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MAY 2025
KaizenSeattle.com | 206-524-6702
Patience and Potential Priceless Lessons From Well-Lived Lives
Some of the most meaningful words I’ve ever heard came from a baseball legend.
Of course, you must get older to appreciate ever being that young. When you’re 8, a year feels like half your life! When you’re that age, you want things to happen today — anything longer than that seems like an eternity. Youth brings impatience, as children and young adults can’t see far enough into the future to understand that some of the most significant milestones take time to achieve. Unfortunately, in the age of social media, people feel a sense of urgency to match the pinnacles of success that others display online. They often don’t see the struggles and years — sometimes decades — it took to reach those heights. To someone in their teens or early 20s, formulating a 10-year plan to achieve a goal could feel insurmountable. Someone 50-plus is likelier to say, “I started a life goal at 30 that took me 20 years to reach.” Acquiring skills and moving up the ladder takes time, and smaller steps are often more meaningful than giant leaps. I’m reminded of this fact daily, as our older patients never give up. They’re always moving to some degree, maintaining a daily routine, and staying active and positive. They manage and deal with physical changes by doing something physical every day — from walking and swimming to working out in their yards. Those who have remained the least negative as they’ve gotten older are staying physically active. Our bodies naturally evolve
When I graduated from physical therapy school, we were lucky to have former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda deliver the keystone address. During his time at the podium, he told us something I’ll never forget: “I know what it’s like to be all of you, but you have no idea what it’s like to be me.” He was right: We were all young people eager to start our professional journeys, and he was a seasoned pro who had seen and done it all. My takeaway from his statement was that any advice he offered came from a lifetime of perspective — and we should always listen to and learn from what older people have to share. I’ve been thinking a lot about Lasorda’s words lately, especially since May is Older Americans Month. We work with many older patients here at Kaizen Physical Therapy. Even though I’m 41 and halfway through a typical life expectancy, I’m still a kid in many of their eyes! That said, I’ve certainly reached the point where I’ve acquired enough wisdom to share with younger people, especially those just starting their careers in this field. What’s the best advice I can offer them? Work hard and enjoy the ride, but be patient. When you’re younger, people always tell you to truly enjoy and make the most of that time in life. After all, nothing in your body hurts yet.
as we age, and the older folks we see understand and embrace the value of doing more each day to move forward. No matter how challenging life gets, the lesson is that patience and perseverance will always pay. Happy Older Americans Month to the senior patients I have the privilege of knowing! Please keep the insights and advice coming — whether I ask for it or not! And to my younger patients, I encourage you to keep your ears open to receive advice from those who have been around longer than you — and, more importantly, to seek it out as often as possible. My patient Jill Loveland has been a strong advocate for Kaizen Physical Therapy and tells everyone she knows to come to us for their aches and pains!
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Your Midlife Molecules Are Revolting TIME TO TAKE CONTROL
No matter what we do, we can’t stop time. We grow a little older as every minute, hour, and day passes. We might not feel older mentally, but our bodies don’t move as well as they used to. It seems like it would happen as a slow, natural progression, but many people report feeling an onset of aging once they cross certain thresholds. A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that our bodies age faster when we enter our mid-40s and early 60s than at any other point in life. The study reviewed data from 108 people who donated blood and other biological samples throughout several years. Through their efforts, researchers found that nearly 81% of the studied molecules demonstrated age-related fluctuations when subjects reached their mid-40s and early 60s. Both age groups sustained molecule changes related to cardiovascular disease, caffeine metabolism, and skin and muscle groups. Those in their mid-40s saw changes related to alcohol metabolism, and those in their early 60s had changes in immune regulation and kidney function.
The results of the study may make you feel powerless to stop these molecular changes once you reach these specific ages. However, like most health-related scenarios, you can take action to help offset age-related changes. Maintaining a balanced diet is one of the best ways to do this. You can eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins to improve and maintain your heart health. Eggs, chicken breast, and salmon can help strengthen your muscles. Citrus, leafy greens, and ginger are great for immune support. If you’re already committed to a healthy diet and are still worried about these changes, incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. Also, remember to get quality sleep. A regular and sound sleep schedule benefits our health in more ways than one.
Aging doesn’t have to be stressful or scary. Knowing what to expect and countering potential obstacles will help you enjoy a long life full of happy moments! SPRING FAMILY PICNICS MADE EASY DITCH THE STRESS, EMBRACE THE FUN
would like to spend the day. A park with open fields and playground equipment keeps kids entertained between bites, but a park isn’t the only option. The beach, a local lake, or a mountain picnic area are all fantastic for a family picnic. Just remember bug spray and sunscreen and find a shady spot on hot days. Don’t overthink the menu. Picnics are all about the food, but that doesn’t mean you have to fuss over the menu. Keep things simple, and choose items that can withstand time outside the cooler. Easy-to-eat options like sandwiches, fruit, and finger foods are tasty and quick to prepare. Add variety with veggies and hummus or cheese and crackers. For an extra treat, grab premade cookies or brownies. Lemonade, juice, and fruit-infused water are refreshing
options and keep everyone hydrated without the caffeine. Bring an insulated cooler for drinks and food, and don’t forget wet wipes for easy cleanup. Create a cozy, kid-friendly setup. The picnic blanket is a great start, but you can take things up a notch with a few extras. Plush blankets, throw pillows, and lawn chairs offer comfortable sitting and lounging options. Pack entertainment as well; outdoor games, like Frisbee and ring toss, and a portable speaker to add to the fun. Don’t forget — it’s about family! Family outings shouldn’t be stressful; the best ones are sometimes the simplest. Instead of worrying about perfect details, focus on spending time together outdoors, relaxing, and enjoying good food and even better company.
When was the last time you gathered the family, threw down a blanket, and enjoyed a meal together in the warm sun? A picnic is the perfect springtime activity, but the planning and food prep can make it seem like more hassle than it’s worth. The truth is, however, that picnics don’t have to be complicated. Here are four tips for planning easy family picnics. Pick the perfect picnic spot. When choosing a location for your picnic, think about how your family
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LIVE LONGER, LIVE SMARTER
Biohack Your Way to a Healthier Future
TAKE A BREAK! We all want to live long, healthy lives, but achieving this feat is not as easy as speaking it into existence. It requires intentional actions to extend a lifespan and keep illness and chronic conditions at bay. While diet and exercise play a vital role in our health, a new emerging trend is producing promising results. Biohacking utilizes biology, technology, and self-experimentation to optimize our bodies and minds. One unique aspect of biohacking is personalization. We all have different bodies, so we all need a customized program to maximize our health. To try biohacking, you must first reflect on your health and identify an area you want to improve. You then figure out how to fix that problem area by adjusting your diet, lifestyle, or exercise routine. Then, test your hypothesis, recording detailed results from your efforts. Here are three forms of
biohacking you can try using to boost your brain and body. Get your blood tested. Biohacking is all about making data- driven decisions about your health, but how can you make changes without knowing where your health stands? Blood tests provide insight into what you need to fix and allow you to track
your progress to ensure you’re making significant progress. Experiment with extreme temperatures. Spending time in a sauna is a great way to increase relaxation, improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol. However, taking a cold shower or an ice bath could improve circulation, enhance your immune system, reduce inflammation, and more. Add brain games to your daily routine. Your mind is just as important as your body for a long and healthy life. Playing brain games like sudoku, crossword puzzles, and Scrabble can help keep your mind sharp and focus fresh. Phone apps have made it easier than ever to enjoy new brain games! Though there’s a lot of trial and error involved, once you find what works for your body, you’ll never look back.
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 8-oz can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves. DIRECTIONS
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206-524-6702 KaizenSeattle.com
5025 25th Ave. NE, #201 Seattle, WA 98105
Why Fitness Beats BMI in Predicting Long-Term Health For years, we’ve been told that 1. Seniors’ Secrets to Thriving and Surviving 2. You Can’t Stop Time, But You Can Slow the Damage Secrets to a Stress-Free Family Picnic 3. The Biohacking Revolution You Can’t Afford to Ignore Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups 4. Why You Should Focus on Fitness Instead of Weight Loss INSIDE THIS ISSUE FIT AT ANY SIZE
fitness. Researchers behind this new study argue that aerobic fitness — how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together — is a much better indicator of health than weight alone. They found that individuals with higher VO2 max, which measures oxygen use during exercise, had significantly lower risks of death. On the flip side, those with lower VO2 max were 2–3 times more likely to die from any cause, regardless of their BMI. The good news? Improving fitness doesn’t require drastic measures. You don’t need to train for a marathon or spend hours in the gym to boost your aerobic health. The key is consistency — moving your body in an enjoyable and sustainable way. Start with simple
maintaining a “healthy” weight is the key to longevity. But new research suggests that fitness — not the number on the scale — is the real game-changer. A 2024 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who are physically fit, regardless of their body weight, had a lower risk of death than those who were unfit — even if those unfit individuals had a “normal” BMI. Simply put, being active is far more important than being thin for long-term health. BMI, or body mass index, has long been used to measure health risk, but it only considers weight and height, ignoring more crucial factors like muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and overall
activities like a daily 20-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a few sets of bodyweight exercises. If joint pain is an issue, try swimming or water aerobics, which provide a great workout without putting stress on your knees or hips. Health isn’t about fitting into a certain dress size — it’s about staying active, feeling strong, and making movement a part of your everyday life. So, forget about obsessing over the scale and focus on what matters: moving more and living better.
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Give Mom the Gift of Relief This Mother’s Day!
6 LASER SESSIONS FOR ONLY $299! (Original $325) 10 LASER SESSIONS FOR ONLY $399! (Original $475) 15 LASER SESSIONS FOR ONLY $549! (Original $675) MOTHER’S DAY LASER DISCOUNT: Valid during the month of May
5 Reasons You’ll Love Deep Tissue Laser Therapy: 1. It Works: The No. 1 reason you’ll love laser therapy? It works! Deep tissue laser therapy can provide powerful pain relief, promote tissue repair, and reduce swelling. 2. It’s Fast: Treatments typically last 4–7 minutes, and many patients report pain relief and improved range of motion after the very first treatment. 3. It Lasts: Benefits extend far beyond the treatment itself and continue working for 36 hours after the machine is turned off. 4. It’s Safe: Laser therapy offers a safe alternative to opioids and surgical intervention in many cases. 5. It’s Painless: Laser therapy is administered directly to the skin. You will feel a sense of soothing warmth with no pain, no shock feeling. Many patients reported enjoying the experience, especially when the massage ball treatment head is used to deliver the “laser massage.” Treatable conditions:
Scientifically proven to reduce pain and inflammation! Scan the QR code to find out how:
Call us at 206-524-6702 to take advantage of this deal while it lasts!
And many more, including nerve pain and neuropathies, TMJ, arthritis, sprains, and strains!
206-524-6702
www.KaizenSeattle.com
Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what these patients had to say about their experience with laser therapy!
“My husband has been dealing with neuropathy in his feet for several years. After just a few laser treatments, the incidents have decreased greatly to just once in a while. I was treated for a sore hip and leg by Colin. After about 8–10 treatments, it went away, and I could walk without pain.” –Margaret E.
“I came to Kaizen to see if laser therapy and PT could help my pain. I was diagnosed with three pinched nerves in my lumbar area and torn muscles in my hip about six months prior, and nothing relieved the pain, numbness, and tingling down my leg to my toes. Arthritis in my spine is the cause of the inflammation that pinches my nerves. I had difficulty walking, my balance was terrible, and I was crabby, too … I ruled out surgery as too risky. The laser therapy reduced my pain within the first 5–6 treatments. Then I continued the laser and started PT sessions with Barry. After two months, I am almost pain-free. I have learned so much from Barry about how to strengthen my core. I can now go up and down stairs, walk on uneven surfaces, and generally not let my spine keep me from the activities I enjoy. Kaizen gets my thanks for restoring my hope.” –Mary M.
“My injury came from a serious fall on my hip while skiing. At 70 years of age, I was concerned and wondered if I would ever ski again, but Natalie carefully and systematically helped me gain confidence and strength. After reading about the laser treatments, I was able to give it a try. It was amazing for my hip, and I then wanted it for my shoulders. Natalie monitored my progress and continued to listen to my concerns and adjust to my needs. I felt like we were partners in my recovery.” –Linda D.
Call us at 206-524-6702 to schedule now!
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