Kinetic PT - November 2019

Kinetic PT - November 2019

NOVEMBER 2019

847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com

THE BEST THURSDAY OF THE YEAR TURKEY WITH A SIDE OF GRATITUDE

We need more holidays like Thanksgiving — no running around to buy presents, no ceremonies, and no dress code — just good food and even better company. It’s maybe the most “laid back” day of the year, especially when you’re hosted by loved ones. Then even the cooking is largely out of your hands! Of course, Emilie and I have hosted in years past, cooking up a feast for relatives on both sides of the family. Even then, those years were far more relaxing compared to facing a steady stream of trick-or- treaters or the chaos of Christmas shopping. Well, okay, the few times we fried the turkey came with a few hair-raising moments, but nothing caught fire, and the end result was more than worth it! But this year, the Ulmers won’t be running the show. We’ll be packing up the kids and heading to Minnesota to visit Emilie’s sister for the holiday! The plan is to head out Wednesday and get back Saturday. As tempting as it is to spend that extra day with family we only see a few times a year, the Sunday traffic after Thanksgiving is no laughing

matter. The last thing we want is to come into the clinic sore and beleaguered from a car ride the night before. (Of course, if you’re in pain from your holiday travels, feel free to come on down!) Still, having roughly three days to spend with relatives is sure to be a great time. In years past, we’ve watched football, movies, and played plenty of board games. It’s relaxing to have little more to do than find ways to have fun. And then, of course, we have the feast. I’m a traditionalist when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. As long as I get turkey and stuffing on my plate, I’m a happy camper — all the other side dishes and desserts are just a bonus. Of course, the food and leisure time that comes with Thanksgiving is more than just a great way to spend a long weekend. I’d argue this relaxation helps us focus on what the holiday is all about: thankfulness. During the year, it’s easy to allow immediate needs and annoyances to push our appreciation for loved ones and good fortune into the background. But, when we have a few days to slow down and reflect on life, we can see what we have more clearly. Of course, writing this article ahead of time helps me reflect on these things early — without any turkey to lend a hand.

Still, I’m fortunate that the bright points in my life are very easy to spot. On the professional side, I’ve seen so many patients make incredible progress. Watching people recover and get back to the activities they love never fails to bring a smile to my face, and this year has had plenty of smiles. It’s a great reminder of how lucky I am to do what I do at a growing clinic my family has built together. Speaking of family, mine is in great health! Grandma is still doing well, and we haven’t had any major scares recently. Zach and Nathan have transitioned to their new grade levels smoothly and are maturing into fine young men. Emilie continues to be the best partner I could have ever asked for in building the clinic and raising our kids. Words can’t capture how lucky I feel to have built this life together. From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! –Mike Ulmer

“… THE FEW TIMES WE FRIED THE TURKEY CAME WITH A FEW HAIR-RAISING MOMENTS …”

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Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. YOUR HEART According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress. YOUR BRAIN Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia WHAT’S SWIRLING AROUND IN YOUR CUP?

in the elderly with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” YOUR MOOD Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%. So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.

“I had problems putting on my shoes and socks. Now I can do it with no problem. Getting in and out of a car was a problem, but now I can do it without any problem. I just got done moving some bricks the other day with no problem. I have some things I can do at home to keep my knee in good shape. I just want to say thanks to Amanda for taking good care of me and thanks to everyone at Kinetic.” –Bob Gliszczynski

“I felt very welcome and comfortable at Kinetic. Amanda

did a great job. She helped me

get stronger in my lower extremities. My balance is much better, and I have no more back pain. I am also able to get out of a chair without support. Thank you, Amanda!” –Christel Mueller

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Help Us Collect Toys for Tots!

It’s that time of year again! Our clinic is kicking off our annual “Toys for Tots” toy drive to deliver Christmas cheer to children in need. We want this year to be our biggest ever, and we’ll need your help to get there! If you’d like to bring a little holiday magic to an underprivileged family this year, bring a new toy to our clinic between Oct. 15 and Dec. 13! WHAT IS TOYS FOR TOTS? Toys for Tots is a 501(c)(3) public charity run by the United States Marine Corps. Their mission: “Collect new, unwrapped toys, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.” We at Kinetic PT

Specialists are honored to play a part in helping this important cause! WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: If you want to help us bring smiles to children’s faces around our community, simply bring an unwrapped , new toy to our clinic’s drop off station. Used/opened toys will not be accepted. Feel free to bring more than one toy or to invite friends and family to donate. The more the merrier! Our team will be pitching in as well to make sure we’ve got a huge stack of gifts to give out. WHY DO WE DO THIS? Beyond just the good feelings that come with sharing holiday cheer, this is an amazing charity. Toys

Sudoku generosity year after year, but we have a feeling this drive will top all the rest! Tell your friends and help us make this goal a reality! may seem simple to us adults, but, to a child who may not even expect Santa to visit their house, they can mean the world. And the struggling parents and guardians of these kids can breathe a little easier this Christmas. This community has given so much to us and our own children — Toys for Tots is a deeply gratifying way to give back. So, again, we ask that you bring an unwrapped, new toy to our clinic between Oct. 15 and Dec. 13, and help us make a difference! We have such an amazing turnout of

Leftover Thanksgiving Dog Treats

Inspired by TwoHealthyKitchens.com

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, plain and mashed • 3/4 cup water

• 1 egg • 2 cups cooked turkey, finely chopped • 2 cups whole wheat flour

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, water, and egg. Add turkey and flour and stir again until dough is thick and sticky. 3. Use a rubber spreader to spread dough evenly on parchment- lined baking sheet, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut dough into small rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter. 4. Bake for 30 minutes, until the dog treats are lightly golden brown. 5. Remove from oven and let treats cool completely. Break treats apart along score lines. 6. Serve fresh or store in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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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 Real Point of Thanksgiving PAGE 1

Spilling the Tea on Tea PAGE 2

My PT Story PAGE 2

Help Us Help Families PAGE 3

Post-Feast Dog Treats PAGE 3

Stay in a Real Castle PAGE 4

Every year, tourists flock to Disney’s “Magic Kingdom” and marvel at Cinderella’s iconic castle. As fun as it is to see this Florida-based attraction, it would be even more magical to step back in time and visit a real medieval citadel. What if you could walk the same ramparts as Roman legionnaires and climb the same towers as French kings? If this idea gives you goosebumps, pack your bags for Carcassonne, France. A four-hour train ride from Paris, towering above the rolling vineyards of southern France, you’ll find one of the most intact, accessible castles in Europe. With sweeping, concentric walls and 53 elegant towers, the Cité de Carcassonne is a breathtaking sight. Once an impenetrable border fortress between the kingdoms of France and Aragon, the gates now stand open to anyone curious enough to walk its cobblestone streets. In fact, you can stay in the ancient city yourself. The five-star Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne occupies a former bishop’s palace and overlooks the inner ramparts of the fortress. With medieval tapestries and gorgeous woodwork in the hotel’s interior, you’ll feel like you’re living among French royalty. Of course, if you’d prefer lodging with the

commoners, plenty of quaint bed-and-breakfasts exist just across the Aude river.

With rustic cafes, fresh crepes, and bustling crowds making their way down the twisting cobblestone streets, the surface-level experience of Carcassonne would be enticing to anyone wanting to explore the French countryside. But for those who want to delve into the history of this storied castle, grand narratives await you. Just walking the walls of Carcassonne paints a picture of the past. While the outer fortifications were built by Louis IX and Phillip III, a section of the inner wall is far older. The red brick used in this part of the construction dates back to before the existence of France itself. Roman troops first fortified the hillside town around 100 BCE, giving every stone of this site a story to tell.

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing medieval life for yourself, your adventure awaits in Carcassonne.

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