Take a look at our August newsletter!
AUGUST 2023
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Once a Student and Now a Full-Time Team Member Meet Amanda, Our New Physical Therapist
The time has finally come! Amanda, whom you may have seen at our clinic before as a student, has joined the Advanced PT Torrington family as a full-time physical therapist. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on our team, and I know she will give her all to her patients. When I asked Amanda what brought her on her physical therapy journey, she shared how her early passion for soccer led her down this career path. Most young athletes have found themselves in physical therapy due to an injury, and Amanda was no different. A sports lover through and through, she became well aware of the benefits of physical therapy and keeping her body healthy.
physical therapy school. Amanda and our team knew she was a perfect fit when she came to our clinic! As soon as Amanda signed on with us, I sat down with her to learn about her goals and how we can help her thrive. She shared how she can’t wait to become comfortable and confident in her new role. This is a big transition for
“When she came to our clinic, Amanda and our team knew she was a perfect fit!”
her, but I know she’s ready to help patients and build long- lasting relationships. As for long-term goals, Amanda hopes to reconnect with young athletes again and even be affiliated with a soccer league (a sport she clearly adores) to support their players. I’ll certainly be there to help her make it happen! If you’re wondering what Amanda does outside the clinic, you might not be surprised that she still plays soccer in a coed league! Along with soccer, she lifts at the gym and hikes with Buddy, her 13-year-old golden retriever/goldendoodle mix pup. Amanda is certainly always on the go and a social butterfly, so don’t be shy! Get to know her the next time you stop by, and be ready to see some adorable photos of Buddy. I can’t wait to see what she achieves with us and our patients. Welcome to the family, Amanda! –Kevin Smith
She wasn’t 100% certain about her future profession during her college years, so she took a gap year to make that decision. During that time, she worked as an aide in a physical therapy clinic and fell in love with the bond she witnessed between therapists and patients. I’m sure you know just how close this connection is, and Amanda appreciated seeing the transformation in patients and supporting them through their ups and downs until they reached their goals. As a physical therapist, she meets with patients regularly and follows their progress more intimately than most other health care providers. Physical therapy checked all her boxes: sports, health, and the critical thinking needed to find the issue and solve it. Once she knew her career, she needed to find a clinic to call home after graduation. We were lucky to have Amanda join our team as a student in her third clinical rotation in
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Why It Matters More Than You Think Save Your Neck From the Digital Age!
How can you prevent tech neck? If you're worried about forming tech neck or are concerned you may already suffer from the condition, don't worry! While the problem can be troublesome, it's not irreversible if you're willing to make a few changes to your daily habits. Check yourself before you tech neck yourself! The first step to overcoming tech neck is realizing you're doing it. Next time you're on your phone or computer, take a moment to check your posture. Are you hunching over? Is your neck extended down and forward? If yes, straighten up! Raise your devices. Tech neck forms when looking down at a device, so an easy solution is to raise what you're looking at! Set your computer monitor on a box or stack of books to elevate it to eye level, and make a conscious effort to hold your phone higher so you don't have to bend. Take tech breaks. Once an hour, give your posture a break by stepping away from your electronic devices, taking a walk, rolling your shoulders, and stretching your neck to loosen up those tight tech neck muscles.
Technology is great, but we didn't build it with our bodies in mind. With cellphones and computer monitors part of everyday life, so is a condition called "tech neck." Tech neck is "the act of stressing muscles while using phones, tablets, and computers, resulting in neck and shoulder pain, stiffness, and soreness," according to the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Typically, this looks like a head and neck extended in front of the shoulders while sloping downwards, sometimes even to a 60-degree angle. Why should you worry about tech neck? Bending once or twice to get a closer look at your phone isn't a big deal, but when this posture is chronic, it can lead to headaches, tingling or numbness in your hands, insufficient blood supply to the brain, loss of the natural curve in the spine, and even cervical spine damage. And when tech neck is permanent, it causes the muscles in your neck to become lengthened while the muscles in your chest become shortened, making it more likely for your neck to experience an increase in spinal pressure.
Color Outside Life’s Lines HOW CREATIVITY HELPS YOU LIVE LONGER
Think outside the box — and travel there too. Traveling is more than fun; it's great for inspiring creativity. In fact, a historical study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who travel have more creative success, perform better on divergent thinking tests, and are generally more open-minded. The trick with thinking and traveling outside the box doesn't always need to be about going to far-off lands with another language. Sometimes, it's just about trying that new deli that opened down the block, going to that flower show on the other side of town, or even trying to bake bread for the very first time. The goal is to expose yourself to any new experience and view it with a childlike wonder. Worry about nothing other than having fun!
When considering the key factors in active aging, most people talk about things like diet, exercise, and social connections. And while these things are all important, some studies show engaging in creative activities can also lead to greater longevity. To many people, "creativity" sounds like something you do with a paintbrush or pencil, but according to University of Connecticut professor James C. Kaufman, this doesn't have to be the case. You can find creativity in everyday tasks like parenting, yardwork, or even talking with friends — you just have to know where to look! So if you're looking to reignite your creative spark and live longer as a result, here are three ways you can bring more creativity into your everyday life.
Use what you know to make something new!
As we age, we collect a lifetime's worth of valuable knowledge, but just having information isn't creative. Combine your wisdom with family recipes, knitting, sewing, or woodworking to develop a brand-new creation! Seek new perspectives. If you do the same thing every day and only surround yourself with like-minded people, you'll never be exposed to new ideas. The trick to inspiring creativity in your life is to see the world in a different way. You can do that by reading literature, talking to people, and listening to media that challenges your ideas.
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FIND YOUR STRIDE How Nordic Walking Can Help You Get Moving
You've heard from your doctors, family, and friends alike how important movement is for individuals as they age. Regular walking is the best way for many older adults to get that daily movement in. But what if going for a walk is easier said than done? That's why many older adults who suffer from balance and/or mobility issues are partaking in something called Nordic walking or pole walking. What is Nordic walking? Nordic walking is when an individual uses two chest-height poles, much like ski poles, while pushing each one into the ground with every step. The benefit of the poles is that they help the user balance and stand straight, while the act of pushing the poles into the ground actually increases upper body strength and flexibility. What are the benefits of Nordic walking? Aside from helping with balance, strength, and mobility, Nordic walking
touts a few other health benefits users can enjoy. • Low Impact: Since Nordic walking uses poles to support the body through each step, there is much less impact on the joints and ligaments. • Reduces Joint Pain: Because Nordic walking poles help the body balance, the user's joints (especially the back and knees, which the body typically tends to overcorrect) can find relief. • Improved Cardiovascular Health: Remember, almost any movement is good for you, and Nordic walking is no different. By getting those steps in, you'll lower your cholesterol and enjoy improved cardiovascular fitness. • Improved Mental Health: Research shows that physical activity boosts mood while actively lowering the risk of depression. And since
users of Nordic walking typically walk outdoors, they also enjoy the mental benefits of being around nature.
Where can you find Nordic walking poles? The most accessible place to find Nordic walking poles is online. Retailers like Amazon and Bass Pro Shops sell the poles, but a great resource is YorkNordic.com America's No. 1 Nordic walking pole retailer. If you prefer to shop in person, Target, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and athletic stores typically carry poles too. If you'd like more information on Nordic walking, you can always search the term on Google or YouTube for tips and tricks on starting the habit!
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Inspired by: FoodAndWine.com
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained • 5 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar • 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving.
3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.
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881 New Harwinton Rd. Torrington, CT 06790
1. Welcome to the Family, Amanda! 2. You Might Have 'Tech Neck' Want a Longer Life? Get Creative! 3. Walking Just Got Easier! INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
4. Say Goodbye to Grogginess!
Wake Up Refreshed With Sleep Syncing SLEEP LIKE A CELEBRITY
How to Start Sleep Syncing The first step to sleep syncing is to create a consistent sleep schedule, which requires a bit of self-research. Start by writing down the time of night you feel sleepy, when you fall asleep, and how many hours of sleep you need to feel rested. Collecting data may take a week or two, but once you know how much sleep you need and when you start to feel sleepy, you can choose your new sleep and wake times. Pick a realistic morning wake time to get ready (no snoozing!), and then reverse engineer your sleep time. For example, if you need eight hours of sleep and must be up by 7 a.m., you likely need to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. to fall asleep by 11 p.m.
If one thing is for sure, Americans are not getting enough sleep. One in three people report not getting enough rest, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 40% of people admit to falling asleep during the day without meaning to at least once a month. Celebrities are no exception, which is why many stars use "sleep syncing" to ensure they get their beauty rest every night. And you can use it too! So, what is sleep syncing? Sleep syncing aligns your circadian rhythm, your body's natural internal clock, with your daily routine. Unlike many celebrities, ordinary people don't have much control over what they do every day; things like work, appointments, children's schedules, and family duties more or
The key to successful sleep syncing is to stick to your schedule — even on the weekends. With consistency and practice,
less set our daily schedules for us. That's why the trick with sleep syncing is to align your body around that schedule so waking up for work or taking the kids to school feels natural. After a while, you may not even need an alarm!
you'll wake up naturally feeling more rested and ready to take on your day!
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