Physical Therapy Doctor - April 2018

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APRIL 2018

ON THE MOVE

GROWING PAINS April showers … bring sore backs to gardeners. Contrary to popular belief, those May flowers don’t just spring up on their own! As any fellow garden enthusiast knows, there’s a lot of fertilizing, planting, and weeding to be done this month. I have a sneaking suspicion that I’ll be doing most of it at my household.

Gardening With My Son

“In the two years since getting everything set up, we’ve grown tomatoes, parsley, basil, peppers, eggplant, and cucumber, and we made an ill-fated attempt at butternut squash.”

That’s not to say I’m the Morea with a green thumb. That honor

belongs to my son, Michael, without whom our garden wouldn’t exist. It was because of him that we started our own backyard vegetable-and-herb patch two years ago. It’s been a learning experience for us both and a great outlet for his creative energy.

You see, Michael tried to warn me that you need a lot of space to grow squash. I didn’t heed his advice, and the plant’s vines ended up taking over the whole garden last fall. It was a jungle! Worst of all, the frost came before the gourds themselves could develop. Lesson learned.

Michael has been fascinated by nature as long as we can remember. He loves spending time in parks or away from the city. A few years back, we decided to send him and his brother to the Usdan Summer Camp on Long Island. It’s a great experience in general, where kids can learn about creative writing, dance, tennis, theater, and everything in between. Most importantly for Michael, the woodland camp featured a nature program, focusing on both ecology and organic gardening. He had some great instructors who kindled his love of nature into a strong passion for gardening. When he returned home, his mind was made up: We needed a planter box of our own. So, we got to work! We built a box in our backyard to Michael’s specifications: 8 feet by 15 feet, elevated 2 feet off the ground. It’s ideal for vegetables. But growing anything in Queens is going to be more of a challenge than in a Long Island forest. You need super soil to get things to sprout in this borough. Luckily, I know a great landscaper. He was able to put in some nutrient-rich soil for us, which manages to handle all of Michael’s and my “experiments.” In the two years since getting everything set up, we’ve grown tomatoes, parsley, basil, peppers, eggplant, and cucumber, and we made an ill-fated attempt at butternut squash. The soil worked too well on that last one.

So now, I leave most of the big-picture planning to Michael. He gets very creative with the layout; rather than plant things in rows, he likes the garden to “flow.” Everything from the color, size, and foliage of a plant is taken into consideration. It’s quite the sight to behold. While he worries about the overall design, the weeding, watering, and general maintenance is relegated to me. Sigh. The garden has been a rewarding experience, and not just because we get fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies. As a parent, it’s healthy to get advice from your kids and let them take the reins on a household project. It keeps the kids sane, too. Much of their lives consist of hearing parents and teachers tell them what to do. This gardening project has been a nice role reversal for Michael and me, and a great creative outlet for us both. If you have kids or grandkids and the space for a garden, I can’t recommend this activity enough. No matter what you plant, I guarantee you’ll grow closer together.

Let me know if you have any ideas on what to plant this year.

–Dr. Robert Morea 718.747.2019 ▪ THEPTDOCTOR.COM ▪ 1

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G A R D E N I N G : B R I N G I N G F A M I L Y T O G E T H E R

After spending a winter cooped up inside with your family, there might be a little tension between everyone. Fortunately, it’s spring, and the warm weather, melting snow, and blooming flowers offer a good way to ease the restlessness. This season, why not bring your family closer together by starting a family garden?

in a group to create and maintain a garden is a hands-on experience for everyone. It’s a chance to get the whole family involved with a single project, and you can literally share the fruits of your labor.

DECIDING ON PLANTS

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

When it comes to deciding which plants you want in your garden, there are many variables to consider. Do you want to grow edible plants, ones that have magnificent blossoms, or ones that are easy to care for? Flowers are a good start if you want a plant that grows a little faster; plus, they lend a pop of color to your garden. Growing vegetables is also rewarding, as the kids will take great pleasure in eating what they’ve grown. Other possibilities include sunflowers, blackberries, peas, and lettuce. You might be surprised at how willingly children eat their greens when they’ve had a hand in growing them.

Nearly every step in the gardening process can be a learning experience for kids and parents alike. Begin by discussing where you should start and why, what supplies you’ll need, and the types of plants you want to grow. Gardening also offers opportunities to learn about science, ecology, and nutrition.

COLLABORATION

Gardening gives your family a chance to collaborate. When you’re stuck inside for long periods, you may be spending time together, but it’s usually not quality time. Working

Family gardens can bring something new and fresh to your home. So, get outside, enjoy the sun, and discover the joys of plants and gardening.

SUCCE S S S TOR I E S

Hear What Our Clients Are Saying!

“If you need physical therapy, this is the place to be. Everyone in the practice is friendly: the therapists, assistants, and front desk staff. The therapists are all knowledgeable, attentive, and professional. They clearly explain your clinical issue and

support staff at The Physical Therapy Doctor, helped to make my pain a memory and gave me a real appreciation for exercise that I hadn’t had before. I highly recommend The Physical Therapy Doctor.” –Lori M. “When I started seeing Robert at The Physical Therapy doctor, I was suffering from significant and chronic TMJ and neck and shoulder pain following a minor car accident. After six months, the pain was getting worse, and none of the previously successful treatments were working. This was affecting all aspects of my life. Several AAT sessions with Robert not only resolved the pain, but they also resolved the fear and anxiety I had developed about driving. I found myself more relaxed, flexible, and able to handle challenges and stress. I am truly grateful for Robert and AAT treatments, and I highly recommend them and The Physical Therapy Doctor.”

the therapeutic plan they will guide you through toward a resolution, be it increasing muscle function, decreasing pain, and/or restoration of function, etc. In addition, they try to accommodate your schedule with convenient appointment times. I highly recommend this physical therapy practice.” –Nina G. “Based on a friend’s recommendation, I chose The Physical Therapy Doctor in Bayside to begin rehabilitation for bilateral knee pain that I had for over six months. The pain had become so debilitating that standing on my feet for more than 10 minutes was painful, which made caring for my young children very difficult. Activities that I took for granted, such as cooking a meal and grocery shopping, were terribly uncomfortable. “Under the care of Dr. Melwin Fernandez, I learned many exercises and stretches that helped me alleviate pain and strengthen my muscles so that my joints would take less of the brunt of daily activities. “I’m happy to say that I’m back to myself now. I no longer dread daily activities, and I can run around with my kids in the yard again. Dr. Mel’s attentiveness, patience, and knowledge, along with the wonderful

–Jeanna A.

Positive!

Motivating!

My Hero!

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WALKING FOR A CAUSE

Help Us Relay for Life

Sudoku Train Your Brain With

As important as our work is, we’re always looking for ways we can do good outside the clinic. This goes double for events that let us get out in the sunshine, exercise, and raise funds for a good cause. That’s why, this June, the Super Team will be competing in the Relay for Life, and we’d love you to join us! WHEN? Saturday, June 2, 4:00–10:00 p.m. WHERE? Bayside High School Athletic Fields, 32nd Avenue and the Clearview Expressway, Bayside, New York WHAT? The Relay for Life is a team-based fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Team members will take turns walking around the track until evening, symbolizing the ongoing fight against cancer. There will also be games, activities, and entertainment for when you’re not walking. The event is not a race, but one member of each team must be walking at all times. The event begins with a first lap walked by cancer survivors and those currently battling the disease. The next lap is reserved for caregivers who have supported their loved ones over the course of the treatment process. Then, the teams take the field to begin the celebration! WHY? The Relay for Life is a great event, raising funds and awareness for people fighting cancer. This would be commendable on its own, but the event goes further than that. It’s a celebration of survivors and caregivers, placing the focus squarely on their ongoing struggles and their accomplishments. The whole evening wraps up with a moving candlelit ceremony to show those affected by cancer that they aren’t alone. There are two ways to be a part of our team. 1. Be a team member and walk with us. Call 718-747-2019 and let Felicia or Vanessa know what time you would like to walk, and we will mark that time slot for you. Remember, we want to keep this relay going from 4:00–10:00 p.m., but even if you walk one lap, it will be much appreciated! And tell your friends, too! 2. Donate. You can stop by our office, call us by phone, or go straight to the Relay For Life website. If you chose the website, then follow the instructions below so that your donation goes to support The Physical Therapy Doctor Team. a. Go to relayforlife.org. b. Click “Donate” on the upper left. c. Click “Donate to Team” near the middle of the page. d. Type in the team name “The Physical Therapy Doctor” and click “Search.” e. When our name shows, click “Select” next to it. f. Type in your name, amount of donation, contact information, and credit card information … and click “Donate” at the bottom, and you are done.

Recipe of the Month:

MINT PEA SOUP

Adapted from mynewroots.org

INGREDIENTS

• • • • •

3 pearl onions, diced 3 tablespoons olive oil

• • • •

1 tablespoon agave nectar

Juice of 1 lemon

6 cups fresh or frozen peas 5 cups vegetable stock 3/4 cup fresh mint, plus more for garnish

Salt to taste

Pistachios for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Place pot on stove over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. 2. Add peas and stock. Cook until peas are just tender and still bright green. Remove from stove and allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes.

3. Put the mixture in a blender. As you blend, add mint, agave, lemon juice, and salt. 4. Once blended, pour into a bowl, garnish with mint and pistachios, and serve!

This soup can be served hot or chilled depending on the weather and your preference.

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718.747.2019

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INSIDE The Morea Garden

Gardening: Bringing the Family Together Hear From Our Clients Spring Greens Soup Join Our Relay for Life Team! 3 Awesome Ways to Create Lasting Memories

Family adventures are a great way to grow closer and develop meaningful connections. But with lodging prices rising and the logistical nightmare that traveling with the entire family can be, many Americans are looking at a new option: ditching the beaches and resorts and heading to the great outdoors. Actually, we know this option isn’t new at all. Spending time outdoors with family may very well be one of the most time-honored traditions ever. Camping Lodgings and flights are expensive, so going on a family vacation can cost thousands of dollars — and that’s just for the basics! But camping only requires a tent, a fire, picnic food, and water. Rather than scarfing down fast food between flights and dealing with airport security, departure delays, and long flights, take a deep breath and roast marshmallows over the fire with the people you love. Hiking A hike with family is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. All a hike requires is a trail and a sense of adventure. The best part of hiking is that you can tailor the distance to fit your family’s needs. If you have children or grandkids who aren’t up for the challenge of an arduous daylong trek, there’s sure to be a shorter scenic trail. If nothing else, you can always turn around and backtrack the way you came. FAMILY TIME

in the Great Outdoors

Fishing Fishing is a great way to get out and do something relaxing yet challenging. It doesn’t require a lot of skill or investment. All it takes is the willingness to learn and the desire to connect with nature. This is why fishing is the perfect activity for youngsters of all ages. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rod and reel and head to the nearest lake or river. While these are all great stand-alone options, together they form an amazing three-headed monster for your next family outing. By combining camping with a hike to a river or lake where you can go fishing, you are sure to create lasting memories with your family that will draw you closer together. Ditch the lines at the airport and the stress of travel. Unleash the possibilities of adventure in the great outdoors.

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