTurf, he was 1 yard short of the goal line. The Rams had pulled off the impossible, earning their first Super Bowl title ever. I should know, that last play occurred mere feet in front of me.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR EVERY RECOVERY PLAN

HOW WE USE THEM TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR REHAB EXPERIENCE

as heavy weightlifting. Dynamic movements are often found in active exercises like running or certain types of CrossFit. In physical therapy, complete reliance on any one of these modalities limits the overall effectiveness of a recovery plan. Depending on the nature of the recovery, an individualized program will require varying degrees of involvement from each category. For example, when you’re recovering from a knee injury, you will begin with many anaerobic exercises until the muscles around your joint are strengthened appropriately. To understand how we use these concepts to develop a customized program that’s right for you, give us a call or stop by the clinic today.

ANAEROBIC EXERCISE Powerlifting, sprinting, and other types of exercise that involve short bursts of high-intensity movement are defined as anaerobic. This translates to “without air,” and it’s the basis of the muscle-building workout. Unlike aerobic activity, these workouts rely more on muscle strength than cardiovascular endurance. STATIC VS. DYNAMIC “Static” and “dynamic” simply describe whether or not the exercise requires movement. Static stretches, in which you extend the muscle and either hold the position or relax slowly, are typically characteristic of anaerobic workouts such

Many physical therapy plans boil down to the same general concepts. These building blocks make the foundation of recovery and include old thought processes as well as new trends. Understanding them could be crucial to your recovery. That’s why we want to take a moment and explain the different modalities that comprise all exercise regimens. AEROBIC EXERCISE Classified aerobic by their use of oxygen, jogging and Zumba are great examples of cardiovascular training. Exercising aerobically expands the capillaries of the lungs and promotes proper circulation, as well as healthy blood pressure.

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In Motion O.C. | InMotionOC.com

WHY YOU NEED A PARTNER FOR REHAB THE SECRET TO THAT EXTRA PUSH

Whether it’s a slip and fall, a severe injury, or a simple strain, trauma of any kind can seriously affect your life. Simple tasks like getting out of bed in the morning or even bending over to pick up your kids can become difficult for those struggling with injuries. When such little moments are hindered, life can be infinitely more complicated. Many people consider traversing the minefield of emotions that occur after sustaining an injury as something they can do on their own. In actuality, no matter how big or small the setback, having a partner is crucial to helping you along the path to recovery. Here are two benefits. ACCOUNTABILITY Even the most driven people need to be held to standards. You need structure in your rehabilitation because a plan gives you something to latch your determination to. Recovery is often dependent on

a therapist, friend, or spouse, you need someone to celebrate your progress and encourage you through your failures. MOTIVATION Sometimes you just need that extra push. It could be to help you do an extra rep of your hip-adductor exercise that you’ve reached a threshold on, or simply to wake up and get to our facility. The reason for the motivation doesn’t matter; only that it’s available to you. You can be as internally motivated as you want but eventually, you’re going to need a little help. That’s where a partner comes in. Most patients experience layers of emotions when going through the rehab process, and for those who don’t have friends or family close by, we want to help. Talk to your therapist about what you’re going through. Our facility is a safe place, and we’re here to provide both motivation and accountability.

the effort you apply, and because of that, you need support in your pursuit. Whether it’s

SPICY Salmon Tartare

Ingredients

• 1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon lime zest • 1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced • 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced

• 3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste • Crackers or chips, for serving

Directions

1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.

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Inspired by Epicurious

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

17332 Von Karman Ave., Suite 120 Irvine, CA 92614

My Story of Love

The Most Iconic Super Bowl in NFL History

The Foundation to Every Recovery Plan

Rehab Is Better With 2

Spicy Salmon Tartare

3 Ways Nature Improves Your Health

A WALK IN THE WOODS IS THE PRESCRIPTION

3 WAYS CONTACT WITH NATURE IMPROVES YOUR HEALTH

Our ancestors were deeply connected to their natural environment, mostly because their survival depended on it. With no Whole Foods available, those who could best track a mammoth, find water, and forage for edible plants kept themselves alive and passed on their genes. Given our history as hunter-gatherers, it’s no wonder contact with nature provides us with several health benefits. A MEMORY BOOST In a University of Michigan study, a group of students were asked to take a memory test that involved repeating numbers back to researchers. Next, researchers separated the students into two groups. Group A took a walk around an arboretum and Group B walked along busy city streets. Afterward, they were asked to

one study from the University of Essex, participants with major depressive disorder reported an improvement in self-esteem and mood after spending time in nature. Exercising while in nature resulted in even more of a mood boost for participants. A CALMING EFFECT Research also shows that spending time in nature reduces stress. In a study conducted by Chiba University in Japan, participants spent two nights in the forest. Researchers evaluated their levels of stress hormones during and after this period and compared it to their normal work days in the city. Across the board, participants’ stress levels were much lower during the days spent in the forest and for several days afterward.

take the memory test again. Group A, the students who had walked in the arboretum, performed 20 percent better on the memory test. Group B didn’t show any marked improvement. Additional research has corroborated the memory-enhancing effects of nature. A MOOD BOOST Observing the benefits nature has for cognitive function, scientists wondered what effects it might have on individuals diagnosed with depression. In

Today, we’re less connected to our natural environment than our ancestors were. Modern comforts and technology mean we don’t have to go outside to get our food. But nature is still accessible and you don’t have to go far to find it. In many of the studies, even minor exposure to the outdoors, like adding plants to your home or looking out a window during work, showed health benefits. This winter, find ways to bring a little more nature into your life each day. Your brain will thank you.

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