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November/December 2018
My Unpopular Opinion About Football Is the Threat Worth the Thrill?
T he moment the first fall leaves hit the ground, Americans all over the country start preparing themselves for an event they have waited for since February. They load up their grills with delicious burgers and brats, brush the dust off of their favorite jersey, and plant themselves in front of the TV to yell, cheer, or jump up and down while watching one of the most action-packed competitions known to mankind: Monday Night Football. Football has become forcefully interwoven into the fabric of American culture, and it definitely plays a role in my life. That being said, though, I’m going to offer up a less popular opinion than those held by my fellow compatriots: Football isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. I know some of you are going to give me flack for this opinion, but I hope that even if you wholeheartedly disagree, you’ll hear me out first. From the perspective of a physical therapist and a mother, my experience with football has never been wholly positive. While I was in school, I spent a considerable amount of time learning about
maintaining physical health and avoiding injury. Yet every time these players walk out onto the field, they purposefully put their bodies at risk. I understand that a lot of research and energy has gone into perfecting their pads and helmets, which should protect them from injuries. But as the NFL continues into its 53rd year, the sprints seem to get faster, the passes seems to get longer, and the hits seem to get harder. The juxtaposition between observing the sport’s ferocity on Sunday and treating my patients on Monday forced me to question my perspective on football overall. Something just feels off about it. My perspective changed even more when my youngest son, Austin, decided to play when he was in high school. During this time, scientists all over the country were vehemently warning parents and coaches of prevalent, undiagnosed concussions among high school players and the harrowing effects this brain trauma could cause if changes weren’t implemented. According to a 2017 study in the Journal of Athletic Training, football players are 16 times more likely to suffer a concussion than athletes playing other sports, and repeated concussions can lead to neurodegenerative diseases that cause memory loss and severe
–Wendy Rue damage that football can cause to the human body. I know it’s an unpopular opinion, but it’s one that I stand by. depression. Though I was considerably anxious standing on the sidelines, I really did love watching him on the field. He was a great athlete, and anyone who watched him play could see that he loved the game. However, while practicing during his junior year, he got hit so hard he nearly passed out, which prompted us to speak to him about the potential long-term consequences of playing football. His coaches encouraged him to continue playing, but in the end, he decided against it. I will admit that I was relieved when he opted out. I understand that for most Americans, football is quintessential to the high school experience. But in their haste to feel the thrill of those Friday night lights, players, as well as parents and coaches, often forget that high school football ends after four years, but the body you were born with has to last you the rest of your life. Now, I would never discourage anyone from being physically active, but I hope that people will consider the intense
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BACK PAIN AND SCIATICAWORKSHOP Suffering from back pain or sciatica? Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. for our free back pain and sciatica workshop! Must register! Call (360) 279-8323 to reserve your spot. Change is a fundamental part of what it means to be human, but every person deals with it differently. Some people shy away, fearing any kind of disruption in their daily routines. Others view change as an opportunity for growth, using the chaos as a catalyst for new opportunities. Luckily, for all of us here at Rue & Primavera, our new occupational therapist, Marrem Aiello, took advantage of all the massive, recent changes in her life and, in doing so, has become an integral part of our team. Marrem came to our great state of Washington all the way from Illinois. Her first experience in Oak Harbor was quite different than her time growing up in the Chicago area. She explains that, while the weather change and location have taken time to adapt to, she truly loves the more peaceful aspects of her new home. Before her move four months ago, Marrem attended the University of Illinois, where she received her bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise science. She then received her master’s in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. Along with spending time with her husband and enjoying Washington’s natural beauty with their dog, Boomer, Marrem is also finding comfort in her new job. “Although I’ve technically only been at Rue & Primavera for three weeks, my welcoming team and patients definitely make me feel like I’ve been here longer.” As an occupational therapist, Marrem specializes in treating injured, ill, and disabled patients through therapeutic everyday activities. She helps patients develop, recover, and improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Her favorite part of occupational therapy is the individualistic approach she can take with each patient. Whether she is working with children, teenagers, middle-aged adults, or seniors, she enjoys learning about them, listening to their stories, and witnessing their rehabilitation progress. Marrem has been a phenomenal addition to our team, and patients who have gotten to work with her enjoy her genuine and friendly nature. If you see her around the office, be sure to say hello! Employee Spotlight! Meet Marrem, Our New Occupational Therapist
A Quick Workout
Prepare Yourself for the Thanksgiving Feast When you’re in the kitchen cooking your signature dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, you might find yourself with short periods of nothing to do. While you wait, why not fit in a quick workout? Exercising for 30 minutes will help ease any anxieties you may have — perhaps about getting those side dishes just right, or about your in-laws, who will soon be seated at your table.
To start off, you’ll need to warm up. Keeping the oven in sight and the timer well within earshot, take a few minutes to loosen up your muscles. Jog in place, do some jumping jacks for a minute, or jump in place for 45 seconds. Warmups often consist of these basic exercises, but one set of each won’t be enough. To make sure your body is completely warmed up, repeat each set at least three times. After you’ve warmed up, it’s time to start the workout. Squat jumps, ski jumps, pushups, plank crawls, and holding a squat stance are easy exercises you can do in your kitchen, dining room, or living room while your feast cooks. Do each exercise as many times as you can in a minute, and just like you did in the warmup, repeat each set three times. While in your squat stance, there are several things you can do. For 30-second intervals, put your arms out in a “T” formation and move them up and down in small pulses. Then move your arms out in front of you and return to the “T” shape. Raise your arms up over your head and clap, and then return once more to the “T” formation. Rotate your arms in backward circles, switch to forward arm circles, and finish up by holding your squat for an additional 30 seconds. This 30-minute exercise routine is great for before, during, and after your Thanksgiving meal prep. You don’t have to wait around all day for things to finish up — occupy your downtime with short exercises to keep your heart pumping.
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Let Us Help You Prevent Lymphedema
Spread Knowledge and Awareness
For approximately the last 30 years, people across the country have tirelessly raised funds to increase awareness about the most prevalent type of cancer: breast cancer. Unfortunately, in the case of lymphedema, a common condition associated with localized fluid retention and tissue swelling, knowledge and prevention tactics have remained low despite its alarmingly high statistics. Many people are unaware that lymphedema is the most debilitating postoperative complication in breast, ovarian, cervical, prostate, and other various cancers. It can be caused by the surgical procedures used to remove lymph nodes or from radiation therapy, both of which disrupt lymph drainage. It
can also be caused by a trauma or infection in the lymph nodes. Lymphedema can also be genetically inherited. Affected patients suffer from extreme swelling and sometimes significant pain, typically affecting the arms and legs. Worldwide data estimates that 180–250 million people suffer from lymphedema. education in the U.S. is still lacking. In fact, some of our lymphedema patients have told us stories of having to do their own research on the condition before they even received treatment for their cancer. So in addition to navigating the emotionally and physically painful experience of battling cancer, they are forced to seek out help Even though these numbers are overwhelmingly high, lymphedema
for a post-operative condition that many in the medical field haven’t warned them about. That is why our team here at Rue & Primavera wants to inform people. Additionally, we offer free consultations to women who have had lymph glands removed due to breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer. Every October, people around the globe draw attention to breast cancer prevention, and we encourage you to help us spread awareness about lymphedema this month. I am a certified lymphedema therapist, CLT, and I offer free consultations to breast cancer survivors. If you have any questions or want to schedule a free consultation, don’t hesitate to give our office a call at (360) 279-8323.
SUDOKU
Spicy, Creamy SWEETPOTATOES
INGREDIENTS
• 5 pounds sweet potatoes • 1 cup canned coconut milk • 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes.
2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste. Once mixed, add the mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes.
4. 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Uncover potatoes and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
Inspired by The New York Times
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785 SE Bayshore Drive, Suite #102 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
My Unpopular Opinion About Football
The Cook’s Workout
Meet Marrem, Our New Occupational Therapist!
Let Us Help You Prevent Lymphedema
Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes
A Historic Veterans Day
A Historic Veterans Day Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the End of World War I
T his year, Veterans Day takes on particular historic significance: Nov. 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. Countries around the world will commemorate the signing of this peace agreement with moments of silence, centennial ceremonies, and historical exhibits. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day is a celebration of life. It’s a day to honor the power of peace and the living veterans across the globe who have served their countries. This November, take a moment to remember the war that helped shape the international community’s dedication to peace and thank the individuals who served to defend it.
Veterans Day
Empire by a Serbian nationalist provided the spark that would eventually burn down much of Europe. A chain reaction of land disputes, pre-emptive attacks, and strategic alliances brought over 30 countries into World War I. The Great War that ravaged Europe resulted in a devastating loss of life, but from those ashes rose a renewed appreciation for the importance of peace and a global effort to ensure its place in the future. In 1918, Germany surrendered unconditionally, and the armistice ended the fighting at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, though the war did not officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versailles the following July. An estimated 16 million soldiers and civilians died in just four years, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in modern history. The Restoration of Peace
Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, to honor the one-year anniversary of the armistice, and it became a U.S. holiday in 1938. Today, Veterans Day celebrates veterans who served their country honorably. The U.K., France, Australia, and Canada also commemorate their veterans in November. If you know a veteran, thank them for their service this month.
The Great War
By 1914, a world war had been years in the making, but the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian
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