Horizon PT - August 2022

Horizon PT - August 2022

physical therapy and rehabilitation

August 2022

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

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Push Fear Aside

When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity appears, all you can do is seize it and hope for the best. It’s not the time to let fear take over and guide your actions, or you could spend the rest of your life regretting it. Aug. 7 is Professional Speakers Day, which got me thinking about the time I took advantage of good fortune and hard work by speaking at the World Physiotherapy Congress. It all started with a research project I was doing as a college graduation requirement under Dr. Jacqueline Drouin. We all had to do research or an analysis, and we could submit our work to the World Physiotherapy Congress as sort of a bonus. I was surprised when we were actually accepted, and I certainly didn’t want to turn the opportunity down. Many professionals will spend their entire careers without speaking at an international gathering of their peers, and here I had the chance when I was still only a student. The event took place in Vancouver that year, and of course, it attracted physical therapy experts from dozens of different countries. I had recently graduated from college, so I naturally went out and explored a bit of the nightlife and breweries. I also had to take a peek inside the Versace store. I still remember this incredible belt I wanted badly, but it was so expensive —

and as a young man fresh out of school, I couldn’t find any way to justify the cost.

including the experts in the room. And she was right. I’d spent countless hours with this analysis — I knew my stuff! Once I realized that, most of the jitters fell away. About 50-60 people were in attendance, and I split my time with four other experts presenting their research. After we all spoke, there was a question-and-answer session. When it was my turn to talk, it was like I went on autopilot. It was second nature, and I presented the information with ease. It was a relief and a fantastic experience. I’m still proud of that moment and list it on my accomplishments today because it’s something most people will never have the opportunity to do. To anyone nervous about a speaking engagement, I give them the advice Dr. Drouin gave me: Remember that you’re the expert. And if you’re not, work to make yourself one before you need to get up and talk. Once you can rest easy that you know what you’re talking about, present the information and enjoy the experience for all it’s worth. -Dr. Jerome Adams

Our research was on the effects of aerobic exercise training on Black women with breast cancer. Our study found that exercise helped patients improve certain health markers while receiving treatment. Interestingly, a secondary analysis showed that Black women battling breast cancer had better moods than white women with the same condition, even though the Black patients tended to have more advanced stages of breast cancer. Unfortunately, the sample size was too small to draw any firm conclusions, but I’d love to see additional research. Typically, speaking opportunities of this type consist of a poster presentation. In other words, a table is set up for people to approach if they’re interested in your work and want to ask questions. But we had a platform presentation with a set time and an audience. It was quite an honor, and it meant I was able to talk for about 10 minutes to experts about my work. Unsurprisingly, I was nervous. But when I talked to Dr. Drouin in advance, she had some wise advice to offer. She reminded me that I knew the research I was presenting better than anyone else,

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DEPRESSION VS. BURNOUT: What’s the Difference?

Work has been more tiring than usual. You’re exhausted and uninterested in the activities you used to love. Are you experiencing burnout or depression? Although these two conditions have similarities, there are telltale symptoms to help you navigate each — even if you are experiencing both at once. Recognizing the differences could help you decide the best solution for you. WHAT IS BURNOUT? Burnout is a form of exhaustion that occurs when we constantly feel overwhelmed. It can result in prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress. The symptoms include exhaustion, loss of identity, and cynicism.

People can experience burnout from a lack of control, unclear job expectations, spending time in toxic environments, overexerting their energy, or experiencing constant stress. However, while burnout is most associated with work-related stress, anyone can experience burnout — especially if they live under intense pressure. WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Depression is a more severe medical illness. It can lead to loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy and many more physical and mental health problems. Common symptoms include a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts. If you’re experiencing this, you’re not alone. More than 16% of people experience depression

at some point in their lives. The good news is that there are many options for treatment, and working out more or adapting a healthier diet is proven to make a difference in mental health. SO, WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Although these symptoms may overlap, the key difference is how long your symptoms last. If your biggest source of stress went away, how fast would you improve? Burnout is typically temporary and disappears after addressed. However, depression is often a long-term battle that can make a person feel empty, create low self-esteem, and affect their overall health. If life feels chaotic, it’s time to take control. Even small steps can build momentum into a happier, healthier future.

SUCCESS STORIES!

“Fantastic physical therapy place! Super knowledgeable about the body and very helpful in teaching about conditions and helping resolve pain and discomfort. Very friendly, respectful and will work with busy schedules!”

–Serena Salinger-Kraft

“Dr. Adams and his staff are wonderfully professional and pleasant. I was treated with kindness and respect. Not to mention, I completed my sessions healthier and much stronger than when I began.”

–Craig Samuels

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A HELPING HAND How PT Can Help With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Have a Laugh Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure causes nerves in your hand to swell and press together. The most common symptoms are numbness, tingling, or pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers of people who suffer from it. It often results from workplace injuries, especially those that require repetitive hand or It might not surprise you that back surgery is the top musculoskeletal surgery in the U.S. But you may be shocked to learn carpal tunnel surgery holds the second-place spot. Approximately 8 million Americans suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) every year, and 230,000 opt for surgery. What happens to the rest? Most are treated with physical therapy — and many who had surgery should have chosen physical therapy instead. A Spanish study found that physical therapy is just as effective in treating carpal tunnel as surgery, is less invasive, and provides faster results.

wrist movements. People can acquire CTS from typing, assembly-line work, playing video games, or many other activities. A person experiencing CTS-like symptoms should visit their doctor or physical therapist for an evaluation. They will ask questions about your activity, recent injuries, how you’ve treated the condition so far, and how much pain you’re experiencing. From there, they will perform a physical examination and may ask you to reach for or hold objects so they can observe how your body reacts. Once they diagnose CTS, your physical therapist can begin working on treatment. Depending on your exact condition and its cause, your program will likely include stretching and strengthening exercises. Your therapist may also recommend splinting, cold or hot treatments, or other methods to avoid worsening symptoms.

And while there’s no guaranteed way to avoid CTS, you can reduce the amount of stress on your wrist and hands. Experts recommend improving your posture, creating an ergonomic work environment, taking frequent breaks, and keeping your hands warm. Your physical therapist can review these recommendations in detail to help prevent a recurrence of the condition. Even if you’ve had surgery for your carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapy may still be able to help with your recovery. If you’re experiencing hand pain, call Horizon Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you find the comfort you deserve.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

Inspired by MakingThymeForHealth.com

If you have a bowl and 30 minutes, you can make these fritters for dinner! Add them to your list of go-to meals that celebrate summer vegetables.

Ingredients

Directions

• • • • • • • • • • •

4 cups shredded zucchini 1/2 cup corn kernels 6 green onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/4 cups chickpea flour

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and toppings. Stir until well combined and let rest for 5 minutes until a batter forms. 2. In a large skillet, warm the oil over medium heat. Scoop 1/4 cup of zucchini mixture into the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until fritter is golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter. 3. Serve topped with nacho cheese, black beans, salsa, and avocado.

2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp each salt and pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

Vegan nacho cheese, black beans, salsa, and avocado for toppings

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3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

THIS ISSUE Inside

Dr. Adams’ Most Prestigious Speaking Engagement

Feeling Depressed — Or Burnt Out?

Success Stories

An Alternative to Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Zucchini Corn Fritters

A Different and Deeper Way of Storytelling

Based on a True Story … Why True Stories Became a TV Craze

Television and streaming platforms are attracting millions of viewers with their true story films and shows. Television shows like “Pam and Tommy,” “Inventing Anna,” and “Tiger King” have drawn in viewers with their captivating storylines and lookalike actors. Something about knowing the events you’re watching actually happened to real people is a mesmerizing feeling. TRUE CRIME No one really wants to admit it, but humans have a natural morbid curiosity. True crime’s sequence of events — the crime, victims, hunt, and capture (hopefully) — really carries the plot and grasps the viewer’s attention. As real life tragedies are more documented and accessible than ever before, true crime has become sort of a guideline for some. When you watch crime documentaries and shows, you may think to yourself about what not to do in certain scenarios. Though the person in the story was in an unfortunate situation, people can learn the signs of a dangerous scenario and know when to leave or not make the same mistakes. REAL-LIFE INSPIRATION True stories interest people because they show viewers something that is not merely a filmmaker’s imagination. In most films and shows, it

begins as a fictional thought, but with true stories, people may find a certain situation or character they can connect with in their own lives.

People search for answers — if it is something they can relate to — and find comfort in the fact that other people may have faced similar

challenges. You want to root for the underdog, as these seemingly normal characters develop into extraordinary people. The real people from these true stories inspire viewers with their bravery and grit. Television and streaming platforms are able to take true stories and pique their viewers’ curiosity by reflecting life itself. You might be able to pick up a thing or two when watching true stories. There are some harsh realities people may face, but there are definitely good ones too.

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