Kinetic PT - April 2021

Kinetic PT - April 2021

APRIL 2021

847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com

THE BIG 16 MILESTONE ZACH IS GETTING HIS LICENSE

This March, my son, Zachary, is turning 16 and earning his license. At the time I’m writing this, we still have a way to go until that big day, but I’m confident that

Looking back over these several months, there were a few close shaves. I’ve had to grab the steering wheel a couple times or remind him to stop if he accidentally overlooked a stop sign. Yet, like most things, these incidents became fewer and fewer. We finally got to a point where whenever he needed to go somewhere, he’d drive himself — with me or his mother in the car with him, of course. The months we spent practicing have really paid off. He’s a wonderful driver, and I’m not afraid anymore when he’s behind the wheel. But, that’s not to say I’m not still worried about him. By the time this newsletter comes out, he’ll most likely be enjoying the freedom that having his own license gives him, and I’ll have a whole new set of fears. Knowing that we won’t be in the car with him to help make decisions when he’s out on the road is a little terrifying. I’m fully confident in his driving ability, but even the best drivers can end up in an accident. This type of worry is something I never understood as a kid. When I was that young, I believed I was infallible and shrugged off my parents’ worry. Now, as a parent myself, I can truly understand how they felt, especially as I was nowhere near as responsible as Zach is at that age. Despite my worries, I’m very proud of all the effort he’s put into being a good driver. I can’t help but feel a little sad, though, as I watch him take these first two milestones that will eventually lead to him leaving home. However, no matter what he does or how far he drives, I’ll always be here to help and offer advice ... even if it’s just to let him know why a golf cart is on the road. –Mike Ulmer

he will be able to pass his driving test on the first attempt. For Zach, I know that these two milestones are big ones, and I know he’s very excited. Reflecting on them as a parent, however, I find myself wondering how those 16 years went by so fast. I remember, like most parents, when I brought him home and he could fit in my arms. Now, all of a sudden, he’s off learning how to drive and will soon be out driving on his own. It’s a remarkable change, but I’m also very proud of how well he’s doing.

My wife and I started helping him learn to drive about nine months ago, even before he had his permit. To practice, I’d drive us to the parking lot of the clinic on a Sunday when no one was there. We started with left-hand turns, and I’d let Zach practice for about 20 minutes. Once he had those down, we switched to right-hand turns and repeated the process. As in anything anyone first starts, it was a little rough, but after a couple months, he had improved a lot. Then, when he got his permit, we started practicing out on the road with other cars. I think the two of us were equally nervous about that. We would practice driving down Del Webb Boulevard, which, I’m sure you know, has a lot of twists and turns. It was on that road that he first saw a golf cart on the side of the road and slightly panicked, asking, “ What is that ?” I had to reassure him that it was okay, they’re allowed to be on the street, too, and to just carefully maneuver around it.

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As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into our lives as we grow older can be just what you need to lift our spirits and keep us healthy. THE BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol

than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our

mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you

to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. FIND THE RIGHT PET Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .

“My last PT elsewhere was not anything to look forward to. Mike has made my life a lot better for the last six weeks. I have spread the word! I’m ready to get out walking without pain. Thanks Mike! And last but not least … the entire group of guys and gals is top-rate.”

“I come in aching, and I leave feeling back to normal. Every time I screw up my back (not often,

fortunately), Mike, Emilie, or Amanda have been there to put me back together.”

–Barbara Kennamer

–Carol Campbell

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Physical therapy can help anyone who is experiencing pain or suffering from an injury, from professional athletes to your loved ones. Here at Kinetic PT Specialists,

to remind them that you love them but are also worried about their overall well-being. Suggest that it might be time to seek the help and treatment physical therapy can provide. FRIENDS: There are few things worse than seeing a friend in pain. Our friends are there for us in even our most challenging of times, offering support, comfort, and advice. Now is the time to be there for them. Recommend physical therapy as a means to an end for any friend you know who is suffering from or complaining about pain. If they’re still unsure, offer to go with them as a source of both motivation and encouragement. NEIGHBORS: The community we have in our neighborhoods is one of companionship. It can be hard to find anywhere else we enjoy spending our time, riding our bikes,

we’ve helped many people, including patients who were

recovering from auto injuries and those suffering from chronic neck, shoulder, or lower back pain. Our goal is to help people achieve a pain-free life, which is why we understand how hard it is to watch family and friends suffering from pain. You want to do something for them, but where do you even start? Here’s a guide to help you have these conversations with those closest to you. FAMILY: Though we would do anything for our families, having these conversations can be difficult. But when it comes to their health and wellness, it’s important to sit down and talk. It’s important

Sudoku can do for them, give us a call today! Our team is ready to answer any questions or concerns they have. If your family, friends, or neighbors are still uncertain about physical therapy and what our treatments and waving at the people we’ve grown to know over the years. Take it a step further by offering help to those who you’ve noticed are not moving quite like they used to. Suggest physical therapy as a healthy course of action they can use to take back their life.

Spring Vegetable and Chicken Pasta Bake

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup cooked chicken, diced • 1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered • 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces • 1/2 cup carrots, grated • 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped and divided • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided • 2 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4. Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com

11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142

INSIDE The Big 16 Milestone PAGE 1

Caring for Pets Brings Health and Happiness PAGE 2

My PT Story PAGE 2

Who Needs Physical Therapy? PAGE 3

Spring Vegetable and Chicken Pasta Bake PAGE 3

Vacations That Pay PAGE 4

In the wake of COVID-19, tourist destinations worldwide have been hit hard. To lure travelers back, some places are offering steep discounts and other incentives throughout all of 2021. With cheap airfare and great deals on accommodations, tours, food, and more, you can take a luxury vacation on a dime this year. MEXICAN CARIBBEAN Few words evoke the image of beaches, sun, and saltwater like Cancun does. This Mexican locale has become synonymous with leisure, as have other destinations in the Caribbean — beautiful places like Isla Mujeres or the Riviera Maya. Tourists can visit all of them at a steep discounted rate until the end of 2021 thanks to promotions from the Hotel Association of Cancun and the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion’s council. Head to En.Come2MexicanCaribbean.com to find vouchers for two free nights in a hotel for every two you pay for, steeply discounted airfare, and even options for free food and drinks. THAI PARADISE Although it’s no longer the hidden destination it once was, there are still a lot of good reasons to visit Thailand. In addition to being an affordable

place to travel, Thailand also has great food and an amazing climate. To make up for the financial hit due to suspended travel because of the virus, the Cape Fahn Hotel is offering incentives into 2021 including a complimentary upgrade to the next class of care, which gives economy spenders access to executive accommodations. Other incentives include free meals, round-trip airport service, and discounted beach picnics and boat tours. Check out CapeFahnHotel.com/offers for more information. WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Although this destination in British Columbia might be known for its winter activities, there’s a lot to love about Whistler in late spring and early summer! One great thing? The amazing array of money-saving options you can find here. The Riverside Resort, for example, is offering mountain-view cabins at a 3-for-2 discount — pay for two nights and get a third for free! Traveling to Canada can be tricky at the moment, but if you use a good travel agent, you can take advantage of some great deals. Other incentives in the region include free meals (or a per diem meal rebate) as well as discounts on guided tours.

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