OPTM pt Saratoga April May 2019

OPTM pt Saratoga April May 2019

Monthly

Hello, Spring! Gearing Up for a Busy Season

For the past 15 years, I’ve been managing employees as a leader at OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga. I have a good feel for how to coach young physical therapists through the learning curves in their early career, and thanks to my time spent playing sports while growing up, I value learning through teamwork.

committee that is currently finalizing the creation of a walking group in the city. Together with city representatives, religious

leaders, emergency personnel, and the

But my latest venture into leadership was the most daunting yet: coaching 7-year-olds.

Saratoga library, we hope to create a community of people that will regularly meet on the third Friday

Coach Fabrice with his son, Owen, father in law, Coach Tom, and the Morgan Hill Devil Rays

This spring, I took up the chance to coach my eldest son’s baseball team. When I offered to fill the coaching position, I was curious about how it would shake out. The world is much more different for a 7-year-old than for an adult, so having to coach these kids about the basics of baseball requires a different approach than teaching a young therapist how to utilize their training. So, I surrounded myself with a prime coaching team. I’ve always believed that when you hire people that are smarter than you, you will be successful, and you will learn. The team of coaches I have helping me includes an assistant coach with previous experience — which is helpful for me, as I only played baseball — and has a father who was also a baseball coach for 15 years. My father-in-law grew up playing baseball, so he offered to help. Interestingly enough, his twin brother played the sport professionally. At the time of writing this, the Morgan Hill Devil Rays have completed five practices, and I have a better understanding of how this season’s training is going to go. When players are that young, practices are more focused on teaching the fundamentals of catching, throwing, and hitting. Eventually, we can teach them more strategic aspects of the game, but for now, we just want them to learn and have a blast. Having fun is even one of our core values for the team! But my foray into youth baseball coaching isn’t the only thing keeping me busy this spring. Under Saratoga’s Age-Friendly Commission, I sit on a

of each month with the goal of fostering wellness through walking, socializing, learning, and lunch. We will tie this group, which we’ve named the West Valley Striders, into the California Native Plant Society 45th Wildflower Show at West Valley College on April 27, and we will have guest speakers discussing featured programs at WVC, including robotics and the entrepreneurial center, as well as inviting prominent figures in the community to talk about various featured topics throughout the community of Saratoga. Helping the people of my hometown of Saratoga and the surrounding communities plays a big role in my life. I want to do more than just be a citizen and good neighbor; I want to make this community stronger and healthier for residents of all ages. As a Saratoga Rotarian, I’m also preparing to help with the operations and traffic management at the 62nd annual Art Show at West Valley College on May 4 and 5. This long-running event connects children, families, and artists together and is nearly all funded by Rotarian members and their friends and families. We’re stoked to be bringing 130 different artists and wine, beer, and food trucks together for the 62nd year. So, if you see me on the baseball diamond, walking through Saratoga, or at our 62nd Art Show, be sure to say hi! I’d love to hear about your plans for another wonderful Saratoga spring. Learn more about the art show online at SaratogaRotaryArtShow.org, and be on the lookout for more information about the West Valley Striders as the group starts up. Dr. Fabrice Rockich

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Meet Dawn Byron! Our Passionate and Caring Patient Care Coordinator

SUCCESS STORIES

Dawn Byron often jokes that she can’t get away with anything at OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga because her British accent gives her away. That’s okay with her though; Dawn says she feels special when she talks to patients about her life in the United Kingdom and coming to the United States with her husband, Chris, and their two children nine years ago.

Dawn has been serving as OPTM’s patient care coordinator for more than a year, but this isn’t her first interaction with our clinic. Dawn and her two children, Adam and Katy, have been patients at OPTM. Adam, a freshman at University of Nevada, Reno, came to OPTM after foot surgery in high school, while Katy, a freshman in high school, came in seeking relief from chronic headaches. Now featured on our Hall of Fame wall, Dawn came to see us for relief from plantar fasciitis pain and old injuries from a lifetime of playing tennis. “I didn’t think it would help, but it did,” Dawn says. “It’s not all about meeting the therapist and them waving a magic wand. You have to put your side in as well.” Prior to coming to OPTM, Dawn worked in customer service for more than 15 years back in England. When her family moved to California, Dawn shifted her focus to serving on parent-teacher associations at her children’s schools, helping fundraise and organize events. As her children grew older, Dawn decided to jump back into a career. Since she left school when she was 16 years old in the UK, Dawn decided to return to school at West Valley College to earn a small business management certificate. She also worked in the college’s rental department. In 2018, Dawn officially joined the OPTM team. “I really enjoy helping the patients get back to enjoying life … I believe we offer five-star patient service; that’s what we’re striving to achieve. We go that extra mile,” Dawn says. “I really am proud of doing the patient service. I think everybody at OPTM cares. It’s very, very busy, but everybody is passionate.” If you’ve ever had one conversation with Dawn, you know just how passionate she is about patient success. Thank you for all your work, Dawn — and for humoring our questions about the UK. Keep up the great work!

“First of all, I’d like to say that walking into the activity area is very welcoming. It’s open, uncluttered, and filled with smiling faces. My foot and shoulder are so much better. I appreciate the exercises that Jamie so patiently taught me. Each visit was a pleasure to work with Jamie. She is very professional in what she does for OPTM Saratoga. Along with her caring and the professionalism of the rest of the staff, I am going to miss coming here! Thanks guys!”

–Rosalie Eskew

“I sincerely appreciate all of the efforts by the OPTM Saratoga staff and Celina in particular. When I started therapy, my right shoulder was painful and I had a lack of mobility. After two sessions of therapy, the pain is gone and the shoulder operates with almost normal mobility. I am very thankful of the professional expertise by your operation. Muy bueno.”

–David Robertson

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How Too Much, Too Little, and Just the Right Amount of Rest Affects Your Injury THE GOLDILOCKS PARADIGM

Remember when you would accidentally hurt yourself playing and your parents would set you up on the couch with an ice pack, extra pillows, and your favorite TV show? Despite exercise science saying otherwise, this resting method has been ingrained as the best option for healing. Learn about the benefits of rest, the power of action, and why you need both below. Too Much Rest When you spend too much time on the couch, you don’t work your muscles enough. Becoming this stagnant turns your previously healthy body into a sluggish mass because it is not being used. Additionally, if you’re an athlete or a weekend warrior, avoiding movement and exercise while you recover sets you back significantly, and you’ll have to work harder to get back to your original form. Your body’s strength, muscle memory, and athleticism decline when you don’t challenge it enough. Not Enough Rest Even when you’re not injured, resting is important for your strength and well-being. For example, when you are strength training, it’s important to give the muscles you work every day a break so they can recover and build from the active resistance. Likewise, when you injure a muscle, you need to give it space to rest and recuperate. You

have to find ways to actively and lightly work the injured area, so it doesn’t become stagnant but also gets much deserved R&R. The Right Amount of Rest Instead of retreating to bed or rushing back into your marathon- runner status, focus on staying healthy and active in ways that will challenge your muscles but will also give them ample time to rest. With the approval of a medical professional, begin a swimming, hiking, biking, or walking regimen and challenge yourself as your muscles work to heal around your injury. Studies show that this continues to keep your muscles stimulated while also taking away some of the strain that left them injured in the first place. In addition, this allows you to assess muscle, bone, or tendon weaknesses that may have had an influence on your injury. At OPTM Physical Therapy of Saratoga, we’ve seen the impact of proper rest and exercise. To set up a healing plan designed just for you, give us a call at 408-973-7700.

PASTA PRIMAVERA

TAKE A BREAK

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta, ideally fusilli • 1/2 pound broccoli florets • 2 carrots, shredded • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano- Reggiano • Kosher salt, for pasta water and to taste Add garlic and cook until translucent and golden, 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until tomatoes are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in reserved pasta water. 4. Add tomato mixture to pasta pot, stirring to coat evenly. 5. Divide into bowls, top with Parmesan, and serve. Inspired by Food Network

into strips • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. In a large pot, liberally salt water and bring to a boil. Add fusilli and cook according to package directions. Add broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper during the last 2 minutes of cook time.

Butterfly Dandelion Easter Fool Hoax Mischief

Passover Prank Rainbow Showers

2. Drain the pasta and

veggies, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking liquid. Return pasta and veggies to pot.

Spring Taurus

3. In a large skillet, heat

olive oil to medium heat.

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18780 Cox Ave Saratoga, CA 95070 408-973-7700 www.optmsaratoga.com

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Preparing for a Busy Spring Page1

What People Are Saying About Us Page2

Meet Dawn Byron! Page2

How to Rest When You’re Injured Page3

Pasta Primavera Page3

Walk toWork Today! Page4

Walk to Work Day A Start to a More Active Life Everyone knows that walking is healthy for us, but not very many people have the chance to stretch their legs. With a busy schedule, you might not have the luxury to get up earlier and get a quick brisk walk in. But that doesn’t mean routines can’t be changed. Walk to Work Day is an unofficial holiday that encourages people to walk more in their daily lives. Finding the time to walk for 30 minutes a day can help you lose weight, reduce the chance of heart disease and diabetes, and improve emotional and mental health. A Little History Walk to Work Day takes place on the first Friday of April every year and has been celebrated since 2004. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services promoted the holiday with enthusiasm as a way to counter the alarming rise in obesity and health issues throughout the country. Since its debut, Walk to Work Day has been picked up by people, businesses, and organizations across the world to inspire people everywhere to exercise more. Observing the Holiday To celebrate Walk to Work Day, simply slip on your walking shoes, grab a portable breakfast, and head out the door! Be sure to bring an extra outfit and shoes with you as walking in high heels, dress shoes, and/or dress attire can be uncomfortable.

For people who don’t have the time, try taking a short walk around the workplace during breaks or lunch. Getting in a 15-minute walk during the day will help you feel more refreshed and ready to get back into the grind. You can also invite other coworkers or friends to walk with you. Other Modes of Transportation Although Walk to Work Day encourages people to walk, there are other ways to get to work without having to drive. Biking is an excellent means of transportation and can be helpful for people who might have a longer commute. If you don’t own a bike but are still in need of a quick transport between two locations, you can hop on an electric scooter. These scooters have appeared across America over the past year or so and have proved handy when individuals need to get from point A to point B quickly. Walk to Work Day offers a perfect chance to change up your routine for a more active lifestyle. Let this holiday be the first step in many that will come!

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