Professional Physical Therapy - July 2021

PRO PT PRESS

July 2021

Bonjour! For Me, Return to ‘Normal’ Is Return to Travel

information available to us these days. It strikes a good balance with my husband, who is pretty happy to just be eating well, all while having new things to explore. Whenever someone asks me, “What have you got going on?” travel is what I immediately think of — either the most recent trip or the one I happen to be planning at the moment. Fortunately, the world is opening back up, and we can do more than plan at long last. As much as I like finding the best flight tickets or hole-in-the-wall places to eat, the feeling of liftoff is far more impacting, and so is the experience of savoring food. How will you enjoy your summer? We haven’t put the pandemic behind us just yet, but the end of the tunnel is at least in sight. Massachusetts may have lifted some restrictions, but we still have to wear masks

One of the most affecting things about this pandemic is how it’s just thrown us off our game. For me, as someone who loves to travel, that meant a year of being at home with few to no options for escape. I’ve always loved to get out of the routines we often find ourselves in and, instead, immerse myself in another culture. Through trying new food, hearing a new language, and experiencing unique art, travel gives us the chance to really see the world through a different set of eyes. I first discovered how much joy this brought me back in college, when I spent weeks abroad getting an intensive Spanish education. I’ve found that one of the best things to do in a new city or country is track down the nearest pastry shop or breakfast nook and start sampling things in the case. If nothing else, you won’t go hungry!

and follow the strict rules because unlike many businesses, we’re a medical facility! And we’re one that will continue to work toward your health, safety, and recovery. One of the things I love about Professional Physical Therapy is that as I get older, I can let the business itself do some of the heavy lifting because I designed it to be that way. If I need a break, or even a week on vacation, I do it with the knowledge that our patients, team, and building are all safe.

The last time I went somewhere was our trip to Africa and London. It was amazing to do that and make discoveries along the way. This year, after much time at home, I’ll spend several weeks in France with my husband and then at a women’s leadership group. The latter will include experts in French history, and it will be great to get that perspective on the things we’re seeing. If immersing myself in the culture is one thing I love about travel, then spending time planning and researching is another. I really enjoy learning about the places I’m visiting as well as what we can see there. Whether it’s destinations, food, drink, or other cultural experiences, there’s a lot of

–Dr. Stacey Raybuck Schatz

www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100 1

PATIENT of the MONTH Vincent Crawford NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY

Stay Cool This Summer

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

When thinking about extreme and deadly weather, most people conjure up images of massive tornadoes in the Midwest or hurricanes and flooding in the Southeast. But you might be surprised to learn that the deadliest extreme weather event is excessive heat. In fact, according to a study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat causes more deaths each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined . Since 2020 was the second warmest year on record and all the other years in the top 10 have occurred since 2005, it’s time to wise up about heat-related illnesses. Heat-Related Illnesses and Risk Factors According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illnesses are caused by “exposure to extreme heat where the body becomes unable to properly cool, resulting in a rapid rise in body temperature.” There are several kinds of heat-related illnesses. The least severe are heat rashes, sunburn, and heat cramps, and the most serious are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While anyone can experience these illnesses if they overexert themselves in hot weather, some groups are more at risk than others, including: • Children under the age of 4 and adults over the age of 65 • People with preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease • People who are overweight • People taking certain kinds of medication • Individuals who are intoxicated or drink excessively Symptoms to Watch Out For Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke have many of the same symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and passing out. But other symptoms help differentiate the two. Heat stroke victims will have hot, red skin that may be dry or damp, and they’ll likely have a fast, strong pulse. By contrast, victims of heat exhaustion will have cold, pale, and clammy skin and a fast but weak pulse. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring professional medical attention immediately. You should also seek medical help for anyone exhibiting the above symptoms who is also throwing up or whose symptoms are getting worse or last longer than one hour. For a complete list of symptoms and treatment for all heat-related illnesses, visit CDC.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html . Stay cool this summer and prevent heat-related illnesses by seeking shade or staying indoors on hot days, avoiding exerting yourself in the heat, and drinking plenty of water!

“I have chosen to donate to the National Brain Tumor Society. My wife, Cathie, underwent a craniotomy almost a year ago and was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. We have learned that, although many people suffer from this debilitating disease, there is little research done in this field of study. Thankfully, she is doing well. However, we continue to hope for a cure.” –Vincent Vinnie began his rehab with a lot of swelling and restricted mobility after his knee replacement. Through his hard work to improve his mobility while sharing his infectious smile and sense of humor, he is progressing ahead of schedule. For this, we would like to recognize Vinnie as Patient of the Month. We at Professional Physical Therapy would be honored to donate to the charity of your choice if you become our next Patient of the Month!

Relieving Pain Since 1992

2 www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100

... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

of a cranial injury or a blow to the head. As you know, such things can be fatal, and dizziness is one of the warning signs.

remember biology class, you know that the mechanisms in our inner ear help us balance. Fluid buildup in the ear or other issues can also throw off our balance and cause dizziness. These are usually easy to treat, but read on for some exceptions. Here’s the problem: Dizziness can also be a side effect of medication; a symptom associated with headaches, migraines, or neck pain; or a lingering issue from a stroke or brain injury. It can also occur in patients who have diabetes or even be the result of abnormal cell growth.

How is dizziness different from vertigo? While dizziness leaves you with the sensation that your head is spinning, vertigo leaves you feeling like your surroundings are moving or spinning. Nevertheless, both can cause imbalance, a sense of unsteadiness on your feet, or falls that can place you at risk for further injuries. And without a doubt, either can easily decrease your quality of life. How can PT help? The good news is that physical therapy is often an effective way of addressing these problems. It can help ease your symptoms, improve your balance, reduce your risk of falling, and increase your quality of life. Whether we’re helping fix vestibular ear issues or just regaining balance and movement, it’s all about making your life a little bit better with each visit. If the dizziness and vertigo discussed above sound familiar, we can help. It all starts with a consult, the beginning of your individualized treatment plan to get you back on your feet — sometimes literally! — and back to feeling steady and ready for life. Call us at (508) 794-3757 or visit ProPTInc.com to make your appointment today.

All of those are serious issues, and that’s why vertigo and dizziness shouldn’t be ignored. One of the worst possibilities is that your symptoms are the result

The Best Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

HowAre You Feeling?

Inspired by AllRecipes.com

INGREDIENTS • Wood chips • 1/4 cup paprika

Really, we want to know. Many of us started 2021 with goals and a good feeling about the year — but by now, we may be sidetracked, totally busy, or even injured. At Professional Physical Therapy, we’re here to help you get back on track, no matter what you need to make it happen. From feet to neck, and everything in between, we have the tools to leave you ready and eager for summer to begin. It’s important to remember that pain is the body’s way of telling us “stop!” — and there’s a difference between the burning that comes with regular exercise and the constant, worsening sharp pain of an injury. If your body is telling you something, do yourself a favor and schedule your next appointment by calling our office at 508-528-6100.

• 1/4 cup garlic powder • 1/4 cup onion powder • 1/4 cup salt • 1/4 cup pepper • 10 lbs brisket

• 1/4 cup white sugar • 1/4 cup ground cumin • 1/4 cup cayenne pepper • 1/4 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup chili powder

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, soak wood chips in water overnight. 2. In a large bowl, mix paprika, white sugar, cumin, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 3. Rub spice mixture on the brisket and refrigerate for 24 hours. 4. Preheat smoker to 230 F. Drain wood chips and place them in the smoker. 5. Smoke brisket until it has an internal temperature of 165 F. 6. Remove brisket and wrap it in aluminum foil. 7. Smoke brisket further until it reaches an internal temperature of 185 F.

www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100 3

620 Old West Central St. Franklin, MA 02038 www.proptinc.com 508-528-6100

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Inside This Issue

For Me, Return to ‘Normal’ Is Return to Travel

1

Patient of the Month What Are Heat-Related Illnesses?

2

3

The Best Texas-Style Smoked Brisket

4

‘Vertigo,’ Not Much Fun

‘Vertigo’ GREAT MOVIE, BUT NOT MUCH FUN When people hear the words “physical therapy,” they usually think of pain and other symptoms that accompany injuries, such as loss of mobility. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg in terms of treatable symptoms. When we can, we like to highlight how PT can help with these kinds of problems. One such condition is vertigo, which sends you spinning — if not literally, then at least in your own perspective. “Vertigo” may be known as a great thriller by Alfred Hitchcock, but the actual condition isn’t very thrilling. In fact, it’s uncomfortable and often really unpleasant, and it can limit enjoyment of life in some pretty severe ways. And yet, where there’s a dedicated patient and a savvy physical therapist, there’s a way through many common (and uncommon!) conditions and difficulties. That’s great news for balance issues, dizziness, and vertigo. It’s a good thing our Professional Physical Therapy team is skilled in coming up with treatment plans for these issues. What causes dizziness? Dizziness is often a symptom that comes and goes, but even if it can be ignored, it is often a sign that something else is wrong, such as an inner ear disorder. If you

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...

Relieving Pain Since 1992

4 www.proptinc.com • 508-528-6100