Horizon PT January 2018

NEWYEAR, NEWYOU How Physical Therapy Can Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals Often, people neglect their fitness goals during the winter. Holiday activities fill busy schedules, and cold weather makes outdoor activities less appealing. However, now that the holidays are behind us, and we have some extra pounds to show for it, it’s time to make health a priority again. With most New Year’s resolutions revolving around fitness, gyms are bursting at the seams. And, if you suffer from chronic pain or disease, or your age makes strenuous physical activity unsafe, finding a way to exercise can be challenging. This is where physical therapy comes in. A physical therapy practice provides a supportive environment for those who need help getting back into shape. Your physical therapist will consider your needs, past injuries, and physical limitations to design a personalized program that meets your needs. In a physical therapy practice, recreational athletes have the opportunity to stay in shape during the winter, reducing the likelihood of injury when they jump back into seasonal sports, marathons, or competitions come summertime. Meanwhile, older adults or those recovering from an injury benefit from a comfortable

atmosphere where they are not expected to keep up with more athletic individuals. Appropriate for any age or ability, physical therapy provides a safe environment where patients can exercise according to their abilities under the careful guidance of a trained professional. In addition to physical fitness, physical therapy can improve your mental well-being. As the days get shorter, a lack of vitamin D can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes called seasonal depression. While cases of clinical depression can arise throughout the year, SAD is linked to a lack of sunlight during winter. Exercise combats the symptoms of depression associated with SAD by increasing levels of serotonin and melatonin, thus promoting better sleep, reducing stress, relieving anxiety, and increasing energy levels. Physical therapy shouldn’t be reserved for injuries and rehabilitation. Your physical therapist can help you achieve your fitness goals and keep you moving throughout the long winter.

Have a Laugh

Slow Cooker RASPBERRY WHITE Looking for away to prepare a warm treat for the kidswhile they’re out building snowmen? Break out the slowcooker and enjoy the best hot cocoa you’ve ever had!

HOT CHOCOLATE

Ingredients

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1 cup white chocolate chips

14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 2 cups heavy cream, divided 3 cups milk (any variety will do) 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

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1 teaspoon vanilla

4 tablespoons raspberry liqueur or syrup

Directions

4. Serve mugs of hot chocolate with about 1 tablespoon of raspberry liqueur or syrup to taste and a dollop of whipped cream.

1. In a slow cooker, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, 1 cup cream, and milk. Cover and heat on low about 2 hours. 2. In a large bowl, mix remaining 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. 3. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form.

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(Recipe inspired by TwoPeasAndTheirPod.com.)

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