Physical Therapy Doctor - May 2019

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May 2019

ON THE MOVE

When I was a kid growing up in Middle Village, I’d march in the Memorial Day parade. I did it almost every year, from the time I was a Cub Scout through to my last year in high school, when I was an Eagle Scout. Our troop leader would give us the rundown on our marching order the day before, though he’d have a hard time getting so many excited kids to fall in line and actually practice. But on the actual day, marching down Metropolitan Avenue and seeing the cheering crowd and the red brick buildings decked out in bunting, it was impossible not to fall in line and march proudly with the rest of the parade. Even at a young age, I felt the sense of being a part of something bigger than myself. But still, even as a boy, I didn’t fully understand the importance of what I was participating in. I’ll admit, as a kid doing those parades, I was just excited to get my soda and hot dog at the end of the route. As I grew, however, I began to understand the gravity of what we were honoring. I largely have my grandfather to thank for giving me the perspective on why Memorial Day is about more than parades and picnics. Salvatore Russo injured his eye when the windshield of his army jeep shattered. He was not a front-line soldier, but on the muddy, bombed- out roads and fields of Europe during World War II, even supply lines were dangerous. Savatore, my grandfather, had been part of a crew sent out to find damaged tanks and other vehicles and help them limp back to base for repairs. These men’s efforts helped the Allies maintain momentum as they drove Hitler out of France. What Memorial Day Means to Me MORE THAN PARADES AND PICNICS

My grandfather never regained sight in that eye, but he’s still alive today. Getting to know his story as I grew up gave me perspective on the sacrifices our troops make to protect us. He was wounded when he was far younger than I am now, and he has carried his injury with him ever since. So many men his age weren’t that fortunate. So many men

and women in the history of our nation gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. It’s only fitting that we set aside some time every year to honor their memory and cherish the country they fought for. As I grew older, I came to realize just how lucky I am to have been born and raised here in the United States. My grandfather came from an

“So many men and women in the history of our nation gave everything for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

immigrant family and risked life and limb for his new country. After the war, he was able to settle down and raise a family, and he enjoys seeing his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. If that’s not the American dream, I don’t know what is. So today, as we approach Memorial Day, I’m still looking forward to having a hot dog or two. However, I’m more aware of what it means to be able to spend this time in peace and prosperity with my family because of the brave men and women who made it possible.

Happy Memorial Day,

–Dr. Robert Morea

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U S E F U L K I T C H E N U T E N S I L S

GONE AWRY

BUTTER SPREADERS: One of the most commonly commercialized products is better butter spreaders. Whether it’s the Fox Run Butter Spreader, One Click Stick Butter Cutter, or Butter Mill Butter Dispenser, using a butter knife is ultimately easier and won’t clog up your drawer space. FRUIT AND VEGGIE SLICERS: Cutting spherical or cylinder-shaped foods may be difficult, but cleaning out the spaces between the thin blades of these slicers can be even harder. Save your time and cash by using a kitchen knife. TWIRLING SPAGHETTI FORK: A fork that twirls your spaghetti? You bet! While this might be a fun utensil for kids to use, it’s far from useful in everyday spaghetti eating. If the size of the fork doesn’t make it difficult to eat, the noise certainly will. If you have one or more of these utensils in your kitchen drawer, don’t feel bad! A lot of us do. Every home has one of “those” drawers. But you can’t fault entrepreneurs for trying something a little out-of-the-ordinary, even if it didn’t work out.

We’ve all seen those commercials for kitchen utensils or items that claim to make our lives easier, while in fact, they do the exact opposite. Some of these products can be helpful for children or the elderly who might struggle with motor skills, but healthy adults can save a few bucks and some space in the utensils drawer by not purchasing these items. PIZZA CUTTING SHEARS: While it can be irritating to discover the pizza you ordered wasn’t cut through completely, there’s nothing wrong with using a regular pizza wheel to finish the job. The Pizza Cutting Shears may appear to save you time, but they ultimately take up so much space and are so clunky that you’re better off without them. ROLL ‘N’ POUR: This plastic rocking device can help young children or the elderly pour themselves a glass of milk from a heavy gallon. However, there’s nothing wrong with able-bodied people using a bit of muscle to achieve the same. CHEF’N PEEL’N ONION PEELER: While far from taking the tears away, this onion peeler allows you to cut through an onion’s outer layers and peel away the skin. Instead of spending $15 on this cutter, use one of your kitchen knives to get the exact same result.

SUCCE S S S TOR I E S !

Hear What Our Clients Are Saying!

“I began Jan. 15, 2019 in a lot of pain. On a 1–10 scale, I was at a 15! It was coming from my L4–5 lower lumbar, hips, sciatic, and coccyx. Jenove suggested that I undergo laser treatment. I said, ‘Okay.’ I’m better after five sessions of laser treatment!”

“I’m better after five sessions of laser treatment!”

I experienced a lot of pain after the first 3 sessions of laser and exercise. I was taking five doses of Tramadol and Tylenol a day. I always woke up at 1:30 a.m. and at 4:30 a.m. in pain. It’s Feb. 20, 2019 as I write this, and I am noticing major differences. In the last 2 weeks, I have been playing Ping-Pong with an Olympic trainer, and I have no pain after our sessions. I sleep through the night pain-free … a miracle! Since March of 2017, I was totally crippled, in

pain, and in bed. At the end of January, 2018, I noticed I’m more flexible and much stronger, able to stand straight, go on a bicycle, have less inflammation, and am able to do my exercises in the morning and before bed. Instead of using Tramadol 5–6 times a day, I am down to 2–3 if I have a flare-up. Thank you, Jenove, for your laser therapy suggestion and for my progress.

I look forward to being my new, pain-free self!”

–Carol N.

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Sudoku Train Your Brain With

FIND THE RIGHT FOOD BALANCE Foods That Cause and Reduce Inflammation The food you eat plays a major role in how your body functions at the cellular level. Some foods can wreak havoc on your body, while others can make you feel great. This is especially true when it comes to that all-too-common ailment: inflammation. Here are three types of food that can trigger inflammation. SUGAR: One of the biggest culprits behind inflammation, sugar is far worse than eating fatty foods (although, fatty foods and foods high in trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils can cause inflammation). It’s best to skip foods containing added sugar. And that means sugar of any kind, including corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose. Many manufacturers now label food with these sugary synonyms to hide the fact that they added sugar to the products they make. Sugar is sugar; be sure to read labels carefully! REFINED CARBS: Basically, anything made from white flour falls into this category, including bread, pasta, baked goods, and cereals. Research suggests that refined carbs may be a bigger contributing factor than fat when it comes to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and just about every inflammatory disease and a. ALCOHOL: Too much alcohol puts a burden on your liver, an organ that helps flush toxins out of the body. You know all of those detox diets? They don’t work. In fact, the only way to actually detox is to drink plenty of water and to let your liver do its job. When you consume alcohol, it’s harder for the liver to pump the toxins out of your body. When it can’t do its job properly, the result is inflammation. Now, for the good stuff. Eat these foods to reduce inflammation. BLUEBERRIES: Many studies name blueberries as one of the best fruits you can eat to ease the symptoms of inflammation. These little blue orbs of goodness are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, polyphenols, and so much more. Eat a handful every day, or add them to foods you already eat, such as salads or Greek yogurt. SALMON: As a source of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the best protein choices for people with inflammatory conditions or for those who want to keep inflammation at bay. It’s nutritious, delicious, and does your body a lot of good. BROCCOLI: One of the most nutritious and easily accessible vegetables around, the little green buds that cover the tops of broccoli are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds.

Recipe of the Month:

Inspired by SeriousEats.com

CLASSIC FRENCH OMELET

INGREDIENTS

• • •

3 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

DIRECTIONS

1. In medium bowl, beat eggs with plastic fork until last traces of white are just mixed in. Season with salt and pepper. 2. In an 8-inch nonstick skillet, melt butter, swirling over medium heat until foamy but not browned. Add eggs, stirring rapidly with fork, while moving skillet to agitate eggs. Break up all curds by scraping bottom of skillet as they form. Stop stirring when eggs are softly scrambled and creamy (but loose enough to come together into a single mass), 1–2 minutes. 3. Using fork, gently spread egg in an even layer around skillet and scrape down any wispy bits around the edges. The top surface should be loose and creamy, but if still liquid, swirl skillet to bring raw egg to the edge where it will set faster. 4. Remove from heat. Tilt skillet up by handle. Using fork, gently roll omelet down over itself until nearly folded in half. Using fork, push omelet to edge of skillet so that the lower edge of egg just begins to overhang. Use fork to fold overhanging edge of egg back over, closing omelet. 5. Turn omelet out onto plate. It should have the seam on bottom.

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INSIDE Hot Dogs, WWII, and Memorial Day Pointless Kitchen Utensils

Better After 5 Sessions of the Laser … a Miracle! Classic French Omelet The Best and Worst Foods for Inflammation Is Summertime Bad for Your Skin?

Soak Up the Sun Without Damaging Your Skin 4 Tips for Happy Summertime Skin WANT A TAN? GO SUNLESS! Though popular, that “sun-kissed” look is actually a sign of skin damage caused by harmful UV rays. If your summer look just isn’t complete without a tan, consider using a sunless tanning product. The Mayo Clinic states, “Topical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they’re used as directed.” So read the directions and enjoy a great summer tan while keeping your skin safe. TAKE COOL SHOWERS. Hot showers are relaxing, but they also dry out your skin, especially in the heat of summer. Do your skin a favor and turn down the temperature. As a bonus, taking a cool shower after sweating can reduce acne breakouts. STAY HYDRATED. Hydrated skin is happy skin, so keep a water bottle handy. Start by swapping a sugary beverage at mealtime with a glass of water instead. Another healthy way to get extra water is by snacking on fresh fruits and vegetables. Certain summer fruits, like melons, have high water content and are full of vitamins your body craves.

Summer is a wonderful time of year for your health. The warm weather encourages outdoor activities, and the vitamin D produced by sunlight can boost your mood. Unfortunately, sunshine can also do a number on your skin. Here are a few tips to protect your skin while having fun in the sun. DON’T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN! People of all complexions should wear sunscreen every day. Even if you aren’t at the beach, harsh sunlight can still damage your skin when you’re walking around or driving your car. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen with SPF 30 first thing in the morning and reapplying periodically through the day.

There’s a lot to love about the summertime. With these tips, your skin can love it too.

Pro Tip: Don’t put the sunscreen away when it gets cold. The sun is still harmful in the winter months.

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