Horizon PT - August 2021

Horizon PT - August 2021

physical therapy and rehabilitation

August 2021

3600 Miller Road, Flint, MI 48503 • 810-620-8042 • horizonptflint.com

HAS A WHOLE NEW MEANING THIS YEAR Back to School

and having a good variety of school activities. Think of how hard it is for you and me to pay attention for a prolonged period of

When I was a kid, August marked an important turning point in the year. I went back-to-school shopping for new clothes and school supplies and started to get excited to see my friends every day again. Of course, alongside that excitement was some disappointment

time (especially in front of a screen). Now imagine trying to do that on a computer as a 5-year-old! That said, my wife and I also realized that there was nothing we could do about any of it except support our son as best we could. That’s what happens when a once in 100- year pandemic hits during your kindergarten year. It’ll be interesting to see what he remembers about his kindergarten year as he grows up. I can see the pandemic becoming one of those things that people ask, “Where were you — and what were you doing when the pandemic hit?”

over the carefree days of summer ending and knowing I had to start getting back into a daily routine. Now I’m a dad, helping my oldest son, Jerome, make this important transition. Of course, a lot has changed since I was in school. We didn’t have social media to keep up with our friends, and we didn’t use the same

technology in and out of the classroom. Going back that first week after summer vacation, I could really ask everyone, “What have you been up to this summer?” and not already know the answer! That’s harder to pull off today with social media.

After a really intense first year, I’m feeling hopeful for the start of his second year in school. As a parent, I want my

But the biggest difference between my first year of school and Jerome’s is that his happened during a pandemic. That meant he spent his kindergarten school year at home virtually. I know parents with “The biggest difference between my first year of school and Jerome’s is that his happened during a pandemic.” kids of any age understand how challenging the last year of schooling from home was. Kids of different ages probably struggled in different ways, but I know younger kids, like my son, really missed out on social interactions

son to get all the advantages of going to school, which includes meeting other kids, making new friends, and starting new activities or sports. He didn’t get those opportunities last year, but if all keeps going as it has been, he should get them this year. And I guess that means it’s time to plan some back-to-school shopping trips and share the long-held traditions of getting a cool new outfit for the first day, this time back in person. I hope the new school year gets off to a great start for all the parents and kids out there.

-Dr. Jerome Adams

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WHY SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ARE LONELY

And How to Stop It

A FRONT ROW SEAT TO EVERYONE’S HIGHLIGHT REEL When you view someone’s social media, chances are you’re seeing a “highlight reel” of their life. When you compare your behind-the-scenes footage to that highlight reel, it can leave you feeling unaccomplished and isolated, which further leads to loneliness. Given that millennials are very involved with social media, it’s no wonder their age group is lonelier. THE POST-DORM FRIENDSHIP DROUGHT Even before the advent of social media, people moved away from the conditions that created friendships when they left their college dorms. According to sociologists in a 1978 study, there are three conditions that lead to making friends: “proximity, repeated and unplanned interactions, and settings that encourage people to let their guard down.” Young people are much less likely to come across these conditions in their lives after college. HOW TO FIX IT Loneliness isn’t easy to tackle. It takes time and effort to alleviate, and it starts with actively looking for opportunities to form relationships with other people. It can be scary putting yourself out there, but you might be surprised by how accepting other people can be. Rejection is always a possibility, but so is the remedy to your loneliness. You’ll never know how many future friends you may have until you get out and look around for them!

Given the choice between an elderly person living alone in the countryside and a young recent college graduate living in a major metro area, who do you think would have a greater chance of experiencing loneliness? While many seniors do suffer from loneliness, you may be surprised to learn that people in their 20s and 30s experience loneliness today more than any other age group. In fact, the post-college years are when loneliness peaks despite opportunities to interact with others in the workplace or other social environments.

A Pain-Free Tomorrow OUR PAT I ENTS SAY I T BEST

“The staff here have been so considerate and compassionate about helping me be me again! I’m thankful to ALL the staff members for helping me better my physical health and putting me on the right path!! You guys have been the greatest and the most understanding! Boots are the best part!”

“Dr. Adams and his staff are amazing! Excellent service!”

–Kris H. & Kristen B.

–Cinthya P.

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STROKE RECOVERY ANDREHABILITATION PT Can Help!

How can PT help? While the size and impact of the stroke will vary from patient to patient, the good news is that physical therapy can help with rehabilitation in many cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, research has found that stroke survivors who participate in a focused rehabilitation program see greater results in recovery than those who do not.

Many people associate PT with recovering from injuries or surgery. But the truth is that PT is useful in all kinds of recovery. In fact, it’s the recommended way to help stroke survivors with rehabilitation. Strokes kill 800,000 people each year and are the No. 1 cause of disability in adults in the U.S. What is a stroke and who’s at risk? A stroke happens when your brain’s blood supply gets interrupted or reduced, which deprives the brain’s tissues of essential oxygen and nutrients. This can result in behavioral or emotional issues, memory loss or problems with thinking and problem-solving, and even difficulty when talking. It can also lead to physical problems like:

PT can help stroke survivors:

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Regain independence and mobility

• Restore muscle function, increase muscle strength, and prevent muscle loss • Relearn motor activities (walking, sitting, standing, etc.) or learn new ways to move that address side effects • Stimulate muscles and nerves damaged by the stroke • Increase circulation and reduce pain or stiffness If you’re helping care for someone who’s recovering from a stroke, let them know how PT can help. Dr. Adams and the staff at Horizon PT would be honored to play a part in your recovery.

• • • •

Muscle weakness

Paralysis or loss of feeling in certain body parts

Trouble with balance or walking

Limited mobility

While the risk of stroke increases after the age of 55, they can occur at any age. Statistics show two-thirds of stroke victims are 65 or older. Some groups face a greater risk. For example, women are more likely than men to experience a stroke and Black people are more likely than white people to experience a stroke. In fact, Black people have twice the risk.

Have a Laugh

Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)

Inspired by BonAppetit.com

Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue.

Ingredients

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4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 8 ounces feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• • • • •

1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed

• • •

1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 cup coconut oil

Sea salt, to taste

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!

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THIS ISSUE Inside

It’s Back-to-School Time

Why Are So Many Young People Lonely?

Testimonials

How PT Helps With Stroke Recovery

Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)

Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog

THI S GREAT PYRENEES GUIDED HI S GOATS THROUGH A WI LDF IRE MEET ODIN, THE FIREPROOF DOG

“I said, ‘Okay, Odin, take care of the goats. You’ll be fine,’” Roland Hendel told ABC News. Both Hendels were sure they were seeing their dog for the last time. Their hearts sank even further when they heard their home had burned down completely. But on a trip back to examine the ashes, something amazing happened. “In the distance, I saw Odin’s tail,” Roland told ABC. “Sure enough, there was Odin coming at the head of all his goats.” Not only did Odin survive the fire and run right up to the Hendels for belly rubs, but he also kept every single one of his goats safe! A few wild deer even joined the goats, and he shepherded them through unscathed. The incredible story made the news, and Odin became a local legend. Unfortunately, even legends don’t live forever. This April, Odin passed away after a long life of tail-wagging, treat-eating, and goat-saving. In his honor, Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri gifted the Hendels two new Great Pyrenees pups: Buddy and Snowflake. They’re following in Odin’s pawsteps, protecting the goats he loved so much.

In October 2017, California was in flames. One of those blazes was the Tubbs Fire, which charred its way through 36,800 miles of forests and vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma County. More than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, and 22 people were killed.

But when the flames finally died, a four- legged hero emerged from the ashes: Odin, the Great Pyrenees dog.

Odin belonged to Ariel and Roland Hendel, two farmers in Sonoma County. When the Tubbs Fire threatened to char their home, they packed up as many of their animals and precious items as they

could. Unfortunately, their flock of goats wouldn’t fit in the getaway vehicle — and their goat-herding dog, Odin, refused to abandon them. Great Pyrenees are prized livestock guardian dogs that will do anything to protect their charges, and Odin lived up to his breed.

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