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AUGUST 2025
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
Our Boys Took the Summer Spotlight Teenagers on the Move and Parents in Pajamas by 8
Summer flew by in a blur of internships, rehearsals, and the never-ending shuffle of activity that defines life with two ( soon-to-be-not-so ) teenage boys. As we’re diving into back-to-school season, I’ve been thinking a lot about how this summer shaped up for my sons, Zach and Nathan, and how quickly time
experience he thoroughly enjoyed. He’s heading into his senior year of high school, which means college talks have officially begun. He’s leaning toward a business degree and wants to stay fairly close to home. Translation: close enough to do laundry at our house, far enough to pretend he doesn’t live here . He doesn’t plan to follow in his big brother’s college footsteps, and honestly, I love that for him. He’s figuring it out in his own way. It’s funny, Emilie and I keep catching glimpses of what life will look like when both boys are off chasing their futures. The other night, Zach was at rehearsal, and Nathan was out at hockey practice. It was just the two of us (and the dog) hanging out at home. We looked at each other and said, “This is it, huh? The preview of our next chapter.” We’ve always traveled as a family, so it’s hard to imagine trips without them. It’s going to be strange not having their energy buzzing around us all the time. Emilie has even floated the idea of getting another dog once the nest is officially empty. I love dogs, don’t get me wrong, but replacing our boys with a four-legged furball? That might be a stretch. We’ll have to wait and see. Change is coming, and while I’d love to hit the brakes, I know we’ll adjust. Our patients have always given us insight into all that life has in store for us as we age, offering us a glimpse into the future. We’ve got plenty of patients/mentors at the clinic ready to help us through the journey ahead. But for now, I’m just trying to enjoy the tail end of the teenage chaos before the quiet settles in. –Mike Ulmer
seems to be speeding up now that we’re inching toward the empty nest phase.
Zach, my oldest, is heading into his junior year of college at St. Ambrose University, and full adulthood keeps getting closer and closer for him. Of course, he still eats cereal out of a measuring cup and thinks laundry magically folds itself. But I have to give credit where credit’s due. He
kept his summer packed and scored a mechanical engineering internship where he got to do the hands-on work he’s been studying. But that wasn’t all. Because one full-time commitment isn’t enough for Zach, he also took on a role in the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.” I mean, this kid would clock out at five, scarf down dinner, and then head straight to rehearsal. Monday through Saturday. Oh, and he’s recently gotten serious about rock climbing. I can’t keep up with him. He’s moving into an on-campus apartment this year with three roommates, and while he’ll have his own room and a kitchen, I’d bet good money he won’t be using the stove. Still, this is the year when everything edges closer to adulthood. He’s halfway through college, living semi-independently, and I can see the finish line ahead! Nathan, on the other hand, just wrapped up a summer internship at a metal treatment plant, working in the lab. Not sure it’s his dream gig, but it gave him a solid
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Why Fitness Fans Are Flocking to Bone Broth
The latest viral fitness trend comes from an ancient source: a nutrient-rich broth as old as time. Bone broth — a soup typically produced by boiling chicken, turkey, or beef bones for 12–14 hours — is gaining attention on social media as a “bonus food” that aids recovery after workouts and delivers abundant proteins and electrolytes. Endurance athletes have long guzzled bone broth at aid stations during long-distance competitions to deliver the necessary sodium and energy boost. Now, the tasty brew is appearing on more supermarket and grocery-store shelves as professional athletes, weekend warriors, and health-conscious workout devotees learn about its benefits. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? While typical chicken or beef stock might simmer for a couple of hours, the animal bones used in bone broth must be simmered in water for 12–48 hours to extract all the bones’ nutrients. Nutritionists claim that bone broth can be a high-value addition to the diets of athletes and casual exercisers alike. People who work out hard need electrolytes to replace those lost in sweat, and this brew has plenty of them, including
calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Bone broth also contains collagen, a protein that helps keep tendons and ligaments strong. A Drexel University nutritionist interviewed by Outside magazine calls it “Nature’s Gatorade.” Of course, health-food fads can explode and flame out with dizzying speed. With that in mind, here are a few things to consider before gulping down bone broth. IS IT JUST ANOTHER FAD? While it has many supporters among nutritionists and dietitians, the benefits of bone broth have not been proven in peer-reviewed research. Adherents must use it consistently to reap its full benefits. Bone broth also lacks adequate protein to meet a person’s total needs. Plus, it may contain heavy metals leached from animal bones and can interfere with some medications, such as blood thinners. Nevertheless, humans have consumed bone broth since ancient times, and it’s still a staple in many cultures. Consumers should check with their doctors before adding it to their diets. As food fads go, this one may have some promise.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“I came to Amanda with bursitis problems and lower back issues. She is a great Physical Therapist! She made me comfortable, is very knowledgeable and pleasant.
“When I came in the first time I was using a walker as it was three weeks after my knee replacement. Mandie was awesome! The only problem throughout the weeks of therapy was I wanted the 120 degree bend back in my knee. Mandie was wonderful throughout my sessions and my last day it finally hit 120!
“I am definitely leaving so much better than when I first showed up here. Amanda gave me the tools to succeed. One word — “Awesome!” Everyone in the office was very pleasant and I certainly would recommend Kinetics and Amanda to all my friends.”
“Mandie was the right person for me and we kept working different ways to bend the knee. She never gave up on me!
“Mandie you are a Godsend! Thank you!”
– Margaret E. Granger
– Linda Reuter
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One powerhouse in your recovery toolkit is often overlooked: sleep. Not just any sleep, but deep, uninterrupted, body-rebuilding sleep. This is when your body clocks into repair mode, stitching torn muscles, calming inflammation, replenishing energy reserves, and reinforcing every rep and stretch from your PT session. LESS SLEEP MEANS MORE PAIN Every night you get solid sleep, your body is hard at work behind the scenes. In deep sleep, the dreamy stages three and four of non-REM sleep, your brain releases growth hormones. These hormones help regenerate tissues and promotes healing in bones, muscles, and cells. Without enough of this downtime, your body’s repair team works overtime with half the tools. Missing out on rest doesn’t just make you tired; it can actually make your pain worse. Sleep deprivation has been shown to heighten pain sensitivity, which means even minor movements can feel majorly uncomfortable. That pain can make physical therapy feel more like a punishment than progress, causing your motivation to dip and your results to stall. PAIN RELIEF STARTS IN BED Sleep Your Way to Stronger Muscles and Less Pain
STUCK IN A PAIN-SLEEP SPIRAL? Pain often disrupts sleep, and poor sleep leads to more pain. It’s a vicious cycle. Tossing and turning, waking up frequently, and feeling groggy during the day all interfere with your recovery. If your nights are restless, it could be a major reason your healing has hit a wall. TIPS FOR BETTER ZZZS The good news? You can break the cycle. Start with small but mighty changes: • Stick to a schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even weekends. • Skip late-night snacks: Finish eating at least two hours before bedtime to avoid midnight wake-up calls from a full stomach. • Cool and dark is key: A cool, dark room helps signal to your body it’s time to shut down. • Reserve your bed for sleep only: Keep work, TV, and scrolling out of the sheets. • Support sore spots: Use pillows or braces to prevent painful tossing and turning. Recovery doesn’t just happen in the gym or at your therapy sessions; it also happens while you sleep. So, don’t skimp on rest. Give your body the quiet, healing hours it needs, and you’ll wake up stronger, steadier, and one step closer to your comeback.
Sudoku
Spinach, Feta, and Egg Stuffed Peppers
Inspired by EatingWell.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 large bell peppers, any color • 1/2 tsp salt • 4 large eggs • 2 tbsp reduced-fat milk • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 2 cups chopped spinach • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Halve peppers lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. 3. Place peppers cut-side up in an 8-inch-square microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high 2 1/2–3 minutes until tender; pat dry and sprinkle with salt. 4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and black pepper. 5. To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil, then add onion and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. 6. Add spinach and cook, stirring 1–2 minutes more until spinach is wilted. 7. Divide spinach mixture evenly among pepper halves. Sprinkle with feta, and top with egg mixture. 8. Bake 30–35 minutes until filling is set.
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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
Chaos, College, and Empty Nester Countdown PAGE 1 Fuel Like a Pro: Why Athletes Love Bone Broth PAGE 2 Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 Why Skimping on Sleep Could Stall Your Recovery PAGE 3
Spinach, Feta, and Egg Stuffed Peppers PAGE 3
Nantucket’s Timeless Allure PAGE 4
Whales, Wine, and Whimsy WHY NANTUCKET SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT GETAWAY
When many Americans think of vacation destinations, they envision beautiful state parks, sunny beaches in Florida or California, and the mountains of Appalachia and the Rockies. However, many states across the country offer exciting events and beautiful scenery. If Massachusetts isn’t already on your radar, consider giving it a closer look the next time you plan a vacation. Cape Cod has beautiful beaches and a rich history that many don’t know about, and something exciting is always happening in Boston. But if you want to experience the true essence of Massachusetts, take a trip to Nantucket. Nantucket is a small island, only 14 miles long and about 3.5 miles wide. Its history with European settlers goes back over 500 years. First sighted by an Englishman named Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602, the island was settled by colonists 50 years later in 1659. Not long after, they spotted whales offshore, which put Nantucket on
the map. Whaling became the ultimate trade for people living in the area, and the island even became the world’s whaling capital until the 1850s. You can still view whales from the island today, and if you want to get the full story, check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum. If whale watching and museum touring aren’t your thing, you can pursue other exciting activities around Nantucket. The island is bike-friendly, and many trails will take you by all the best sights. Many one-of-a-kind boutiques occupy beautiful historic buildings, and there’s even a public golf course that will leave all your golfing buddies jealous. If you go in May, you may even experience the renowned Wine & Food Festival. Nantucket is full of historic architecture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. You might even see a famous face during your visit! This is a vacation you’ll be talking about for years to come!
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