Kinetic Physical Therapy Specialists - September 2023

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SEPTEMBER 2023

847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com

DRIVING ADVENTURES AND GROWING INDEPENDENCE Happy 16th Birthday, Nathan!

After all this talk about Zach heading to college, it’s time Nathan had his turn! With his 16th birthday coming up on Sept. 30, he’s reaching a whole new milestone, just like his older brother. He’s becoming more and more independent right before our eyes, and my wife and I are already questioning

parking permits for kids in his year. That means we’ll still need to drop him off and pick him up from school. As you can imagine, Nathan isn’t too happy about this and feels more than ready to get on the road alone. I do let him drive on the way there to help him keep practicing, but I know he’s just itching to

season is also in full swing, so he may even find himself busy at practice or with matches coming up. Fall festivals are popping up, too, and he enjoys heading to these with his friends. He’s an easy kid, what can I say? While there’s still plenty of time before Nathan turns 18 and becomes fully independent, I still can’t help but cherish our time with him here at home. Turning 16 is a significant milestone, and along with driving and increasing independence, Nathan will be getting out in the world and finding his way. He’s an outstanding kid (completely unbiased here), and I can’t wait to see what he does in the years to come. I love you, Nathan, and I couldn’t be prouder. Happy birthday! –Mike Ulmer “After numerous practice sessions, I can confirm he is a great driver. Well, at least there has yet to be any fear-of-death moments where I need to grab the wheel!”

what in the world we’re going to do when both our boys are all grown up! Along with his 16th birthday, Nathan will also start driving on

have his freedom as a driver. However, I don’t mind stalling that liberation for a bit longer!

I think any parent is worried whenever they see their child drive off on their own. Even after

his own very soon, which is already difficult for me

to comprehend. After numerous practice sessions, I can confirm he is a great driver. Well, at least there has yet to be any fear-of- death moments where I need to grab the wheel! Before he started driving, I was worried about how he would hold up in the driver’s seat. This is in no way because of Nathan’s abilities but rather due to my parental anxiety. Fortunately, Nathan is confident as a driver! Unlike his brother, whom I had to remind to speed up, I tell Nathan he needs to slow down!

countless hours of practice, you just never know what can happen out there. Of course, my wife and I have a tracker on his phone that notes the speed he’s driving and his location. You’d be surprised how much comfort that can bring us! As for his 16th birthday, Nathan doesn’t have any big plans in mind. While this is relatively typical for this age, he’s actually always been laid-back about his birthday wishes! I can expect that since Nathan’s a sushi lover, we’ll have the family come down for a fun birthday dinner at a sushi restaurant of his choice. Hockey

However, he’s still a sophomore, and his school doesn’t allow

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PASTA MAKER TURNS VEGETABLES INTO NUTRITIOUS, DELICIOUS PASTA

Do you want to eat healthier, but vegetables just aren’t your thing? What about pasta? Does that sound more like your style? If so, healthy eating just got a little easier — and more fun. Yes, we said fun! Philips has created an artisan pasta maker that lets you make pasta from any

can seem like a lot if you’re trying to force them down. Of course, eating whole veggies with every meal is always best, but if you or your child is a picky eater, pasta isn’t a bad way to get that minimum amount in. But how do you turn a vegetable into a pasta? You blend it! Simply add your desired amount of veggies to a blender with enough water to make it easy to pour into the machine, and you’re done! So, if you decide to go the pasta route, here are a few vegetables we recommend blending up:

• Spinach • Tomatoes • Kale • Avocados

• Beets • Peas • Zucchinis • Carrots

liquid. While there are many videos online of people adding strawberry milk or root beer to their pasta makers, this product actually offers a really easy way for people to incorporate full servings of veggies into their lives without having to suffer through a plate full of steamed broccoli or spinach. All you need to do is add flour and slowly pour your chosen liquid into the top of the machine, and voilà ! The pasta squeezes out the front into your preferred form, ready to boil and enjoy! The recommended daily amount of vegetables for Americans is approximately 2 1/2 cups a day, which

If you want to mix it up, you can always blend multiple vegetables together! Also, you don’t need the pasta maker to make your vegetable pasta dreams a reality — you can use this same method to make it by hand, too! But, if you’re interested in the pasta-maker route, you can find it online by looking up “Philips Artisan Pasta & Noodle Maker.”

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back

“I could barely walk or actually function with the surgery I had gone through. Being a sarcoma cancer patient, my therapist Amanda had a ton of work to get me back to somewhat normal with the back of my leg. Thanks to her expertise,

“The therapy and care was the absolute best! I had both knees replaced this year, one in May and one in August. Mike was my therapist both times. The therapy and care were the absolute best. This is my second time with Mike and

Amanda has helped me get back to bending better, balancing, walking, and especially, all my normal activities. She has been my special angel through all this. Amanda is awesome! Love you and thank you so much, Amanda.” –Eleanor Lindskoog

Kinetic PT. The treatment and care then (rotator cuff) brought me back. I have recommended several friends who now come here. The WHOLE staff is excellent and like family.” –Jim Rice

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That awful pain that shoots down your lower back to your legs is called sciatica. Sciatica is not a condition but a term describing the pain or weakness that occurs when there is stress or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve is located in your lower back and goes down the back of each leg. Because of its placement, you can feel sciatica pain all along this area and even down to the soles of your feet. While the discomfort can be debilitating, proper diagnosis and treatment can lead to a productive, pain-free life. POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SCIATICA Sciatic nerve pain and discomfort can result from various issues, some more serious than others. Due to the wide range of possible causes, it’s crucial to speak with an expert to learn more about the exact reason you’re experiencing pain. Common causes of sciatic nerve pain include: DON’T LET SCIATICA HOLD YOU BACK Discover How Physical Therapy Can Alleviate Pain and Improve Mobility

Certain occupations can also put someone at a higher risk of experiencing sciatica pain, such as jobs that require heavy lifting or prolonged sitting. Truck drivers, machine operators, construction workers, and office employees are just some examples of those who may be at a higher risk. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Patients may experience different symptoms than others who are also suffering from sciatica. However, the most prevalent symptoms are: • Pain (often on one side) that involves a burning or shock-like sensation. The pain can also intensify when coughing, sneezing, or bending. • Numbness or tingling, also known as paresthesia

• Muscle weakness in more severe cases TREATMENT AT KINETIC PT SPECIALISTS

Physical therapy can improve your sciatica and get you back on your feet, whether your pain is mild or severe. Rather than handing over painkillers, we will get to the root of the issue and treat your cause, not just your symptoms. Our team will work with you to strengthen your back and improve your mobility to ease the tension on your sciatic nerve and reduce pain. If you are experiencing sciatica pain, call (847) 515-8970 to schedule a free screening and consultation. We’ll help you understand your exact situation and create a solution.

• Herniated or slipped disk • Pelvic injury

• Back injury • Pregnancy • Osteoarthritis

Sudoku

Walnut and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad

This salad makes a unique side dish and healthy next-day lunch!

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup walnuts • 2 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes • Kosher salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup smoked blue cheese, thinly sliced • 1 tbsp fresh dill • Chopped fresh Italian parsley, to taste

• 3 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp red wine or balsamic vinegar • 1 garlic clove, finely minced

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet, toast the walnuts in the oven for 12–14 minutes. 2. Wash and slice the tomatoes. Place slices on a platter, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Scatter toasted walnuts and blue cheese on top, followed by dill and preferred amount of parsley. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, wine or vinegar, and garlic to make the dressing. 5. Spoon dressing evenly over salad and serve.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com

11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142

INSIDE

Mike Reflects on Nathan’s 16th Birthday PAGE 1 Pasta Maker Turns Vegetables Into Nutritious, Delicious Pasta PAGE 2 Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options PAGE 3 Walnut and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad PAGE 3 Keep Yourself Safe While Traveling Alone PAGE 4

under the bed and that nothing appears to be amiss. It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry! KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED. Any time you leave your room, even if it’s just to scope out the vending machines, be alert for anyone watching or following you, and always keep your room number discreet. If you ever feel like someone is following you, get off on a different floor and avoid going to your room. USE THE DEADBOLT. If the door in your room comes equipped with a deadbolt, use it! This extra safety measure keeps even those with a key from entering your room without your knowing! SHARE THE HOTEL INFORMATION. Let your family and friends know where you are staying! Provide them with the hotel name, address, and phone number in case an emergency arises! Traveling solo is a thrilling experience, but it comes with some extra steps to stay safe! Trust your instincts and use these tips to ensure your trip goes down in the memory books as safe and exciting!

Traveling alone can be a memorable and adventurous experience — it’s a great way to step outside your comfort zone and continue learning about yourself. While solo travel is chock full of exciting perks, staying alone in a hotel can be dangerous if you aren’t careful to take certain safety precautions. The next time you take a trip by yourself, keep these tips in mind! CHECK IN THE SMART WAY. When you check in to your hotel, always ask for two room keys — this way, hotel staff and anyone else in earshot will automatically assume someone else is traveling with you. If they ask how many guests will be staying with you, don’t admit you are alone. If you have the option, request a room that isn’t on the ground floor, as research shows they are the easiest to break into! INSPECT YOUR ROOM. As soon as you enter the room, make a quick sweep to ensure no one is present in closets, in the shower, or Keep Yourself Safe While Traveling Alone

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