Horizon Physical Therapy - May 2026

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physical therapy and rehabilitation

May 2026

3600 Miller Road, Flint, MI 48503 • 810-620-8042 • horizonptflint.com

Building More Than a Business

A HOMETOWN LEGACY IN THE MAKING

Memorial Day is a time to remember those we’ve lost and the legacy they left us. This holiday can also raise a personal question: If all I have left for my loved ones is my legacy, how do I want to be remembered? For me, the answer has always been simple, but never easy: I want to be remembered as a Flint kid who stayed, who became a pillar of the community, who made his family and friends proud, and who created opportunities for others. My roots in this community run deep. My parents were young when I was born, so I didn’t grow up with a silver spoon. As a kid, I was often told, “Hey, go outside and play.” I spent much of my childhood playing basketball and football on the school playground near my grandparents’ house. Although I saw differences in how the two sides of my family lived, everyone shared similar values: It was all about family, sharing what you had, and looking out for one another. It was also all about hard work. My grandfather often said, “You can have anything you want if you are willing to work hard for it.” My aunts and uncles gave me incentives to get good grades. And my relatives inspired my lofty dreams. When I helped my grandmother on my mother’s side take care of her sores, aches, and pains, she would declare, “You’re going to be my doctor! You’re so smart!”

I saw unmet needs in our community, too. My grandmother and great- grandmother lost muscle strength after they were diagnosed with cancer. I saw them struggle. They could have benefited from physical therapy, but that kind of care was simply unavailable. I never let go of my childhood dream of earning an MD or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Although I struggled during my first year of college, I went on to earn my DPT degree through sheer grit and determination. After graduation, I ran a PT office in Saginaw to get the experience I needed. But throughout that period, I had one thought: I want to start my own business in Flint. I wasn’t thinking, “I’m going to stay in Flint to make all this money.” Flint is not a wealthy area; there is a lot of poverty. Some physical therapists who work in more affluent areas make 50%–60% more than I do, but making a lot of money was never my objective. I wanted to be here because my grandmother, grandfather, mom, dad, and sisters were. I wanted to make my family and friends proud. So, I stayed, and I have been learning, growing, and working hard ever since to be the best I can be. I continually strive to increase my knowledge and skills and have earned a respected new credential: board certification in orthopedic physical therapy. When people know you’re really good, they’ll come to you because of your skill set and ability to help them. I want to be a strong pillar of the community. And I want to give back to the community and create opportunities for others. Since founding Flint’s Finest 18 years ago, my nonprofit youth basketball organization, more than 100 of our players have graduated from high school and gone on to college. As you can see, the answer to my legacy question may be simple, but it was never easy. I hope my family, friends, and neighbors will remember me as a business leader who expanded and grew in his hometown and as a mentor to children who became successful adults. And I hope some of those children will return to our community to build an equally meaningful legacy for themselves.

-Dr. Jerome Adams

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Think Cardio Means Running?

Science Says Lifting Counts, Too

For decades, long runs or treadmill miles were the go-to methods of cardiovascular fitness. But what if someone told you lifting weights can also give your heart and lungs a serious workout, often with benefits people overlook? Recent research shows that resistance training goes beyond muscle and aesthetics; it also supports cardiovascular health and longevity. The Heart-Lifting Connection When you lift weights, especially in structured, compound formats, your heart rate rises to meet the demand. Exercises like squats, deadlifts, and presses engage large muscle groups and push your circulatory system. Over time, this improves vascular function, keeps arteries flexible, and even helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. Those adaptations mirror many benefits of traditional cardio. That said, some studies suggest the most significant reductions in cardiovascular disease risk come from combining strength and aerobic work rather than relying on weights alone, particularly in people with elevated

more muscle translates to more calories burned, even while you’re binge-watching your favorite shows. That metabolic boost helps with weight management, which is key to keeping your heart healthy. But it doesn’t stop at calories. A recent analysis found that regular resistance training is associated with a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality, and even larger reductions in death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Lifting Linked to Cardio What makes lifting uniquely powerful is efficiency. A focused strength session can

elevate your heart rate, challenge your muscles, and shape your body in ways steady-state running can’t. It also improves bone density and enhances overall strength, which is critical for functional fitness as we age. If you love lifting but skip cardio entirely, don’t panic! Adding a few low- intensity walks, jogs, or bike rides between your strength days can round out your fitness and support long-term heart health.

blood pressure or other risk factors. Metabolism, Muscle, and Longevity

One of the greatest unsung gifts of lifting is how it revs up your resting metabolic rate. Muscle is metabolically active tissue, meaning that having

CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES

“For the past six months, I have been receiving excellent Physical Therapy Services for a severely torn rotator cuff and bicep that was surgically repaired and required physical therapy. I feel blessed to have come here. The staff is professional, knowledgeable, and caring, and all of them are friendly. The atmosphere is excellent. I felt very comfortable there. They are very sensitive to your needs. The care I received was very personalized to my needs. I always felt that they listened and heard me anytime I expressed that I was having extreme discomfort or difficulty with an exercise. I would definitely recommend Horizon Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for anyone with physical therapy needs. Today was my last day, but I felt as though I was leaving friends. They gave me great resources to use at home. They assured me that they were here for me if I ever needed them again. Such Excellence! Thank you, Dr. Adams and the entire Horizon Staff!“ –Gina M.

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LIVING WELL WITH ARTHRITIS

TREATMENTS THAT CAN EASE THE PAIN

Many people resign themselves to aches and pains as they grow older, assuming that suffering from arthritis is inevitable. But taking action can make a difference! Effective treatment can ease those symptoms and keep the disease from progressing. In recognition of May as National Arthritis Awareness Month, this is a good time to take a closer look at the causes of joint pain and how a physical therapist can help reduce its harmful impact on your quality of life. Arthritis pain is caused by three different types of the disease, so pinpointing the exact cause of your symptoms is important. The most common type, osteoarthritis, affects roughly 80% of people over age 55, or 7.6% of the population worldwide. It is caused by wear and tear to the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, usually in the hands, knees, hips, or spine. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by a blow or injury to a joint. Two other types of arthritis,

rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation in or around the joints. These two disorders each affect less than 1% of the global population. Before beginning any treatment, patients should receive a diagnosis from a physician. There is no cure for arthritis, but doctors can often prescribe

medications to slow or stop the joint damage caused by rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Also, your physical therapist can perform a joint analysis and develop a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around painful joints and relieve some pressure. Exercise also aids healing by improving circulation. And improving your overall physical condition can help: Losing just 10 pounds can take about 30–60 pounds of pressure off your knees! Other treatments may help as well, including applying heat or cold to the affected joints, low-dose radiation therapy, over-the-counter pain relievers, and, in extreme cases, joint- replacement surgery. If you are troubled by arthritis and would like to ease the pain and regain mobility, call us today! We will be glad to perform a joint analysis and help determine the best path forward for you!

Have a Laugh

No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake

Ingredients • 1 box graham crackers, crushed • 2 (3.4-oz) boxes instant lemon pudding • 3 1/2 cups milk • 1 (8-oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

• 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 cup lemon juice • Zest of 1 lemon

Directions 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk. 2. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to thicken. 3. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and zest. 5. Add the lemon mixture to the pudding mixture, stirring until combined. 6. Layer graham crackers on the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. 7. Spread half the lemon pudding mixture over the graham crackers. 8. Repeat steps with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. 9. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

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Inspired by DelectableRecipe.com

3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

THIS ISSUE Inside

Building a Business for the Community and a Brighter Future for Kids

Picking Up Weights Can Boost Your Heart, Metabolism, and Longevity

Client Success Stories

Hope for Aching Joints: Treatments That Can Make a Difference

No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake

The Silent Burnout Behind ‘I Don’t Care, You Choose’

YOUR BRAIN ISN’T INDECISIVE

It’s Exhausted!

You just got home from work and exchanged greetings with your spouse or significant other. Before long, the dreaded question is going to come up: “What do you want for dinner?” You hem and haw, pondering your choices before asking them if there is anything they want. They respond similarly. Is it indifference, or is your brain too worn out from making decisions all day? Every day, we make countless decisions. Some are conscious, such as choosing what to have for lunch or deciding which work tasks to do first. However, we also make subconscious decisions while driving, talking with coworkers, and progressing through our day. As we make more and more choices, our brains get worn out, leading to decision fatigue. From that point until we go to bed at night, it becomes almost impossible to provide clear answers to direct questions or make any other decisions. Decision fatigue feels similar to brain fog. You’ve used your brain to the point of exhaustion, and now, it’s going to look for any shortcut when you try to make another decision. Your mind may encourage you to put off the decision until later, act impulsively against your better judgment,

or avoid the thought altogether. When none of those options present themselves, you’re left with indecision. It may seem impossible to limit our choices throughout any given day, but it’s necessary if we want to avoid decision fatigue. Some beneficial strategies include setting strong daily routines, delegating decision-making to coworkers or family, and stopping any thoughts that lead you to second- guess a choice you’ve already made. If the simple questions your spouse, kids, or friends ask you create stress for you after a long day of work, you’re likely experiencing decision fatigue. Awareness of this issue is the first step toward finding a reprieve from it!

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