VitalCare PT - November 2019

VitalCare PT - November 2019

MONTHLY

NOVEMBER 2019

WWW.VITALCAREREHAB.COM

(623) 544-0300

Family, Football, and Fun Thanksgiving Memories

MY INTERESTING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NATION’S FAVORITE SPORT

Vital Care Patients ENTER TO WIN Find the misspelled word in this newsletter and call (623) 544-0300 for your chance to win a $10 GIFT CARD! CALL (623) 544-0300 Contest is for past and present Vital Care PT patients only. While I’ve grown accustomed to being a football widow over the last two decades, I’ve been a secondhand football fan for as long as I can remember. In fact, football played a huge role in my family long before I was born. My dad was one of eight boys in his household (12 kids total), and, while he was supremely athletic, he wasn’t allowed to participate in When I recently discovered that Nov. 5 has officially been designated as National Football Day, I couldn’t help but laugh because as the daughter, niece, sister, and wife of some of the biggest football fans in the country, National Football Day lasts for at least six months every year. In fact, this time of year, I assume the title of “football widow.” With my husband’s unwavering devotion to catching every game and building the best fantasy football teams, I know his love for the sport will keep him preoccupied from the very first preseason game all the way to the Super Bowl.

any extracurricular activities. His parents were worried extracurriculars would interfere with his ability to complete his chores. Every one of the kids had a designated chore, and my dad’s was to peel the potatoes! He said they went through a 10-pound bag of potatoes every single day! One day, the head football coach came to his house and begged my grandpa to let my dad join the team. When he finally agreed, my dad became the first in the family to play ball, and all his brothers followed suit. My dad’s natural talent for the game landed him a scholarship out of high school, so he continued playing throughout his college years. My uncles, many of my male cousins, and my brother did the same. While I watched a ton of games at the stadium to support my relatives growing up, and even more with my dad at home, I never really developed a huge passion for it. I just never really fell in love with it the same way my dad, uncles, and husband did. I do, however, like the social aspect of football games and the way it brings family and friends together. Along with just spending time with family and friends, I have also enjoyed the good people watching at the football games, the music, and the energy of the crowd. While watching football has never been one of my favorite pastimes, it continues to play a substantial role in my life. I am too busy and fidgety to sit still for three hours to watch a game from beginning to end, but, if I hear Dave screaming at the TV, I’ll come and watch for a while. I’ll also watch the game highlights with him. In that way, I still know how the season is going, but I don’t have to sit and view every minute of each game.

In addition to catching the

highlights, I’ll also come in to watch replays of when athletes get injured during gameplay. I get how this can initially

seem somewhat morbid, but, as a physical therapist, it’s in my nature to

diagnose injuries and recommend treatment. So, I will watch the injury occur, attempt to diagnose what happened, and determine how long it will take for the player to return to the field. I have to admit I have quite a knack for it! While I have an interesting relationship with football and usually get to pick and choose when I want to sit down and watch a game, Thanksgiving is always the one exception. For as long as I can remember, the post-feast holiday tradition has been to pile up on the couch with stomachs full of food and watch football together. In that way, I am grateful for the sport. Even though it steals the attention of all the important men in my life for several months every year, it has the amazing ability to bring family and friends together for a day filled with excitement and fun. I may never appreciate football in the same way my husband does, but I appreciate it nevertheless.

From my football-loving family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

–Andrea McWhorter

www.VitalCareRehab.com | 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro . www.TheNewsletterPro.com

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 tee 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 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 What’s Swirling Around in Your Cup? TEA TIME Success Stories

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.

OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST

HOW AN ARTICLE ABOUT VESTIBULAR THERAPY CHANGED THIS WOMAN’S LIFE

In February 2018, the team here at Vital Care Physical Therapy published an article in our newsletter about vestibular disorders. Because many people come to our office complaining of dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, and balance problems, we wanted to spread awareness about some of the factors that can contribute to these symptoms. Generally speaking, many of these symptoms are caused by problems inside parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements, known as the vestibular system. If diseases or injuries damage this system, vestibular disorder can be a result.

“It only took a few weeks to notice significant results.To think that without this informative newsletter, I might still be spending my days at home inactive. Andrea and Abby have blessed my life beyond measure by offering professional techniques and genuine care! I will forever be grateful! “P.S. The entire staff is warm and friendly, which makes working together even better.”

After coming across the article nearly two years ago, one of our avid readers, Reita D., made an appointment with our team. This is her story.

“I had a hard fall off a ladder, and for six months, I was stuck dealing with chronic dizziness. It wasn’t until I received Vital Care’s monthly newsletter and found an article discussing vestibular therapy that I realized I needed the kind of help that Andrea provides.You have no idea how big of a relief it was to find there was something that could be done.

If you’ve been suffering from dizziness or vertigo, there’s a good chance vestibular therapy could be the answer to your problems. Give our office a call today to see how our team can help you get back on your feet and feeling great at (623) 544-0300!

2 | (623) 544-0300

SUDOKU

It’s estimated that approximately 40% of the American population will experience sciatica at some point throughout their lives. Sciatica refers to tingling, pain, or numbness that travels along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. Starting in the lower back, the pain travels down the body, crossing over the gluteal muscles, and reaches down through a patient’s leg and toes. Without treatment, sciatica can negatively affect a patient’s daily routine all year long, but the holiday season can often exacerbate the condition. Between driving back and forth from the grocery store and making the long trips to visit family members for Thanksgiving, sitting in the car for extended periods of time can cause more frequent flare-ups. If you know you are going to be spending a lot of time in the car this holiday season, here are some tips to help keep your sciatica in check. STRETCHING Before you hit the road, take at least 10 minutes to get in a good stretch session. This can help loosen up your joints and muscles before long bouts of sitting. Additionally, any time you make a stop along the way, get a couple minutes of stretching in, and then stretch again once you arrive. Doing so can help prevent that pesky sciatic pain from ruining your Thanksgiving dinner. HOT/COLD Another great option is utilizing a hot or cold pad while in the car. Since these temperature variants can work as great pain relievers, put either type of pad on the painful nerve for approximately 10-20 minutes. If you’re planning a longer trip, you can alternate between the two pads. CUSHIONS A variety of different cushions are available to place on the seat behind you or sit on to prevent flare-ups and keep your posture secure during those hours on the road. Since practicing good posture can relieve this type of nerve pain, bringing a cushion along can make the drive far more comfortable. We at Vital Care like the “Seat Solutions” cushion. If you need a cushion and would like to check the “Seat Solutions” cushion out, feel free to stop by the clinic anytime between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can sit on it and see if it feels comfortable to you. If you like it, we have them available to purchase here at the clinic for your convenience. While these tips can help you navigate sciatica troubles over your Thanksgiving holiday, they don’t provide the whole story regarding long-term sciatica treatment. To better understand your rehabilitation options, you need to come to our Sciatica Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. While there, you’ll learn about the biggest mistake lower back pain sufferers make, the three most common causes for lower back pain, and three strategies to reduce it. Call our office or go to our website VitalCareRehab.com to register! CHECK OUT OUR WORKSHOP FOR LONG-TERM TREATMENT IDEAS DON’T LET LOWER BACK PAIN RUIN YOUR THANKSGIVING!

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.

www.VitalCareRehab.com | 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

(623) 544-0300 Fax: (623) 544-0239 www.VitalCareRehab.com

14545 W. Grand Ave., #108 Surprise, AZ 85374

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

Family, Football, and Fun Thanksgiving Memories PAGE 1 Spilling the Tea on Tea How an Article Changed This Woman’s Life PAGE 2 Post-Feast Dog Treats Don’t Let Lower Back Pain Ruin Your Thanksgiving! PAGE 3

Stay in a Real Castle PAGE 4

The Real Magic Kingdom CARCASSONNE

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.

4 | (623) 544-0300

Published by The Newsletter Pro . www.TheNewsletterPro.com