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PATIENT PULSE
(858) 675-1133 | www.waterpt.com
15373 Innovation Dr. #175 | San Diego, CA 92128 | (858) 675-1133 12171 World Trade Dr. | San Diego, CA 92128
CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP MANAGE CANCER? Reflecting on National Cancer Control Month
When Franklin D. Roosevelt designated April as National Cancer Control Month back in 1938, I wonder if he thought we’d still be fighting the disease almost a hundred years later. In his life, he saw huge leaps and bounds in medicine — but as someone with serious health issues of his own, he would also have had a realistic view
cancer — was given no thought at all. After all, if it doesn’t treat the disease itself, what’s the point?
more of that radiation therapy, she might have been hesitant. But now she knows that with our help, she’ll be able to manage that discomfort, and so she agrees — thus improving her overall treatment outcome. For us, that is a tremendous privilege. We also see people come in several years after receiving cancer treatments. They beat the disease, but now they have pain (neck pain is a very common issue among these patients). It’s important to manage pain as effectively as possible, and with the opioid epidemic still raging in parts of America, we’d prefer doing it without heavy painkillers if possible. The pain may be fallout from the person’s bout with cancer, but it’s not something their oncologist can address; they probably haven’t talked to that physician in a year or two. But we can do something about it. So, although we can’t fight the disease directly, physical therapists absolutely have a place in a holistic cancer treatment plan. Simply put, we’re here for patients — and this Cancer Control Month, we’re doing even more here at the Center by raising money for the National Brain Tumor Society. Please consider joining us in that endeavor!
More surprising, though, is that the same attitude prevailed for as long as it did. Between FDR designating April National Cancer Control Month and the turn of this century, people getting cancer treatments were almost never encouraged to receive physical therapy. Only in the past 15–20 years has a more holistic approach to cancer treatment emerged — one that takes into account not just the disease, but also the side effects of the treatments, the comfort of the patient, their mental state, and other concerns. And under this mindset, new "best practices" have emerged. Oncologists look at things like nutrition, comfort, and mobility as well as the traditional focus on toxicity and remission — and comfort and mobility are things that physical therapists, like our team here at the Center, can absolutely treat. When a woman with breast cancer is receiving radiation therapy and comes into the Center because of tightness in her chest and difficulty breathing, we’re not directly treating the cancer — that’s the radiation’s job. But we are helping mitigate the side effects of that treatment, making her more comfortable with the radiation. If her presiding doctor prescribes
of the limits of medical treatment. But whether or not he would have been surprised to learn we don’t have a “miracle cure” for cancer in 2021, he wouldn’t have been surprised at the important role of physical therapy in a holistic cancer treatment plan. FDR needed therapy off and on for most of his life in order to function. He understood the power of PT — and when it comes to addressing all the factors surrounding a cancer diagnosis, we’re starting to understand that power better ourselves. In FDR’s time, cancer treatment was all about the disease itself. Few were talking about the other ways the disease affected the body, or the fact that treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery can be just as problematic. It’s no surprise that physical therapy — which cannot directly treat
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DON’T COUNT THEM OUT
4 TEAMS TO WATCH THIS BASEBALL SEASON
T his is no joke: The 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season will begin on April 1. While you may wonder whether the Los Angeles Dodgers can repeat as champs or if the Tampa Bay Rays can exact their revenge, don’t count these four teams out just yet. MINNESOTA TWINS You don’t make it to the playoffs with the best record in all of baseball and not make it into some kind of list. The Twins are going to be a fun team to watch because they have a chip on their shoulders. While the team managed to score 269 runs in just 60 games, they also lost their record-breaking 18th straight playoff game in 2020. If they can get consistent pitching, both
starters and relievers, they will be in the hunt at the end of September. DETROIT TIGERS There is a benefit to repeatedly being near the bottom of the league: You get good draft picks. The Tigers are on the cusp of finding that special blend of offense and defense in the coming season thanks to some much-needed depth by up-and-coming pitchers and first-round draft picks — so much so that Jonathan Mayo of MLB. com has them as the top team that missed the playoffs in 2020 who could make a solid run. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS The award for best offseason ought to go to the Cardinals, who, all winter long, appear to have
outwitted their Milwaukee and Chicago rivals — the Brewers and Cubs were the top two teams in the National League Central last year — by acquiring third baseman Nolan Arenado and re- signing Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina. The Cardinals are favored to win the Central if those off-season moves pay off. SAN DIEGO PADRES After acquiring Manny Machado in a big trade in 2019, the Padres have continued to improve, especially against difficult opponents. The Padres were a tough team last year, defeating the Cardinals in the wild card round and losing to the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Expect them to be near the top of the standings in September.
NORTH COUNTY PATIENT SUCCESS
I had chronic back and neck pain for over 10 years. I had to do something but did not know where to start. I researched physical therapists who were also trained in Stott Pilates and found Beth. Beth is a dedicated and caring physical therapist who plans treatments for her patients that bring them back to health. Now at the end of my care, I’m virtually pain-free. I was so inspired by her that I am training to become a Stott Pilates teacher as well. Before working with Beth, I was becoming more and more sluggish and inactive; chronic pain being the excuse. I know now that movement heals, and I feel like I am just getting started!
-Susan M.
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No matter where you or a loved one are in your mental health journey, books can provide new insights through someone else’s experiences or the medical field’s scientific understanding of mental health. So, in honor of National Library Week (April 4–10) and National Librarian Day (April 16), let’s open up a few contemporary, definitive works on mental health to celebrate books and their availability through our public libraries. ‘Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression — and the Unexpected Solutions’ by Johann Hari This is one of the most recent mental health books that shocked the world. Featuring interviews with experts across the world, Hari's IN HONOR OF LIBRARIES AND MENTAL HEALTH! TOP 3 BOOKS YOU’LL WANT TO CHECK OUT
book explores his personal quest to understand depression and concrete reasons we experience it. He’s found that certain lost connections with ourselves are often the reason we feel depressed — and, luckily, solutions exist. Even Elton John loves the book, saying, “If you have ever been down, or felt lost, this amazing book will change your life. Do yourself a favor — read it now."
‘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple: 10 Strategies for Managing Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Panic, and Worry’ by Seth J. Gillihan, Ph.D. Too anxious to go into therapy? Thankfully, you can practice cognitive behavioral therapy on yourself in a few ways. Start your healing process today with this easy-to-understand yet medically sophisticated workbook, which contains 10 soothing strategies like setting goals, maintaining mindfulness, and more. You can also use this workbook in tandem with clinical cognitive behavioral therapy or post-therapy. ‘This Is Depression: A Comprehensive, Compassionate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Understand Depression’ by Dr. Diane McIntosh Are you completely lost about what depression is exactly? Is it a clinical or emotional issue, or both? Whether for a loved one’s sake or your own, this book can give you a thorough understanding of depression that a simple Google search simply can’t offer. You’ll love Dr. Diane McIntosh’s evidence- based approach to showing the causes, impact, and treatment of depression. Even if your local library is still closed due to the pandemic, we hope you check one of these — or any book — out! And if you have a great book recommendation, we’d love to hear it. Have a wonderful, book-filled April, friends.
TAKE A BREAK
INGREDIENTS
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1 cup old-fashioned oats
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1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup packed brown sugar, divided
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1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
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1 tsp fresh lemon juice
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1/2 tsp salt
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4 tbsp water, divided
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1/3 cup butter, melted
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4 tsp cornstarch
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a medium saucepan, bring rhubarb, 1/2 cup brown sugar, lemon juice, and 3 tbsp water to a boil. 3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rhubarb is tender (about 5 minutes). 4. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and remaining water, stirring until smooth. 5. Gradually add to the rhubarb mixture, return to a boil, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. 6. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, coconut, salt, and remaining brown sugar. Stir in butter until mixture is crumbly. 7. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread rhubarb mixture on top, then sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. 8. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before enjoying! 3 (858) 675-1133 Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
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Monday—Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (858) 675-1133 www.waterpt.com
15373 Innovation Dr. #175 San Diego, CA 92128
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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The Role of PT in Managing Cancer
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4 MLB Teams Poised for a Great Season North County Patient Success Top 3 Mental Health Books to Check Out Rhubarb Oat Bars
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SD Events Picking Back Up
SAN DIEGO EVENTS PICKING BACK UP
SPORTS, SHOWS, AND SPRING!
W hether you’re planning on attending events as our world starts to open back up or intend to avoid everything for a little while longer, we wanted to point out a few of the things happening this month. As always, use your own judgment and be careful — we’re neither condoning nor discouraging anybody from attending; this is just informational. TAKE ME OUT TO THE PADRES It’s still not clear how limited seating will be at the April 16 game, if at all, so it’s worth it to start looking for tickets now. This ought to be a classic game, with the home team playing the Los Angeles Dodgers at our own Petco Park — a
great matchup to come back to. It’s the second time the two teams have faced each other this year, but if both perform well, we could see another matchup (or seven!) later this year. WALK IT OFF With the weather rapidly improving, we’re all a little restless — more so than usual, given how cooped up we’ve been since last year. If you want to get out, and even feel the bustle without risking your health, then you’ve got to check out one of our new favorite walks, the Mission Beach to Pacific Beach boardwalk. This accessible and wheelchair-friendly hike can be taken in either direction, with views of the endless Pacific on one side and the busy city on the other. Dogs allowed on leashes, of course!
CELEBRATE 36 YEARS OF ARTWALK
Although we’ve missed a lot of events this past year, this annual April favorite is always a good time. Head to Little Italy on the 24th and 25th to view the artwork that floods the neighborhood. You’ll also be able to meet artists, enjoy music and live performances, and even participate in some art experiences yourself! Now in its 36th year, the ArtWalk is a good way to stay distant while still feeling like you’re part of something bigger — a community that prizes culture!
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WHY WE CHOSE TO SUPPORT THE NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY
“In 2014, our daughter, Lauren, graduated high school. She was your typical teenage girl, hanging out with her friends, loving junk food, and looking forward to college with her sights on law school. “Our lives turned from bad to worse that summer. What started out as a misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis turned out to be an inoperable brain tumor on her brain stem. By the time she was correctly diagnosed, the tumor had doubled in size, and she was paralyzed on the right side of her body and lost the ability to talk and swallow. Lauren was hospitalized for a month — radiation being the only treatment available. “After her release, she started out on a long road of recovery — multiple trips to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy each week. She relearned many of the things we take for granted — walking, writing, talking, and eating. Ryan Monagle, a North County Water and Sports physical therapist, was instrumental in enabling her to walk again. “It was during her rehabilitation that Lauren found out about the Brain Tumor Walk. She organized a team and even paid tribute to her type of brain tumor — a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma — by naming her team the “Ponteam.” Her shirt design is the one we still wear on the walk today. “Unfortunately, Lauren’s brain tumor metastasized, and even clinical trials were not able to save her. She passed away two months prior to the Brain Tumor Walk in 2015. Our family participates in the Brain Tumor Walk each year in honor of Lauren and to raise awareness and money for the goal of finding a cure for brain tumors.” –Susan and John Mahoney
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HELP US SUPPORT RESEARCH IN FINDING A CURE FOR BRAIN TUMORS!
Beth Scalone and North County Water and Sports Therapy Center is participating in this year’s National Brain Tumor Society Walk and Race for Hope on May 2, 2021. We are collecting donations at the office by phone or online. Call (858) 675-1133 for more details. We are having a raffle! Consider our four different themed gift bag** prizes: 1. Car Wash 2. Summer Fun 3. COVID Therapy (activities and stress reducers) 4. Physical Therapy/Rehab/Exercise ** All gift bags come with a Free Physical Therapy Wellness Exam/ Fitness assessment ($150 value) to use yourself or give to a friend! Purchase tickets for a chance to win. All the money goes to the National Brain Tumor Society. National Brain Tumor Society has funded more than $38 million in brain tumor research grants and awards to hundreds of researchers at various leading institutes in the U.S. and globally in order to find better treatments, and ultimately a cure. Your support has also enabled nonpartisan advocacy efforts that improved public policies to benefit brain tumor patients and increase research budgets. Thank you for your generous past donations. You’ve had a tangible impact on the research needed to find treatments for brain tumors while giving the brain tumor community a voice in our nation’s capital. Your dollars drive progress in: • New research discoveries • Clinical trials and potential treatment pathways • Public policy To see more about how the money raised will be used, go to BrainTumor.org/our-impact/our-impact.
YOUR DOLLARS IN ACTION!
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