Synergy Therapeutic Group - January 2019

1110 N. CEDAR COURT CARBONDALE, IL 62901

PHONE: (618) 529-4360 FAX: (618) 529-4560

12 SOUTH DIVISION STREET DU QUOIN, IL 62832

PHONE: (618) 542-8950 FAX: (618) 542-8746

JANUARY 2019

Health & WWW.SYNERGYTHERAPEUTICGROUP.COM

Wellness

THERAPEUTIC GROUP

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY

WHAT MY SON TAUGHT ME Please look inside for Joy and Aaron’s story with Chandana.

Hear From Pediatric Occupational Therapist Chandana Dash

I t wasn’t until I had children that I felt the true effects of the occupational pediatric therapies I’ve committed my life to. As a toddler, our son was very intelligent and already reading three grades above his own. He was my first child, and despite my advanced degree and experience in pediatrics, I figured his anxieties were normal for a little kid — until we had our daughter. As parents, we got excited to see our son doing so well at a young age, but we weren’t looking at the whole picture. So, I read, researched, and learned more. What were we missing? Why was he so skilled in one area but falling behind in others? What could we do? I wanted to learn more about ways we could make the world quieter and less stimulating for him and children with autism, ADD, ADHD, and various other sensory and muscular disorders. This is when I started putting all the pieces together. When I was pregnant with my son, we were laid off, combing through visa guidelines, dealing with changing Medicare laws, and trying to sell our house. I never drank or smoked, but I still put immense pressure on my child that forced his little body to adapt to high levels of stress. I don’t blame myself or any other women who is struggling while pregnant. Like in our situation, some of this is unavoidable, but you have to pay attention to how your child interacts with the world. Getting help is easier than most parents think. When a child doesn’t like bathing or getting their fingernails cut, we chalk this up to a behavioral issue. In reality, sometimes these actions are too much stimulation for children, especially those who are living with a sensory-processing disorder. At times, their body is trying to process something that it cannot physically handle, and that stimuli becomes a major stressor.

I give a lot of credit to my son. Having him made me a better person, and it’s forced me to look at life differently. He’s extremely positive, always laughing or smiling, and is vigilant in making sure he doesn’t hurt anyone’s feelings. He’s taught me that anything can be possible with a little work — and I now teach my patients that same idea. I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to help patients and their parents find solutions that work best for them. I remember one patient who began seeing me when he was just eight years old. His mom told me he had a learning disability, like many parents do out of protective instincts. I told her that it’s fine that he has this, but I don’t want to use those words to define what he can and cannot do. We had to find a way — and we did. That kid is now succeeding in college, and we have a great relationship today. This mom’s story isn’t unique. Often, parents want people to understand that their children have a diagnosis to explain why they may act a certain way, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make their situation more well-known. But it’s important to learn more about your children’s symptoms and habits to find ways to help them lead full lives. I often have parents ask if I would like them to wait outside while I work with their child, and I tell them that I want them to stay, learn, and understand why and how I’m working with their kid. Your child’s sensitivity or struggles aren’t downfalls that need to be cured; it’s just an obstacle your child — and your family — can learn to happily live with.

– Chandana Dash

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During the winter months, colds and the flu can spread like wildfire. Getting sick at least once during the season can be hard to avoid, and once you are sick, you want nothing more than for it to be over and done. While there is no way to completely avoid getting sick, there are ways to speed up your recovery. Next time you’re suffering from a cold, try these remedies to get back on your feet a little bit faster. 3 EASY WAYS TO RECOVER QUICKLY FROM A COLD

Elderberry Syrup Also referred to as elderberry extract, this syrup is made from a plant called European elder. It can be purchased at many health food stores or made at home. Use caution when making syrup at home, since raw and undercooked elderberries are toxic. Many people swear by the berries’ ability to ease congestion and relieve a number of other cold symptoms. Plus, elderberry syrup is known for having anti- inflammatory and antiviral properties, making it an ideal tool for fighting the common cold. Some research even suggests that it can shorten flu symptoms by up to three days. Eucalyptus If you’re suffering from congestion or can’t stop coughing, eucalyptus may offer the relief you’re looking for. Available in several different forms — including syrup, oil, and dried leaves — eucalyptus can be used as an expectorant or as a way to relieve a sore throat. When you’re at home and sick, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in a humidifier. The results are remarkably soothing! Zinc While many people turn to vitamin C to hurry through a cold, that’s not the supplement you should be focusing on. In fact, an overwhelming number of studies show that vitamin C does absolutely nothing to help shorten a cold. Instead, take zinc. You can find it as a nasal spray or lozenge, or even as part of a vitamin C supplement. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that those who took zinc reduced their recovery time from a cold by half. Cold symptoms among those taking a zinc supplement lasted about four days, while symptoms among those taking a placebo lasted about eight days.

SUCCESS STORIES

PATIENT

“Today is my first visit to Synergy. I was not too sure if I could be helped or not but I hurt too much not to try. I had so much shoulder pain. I had trouble dressing, and brushing my hair hurt badly. So, I get my hair cut short and got a perm so I don’t have to brush my hair. Walking, yard work, and house work could only be done in very short spurts. I feel so, so much better. My back is looser, and my shoulder feels great! I recommend this to anyone and everyone hurting. It really works!” –Carla B.

“Before Aaron came to Synergy in June 2017, he had a lot of difficulty falling asleep and wake up frequently during the night. He couldn’t handle getting a bath or brushing his teeth. He ate only a few things and refused to try new foods. He had a lot of behavioral issues and was frequently aggressive and physical with me, his little sister, other kids, and his father. He had a hard time sitting still and would jump or crouch and run around bumping into other people, furniture, and wall. “Since coming to Synergy, Aaron now falls asleep easily, only sometimes wakes up once a night to use the bathroom and then falls asleep quickly. He now does well with getting a bath and brushing his teeth. He now eats a variety of foods and will try new things with encouragement. Aaron’s behavior problems have improved tremendously, and he is like a totally different kid. He is no longer aggressive or physical with anyone. He can now sit without being restless and no longer runs around bumping into people and things.”

–Joy G. (Aaron’s Mom)

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PAIN AND YOUR BRAIN

HOW CHRONIC DISCOMFORT AFFECTS YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

If you’re living with chronic pain, consider the ways it’s been altering your life. You may feel you have to stay home and avoid social situations because it hurts too much, isolating yourself from others. Perhaps you worry you’re underperforming at work or can’t complete daily tasks because your pain is too much of a distraction, causing you to feel inadequate. While these troubles are normal for those living with physical pain, they are also common for those diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and various other mental illnesses. Even without a diagnosed mental illness, the connections between your chronic pain and mental well- being are staggering. Among patients who talk to their doctors about pain, 1/4–1/2 are depressed, and on average, 65 percent of people with depression consider their pain as a symptom. In studies reported in both Psychology Today and WebMD, the regions of the brain that light up when you’re in physical pain are the same regions that fire when GET BACK TO L I V I NG YOUR L I FE

you experience emotional pain, including depressive episodes and anxiety attacks. Additionally, some antidepressants are just as effective at relieving chronic pain.

Like most medications, however, antidepressants don’t target the root cause of your pain — neither mentally nor physically. These medications can certainly provide some relief as you search for treatment options, and there’s no shame in using them responsibly while you find a beneficial therapy option for the source of your pain. Patients living with chronic pain can find relief in their joints and muscles by adhering to physical therapy regimens. As a bonus, exercise and physical movement have been proven to benefit those living with depression. On that same token, seeking help from a licensed psychiatrist can help you sort through your mental health and find a treatment plan that works best for you. Studies have also shown that when you start improving your mental health, your chronic pain begins to lessen, and vice versa. The best plan of action when you feel you’re living with chronic pain and struggling with your mental health is to seek help. To find out how Synergy Therapeutic Group can help you, call (618) 529-4360.

LEARN HOW TO MANAGE BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA WITHOUT MEDICATION, INJECTIONS, OR SURGERY.

CITRUS AND AVOCADO SALAD

SIGN UP AT SYNERGYTHERAPEUTICGROUP.COM/WORKSHOP . YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP. ONLY 20 SPOTS AVAILABLE! WORK YOUR BRAIN

INGREDIENTS

• 1 blood, cara cara, or navel orange, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 1 Meyer or regular lemon, sliced 1/8-inch thick and deseeded • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 bunch arugula

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves • 1 avocado, cut into wedges • Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss citrus slices with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast citrus until lightly charred and caramelized, about 10–15 minutes. Let cool. 3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine onion and lemon juice. Season with salt and let sit for 5 minutes. 4. Add citrus, arugula, and mint to onion mixture. Drizzle with remaining oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss thoroughly. 5. Add avocado, combing very gently to not crush avocado.

SOLUTION ON PAGE 4

Inspired by Bon Appétit

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WWW.SYNERGYTHERAPEUTICGROUP.COM (618) 529-4360 1110 N. CEDAR CT. • CARBONDALE, IL 62901

THERAPEUTIC GROUP

INSIDE Helping Kids Live Full Lives 1 Have a Cold? Recover Faster!

Hear From Our Clients! 2 Pain and Mental Health Citrus Avocado Salad 3 Our Loyalty Program 4

EARN FREE THERAPEUTIC TREATMENTS WORTH UP TO $405!

You are eligible to participate in our loyalty program. You have experienced our unique treatment method. We have achieved an enviable reputation for the success of our therapies. If you are not receiving any texts or emails from us, you have to OPT IN. In order to redeem rewards (which include apparel, insulated lunch boxes, free classes and therapeutic treatments worth up to $405, and much more), TEXT your name to (618) 243-7834.

Loyalty Program

Allowing others to get the help that you once searched for is now at your fingertips.

For more information on how to participate, call (618) 529-4360. There is a lot in store for you! It is easy to get lost in the noise and opt out from communication from us. If you have not opted in, we cannot communicate with you.

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