Physical Therapy Services of Tennessee - December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

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EastTennessee Physical Therapy News

3 Bad Christmas Movies You Have to Watch HOLI-FLOPS

FROM THE DESK OF DANNY D. SMITH, PT, DHSC

It’s Christmas in case you had not noticed. My favorite time of the year and I am certain a number of you feel the same way. First and foremost, let us not forget the reason for the season. All too many people get caught up in the “holiday spirit” and forget the true meaning of Christmas. We, at Physical Therapy Services, look forward to the holiday season. We do our best to assist you in reaching your personal goals and hope you have an enjoyable, safe, functional, and pain-free holiday season. Give joy and say thanks for all the goodness in life.

Holiday movies are a time-honored tradition stemming back decades. From the classics, like the 1964 stop-motion animated TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” to recent favorites, such as Tim Allen’s interpretation of Santa Claus in “The Santa Clause,” there’s no shortage of movies to get you in the holiday spirit this season. (I’m also willing to bet a few of my readers love to binge Lifetime holiday movies! They are so comforting.) These movies have become ingrained in our culture and traditions, but after two years of pandemic-inspired holiday restrictions, I would like to propose a new movie tradition: bad Christmas movies. In a genre that’s overdone, overplayed, and always feel-good, there are bound to be a few duds. So, I’ve put together a list of some of the worst holiday movies available. I encourage you to pop the popcorn, gather the family around the tree, and watch (read: suffer through) the following movies this year.

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year,

(I won’t judge you if you actually like the movies. We all have our guilty pleasures!)

‘I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS’ Calling all ‘90s teens! With a cast that includes Jonathan Taylor Thomas from “Home Improvement” and Jessica Biel from “7th Heaven,” this movie is a must-

–Danny

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We all know that cigarettes can damage our lungs and that a diet high in sugar can increase our risk of chronic conditions, but did you know that where you live can be just as detrimental to your health? That’s the conclusion of a 2017 report that was conducted by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), a private research institute that examines population, environment, and health effects. The organization found that areas with higher poverty rates also saw increases in health concerns, stress, and mobility issues. In 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) corroborated these findings. In its report, the AHA highlighted a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology that found that those who lived in “low socioeconomic” areas were 60% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. A 2020 study found similar results. For older adults, these findings can be eye-opening. As we age, our body experiences natural wear and tear, and many health experts believe social factors expedite the natural aging process. For example, if you live near a factory, the air pollution it emits could weaken air quality near your home and be detrimental to your health. watch for the actors alone. Through it all, you’ll find yourself laughing at the very improbable plot. It starts when Thomas’ character, Jake, receives a warning from his father. Jake has to return home by Christmas to receive a classic Porsche as a gift. But on the way, he’s left in the desert by the football team, and his girlfriend (played by Biel) thinks he abandoned her! What is a Porsche-seeking, love-sick college kid to do? Find out when you watch “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” ‘SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT’ This one is for the horror fans (and for parents after the kids have gone to sleep). After witnessing the death of his parents at the hands of Santa around Christmas, Billy grows up to eventually become a Santa Claus killer himself. Despite the darkly humorous and odd premise of the movie, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” has amassed a huge cult following. It’s become so well-known that multiple sequels were made, and talk around Hollywood suggests a remake is coming in 2022. If you’re a fan of bad movies that are actually kind of good, check out “Silent Night, Deadly Night.” ‘FRED CLAUS’ For a more modern tale, check out this movie starring Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti. The “Fred Claus” plot theorizes that St. Nick wasn’t the only Claus, and that his brother, Fred, is likely the opposite of him in every way. Fred gets into legal

trouble once again, so his brother punishes him by sending him to the North Pole to make toys. Ultimately,

Fred and Nicholas find a way to work

together despite their differences, upgrading the Christmas operation to a well-oiled machine. Unfortunately, critics say the humor of “Fred Claus” fails to land with any crowd. Watch it for yourself and see what you think! If you get a chance to watch these too-terrible- to-be-bad movies,

I would love to hear your take, and if you’re looking for more holiday movie flops, check out the list put out by Rotten Tomatoes at RottenTomatoes.com.

Happy Holidays!

Worried About Your Health? CONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S IMPACT ON YOUR WELL-BEING

The resources surrounding our neighborhoods can be just as impactful.

PRB reports that older adults are more likely to rely on neighborhood resources — like community centers and libraries — for means of social interaction and assistance. When their neighborhoods don’t have these resources or access to places like grocery stores and walking paths, older adults face the risk of accelerated aging due to limited access to exercise, healthy food, and health-related resources. If you live in a neighborhood with poor mobility options or limited resources for support, consider partnering with a relative, friend, or neighbor. Make regular plans to walk in a nearby park or go grocery shopping at a healthier store together. Older adult ride services or in-home care services can also help you live independently in your home and neighborhood by bringing resources to you! You may not be able to change your neighborhood, but you don’t have to fall victim to its shortcomings. With a little support, you can thrive wherever you live.

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and grammar skills through hearing the written word is even more effective than what they gain from everyday conversation. Why? Because the human brain comprehends written communication differently than spoken communication. Preparing for Success in School According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 1 in 3 American children enter kindergarten without the necessary reading skills to succeed in school. THE BENEFITS OF READING TO YOUR CHILDREN Even at a young age, reading to your children is an important tool to help them grow and learn while sparking their creativity. Your child will help develop their early literacy skills and ability to focus, plus increase their social skills and communication skills.

When you begin reading to your child, they gain a greater understanding of the world, which allows them

But if you read to your children, you expose them to new words and help develop their listening skills as they listen to you read. You can also ask questions about their reading comprehension along the way to ensure they understand what is happening in the story. These skills are vital to academic success. Improving Your Relationship The best way to create a special bond with your little ones is simply by spending time with them, and reading to your child on a routine basis is a great way to do that. Plus, reading stories provides a positive and educational experience where they can talk to you and vice versa. This will help you learn more about your child’s developing interests so you can find new ways to encourage them to learn and explore their passions.

to make sense of the things they see, hear, and react to in their daily lives. But the benefits of reading don’t stop there. Improving Language Skills Reading to your child when they are an infant can help strengthen their language

acquisition skills. If you continue reading as they get older, these skills will only grow. They begin to latch on to spoken communication. Improving their vocabulary

No matter which way you look at it, reading to your children provides a positive experience that will help them grow.

Take a Break!

SLOPPY JOES

Inspired by JoCooks.com

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground beef • 1 tbsp butter • 1/2 onion, chopped • 1/2 green pepper, chopped • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1 cup tomato sauce • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 tsp yellow mustard • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet, melt butter and brown beef over medium heat. 2. Add onion and pepper, stirring occasionally. Cook for 4 minutes and add garlic.

3. Mix in remaining ingredients, then bring mixture to a boil. 4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Serve on your choice of bun!

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1500 West Elk Ave. #104 Elizabethton TN 37643 423-543-2215

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P hysical T herapy S ervices , P.A.

Inside This Issue From the Desk of Dr. Smith PAGE 1 3 Bad Christmas Movies You Have to Watch PAGE 1 Your Neighborhood Could Make You Unhealthy! PAGE 2 Reading to Your Children Reaps Benefits

Galore! PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Sloppy Joes PAGE 3 PT and Diabetes PAGE 4

Diabetes Management How Physical Therapy Helps With Diabetes

Wait, physical therapy can help those who suffer from diabetes? When you think of diabetes, blood sugar, finger pricks, and endocrinologists likely come to mind. But believe it or not, physical therapy is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition in which the body is not able to produce enough of the hormone insulin, and thus blood glucose (sugar) becomes too high. Physical therapists are experts of movement who aim to help the body function and move better. So, how do the two work together? Diabetes doesn’t have a cure, but there are ways to manage it. Physical therapy can help assist the body in regulating the disease by reducing your chances of developing health issues related to diabetes. Physical therapists will assist you in engaging in activities and treatments to complement natural movement. The activities will begin with “passive” motions that the physical therapist will perform to gently get your joints moving and then will progress to “active” movements, which you will do while guided by the therapist.

You will learn conventional strengthening exercises to incorporate into your routine because exercise is key to properly managing diabetes. In fact, there are many ways that exercise impacts blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. The cells in your body can better absorb glucose both during and after physical activity.

Additionally, when your body engages in exercise, a non-insulin mechanism is simulated that aids your muscles in contracting

when certain movements are performed. Your blood cells can then utilize glucose for energy, even without insulin.

Physical therapists also aid in stretching tight muscles, improving walking ability, and helping patients regain endurance. This can also manage chronic pain experienced by diabetics. There are many treatments and exercises to protect painful areas and make them less sensitive. Improperly managed diabetes can certainly wreak havoc on your body, but with proper treatment and the help of a physical therapist, you can better manage the condition to have a healthier and happier lifestyle.

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