The Physical Therapy Doctor - June 2022

The Physical Therapy Doctor - June 2022

theptdoctor.com

718.747.2019

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

June 2022

ON THE

MOVE

AHH, THE GOOD OLD DAYS! A MOVIE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

We’re all thinking about it, so I’ll just come out and say it: Inflation is crazy. Back in the spring, I took my sons to see “The Batman.” We had a great time chowing down on popcorn in the theater and dissecting the movie afterward. Marvel has really set a high standard with the way they intertwine their storylines, so the boys and I have become connoisseurs of superhero movies. But while I was talking to Matthew about whether “The Batman” was realistic enough or if it leaned too hard into action and explosions, something else was bugging me. “Man,” I thought, “a trip to the theater these days is so expensive!” When I was a kid in 1981, my family once walked from my grandparents’ apartment over to the Drake Theatre in Rego Park to see “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The Drake is gone now, but it was a real discount theater back then and had been on Woodhaven Boulevard since 1935. I remember looking up over the door and seeing a big banner stretched across it that said, “Movies, $1 per person!” All four of us saw “Indiana Jones” for $4. You could take the entire family and have plenty of cash left over for popcorn, drinks, and dinner afterward! Those were the good old days. I always looked forward to the movies, even though they didn’t really take care of the theater; when I walked down the aisles, my sneakers stuck to the floor.

at those cheap movies. Once, my friend Peter and I ducked into The Regal UA Midway theater on Queens Boulevard and got a great deal: three movies for the price of one! They didn’t pay attention to kids in the theater in those days, so you could hop from one theater to another and stay the whole day if you wanted. (Don’t judge me here! I’m not proud of it, but it does make for a good story.) There were no cellphones, so we had to call our parents on a payphone to let them know not to pick us up yet because we were sticking around. We watched movie after movie, and we didn’t get caught! Even those ushers with the little flashlights didn’t catch us. I don’t think movie-hopping would be so easy today because the seats are numbered. But if anyone figures it out, let me know! (laughing) Just kidding. (wink) Apart from those two times, my favorite movie memories are going to drive-in movies in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. I was about 10 years old and got so excited about driving into the country and watching a movie from the car. We pulled right up to a speaker pole, rolled down our window, and piped the sound right in. It was great! I was happy to see the drive-in idea come back here at the shopping center during the early days of COVID-19. Once I got over the inflation thing, Matthew, Michael, and I decided “The Batman” was pretty good. They did a great job showing both sides of Bruce Wayne and giving Batman a weakness, just like everyone in the real world. In my book, a superhero has to have courage and be kind. If you know any screenwriters, do me a favor and tell them to work on a new Superman movie. The last one worth watching was “Superman II” with Christopher Reeve in 1981. Since then, no one has nailed the biggest superhero of them all — but I’ll keep holding out hope!

Now, I know all of this is relative. Those $1 movies are the good old days for me, but I’m sure some of you can trump me. I can already hear you guys saying, “Bah, $1 is nothing! Back in my day, we could get a double feature for a nickel, and in between the shows, there was a little cartoon.” That just goes to show you what inflation does. I had the time of my life

–Dr. Robert Morea

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HOW YOUR ORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH LINK TOGETHER EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED

Our bodies are made up of many systems working together to keep us functional and healthy. It’s so complex that even scientists don’t understand how all of it works. But we do know that our health is a whole-body experience, and ignoring one aspect of our wellness will often lead to other problems down the line. Oral health is no exception. For example, poor dental health can contribute to cardiovascular disease, and diabetes can lead to gum disease. Still, most people don’t know that their oral and mental health are linked. Researchers have found that people who suffer from mental illnesses are more likely to develop oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease. In fact, experts have identified several reasons for the apparent connection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people across the globe are affected by depression. That’s about 5% of the adult population. Depression is more than just sadness, and it impacts people’s ability to think clearly and engage in regular activities. Oral care routines often fall by the wayside as a result, along with dental visits. This neglect of regular mouth maintenance can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Meanwhile, anxiety can make social interactions terrifying, and sufferers may have difficulty scheduling and attending dental appointments. Additionally, many people have a phobia of dentists that causes them to postpone care. Due to this anxiety or fear, oral health issues can go untreated and significantly worsen.

There are still more connections. People with eating disorders may experience dental erosion or low calcium levels that affect their teeth. Pain is a risk factor for depression, so existing oral pain can spark or worsen mental health problems. And while more research is needed, a 2019 study found a possible genetic link between depression and oral health conditions. If you’re struggling, you need to protect your mental and physical health. Talk to your doctor about what you’ve been experiencing, and be open to their recommendations. Treating your mind well will lead to better health and perhaps a happier and longer life. In addition to this, don’t forget to include your dentist in your plans for full-body health. They’re not trained mental health professionals, but they can provide helpful strategies to help you maintain your dental health while seeking treatment for your mental health as well. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medication you’re taking. Side effects from antidepressants can include dry mouth or teeth grinding, and your dentist can help you minimize the damage. Whatever you're going through, it's crucial to keep your entire health team engaged. Physicians, dentists, and therapists all have specialized roles, but outcomes are better when each specialty has the complete picture and can work together. Keep the lines of communication open — and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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Making a meal plan is a pain, but you still want to get all your necessary vitamins, minerals, and protein through everyday foods. Even if you’re not a cooking expert, you can employ a few very simple cooking hacks in the dishes you commonly prepare! You'll be surprised how these little boosts can reap big, nutritious rewards. No. 1: Add quinoa to recipes. Want to add extra texture or color to your steamed white or brown rice? Mix it up with 1 cup of quinoa (any color) and another 2 cups of water or broth. Or, simply throw quinoa into any grain-friendly soup you’re preparing, like a simple chicken soup! Quinoa is rich in antioxidants and filled with fiber to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, reducing your risk of diabetes and heart disease. No. 2: Replace cream with almond, walnut, or oat milk. Cream is a popular mainstay in any American kitchen, but it doesn’t have to be dairy cream. Plant-based milk and creamer (such as almond, walnut, or oat milk) are often extra rich in vitamins and minerals and low in fat. They contain no cholesterol and are easy on your digestive system. Because they all have slightly different flavor profiles, you can pick your favorite! Walnut milk works surprisingly well in a creamy pasta sauce. 3 Easy Cooking Hacks for Better Nutrition

No. 3: Add frozen spinach to almost anything. Fresh spinach quickly loses its folate, powerful vitamins, and nutritional benefits over time, but spinach, frozen at its peak freshness, saves the day. That’s why frozen spinach is actually more nutritious than most fresh spinach at the supermarket! Whether it's for pasta, pizza, scrambled eggs, cheese dip, a smoothie, or curry, frozen spinach is more versatile than you might think. Plus, studies show spinach may have amino acids that help reduce stress and depression! (Bonus) No. 4: Add chia seeds to cold drinks, yogurt, baked desserts, and more! It’s easy to feel guilty for indulging your cravings for sweet tea, pudding, cookies, and cake. But if you add chia seeds, you might feel a little better about it! These small seeds are densely packed with antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management.

We hope these tips help make your favorite dishes a little more fun and guilt-free! Enjoy!

Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers

TAKE A BREAK!

Inspired by RecipeRunner.com

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

For the Marinade • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 3 tbsp honey • Juice of 1 lime • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt For the Skewers • 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes • 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes

1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

718.747.2019

theptdoctor.com 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360

Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

1. Robert Talks Inflation (and Batman!) 2. Your Mental Health Can Affect Your Mouth 3. 3 Cooking Hacks to Eat Better Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers 4. Permanent Weight Loss Is Too Hard — Or Is It? INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SPOILER: YOUR BODY IS SCARED OF IT WHY IS PERMANENT WEIGHT LOSS SO HARD?

Losing weight is hard — and not just because creating new diet and exercise habits is difficult. The truth is that you’re working against your body’s natural instincts, which is to preserve weight. In other words, even when weight loss is the healthiest thing you can do for your body, physiologically, your body rarely realizes that.

A popular, effective way to think of weight loss is “calories in, calories out” (CICO). You want more calories going out than coming in because this helps sustain a caloric deficit which can assist in losing weight. However, not all calories affect your hormones the same way, and being overweight to begin with can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate an appropriate appetite.

As just one example, according to the Journal of Clinical Investigation, a diet with added fructose (high-fructose

corn syrup) is linked to insulin resistance, increased blood sugar levels, and higher triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels — but if you replace fructose with regular sugars and glucose, the risk is noticeably less. That said, fruit with natural fructose does not appear to carry the same risks as added fructose. Our bodies are complex machines. Many factors beyond diet (genetics, medical comorbidities, long-standing diabetes, stress, sleep, etc.) can affect your ability to lose weight. The best path to a healthier weight is to move more and find multiple ways to live a healthier life, one small step at a time.

How does weight loss work? Complex interactions between hormones and neurons in your

So, how do I lose weight — for good?

hypothalamus control how much you weigh. Your hypothalamus controls your thirst, hunger, and body temperature. The chemicals that interact with the hypothalamus therefore influence your appetite and how much food you eat. In particular, fat cells in your body produce the hormone leptin, which then tells your body when you’ve stored enough fat, thus decreasing your appetite.

Even after following a new diet and exercise regimen, most people are likely to regain about 30%–35% of the weight they’ve lost after one year. After sacrificing those potato chips for sugar snap peas, this is frustrating! But we promise that some changes do help maintain permanent weight loss, including replacing processed foods in your diet.

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Are you taking medication for your back pain? If so, there’s something you should know: Anti-inflammatory medications don’t actually fix the cause of your pain. They just hide your symptoms, if you’re lucky! LEARN THE REAL FIX FOR BACK PAIN COME TO OUR WORKSHOP ON JUNE 21!

Don’t believe the hype on the pill bottle or be fooled by the X-rays and MRIs that paint a picture of gloom and doom. The truth is those are only part of the picture. They don’t show how tight or weak your muscles are or if you have improper movement. Restoring full range of motion and proper movement is why physical therapy is so successful at helping you live an active pain-free life. Fortunately, the arthritis or other pain you have in your back CAN be fixed. Here at The PT Doctor, our physical therapists do this every day! In fact, back pain is the problem we treat most. With PT, your back will move better, you’ll have less pain, and you’ll finally be able to do the things you love again.

Why would you stay home and take pills that do nothing when a real fix is out there? You only get one spine, so take good care of it by improving the flexibility and strength of the surrounding muscles. Attend my workshop to learn exactly what can be done to help the “backbone” of your body. You’ll learn great tips and exercises to reduce your pain naturally without invasive treatments or medications. Soon you’ll be out and about in the beautiful summer weather. Don’t put up with pain any longer! Register today and give yourself the knowledge and skills you need to reclaim your life.

CALL 718.747.2019 TO RESERVE A SPOT! WHEN: Tuesday, June 21 TIME: 2 p.m. WHERE: The PT Doctor Clinic

The Physical Therapy Doctor 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360 718.747.2019 ThePTDoctor.com

ARE YOU DECONDITIONED? Being deconditioned means you have weakness in some or many of your muscles. So, are you DECONDITIONED?

You might be if …

• You are unsteady on your feet when you walk. • You have aches or pains. • You can’t walk very far because you get tired. Did you know you don’t have to wait until you have excruciating pain or are falling down before you address your underlying weaknesses? The stronger you are, the better chance you have to live a long, healthy life.

So, don’t wait. Come in for a free screening and learn the best exercises for YOU ... to get YOU started ... and to advance YOU to a higher level of strength. During the free screening, you will learn which of your muscles are weak and which are tight. Then if needed, Medicare will pay for improving the general weakness within your body! We are the “movement specialists” here at The Physical Therapy Doctor clinic, and we are working with people every day to help them move better and feel stronger. We can help you, too! Call us today at 718.747.2019 to schedule your free screening appointment. When: Tuesday, June 28 Time: Call for an appointment (718.747.2019) Where: The PT Doctor clinic

The Physical Therapy Doctor 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360 718.747.2019 ThePTDoctor.com