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718.747.2019
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July 2025
ON THE
MOVE
LET THEM BE BORED! IT MIGHT BE THE BEST PART OF SUMMER
As a parent with grown kids (mine are 20 and 21 now), I’ve spent plenty of summers watching them and remembering what it was like to be a kid myself, complaining about one universal feeling: boredom. You know what I’m talking about. It’s 85 degrees, school’s out, and you’ve already played every version of wiffle ball and “big ball” the neighborhood can offer. Suddenly, you’re just sitting in the garage with your friends, staring at each other like, Now what?
down the block and knock on a friend’s door. Everything has to be planned, from playdates to after-school activities. So, we did our best to keep them busy and tried different hobbies, sports, and even music. Most didn’t stick, but about 25% of what we tried actually became lasting interests. And to us, that was a win because finding something you love to do later in life is gold.
And here’s what I really believe: Boredom sparks creativity. It forces kids to think, imagine, and create their own fun. When I was a kid, if we were bored, we made up games, explored, and used our brains — no TikToks, no Fortnite — just imagination and a ball. That kind of creativity matters, not just for play but for life. It’s how we raise problem-solvers, thinkers, and dreamers and keep critical thinking alive. I also think boredom and creativity go hand in hand with freedom — freedom to think, explore, and be independent. As someone who loves this country, I know it’s something special we get to nurture here. The American dream isn’t just about chasing success — it’s about having the freedom to think for yourself, try new things, and yes, even be bored sometimes.
“Mom, I’m bored!” Is a phrase burned into every parent’s memory — and one that often gets met with, “Go outside,”
“Find something to do,” or, the classic, “Do anything, just stop telling me about it.” Here’s the thing: That’s kind of the point. As adults, most of us can’t remember the last time we were bored. Life doesn’t allow it — there’s always something to do or somewhere to be. But for kids, boredom is actually good. Over the years, my wife and I concluded that boredom is
like a mental reset. It gives the brain space to breathe, recoup, and process the constant flood of information coming in, especially in our overstimulated world of phones, video games, and endless scrolling.
So, if your kid says, “I’m bored,” this summer, try not to panic. Don’t rush to fill the silence with an app, a screen, or a strict schedule. Let it sit. Let them be bored. Let them rediscover that wild, wonderful thing called imagination.
We saw it firsthand. Our kids had phones like everyone else’s — you almost have to, or they’re left out of the group chat. But we quickly realized they didn’t love the phones. They liked them because their friends did. What they really loved was being active — running, playing, and interacting face-to-face. But it took effort. Gone are the days when kids could just walk
You might be surprised what they come up with.
–Dr. Robert Morea
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Bone Facts You’ve Likely Never Heard THE SECRETS OF OUR SKELETONS REVEALED
Our bodies are made up of bones and joints that we rarely acknowledge unless we feel pain or are recovering from an injury. We have no reason to worry about them when we can move comfortably, but that doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Without bones, we would be squishy blobs on the ground, unable to move, eat, speak, or do anything else. Let’s explore three lesser-known facts about our skeletons, no bones about it! We have fewer bones now than we had as children. Humans are born with 275–300 bones, the malleable framework for our tiny infant bodies, but that drops to 206 bones once we reach adulthood. Where did they go? Childbirth requires flexible membranes, and hard, sturdy bones would make the process painful for any expectant mother. Many baby bones are nothing more than cartilage, and as we grow, our bones fuse and harden through ossification, leaving us with around 100 fewer bones. However, bone density and strength continue to change as we age. Stronger bones replace what we broke. Breaking a bone is a scary experience, regardless of age. Arm bones are the most commonly broken
among adults, making up nearly half of all cases, whereas collarbones are the most common for children. When you break a bone, you may believe it needs time to return to its original position and shape, but that’s not exactly how it works. Instead, blood vessels immediately form in the area of a broken bone to advance the healing process. After three weeks, collagen takes the place of the blood vessels, starts to harden, and keeps any broken pieces in place. Over time, the pieces fuse to form a new bone, often stronger than the original. Male and female skeletons are similar. When you compare men’s and women’s skeletons, they share a few characteristics. The femur is the longest and strongest bone, and the stapes in our middle ear is the smallest and lightest bone in both bodies. Both skeletons have 54 bones in the hands, fingers, and wrists. The only major difference is in the pelvis. A woman’s pelvis’s shape, size, and angle are optimally designed for childbirth.
Fix Your Home Office Fatigue Simple Tweaks to Boost Comfort and Focus
connect an external keyboard to support better alignment. This simple adjustment can do wonders for your back and neck. Next, take a look at your chair. If it’s a repurposed kitchen or living room chair, it’s probably not offering the back support you need. Big box stores offer affordable office chairs, but you can also improve what you have if you’re on a tight budget. A cushion or rolled towel behind your back adds support, and a small footrest or box under your feet can reduce pressure on your legs. Move more, strain less. Even the best chair won’t help much if you sit in it all day without a break. Often, the key to staying comfortable while working from home is movement. Set reminders to get up and stretch or take a short walk regularly throughout
the day. Shifting from a seated to a standing work position can also improve circulation and reduce tension. Eye strain is another common issue, especially for people working on screens all day. Practicing the 20-20-20 rule can help. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break while shifting your posture. Don’t overlook the importance of good lighting, either. Poor lighting causes eye strain and headaches. Working in natural light is ideal, but a quality table lamp with soft, even lighting is the next best thing. With these easy adjustments, you can create a workspace that works with you instead of against you. Once you do, it becomes easier to stay focused and energized during your workday.
Many people work remotely these days, making a home office a necessity. If your work setup was thrown together quickly, you’re not alone. While kitchen tables, living room chairs, and makeshift laptop stands work fine as temporary solutions, they’re not great for long-term use. Over time, the little discomforts add up, and you need to make changes. Fortunately, a few simple, affordable adjustments can be very helpful. Start with the basics. If you work on a laptop, it’s probably sitting too low. This can lead to poor posture and neck strain, but there’s an easy fix. Prop the laptop on a stack of books or an inexpensive stand and
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Balance & Reversing Osteoporosis Workshop Do you feel unsteady when you walk? Learn how to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling! Would your bones withstand the impact if you fell? Learn how to increase your bone density naturally and reduce your risk of breaking a bone.
When: Wednesday, July 23, at 4 p.m. Where: PT DOC Physical Therapy clinic Call 718-747-2019 today to reserve your spot!
Learn what you can do to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling before it’s too late.
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN
TAKE A BREAK!
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally; (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes (separate oil and tomatoes) • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1.
Great Imagination Starts With ‘I’m Bored’ How Our Bones Adapt, Heal, and Shape Us A Better Way to Work From Home Balance & Reversing Osteoporosis Workshop Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
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Sip Your Way to Better Health
WHY YOUR MUG MIGHT BE THE KEY TO FEELING GREAT Ready to steep yourself in the healing power of herbal The Tea on the Benefits of Tea
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 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!) 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!
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. 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!
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