Take a look at our February newsletter!
FEBRUARY 2021
6358 EDGEMERE BLVD. EL PASO, TEXAS 79925 915-562-8525
11855 PHYSICIANS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 915-855-6466
A SPEEDING TEENAGER NEARLY KILLED ME HOW I GOT BACK UP AFTER THE WORST CAR CRASH OF MY LIFE
Almost 24 years ago, on Aug. 29, 1997, I drove through El Paso to pick up Bonnie for a Labor Day date. She was still my girlfriend at the time, and we planned to go out for a nice dinner to celebrate the long weekend. I looked forward to it and, without a care in the world, drove along the slightly curving road. Then, it happened — a car speeding in the opposite direction came barreling across the concrete median that separated us, and it hit my car head-on. The impact happened at 100 miles per hour. In the other car, the unlicensed 15-year-old driver had their foot to the floor. When they lost control of the car, it came over the median at 70 miles per hour. Luckily, I was just moving forward from a stoplight, only going 30. Still, the crash was horrific. If I hadn’t been wearing a seat belt (and if an airbag hadn’t exploded in my face — breaking my nose and busting
my lip) I probably wouldn’t be alive to write this story.
recovered, I not only got back to being a physical therapist but also decided to open my own practice, and that’s when Spine & Rehab Specialists was born! Before that car collided with mine, I’d always thought that I was in control of my life. I made my own decisions and tried to do the right thing, and usually it worked out. But the accident was entirely out of my control. If it weren’t for the guardian angel who must have been looking over me that day, I wouldn’t be here. The crash tipped the scales. I realized that I’m NOT in control, that life is short, and that I needed to make the best out of it. That meant following my calling and opening a clinic, even though I had decided against the idea just a few days before. Some of this story might sound familiar to you. Maybe you’ve been in a car crash too and came out worse for wear or were badly injured by a fall or another accident. Maybe you know a friend or family member in that situation. If that’s the case, my team and I can help them get back up! The spiritual stuff is out of our hands, but we can set them back on their feet. Physical therapy might be the solution they need, and if they’re like me, it could even make medication, injections, and surgery completely unnecessary. They’ll never know until they try. So, if you want to help, pass along our contact information today.
As it was, the two teenagers in the other car were in bad shape. In fact, at the time, the TV stations and newspapers reported them dead, even though they survived. Both teens ended up with major brain trauma that changed their lives forever. As for me, I got away with a smashed face and painful neck and back injuries that have haunted me ever since. More than two decades later, I’m not completely back to normal, but I’m proud to say that I’m close and have been for years! At the time of the crash, I assumed that I’d need surgery before my 50th birthday, but here I am at 55 still surgery-free. I’ve never used injections, either. Instead, I treated my herniated disks and neck problems myself with physical therapy, using all of the techniques I’d learned in school. By now, you're probably wondering why I’m telling you this story. The truth is that it has been on my mind ever since I learned that Feb. 1 is National Get Up Day, a holiday created by athletes to celebrate the strength it takes to get back up after life knocks you down (literally or figuratively). When I came through that car crash, I was in the worst shape of my life, but I got back on my feet in more ways than one. Physical therapy helped me get up, and the accident was the wake-up call I needed to push forward in my career. When I
–Harry Koster
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EVEN THE PROS USE IT! WHY PHYSICAL THERAPY IS GOOD FOR EVERYONE
We laud professional athletes for their amazing feats of strength, but few of us actually know how much dedication goes into their record-breaking performances. For many, the little- known heroes behind these athletes are their physical therapists. Professional athletes have been relying on physical therapists to help them recover from devastating injuries for decades, but these two athletes are proof of just how powerful physical therapy can be. Peyton Manning Son of the great Archie Manning, Peyton Manning made himself a household name as the mind-bending quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. He knew how to manipulate defenses with precision, leading the Colts to a 2008 Super Bowl championship. Sadly, just three years later, Manning was benched after sustaining a devastating
neck injury that required surgery to repair. His prognosis was grim, and few thought it would be possible for him to return to the NFL. Manning sought the aid of a Denver- based physical therapist who helped him strengthen his back and shoulders and recover from his neck injury. After a year off from football, he was back on the gridiron. Manning stayed in Denver, joining the Broncos and leading the team to a Super Bowl championship in 2016 before his retirement — five years after his career was “over.” Kobe Bryant The late Kobe Bryant was world famous for his accuracy and championship- caliber play on the basketball court. From winning five championships to being named the league’s MVP multiple times, Bryant is regarded as one of the best basketball players to ever step foot on the court. But he was able to
compete at such a high level thanks to Dr. Judy Seto, the Los Angeles Lakers’ physical therapist. Bryant reportedly trusted Seto more than anyone. He went so far as to recruit her to travel with him to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics where Team USA took home the gold in basketball. Seto helped the Lakers avoid virtually any injuries during the 2011– 2012 season and guided Bryant through an ACL tear that could have been career-ending. Like Manning, Bryant recovered and continued to perform at a high level until he passed away in January 2020. It’s not just pro athletes who can benefit from PT. Get started on your next chapter after a debilitating injury by reaching out to us today!
COULD BE THE KEY TO THE COVID-19 VACCINE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Vaccines have been the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel we call the COVID-19 pandemic, but scientists don’t yet have a full picture of the virus or its treatments. In an effort to better understand the coronavirus, researchers are looking at how medical professionals can better treat our most vulnerable populations or prevent them from ever contracting COVID-19.
that researchers think mTOR may contribute to failing immune systems in humans, so blocking the production of this protein could drastically improve the success rate of a COVID-19 vaccine in older adults. As promising as these results and many other studies are, medical experts are quick to remind the public that more research is needed to understand the possible link between anti-aging medications and their effects on the efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine in older adults. These medications include treatments that indirectly affect aging like some diabetes medication. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for researchers to find a “miracle pill” to boost your immunity. Incorporate natural remedies into your routine instead! Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other foods rich in vitamin D that boost your immune system — like salmon, mushrooms, and greens — and remember to drink plenty of water. While you’re at it, wear sunscreen to prevent the sun from aging your skin prematurely and increasing your chance of having other health issues. It’s important to stay optimistic and do what we can with what we know now while researchers work toward an effective vaccine.
Experts have long feared that a COVID-19 vaccine may not help the older adults who need it most, as these
individuals are often more at risk of contracting the disease and having a weakened immune system. However, some researchers hypothesize that anti-aging medications may boost the effectiveness of the vaccine for older adults, and there are some promising results from early studies. One study published in Nature found that a drug that limited the creation of the protein mTOR lengthened the lifespan of fruit flies and mice. Anti- aging expert Jan Mannick explains
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THE SKINNY ON OILS WHAT TO USE AND WHAT TO AVOID
Cooking oils have experienced a renaissance in recent decades. Today, health experts point to oils as essential sources of key vitamins and nutrients. So, why did we ever give up oils in the first place? Well, not all oil is created equal! Some cooking oils are good for you while others should be enjoyed sparingly. Worry in the grocery store no more! Here’s our comprehensive list of cooking oils and when and how to use them. The Top Oil: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil This is simply the best cooking oil you can find. Extra-virgin olive oil contains pure oil from pressed olives, and many studies tout its heart and anti-inflammatory benefits and its antioxidant properties. When you use extra-virgin olive oil — as opposed to standard olive oil, which is processed with other oils — you’re only consuming olives and all of the great properties they possess. Use it to sauté, bake, and
stir-fry for a great-tasting meal with added perks. ( Smoke point: 350–410 degrees F. ) Good for Regular Use: Coconut, Olive, and Canola Olive oil can be a good substitute in a pinch, but don’t expect all the benefits that come with the extra-virgin type. However, of all the oils, coconut gets a lot of love these days! What makes it so great? Coconut oil is vegan-friendly, and since it can be substituted
Coconut oil is 350 degrees F. Canola oil is 400 degrees F. )
Only Use When Needed: Vegetable We’re not going to bash vegetable oil, but studies have shown that it just doesn’t have enough benefits to outweigh some of the concerns. In particular, experts point to oils like sunflower, corn, and
soybean as containing too much omega-6, which is dangerous for the heart. Instead, opt for other choices and only use vegetable oils when needed. ( Smoke point: 450 degrees F .) As a final reminder, the key to using cooking oil is the same as any other food group. Use oil in moderation, and you’ll reap the benefits without the downsides of extra fat.
1:1 for butter, it’s perfect for use in baked goods. Outside the kitchen, it can be used
as a substitute for shaving cream, hair treatments, and aloe vera! While canola oil does have some
great properties, they’re not as plentiful, so be mindful of how much you use! ( Smoke points: Olive oil is 350–410 degrees F.
Bon appétit!
STRAWBERRY KISSED ALMOND BUTTER MUFFINS Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed • 3/4 cup natural creamy
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl, mix bananas, almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. 4. Stir in oat flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. 5. Evenly divide batter into liners. Add 1 tsp strawberry fruit spread to the top of each muffin. 6. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the spread into the batter. 7. Bake for 22–27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Transfer muffins to wire rack to cool and enjoy!
almond butter (can substitute creamy peanut butter)
• 2 large eggs • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey) • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup oat flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup strawberry fruit
spread, divided (we recommend Bonne Maman INTENSE)
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915-562-8525 | www.SpineRehab.net 6358 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso, Texas 79925
1. COVER TITLE 1. THE NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE THAT MADE OUR CLINIC POSSIBLE 2. HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY HELPED GREAT ATHLETES ANTI-AGING MEDICATION AND THE COVID-19 VACCINE 3. YOUR GUIDE TO COOKING OIL STRAWBERRY KISSED ALMOND BUTTER MUFFINS 4. YOU’RE BUILDING MUSCLE WHILE YOU REST INSIDE THIS ISSUE
RELAX A LITTLE WHY REST DAYS ARE GOOD FOR YOU!
February is the month when many of us give up on New Year’s resolutions. We lose motivation, or life simply gets in the way. If you find yourself sitting on the couch more than you did in January, when you may have been actively pursuing your fitness goals, consider this permission to sit a little while longer: Rest days are good for you! Here’s why. Your body needs to move. Exercise has many benefits, but from a survival standpoint, exercise and movement
help your body perform daily functions with ease. But that’s not when your body gets stronger. It’s actually on the days you choose to rest that your muscles and joints improve as a result of your exercise. Exercising creates tiny tears in your muscles. (Maybe that’s why it burns so much!) In the regeneration process — aka your rest days — the muscle is built back stronger than it was before. That’s why incorporating rest days into your workouts ensures you can climb up from 5 to 10 to 15 pounds for dumbbell curls or run more miles in a faster time than last week! Beyond the improvement and fitness goals you have, rest days can also be essential to preventing injuries. Your body won’t become overworked, and your muscles get the necessary respite they need. Fatigue won’t set in as
quickly, and you will find that you can do more as you properly incorporate rest days into your schedule. Fitting rest days into your daily routine is easier than you may think, but it sadly doesn’t involve sitting on the couch for too long. You should always find a way to move at least once each day. If you want to try running, start out by running three days each week. On your “off” days, incorporate some yoga, go for a leisurely walk, or focus on your arms and shoulders. This gives your legs and core a break from running while you still get the benefits of movement. (Plus, on the days you run, you will get a break from yoga or weightlifting!) It’s okay if you haven’t met your resolution goals just yet, but don’t give up! Find a way to add more rest into your routine, and you just might be more invigorated than ever before.
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