Kinetic PT January 2018

JANUARY 2018

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This month marks the 10-year anniversary of Kinetic Physical Therapy, and we could not have done it without

you. From the get-go, Mike and I wanted Kinetic to feel different than the big-name clinics we were up against. We wanted to create a family atmosphere because we believed it would lead to meaningful, personal connections with our patients. One decade later, I can say conclusively that we were right. Let me explain. Just last fall, a patient who has been with us from the very beginning came to visit. Like many of you, she likes to ask about our sons and their lives. I was halfway through telling her how Zach is doing in middle school when she stopped me with a giggle. “Can you believe you and I used to talk about his potty training?” We both had a good laugh. Had we really known each other that long? Time flies! That moment really put things in perspective. In the day-to-day motions of living life, we can miss big changes if we’re not careful. Having just brought on a fourth therapist, and having grown so many wonderful connections with our patients, it’s fun for Mike to look back and chuckle at those heady days when we were first starting out as a practice and a family. In just five years, Mike and I got married, had Zach and Nathan, and started Kinetic. Shortly after, we threw a dog into the mix. If this sounds like a crazy stress dream, I’d have to agree with you. There we were, a young family, leaving the job security of a larger practice to pursue our dreams. In 2008, no less. Making it all work took some creative balancing acts. In the beginning, I wore just about every hat — mother, secretary, and therapist. I worked the phones, even though I could rarely just sit at the front desk. I must

have been quite the sight for my fellow grocery shoppers, scheduling appointments with a baby on my hip and a toddler trying to make a break for the cereal aisle. Sometimes I wonder if my patients could tell I was changing a diaper while on the phone with them. I could not have done it alone. Mike worked hard at his day job to keep food in our mouths and clothes on our backs. Afterwards, he would come home and take patients in the evenings. On days when I absolutely had to be without distractions, great-grandma stepped up to the plate and watched the kids for us. It’s like they say — it takes a village. Looking back at the past 10 years, we’re incredibly grateful for how our family and our practice were able to grow together. The friendships we’ve made with our patients assure us that the choices we made back then were the right ones. It means the world to us that so many of you have stuck with Kinetic Physical Therapy over the years. And we’d like to thank you personally. This year, we’re going to hold an open house to celebrate our first decade as a practice, and you’re invited! We know many of our patients like to travel during the winter, so we’ll hold off on the celebrations until spring. Mike and I haven’t settled on an official date yet, but we’re leaning toward May. Keep an eye on this newsletter for future updates so you don’t miss out on the fun! Until then, just know all of us here at Kinetic and the Ulmer family appreciate your friendship.

Thank you, and here’s to another 10 years!

–Emilie Ulmer THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our Toys for Tots program this year. We had a record number of donations and you helped many less fortunate children experience joy this Christmas!

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Your Reading List for 2018

Can you believe 2017 is behind us? Elections, weather, and just about everything on the news left us feeling uncertain. We could all use a dose of optimism in the new year. Here are some books that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit, even in the most challenging situations. FINDING FORREST When an actor tries their hand at other creative mediums, the results are varied, but the buzz about Tom Hanks’ new book, “Uncommon Type,” has been largely positive. His literary debut is a collection of 17 short stories, all featuring, in some way, a typewriter. At their heart, though, the stories are about human relationships, and Hanks manages to inject his most memorable character’s charm into his writing. As NPR reviewer Heller McAlpin puts it, “In a world where the news is unrelentingly bleak and much fiction tends toward the dystopian, postapocalyptic, dark, or edgy, this is a gentler, sweeter kind of storytelling than we’ve come to expect.” OVERCOME A HARROWING YEAR Few have done more to earn the title of modern-day hero than Scott Kelly, who has served as a military fighter pilot, an engineer, an astronaut, and now, an author. “Endurance” is Kelly’s memoir, and it recounts the year he spent on the International Space Station.

From sharing everyday space adventures to letting us in on the physical toll space takes on the body, Kelly helps us understand what it’s really like to be in the great unknown. If you’re looking for inspiration in the new year, reading about Kelly’s harrowing year of challenges will surely give you the courage to overcome your own. IF YOU LOVED THE ‘DIVERGENT’ SERIES Veronica Roth brings us a new sci-fi/fantasy series with “Carve the Mark.” Roth whisks us to a planet where each person has a “currentgift,” a special power they develop. But for heroes Cyra and Akos, currentgifts are more of a curse. The two must work to overcome their distinctly different pasts and unite to save their world — or die trying. WHEN YOU NEED A HERO School is tough, and no one knows it better than George Heffley. In installment 12 of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, titled “The Getaway,” Jeff Kinney takes us on a tropical vacation with the Heffleys as they attempt to escape the cold weather and frenzy of the holidays. But the island isn’t the relaxing sanctuary it’s supposed to be. The suggested reading age is 8–12 years old, but this book would make an excellent listen for the whole family during a road trip of your own.

“My overall experience here at Kinetic has been great. I thought that my progress was kind of slow, but my doctor and Mike (my therapist) kept reassuring me that I was ahead

“Kinetic PT Specialists is the best PT facility in this area. They are competent and attentive while working with their clients. I’m leaving my treatment feeling better, walking

of schedule. I am almost back to doing everything I did prior to surgery. I am very happy with my rate of recovery. I am sure that by continuing with the exercises, I will be completely recovered in the near future.”

better, and better able to handle my chores at home. They’re the best! P.S. And they laugh at my jokes.”

–Frank Ardito Jr.

–Douglas McMillan

For our December edition, we would like to apologize to Annette Haraburda and Janet Brandt for mixing up Annette’s testimonial with Janet’s Picture.

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We Illinoisans like to think we can take the worst of what winter throws our way. And for the most part, we’re right. But the monotony of these cold, dark Midwestern days can really wear you down as the season drags on. This sort of weather can bring on seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. As a form of depression, SAD can affect your mood, appetite, relationships, and health. Here are some tips to fight SAD and make sure your body is happy and healthy for spring.

great way to boost your

mood. Just be sure to bundle up, and be careful not to slip. If you can get your partner or a group of friends together to go out and walk, all the better!

GET PHYSICAL

Part of the problem with winter is it keeps so many of us cooped up indoors. It’s easy to get sedentary when there’s ice and snow outside. Activities like mall walking or taking a dip in an indoor swimming pool will keep you both active and out of the cold. A study by the University of Helsinki, Finland (a place very familiar with long winters) found that physical exercise helps remedy symptoms commonly associated with SAD. It’s easy to neglect your body’s need for things like sunshine and exercise in the winter. The cold can also inflame old aches and pains. If you need help with your wellness as winter draws to a close, reach out to us at Kinetic Physical Therapy.

TAKE A TRIP

As many of our readers already know, one of the best ways to fight winter is to avoid it entirely. A midwinter trip to a sunnier part of the world can help you relax and recharge. Remember Jimmy Buffet’s timeless adage: “Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.”

ENJOY THE SUN

If you weren’t able to get away this year, or if you came back too early, you can always enjoy the outdoors here in Huntley. Getting outside while the sun is shining is a

Sudoku

Leftover Turkey Ramen

Ingredients • 1 leftover turkey carcass • 6 scallions, divided • 8 slices ginger • 6 dried shiitake mushrooms • 16 cups water • 4 eggs • 4 ounces bacon

• 4 portions fresh, not instant, ramen noodles • 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded

Instructions 1. Remove most of the meat from the turkey carcass, shred, and set aside. Put carcass in a large stockpot, along with 3 scallions, ginger, mushrooms, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours. 2. Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove pot from heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool. 3. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, chop, and set aside. Chop remaining scallions. 4. Once the broth is done simmering, prepare the fresh noodles according to package directions. Divide noodles among 4 bowls and cover with broth. Add shredded turkey, chopped scallions, chopped bacon, and an egg to each bowl. (Recipe inspired by TheWoksOfLife.com.)

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

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INSIDE Celebrating 10 Years of Kinetic PT PAGE 1 Books to Inspire You in the New Year PAGE 2 Testimonials PAGE 2 3 Ways to Improve Your Mood This Winter PAGE 3 Revive That Leftover Turkey! PAGE 3 Adventure Is Waiting PAGE 4 11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142

a semester abroad in college, but with fewer essays to write. Start planning your dream vacation at roadscholar.org. GLOBE AWARE Have you ever wanted to travel the world and help make the planet a better place? Then it’s time to consider “voluntourism.” Take the international trip you’ve always wanted by donating your time in a meaningful way. The experts in “aging with attitude” at Senior Planet celebrate Globe Aware for its success in catering to the adventurous and the generous. Learn how you can volunteer with orphans or help clean up coral reefs at globeaware.org. There will never be a better time to take the trip you’ve dreamed of for years. Adventure is out there; don’t keep it waiting any longer.

Are you ready to set out on a grand adventure? Many people spend their entire lives thinking about the exotic locations they want to explore, only to let the opportunity slip through their fingers. Stop dreaming about adventure and make it a reality with these top-of- the-line travel companies. Circle Travel specializes in affordable tour packages that let travelers focus on a true local experience. Your tour can include language lessons, visits to neighborhood schools, and home-hosted meals with local families, all of which allow you immerse yourself in the local culture. If you’ve been dreaming of a nautical adventure, Grand Circle Travel also boasts an impressive fleet of small ships for ocean sailing and river cruises. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting gct.com. ROAD SCHOLAR Looking for an adventure that will also quench your thirst for knowledge? For over 40 years, Road Scholar has dedicated itself to creating memorable and educational global travel experiences. Road Scholar crafts vacations that match your interests, group size, and desired activity level. Go on a maritime expedition with your grandchild in Hawaii or enjoy a solo adventure to the ancient ruins of Egypt or Greece. It’s like taking GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL Established by AARP founder Ethel Andrus, Grand

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