Health Masters Hand & PT MAY 2018

Health Masters Hand & Physical Therapy's online newsletter for May 2018

L A Sport Centered Around Self-Improvement WHY GOLF IS MY FAVORITE PASTIME

ately, with our wonderful patients referring their friends and family to our clinic more than ever, our new partnership with Fyzical, and me engaging in the community more frequently through workshops, I’ve been busy . This is even more true when you add in all the time I’ve been spending equipping my awesome team with even more tools to provide the highest standards of treatment. Luckily, I love my work and relish the opportunity to provide options that keep improving the lives of the people we serve. Still, there comes a point with any project when you need to step away for an hour or two and give your mind the rest it needs. Everybody’s got their own method of relaxation, but for me, most of these reflective moments happen on the golf course. Since I started playing the sport way back in 1980, it’s become a real passion of mine, but I didn’t jump right into it. Funnily enough, I picked up my first golf club on a whim. In college, I found myself needing a single physical education credit to complete my degree. Though I’d always been active — I was a runner and big into racquetball — I figured the class would be the ideal opportunity to try something new. So I asked my buddy if he wanted to learn how to golf, and we decided to sign up. It was a great decision, and now I try to get out on the links at least once a week if I can. There’s just so much to love about the sport. For one thing, I’ve always appreciated how it’s not a game of perfection. The adjustments you make to your form are so minute and subtle that you’re constantly tweaking your technique. And no matter how good you are, you’re going to hit a bad shot every now and then. The key is to learn from your missteps without dwelling on them. I can guarantee that when you do hit that perfect line drive, the jubilation you feel will make you forget any of the struggles you felt that day. In many ways, it’s the perfect reflection of everyday life: If you keep looking back, you’re never going to move forward.

In many ways, it’s the perfect refIection of everyday life; If you keep looking back, you’re never going to move forward.

issue. But now they absolutely love it. Whenever they’re in town or we’re traveling as a family, we make a point to go out and play. It’s just one laugh after another — we talk some trash, congratulate one another on our successes, and spend a few hours just enjoying the sunshine and friendly competition. I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a more technically challenging sport, but over the years it’s become one of my favorite pastimes. Out on the green, the only person you’re competing with is yourself. It’s you who needs to make every swing count. The sport fits naturally with my personality. It’s the same kind of spirit I try to bring to the clinic every day as I constantly look for ways to improve our practice and bring in new opportunities to help our patients do the things they love. I want everybody to have the chance to unwind and enjoy their passions, whether that means golfing with their kids or just waking up in the morning without a nagging ache in their foot.

–Louis Zuniga

Of course, golfing is even better now that my boys are into it. As kids, they completely rejected the sport, and I didn’t force the

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Hand-Washing vs. Dishwasher

Are You Wasting Water, Time, and Money?

We’ve all walked into our kitchens, looked at the dishes stacked high in the sink, and asked, “Is it better to throw those in the dishwasher or wash them by hand?” The dishwasher would certainly save you some time, but many people believe that washing dishes by hand uses less water and electricity. In reality, however, washing your dishes by hand is one of the worst things you can do for both the planet and your wallet. Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand. A study conducted in Europe found that individuals who wash dishes by hand tend to use 27 gallons of water to clean just 12 place settings. Meanwhile, modern dishwashers only use 6 gallons of water, and Energy Star appliances use as little as 4 gallons during their wash cycle. The Environmental Protection Agency determined that using a dishwasher instead of washing by hand can save 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs a year. It’s not just about water! Unless you have incredibly thick dishwashing gloves, you can’t properly clean your dishes by hand. Dishwashers heat water to around 145 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your dishes are disinfected. Even if the water from your sink could get that hot, you wouldn’t want to stick your hand in it.

Which brings us to the science experiment that is your kitchen sponge. Dr. Philip Tierno, a clinical professor in the

microbiology and pathology departments at NYU Langone, determined that your kitchen sponge is the single dirtiest item in your

house. Soap and water aren’t enough to sanitize your sponge, which is left damp next to your sink after each use. Have you ever noticed that stagnant sponge smell? That’s bacteria growing. And when you wash your dishes by hand, you rub that bacteria all over your plates and silverware. Yum. If you have just a single plate or cup, you obviously don’t want to run them through the dishwasher alone; that would be incredibly wasteful. But the drawbacks of washing by hand are too great to ignore. The best option is to wait until your dishwasher is full, then start up the washing cycle. All your dishes will be clean and disinfected, and you’ll use less water in the process.

Boost Your Mood With Probiotics A Yogurt State of Mind

Your body plays host to thousands of types of bacteria. The gastrointestinal tract alone is a remarkable ecosystem, filled with millions upon millions of microscopic organisms. These organisms play a key role in your ability to digest and process nutrients. But they also play another important role that’s not so obvious: They influence your mood and the way you think. Researchers are studying the “how” behind the connection, but they suspect it has something to do with the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a major nerve that connects the brain and stomach. Bacterial activity

Studies in both mice and humans show promising results. In one Caltech study, researchers observed a decrease in anxiety in mice given certain probiotics. In another study published in The British Journal of Nutrition, researchers observed the effects of specific probiotics on humans. Over a 30-day period, they noted a decrease in the signs of depression and anxiety. Many more studies are currently underway. The future of probiotics for the brain is promising. As we learn more about the connection between the gut and the brain, we may even be able to treat specific psychological conditions using probiotics.

in the gut may stimulate the nerve, causing it to produce chemicals in the brain that can change your state of mind. Probiotics — a helpful type of bacteria — are abundant in Greek yogurt and other cultured foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. When you eat these foods, the cultures they contain may be able to influence your mood. If you need a mood booster, yogurt might help.

For now, though, if you want to boost your mood, reach for the yogurt. Just be sure to skip the sugar-laden processed stuff. Go straight for a high-quality Greek yogurt or, if you can find it, an Icelandic-style yogurt called skyr. Both varieties are packed with helpful probiotics and may help you change your state of mind.

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Golf Elbow Not to be confused with tennis elbow, “golf elbow” occurs as a symptom of tendinitis. The difference between the two is that tennis elbow affects the outer part of your joint, while golf elbow is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the inner tendon of your elbow joint. Knee Pain An overrotation of the hips combined with a stationary leg can put an immense amount of strain on the tendons in your knee. A repetition of this strain is a surefire way to end up hurt. More and more golfers are suffering from knee injuries to the point where many golf stores now offer braces and other solutions. The key to avoiding rehab is to practice proper “prehab.” Prehabilitation provides a specially designed program that strengthens muscle groups and prevents injuries. If you injured yourself out on the links and need rehab, give us a call. Don’t let these common injuries (or any others) hold you back from experiencing life. Contact us today, and let’s get you back on the course in time for the great golfing this summer has in store.

3 Golf Injuries You Can Avoid This Summer

The only thing more painful than a slice into the trees is a hook in your spine. Golf injuries are becoming more frequent as the popularity of the sport continues to grow. The constant push to drive balls farther, as well as the increase in course sizes over the last

20 years, has encouraged lousy form in the swing of the layman golfer. Where there’s terrible form, injuries are sure to follow. Here are the three most common golf injuries

we see today. Back Pain

The rotational stress a swing puts on your spine can cause significant complications for your back as a whole. This is amplified when you have improper technique. Inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion can turn your beautiful day on the links into a painful day on the couch.

Have a LAUGH

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta

Zucchini and summer squash are arriving on grocery store shelves. Here is a great way to take these humble, delicious vegetables to the next level. This easy dish is perfect for early summer.

INGREDIENTS

• • • •

1 zucchini

• • •

2 teaspoons fresh thyme 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 summer squash

1/2 medium red onion

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut zucchini into 1/4-inch-thick semicircles. Dice onion. 2. Heat a large skillet to medium high. Add olive oil, onion, and thyme. 3. Once onion is soft (about 2 minutes), add zucchini and squash. Season with salt and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until squash barely begins to caramelize. 4. Place in serving bowl and top with feta.

Inspired by thekitchn.com

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INSIDE This Issue

Louis Zuniga Hits the Links

Kitchen Cleaning Secrets

Boost Your Mood With Yogurt

Hurt on the Links? Give Us a Call

Sautéed Zucchini and Squash With Feta

The Key to a Memorable Vacation

Buy Local When You’re Abroad The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all- inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Enrich Your Vacation

Art Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a gift shop bauble that was mass- produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! People While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. Memories Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!

Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. Food Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business!

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