Kinetic PT - May 2019

MAY 2019

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THE 2 INCREDIBLE MOTHERS IN MY LIFE WORLD’S GREATEST MOMS

and grace that blows me away. Witnessing these incredible acts of giving and emotional support day in and day out drove home this deep sense of gratitude, both for Emilie and my mother. Seeing my wife’s efforts for our kids has made me realize just how hard my own mom worked for me when I was their age. There are times I see that Zach or Nathan don’t appreciate all their mom does for them, but I try not to hold it against them. After all, I was the same way when I was younger. But I also recognize how responsible they are becoming under their mom’s tutelage. Hopefully, with time, they’ll come to understand how lucky they are. At the office, my wife and my mom are the consummate professionals. They excel at their work, and our patients love them. Not only do the three of us work well together, but we get the whole extended family together to do things outside work, as well. Contrary to what you see on reality TV, you can have a family business without drama. I can’t express how grateful I am to both of these amazing women. Our clinic and our family wouldn’t be the same without their incredible skill and limitless kindness. Mom, Emilie — thank you both for being everything you are.

It’s a question I get all the time: “How do you work in the same clinic as your wife and your mom?” The short answer is easy: We like each other. But what better time than Mothers’ Day to put this question to rest once and for all? The long answer is that I couldn’t imagine running a business without these two incredible women. Anyone who’s been to the clinic knows my mom runs a tight ship. Peggy Ulmer is the undisputed queen of scheduling, client success stories, and phone lines. Heck, she even keeps this newsletter running on time! So, it will come as no surprise to learn that she was just as much a force of nature when I was growing up. My mom was a big list maker, even in those days. She kept my brother, sister, and me on track, and to do so, she became a stay-at-home mom during our first few years of schooling. She was the one who got us up in the morning, kept us from going to school dressed like idiots, and made sure we always had chores, even in the summertime. Needless to say, as a kid, I hated it. But things changed when I got to high school. Having grown older and a little wiser, I began noticing that I’d really been taking my mom’s efforts for granted. Going over to

friends’ houses, I realized that not everyone’s mom had the same attentiveness and discipline as mine did. By the time I got to college and learned I was one of the few freshmen who actually knew how to cook, clean, and do laundry, I’d certainly come to appreciate those summer chores. I was grateful for the skills my mom gave me, but it really wasn’t until I met Emilie and started a family that I gained an appreciation of just how tough of a job motherhood is. Don’t get me wrong, Emilie makes it look easy. But with two boys involved in a myriad of after-school activities, my wife works miracles to keep all of us organized. Every month, she makes up two calendars so we can cross-reference hockey games, school plays, doctor’s appointments, and parent-teacher everything would be chaos. The kids would be walking around with holes in their shirts, wondering where their ride to practice was. Emilie’s efforts don’t just stop at keeping us organized. As soon as she gets off work here at the clinic, she heads out to shuttle the boys to and from their extracurriculars. At night, she stays up until Zach finishes his homework, just in case he has questions. She does all of this and more with a level of care conferences. Were I to be left in charge of these schedules,

Happy Mothers’ Day,

–Mike Ulmer

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While it’s great not having your nose to the grindstone nine-to-five, leaving work also means leaving behind a lot of daily activities and social interaction. Eventually, having nothing but free time goes from relaxing to isolating, and that can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. When planning for retirement, it’s important to plan ways to stay active and engaged. Joining a new organization or club can be a huge benefit. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay active in retirement. ENJOY YOUR HOBBIES Did you spend years dreaming about hitting the golf course every day? While it can be nice to spend some time alone on the green, consider joining a golfers club if you want to mix things up. Enjoy scrapbooking? Check for get- togethers at the craft shop. If you’ve always wanted to try pottery, look for a class at the rec center. It’s easy to find groups dedicated to just about any activity. GET INVOLVED Think of the causes you’re passionate about and get involved! Animal shelters and soup kitchens are always looking for volunteer help. Book lovers of all ages can join their local

Friends of Libraries chapter. To make a difference through politics, help with fundraisers or join an active campaign. If you want to stay closer to home, check out your local homeowners association. There are plenty of ways to engage with like-minded people while making a difference. TRY SOMETHING NEW Don’t know where to start when looking for a group to join? Start online! Try searching “groups for retirees” and see what comes up. You might discover a travel group and start planning your trip to Asia. Or maybe you’ll have more fun mentoring young people in your professional field. Don’t be afraid to spend your retirement doing something new! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your alone time, but don’t let your alone time turn into a lonely retirement. Joining a group can help you broaden your social circle, stay active, and maybe even learn something new about yourself.

“I came to Kinetic with very severe back pain, and my activities were very limited. My tour of the Southwest National Parks was in danger of being cancelled! My experience here was most helpful. Now, I have no limitations, and I got to go on my tour. Thanks for all your efforts here at Kinetic.” –Art Tepper

“Several years after a painful event that ended with several epidurals and a lot of pain in my back, my neurologist suggested therapy to improve my core. PT was a great idea. Actually, just by walking through the door, I found that everyone seems to enjoy being here, and so did I. I feel great; thanks!” –Curt Gerald

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The Benefits of Walking

It may not be the most glamorous or demanding form of exercise, but the science is clear — walking has its perks. In fact, for those who want or need a low-impact workout that will improve their health and mood, a stroll can be exactly what the doctor ordered. Here are just a few ways this often- overlooked activity can keep you healthy and happy. WALKING AND PHYSICAL HEALTH Like many cardiovascular exercises, walking can improve your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, and reduce body fat. However, unlike running or jogging, walkers are able to enjoy these benefits without putting excessive stress on their joints. In fact, a slow walk can help improve your flexibility and posture and reduce joint pain. For these reasons, walking becomes

more and more important as we age, especially for those living with arthritis. WALKING AND MENTAL HEALTH According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, walking can also reduce depression, boosting your overall mood. This claim was backed up by an Iowa State University study, which found that students were more joyful and self- confident after taking a walk than those who spent their time sitting. Beyond these cheerful effects, there’s also evidence to suggest that walking can “substantially enhance creativity,” according to researchers at Stanford University. Indeed, many people say they do their best thinking while on a walk, leading scientists to believe there may be a connection between light exercise and cognition.

Sudoku WALKING AND YOU Whether you prefer to walk in the beautiful parks and neighborhoods of Huntley, join a mall-walking group, or get on the treadmill at home, doing so can boost your health, mood, and mind. It’s always a good idea to stretch ahead of time, because even low-intensity activities like walking can lead to injury if your body isn’t properly warmed up. If you encounter joint pain or range- of-motion issues while attempting to stroll, you may need physical therapy. We’d be happy to address your pain and help you take the next step toward healthy living!

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers

INGREDIENTS • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed • 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped • 3 cloves garlic • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce • 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 pinch salt • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 handful fresh cilantro • 1 teaspoon Sriracha • 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS 1. Place half the black beans, onion, and garlic in your food processor. Blend for 20–30 seconds until combined. Add chipotle, cumin, salt, cornstarch, cilantro, and Sriracha. Blend for another 10–20 seconds. 2. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in oats and remaining black beans. 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form mixture into patties and carefully transfer to skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until bottom is browned and set. Very carefully flip and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes until opposite side is browned and set as well. 4. Serve immediately, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com

11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142

INSIDE World’s Greatest Moms PAGE 1

Which Club Is Right for You? PAGE 2

My PT Story PAGE 2

Improve Your Health and Mood PAGE 3

Chipotle Black Bean Burgers PAGE 3

How to Travel Sustainably PAGE 4

Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel-efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy

because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world. DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian pyramids and Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.

Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.

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