North County Water & Sports Therapy Center - November 2017

North County Water & Sports Therapy Center - November 2017

PATIENT PULSE 15373 Innovation Dr #175 | San Diego, CA 92128 | (858) 675-1133 12171 World Trade Dr | San Diego, CA 92128

(858) 675-1133 | www.waterpt.com

As you know, aquatic therapy is one of our specialties here at North County Water and Sports Therapy. After our busy summer with aquatic therapy patients, I’ll be traveling to the other end of the globe to share a little of my expertise in this field. On Nov. 1, I’ll hop on a plane headed all the way to Seoul, South Korea, for a repeat visit to the Seoul Community Rehabilitation Center. This trip has become something of a tradition, and I look forward to it every time it approaches on my calendar. I believe deeply in continuing education, and it’s even better when you can combine it with cultural exchange. I have to be honest, the first time I went to South Korea, I brought some preconceived notions along with my luggage. For whatever reason, I had no idea how the nation would react to my lectures. The center I teach at focuses on patients with disabilities, and I wasn’t sure what it would look like or what the attitude of the instructors would be. Upon arrival, I realized the facilities were top-notch, and the staff was welcoming. They want to do everything they can to improve the care they provide. South Korea also has a culture of valuing education that I really admire. Just like the therapists I teach in the U.S., those in Seoul have a passion for educating and helping their patients in any way they can. Even speaking through an interpreter, it was clear that everyone was eager to take away as much from my lessons as they could. Now, that’s not to say there aren’t challenges that arise on these trips. There is an ingrained culture of deference over there that took some getting used to. At every turn, there is someone offering to help you carry your bags or treat you like a dignitary. I found this ceremonial austerity a little hard to get past, but once I did, I found people who wanted to laugh and have fun in addition to learning. There are a few things I’ve learned now that I’m a seasoned traveler to Seoul. I’m definitely a foodie, but I don’t have a huge tolerance for spicy foods. Luckily, I’m now wise to the fact that anything red in color could signal a five-alarm fire for my taste buds. Some of my favorite Korean dishes A VISIT TO ANOTHER CULTURE Teaching and Learning in South Korea

include bibimbap and bulgogi. I also love Asian pears, so I end up eating more than my fair share during my visits. Additionally, there is a bakery at the facility that employs people with disabilities. It’s really cool to see, and I always order a few pastries. If I take in a few extra calories during the trip, I can always burn them off teaching in the pool. When I get back, I’ll have a few weeks to get ready for Thanksgiving here in San Diego. I don’t want to scandalize anyone reading this, but I couldn’t care less about turkey. However, there are a few Thanksgiving recipes that have become classics in my household. Chief among them is my cranberry almond tart. I was actually thinking of including the recipe in this newsletter, but it’s a little too complicated to fit in our recipe space. If you’re curious about it, feel free to give us a call and I’ll print a copy for you. I hope that everyone reading this has a wonderful holiday and plenty to be thankful for this year. I know that I’m extremely grateful to do a little education while I learn about another culture. Very few things feel more gratifying than combining teaching and learning. I also want to send a sincere thank you to all of our wonderful patients. Even when I’m half a world away, I never forget how lucky we are to serve you.

–Beth Scalone

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Just because the kitchen might be off limits to your kids this Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean you can’t find a few creative ways to make the holiday extra special with fun activities. COLORING-BOOK TABLECLOTHS Many of us are familiar with the kids’ table. It may be smaller than the grown-ups’ seating arrangement, but it doesn’t have to be any less special. Turn your kids’ table into a canvas for a colorful, creative dining experience. To do this, use craft paper to cover the table. Tape everything down tightly and provide crayons for every place setting. If you want to add some extra holiday spirit, put the drawing supplies in empty cranberry sauce and pumpkin cans. STUFF THE TURKEY GAME Want to get the kids outside so you can get to work in the kitchen? Create a Thanksgiving-themed game for them to play outside while you prep the stuffing and put the turkey in the oven. To play “Stuff the Turkey”, all you need is a few paper bags. Use two small bags stuffed with scrap paper to create legs and glue them to a larger bag folded to look like the body of a turkey. Now get ready to stuff. Anything soft and baseball-sized will work, even some balled-up paper. Kids will take turns trying to toss the balls into the turkey, scoring points for every shot made. FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR THANKSGIVING

A Long-Time Team Member SPOTLIGHT ON JAN BALLARD

Jan Ballard, a physical therapy assistant at North County Water and Sports Therapy Center, has been with us for 15 years and has seen our practice grow leaps and bounds during that time. “When I started,” Jan remembers, “it was just Beth, one other person, and me. I was doing per diem work and covering vacations, and my role grew from there.” It was actually a happy coincidence that led Jan to our doors. “Before I started here, I was working at a hospital,” she says. “I was put in charge of the aquatics center, basically because nobody else wanted to do it. To train for this role, the hospital put me in touch with Beth. I was immediately impressed, and when the opportunity to come aboard presented itself, I didn’t hesitate.” Jan loves the wide-ranging array of services we offer, but it’s the relationships with patients that matter most to her. “Being able to help people achieve their goals and live pain-free,” she notes, “is the most rewarding part of my job.” She’s also fascinated by spinal injuries and enjoys learning new things about the complex mechanics of the human body. When she’s not at work, Jan is busy with her family. As a mother of three and grandmother of 10, there’s always an event to attend or activity to take part in. “One Christmas,” Jan recalls, “I bought everyone kayaks. Since then, it’s

become one of our favorite hobbies. We also love to hike and explore — you know, typical outdoors stuff.”

We are so lucky to have Jan as a member of our team at North County Water and Sports Therapy Center. Her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to patients are the epitome of the care we strive to provide. Here’s hoping 15 years is just the start!

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Recovery, Prevention, and Education

As athletics become a bigger commitment for children of all ages, injuries happen more frequently. Nobody wants their child to suffer an injury while playing sports, but when it does happen, you want to know that your kids have safe recovery options. Physical therapy offers many benefits to athletes dealing with pain, as well as to those seeking to prevent injury in the first place. Young athletes aren’t just dealing with the strain of physical activity. They also have to cope with the fact that their bones and cartilage are growing, which increases the likelihood of tissue injuries. If your child is injured, physical therapy offers a safe, non-invasive path to recovery without the need for excessive medication. Physical therapy is a dynamic method that accounts for the unique needs of every individual. This adaptability allows for tailored treatment programs based on strength and flexibility training. In physical therapy, recovery and training techniques are coupled with education, limiting the risk of a repeat injury. This education also aids in injury prevention by teaching young athletes about body mechanics. If a child understands the tenets of safe, mechanically sound movement, they are less likely to end up on the sidelines. Sports medicine and physical therapy techniques

increase range of motion, promote proper stretching, and help a child

become more in tune with what their body is telling them. If you are the parent of a young athlete, consider consulting a physical therapist as your child becomes more serious about their sport. It won’t just limit the risk of injury; it can also increase performance. Of course, some injuries are unavoidable. In those instances, physical therapy is often the safest road to getting your child back on the field and doing what they love most.

TAKE A BREAK

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INGREDIENTS

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1 tablespoon garlic, minced

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3 pounds sweet potatoes, roughly chopped

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5 cups chicken or vegetable stock

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1 onion, chopped

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1 cup coconut milk

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2 stalks celery, sliced

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Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

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2 medium carrots, chopped

DIRECTIONS

4. Puree everything until smooth, using a blender or an immersion blender. 5. Add the coconut milk, give everything a good stir, and cook for another 30 minutes. 6. Adjust the seasoning and serve warm.

1. Place all the ingredients except for the coconut milk in a slow cooker. 2. Season everything to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.

3 (858) 675-1133 Recipe courtesy of PaeloLeap.com.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (858) 675-1133 www.waterpt.com

15373 Innovation Dr #175 San Diego, CA 92128

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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A Visit to Another Culture

Family Activities for Thanksgiving

Spotlight on Jan Ballard

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Physical Therapy Can Help Young Athletes

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

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San Diego Local Happenings

NOVEMBER SAN DIEGO HAPPENINGS Awesome Events for the Holiday Season

If you still have some space on your holiday calendar, be sure to check out these exciting local events. There’s always something to do in San Diego, and here are some upcoming highlights.

however, you can bring a $20 donation that will go to Operation Rebound, a branch of the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival WHEN: November 12–19 WHERE: Various downtown locations

2017 ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships WHEN: November 30 through December 3 WHERE: La Jolla Shores, 8302 Camino Del Oro It might be a little cooler in

San Diego has one of the most vibrant culinary scenes in the country, and there’s no better place to experience what the city’s chefs have to offer than the San Diego Bay Food and Wine Festival. With events ranging from Champagne tastings to multicourse dinners, there are events for foodies of all stripes. The marquee event is the Grand Tasting on November 18, featuring more than 100 wine and spirits producers as well as 60 chefs handing out snacks. For tickets and event info, go to sandiegowineclassic.com.

December, but that doesn’t stop some of world’s best physically- challenged surfers from displaying their skills at the World Adaptive Surfing Championships. In its third year, the event has grown to become a celebration of the human spirit. With incredible shows of athleticism, educational symposiums, and more, you’re sure to leave this event inspired. Admission is free, and you can go to isaworlds.com for a schedule of events.

Running of the Turkeys 10K Trail Run WHEN: November 23, 7:30–10 a.m. WHERE: Torrey Hills Neighborhood Park, 4300 Calle Mejillones

There is no shortage of great options for burning a few calories before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, but none are more scenic than the Running of the Turkeys. With an atmosphere decidedly aimed at fun, there’s free parking, no timers, and no admission fee. If you’d like to contribute to a good cause,

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