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CAMPUS COMMONS
FREEDOM IN FORWARD MOTION THE PT JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE
In many ways, physical therapy is a profoundly American activity.
them. Their dedication and determination are inspiring, and seeing where a person’s spirit of independence can lead them is extraordinary. Most people we see here at Campus Commons Physical Therapy come to us because they’re in pain. We work hard to help our patients manage this discomfort independently and identify ways to avoid aggravating it further. With pain comes a lack of activity and decreased interest in things that would otherwise bring people joy. Once that mindset takes over, dependence typically follows — and that’s never good for the patient. We’re here to provide our patients a clear path toward managing their problems on the days they don’t see us so they can maintain their freedom and a positive attitude. To be honest, we provide a service people wish they didn’t need, so it’s our job to give them opportunities to live on their own terms with as little help as possible. So, what’s the best way to start living more independently? Well, if your particular health circumstances allow, being active outdoors is never a bad thing. While it’s perfectly understandable to want to stay inside in air conditioning this time of year, this may prevent you from being as mobile as you should be. Whenever possible, try to run errands, go for a walk, or run early in the day before the temperature begins to rise. I also encourage
you to use pool time to swim or engage in aquatic exercises. The goal this season is to keep moving as much as you can. Of course, gaining more physical independence often improves one’s mental outlook. One of the best things about being a physical therapist is seeing patients walk out of the clinic in a better state of mind than when they walked in. Ultimately, patience with the process is the biggest key to long-term success and eventual independence. Some people want to be better yesterday , but that’s rarely possible. The most successful patients I know have a clear understanding of what we’re going to work on, why we’re doing it, and where it’s going to take them. Whether you’re new to physical therapy or have been engaged in the process for a while, your commitment — either here or at home — matters. Every moment you commit to your well-being here or at home is a step toward a better life. The journey is longer for some people than it is for others, but every one of us can do things that may seem insurmountable at the start. Independence is possible; all it takes is one step at a time.
Another summer is here, which means many of us are celebrating the spirit of independence that led to our country’s founding and what it means to be autonomous. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to witness countless people rise above their challenges and live productively without the support or assistance of friends and family. We have patients in their mid-90s who continue to live independently and come to us for guidance in building their strength, stamina, and endurance. Although our patients have physical issues we must address, they rarely feel powerless to overcome
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THE CELEBRITY EFFECT
How Star-Powered Book Clubs Drive Bestsellers
Nowadays, celebrities influence countless consumer decisions, from buying cosmetics to backing charities. However, few sectors have been more deeply affected than book publishing. Celebrities from Reese Witherspoon to Dua Lipa are triggering rising sales of an increasingly varied selection of books. Publishing industry sources credit their book clubs with creating closer reading communities and more adventurous book choices among millennial and Gen Z readers. Oprah’s Book Club kickstarted the trend in the 1990s, sparking millions of book sales with a single mention. In a recent shift, other celebrities are using their clout to fast-track book choices into TV adaptations. Reese Witherspoon, who rivals Oprah in her book-picking clout, turned Celeste Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere” into a bestseller and a TV adaptation (starring herself). Actress and producer Dakota Johnson founded a book club called TeaTime last year, which is linked to her production company by the same name. The club aims to adapt book picks such as Maria-Helene Bertino’s “Beautyland” into TV shows and movies.
her friend and co-organizer Karah Preiss, Roberts tends toward indie bookstore picks with an intellectual vibe, heavy on literary and historical fiction and memoirs. Pop star Dua Lipa calls her Service 95 platform a “cultural concierge” that includes shopping guides, travel ideas, and book picks. The singer has recommended a global potpourri of works to broaden readers’ perspectives, including Polish author Tomasz Jedrowski’s “Swimming in the Dark,” Korean-American author Michelle Zauner’s “Crying in H Mart,” and Argentine author Hernan Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Trust.” Actress Emma Watson followed a different path when she launched Our Shared Shelf in 2016. The “Harry Potter” co-star’s choices tilt more toward political and personal causes, including Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” and “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge. Whatever their motive, these stars deserve credit for endearing books to a much bigger audience. In an era when many talented authors have a hard time paying the rent, that can only be a good thing!
Actress Emma Roberts’ book club, Belletrist, has produced two TV shows based on books she recommended, “First Kill” and “Tell Me Lies.” With
Sunny Skin Savvy TIPS FOR A SAFE SUMMER COMPLEXION
www.campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com 2 THE SCIENCE BEHIND MOSQUITO BITES The itchy, bumpy remnants of mosquitoes’ unwanted visits on our bodies are as much a summer tradition as barbecues and fireworks. Some people get covered in bites wherever they go, while others enjoy the great outdoors relatively unscathed. If you’re typically in the former category, scientific reasons explain why insects find you so irresistible. Studies have shown that people with type O blood are twice as likely to attract mosquitoes, while pregnant women are more susceptible to bites due to increased body heat and the higher level of carbon dioxide they exhale. If you tend to be active outdoors in summer, be aware that the lactic acid and ammonia in your sweat can Summertime is a fun season for most folks, but it’s rarely a party for our skin. Big bites and sunburn are pesky nuisances that can make our days in the sun less than perfect. Here are some interesting facts about their causes and ways to better protect our skin from their effects.
often entice little creatures who love to dive onto your skin and leave their mark.
THE TRUTH BEHIND SUNRAY REMEDIES Before taking full advantage of the great summer weather, prepare for the sun’s effect on your skin by consulting your health care provider to confirm whether any current medications have side effects that can lead to increased sensitivity. Remember that not all sunscreens are created equal. Most people know sunscreens’ strength is determined by their sun protection factor (SPF) numbers, but what do those actually mean? As an example, applying an SPF 50 sunscreen is supposed to provide 50 times more protection than going outside with nothing on your skin. While no sunscreen offers 100% protection from the sun’s rays, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 50, which is said to protect you against at least 95% of sunbeams that could damage your epidermis.
NAP KNOW-HOW
POWER, PERKS, AND PROTECTIONS
A LATTE FOR YOUR LULLABIES? Caffeine is not the first thing that comes to mind as an effective sleep aid, but it comes in handy when you need to catch a few minutes of sleep after lunchtime. Contrary to popular belief, coffee and other caffeinated beverages are not instant recharges; it takes several minutes for your body to receive the jolt from what you’ve just put in it. If you feel
Think naps are just for kids? Science says they may also be a secret weapon for adults’ well-being.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy body, physical activity (including engaging in physical therapy when needed) and diet are only part of the big picture. To keep your body in ideal shape as you get older, consider napping more often. A few interesting tidbits prove that indulging in pre-evening slumber can help you rise above your midday slump.
groggy after naptime, consuming minimal caffeine before shutting your eyes will help your brain fog dissipate faster when you awaken.
A MID-AFTERNOON MIND MAKEOVER According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, seniors who napped for 30–90 minutes in the afternoon displayed improved word recall and other indicators of strong cognitive function. Additional research by the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center revealed that naps benefit the mind and body most between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If your daily schedule prevents you from resting during that time, try to get outside for a few quick minutes of sunshine to recharge your internal batteries.
A REMINDER TO RELAX If you feel sleepier than usual throughout the day, fear not — the need to nap is normal in most cases and our bodies’ way of indicating we need more rest to stay healthy. If your need to snooze becomes more persistent and begins to interfere with your daily tasks, consult your physician to ensure everything is well and get more tips on proper napping habits.
TAKE A BREAK
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
INGREDIENTS •
2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch chunks
• • • • • •
1/4 tsp chili powder
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• • • • •
3 tbsp olive oil, divided 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 cup water 1 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp fine salt
Salt and pepper, to taste 8–10 small corn tortillas
1 small white onion, finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Toss sweet potatoes in 2 tbsp olive oil, cayenne pepper, and salt. 2. Bake for 30–40 minutes, then set aside. 3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add remaining olive oil. Add onions and cook until softened. 4. Add in cumin and chili powder, stir for 30 seconds, then add black beans and water. 5. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes before mashing about half the beans. 6. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. 7. Warm tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat, then assemble tacos and enjoy!
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INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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Steps to Strength and Self-Reliance
Celebrity Book Clubs Drive Book Popularity
Season Skin Saviors
Smart Snooze Secrets
Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
Sip Your Way to Better Health
B
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W H Y Y O U
BLACK TEA If you want an energy boost, black tea might replace your morning cup of coffee. Robust and flavorful, this variety has high amounts of antioxidants called theaflavins and thearubigins, which support healthy cholesterol
Ready to steep yourself in the healing power of herbal drinks? We’re reading all the tea leaves on, well, tea! Whether you need a morning boost from a bold black tea, a stress-melting sip of chamomile, or a green tea
glow-up for your immune system, there’s a brew for every mood. Let’s sip through the world of teas and explore the different varieties, their benefits, and why your kettle might be your new best friend on your health and wellness journey.
levels and the heart. Black tea can also reduce the risk of strokes, lower blood sugar levels, and provide focus without all the jitters.
CHAMOMILE TEA Sleep is crucial for your health, and you can sip your way to better z’s with a cup of chamomile tea. This popular drink’s calming effects are thanks to its antioxidant properties — natural stress and inflammation reducers. Along with its well- known calming benefits, chamomile can soothe upset stomachs, protect against certain cancers, strengthen your immune system, and even improve your skin. (That’s what we call beauty sleep in a cup!)
GREEN TEA People have turned to green tea for centuries for its health benefits, hosting powerful antioxidants to support your immune system. The natural catechins in these leaves protect cells in the body from damage and can even reduce inflammation. Green tea can also aid in
weight loss, support healthy brain function, and reduce the risk of severe conditions like heart disease. Studies have found that this brew can also improve your oral health, manage blood sugar, and could add years to your life!
So, whether you’re brewing up energy, relaxation, or a health boost, tea has you covered, one sip at a time. Go ahead and grab your favorite mug, steep your favorite brew, and let the stress melt away!
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