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MONTHLY
APRIL 2018
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T he M c W horters T ake O n the S outh
Vital Care Patients ENTER TO WIN Find the misspelled word in this newsletter and call (623) 544-0300 for your chance to win a $10 gift card! CALL (623) 544-0300 At the beginning of this year, my family was finally able to take the cross-country trip we’ve been looking forward to for quite some time. We were able to visit relatives we haven’t seen in ages and experience new and exciting destinations in the Southeast. The first stop on our road trip was Tennessee. David’s dad is originally from there, but he lived in Arizona for a good chunk of his life. After retiring, my father-in-law and his wife decided to move back to his hometown. Although we’ve kept up with that side of the family via phone calls and social media, the kids hadn’t seen their Grandpa and Grandma McWhorter since they were about 2 and 3 years old (they are now 11 and 12). So we were overdue for a visit. No matter where we traveled, we seemed to bring the cold and Storm Grayson with us. While staying with family in the small town of Camden,
“We stayed in the historic Peabody hotel, which was incredible — except for the next morning when the fire alarm went off and we had to walk eight stories down the outdoor fire escape in the minus-3-degree wind chill to safety." good night’s rest, we enjoyed Disney World for four straight days. We covered the whole park: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. The temperature had finally warmed up by then, and although it was only 75 degrees, the humidity made it feel more like 85. We finished up our road trip at a business conference in Atlanta, which was pretty tame compared to the rest of our trip. However, for the last two days in Atlanta, Storm Grayson showed up again with cold, and it snowed the day that we headed home. The whole vacation took us about three weeks, and every single day was worth it. But by the end, I was ready to sleep in my own bed and get back to work! The kids had a great time, and they are already talking about the next time they get to see Grandpa and Grandma McWhorter in Tennessee.
Tennessee, there were record-breaking cold temperatures and snow in an area that does not usually get snow. We headed to Graceland with the storm right at our heels. In Memphis, we stayed in the historic Peabody hotel, which was incredible — except for the next morning when the fire alarm went off and we had to walk eight stories down the outdoor fire escape in the minus-3-degree wind chill to safety. Fortunately, it was a false alarm and we were able to go back into the warm hotel. Next, we drove to Savannah, Georgia. It started snowing that night and continued the whole time we were there. Savannah isn’t accustomed to snow, so most of the restaurants and historical sites were closed. Since we didn’t want to be stuck in the hotel for several days, we bundled up and walked around to look at the gorgeous houses. My toes were definitely frostbitten by the time we got back, but it was worth it. After arriving in Florida, the snow stopped, but the air outside was still very cold. First, we experienced the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, which was incredible. We then took a day off to shop and relax. After a
I hope you had a wonderful Easter. We look forward to seeing you soon.
–Andrea McWhorter
Contest for past and present Vital Care PT patients only.
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DON’T MISS OUT ON THE BE
We tend to picture energetic dogs and cats thriving in young families with children, but animals are often happy to live with older, less active adults. These kinds of homes are especially suited to older animals that might otherwise have to spend their last days in the pound. Depending on your schedule and mobility, you might not want to adopt a large dog. But small lap dogs, cuddly cats, and even birds can make a great addition to your home. As long as you do not suffer from allergies, having a pet can be great for your health. The American Heart Association says pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, may be linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers found evidence to support this claim when they discovered that registered dog owners in Sweden had lower rates of cardiovascular disease and a lower risk of death than individuals without dogs. Physical fitness is far from the only benefit of pet ownership. The love and companionship our animal friends offer can alleviate depression or loneliness. Linda Anderson, founder of the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis, says, “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly W ord on the S treet GEORGE’S & VERDELLA’S STORIES “I had a problem with my back. After taking an MRI, stenosis was found in my lower back, for which my doctor suggested physical therapy. With the help of Andrea and Tim, I found out that I no longer had stenosis after only eight sessions. I can move easier and overall felt 100 percent better! I would recommend Vital Care Physical Therapy to anyone who needs physical therapy. They are very professional, and all the staff are very friendly. Thank you, Vital Care!” -George Y. “The staff here at Vital Care Physical Therapy has helped me tremendously, both with my left shoulder and with my hip. “Because of Vital Care Physical Therapy, I am able to raise my left arm so much easier and higher, and I am able to stoop and bend over much easier with my hip. “Vital Care gave me expertise to continue with the healing process. I highly recommend Vital Care Physical Therapy to anyone.” -Verdella E.
barren and lonely their lives were without their pet’s companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet.”
Caring for a pet takes work, but for many people, the benefits greatly outweigh the challenges. An energetic dog encourages you to leave the house and go for walks, a talkative parrot makes time spent alone less lonely, and a soft cat curled up on your lap helps alleviate a stressful day. If you can’t have a pet in your home due to lease restrictions or mobility challenges, you don’t have to miss out on the benefits of being around animals. Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. You can help care for cats, dogs, and other animals while they wait for their own forever home. There are thousands of pets in shelters across the country waiting for someone to care for them. If there’s room in your retirement plan, why not invite one into your home? You might discover both you and your new friend have something to gain.
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EFITS OF PETS
WHAT’S CAUSING MY NECK TO HURT? Neck pain can be uncomfortable and dampen your spirits. It may prevent you from enjoying your favorite hobbies or even keep you from doing something as simple as driving. Here are a few facts to help you better understand this literal pain in the neck and what may cause it. YOUR NECK IS COMPLEX Necks are a lot more complicated than you think. The neck, or the cervical spine, contains seven vertebrae that are separated with intervertebral discs. These discs give support, allow movement, and absorb shock. The neck is also made up of skin, muscles, arteries, veins, lymph nodes, and parathyroid glands, and houses the thyroid gland, esophagus, larynx, and trachea. When something goes wrong in one or more of these areas, neck pain can result. CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS Disc disease, neck strain, whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve are some of the leading causes of neck pain. On rare occasions, neck pain can come from tumors or meningitis. Factors such as poor posture, obesity, smoking, office and computer work, repetitive lifting, and athletic activity can also lead to neck pain. Each of these factors produces different symptoms — some are associated with a dull ache, while others can be anything from numbness to sharp shooting pains. TREATMENT Depending on the cause of your neck pain and the resulting symptoms, you may have to see a physical therapist for relief. After evaluating your condition and medical history, a physical therapist will work with you to find the exact cause of your discomfort and create a customized treatment plan. The physical therapists at Vital Care PT are experts in neck pain treatment. Our specialists are easily accessible, and our treatment options are affordable. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can cure your neck pain.
R oasted A sparagus W ith L emon B readcrumbs
INGREDIENTS
• 2 pounds asparagus • 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Kosher salt • Freshly ground pepper • 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped • 2 teaspoons lemon zest • Juice of one lemon (not packaged lemon juice)
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F. Toss asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20–26 minutes, turning asparagus halfway through. 2. When asparagus is nearly done, heat remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add breadcrumbs and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and fold in parsley and lemon zest. 3. Transfer asparagus to serving platter, drizzle with lemon juice, and top with breadcrumb mixture.
Recipe inspired by Food and Wine Magazine
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THIS ISSUE
Our Family Road Trip PAGE 1
Do Pets Fit Into Your Retirement Plan? PAGE 2 Roasted Asparagus With Lemon Breadcrumbs What a Pain in the Neck! PAGE 3 3 Places to View Natural Wonders PAGE 4
ONE-OF-A-KIND N aturescapes
If you’re lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you might see rare magical sights — baby turtles scuttling toward water, glowing lagoons, or a shimmering sky. But when and where do you need to be to catch these natural wonders?
water, lend their glow to the lagoon. These tiny organisms thrive in areas where salt water and fresh water meet, making the lagoon in springtime an ideal place to see them. Eco tip: To ensure this magical sight will remain for years to come, always go with a “pack it in, pack it out” mentality. Take all of your belongings with you when you leave and be respectful of the beautiful environment that is yours to enjoy. NORTHERN LIGHTS IN SCANDINAVIA One of the most elusive natural wonders, the aurora borealis, can only be seen on dark nights in the most northern parts of the world. That makes Sweden and its Scandinavian neighbors a great place to see the phenomenon. From December through April, you’ll have your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Sightings are dependent on solar activity, so it’s impossible to predict the exact timing and location, but they’re easier to see during the longer, darker nights of winter and early spring. Eco tip: Book your trip through a responsible travel company, such as those that practice a fair-trade policy.
SEA TURTLES HATCHING IN HAWAII On Oahu’s North Shore, head to Turtle Beach, which gets its name from the many turtles that nest along its shores. During late spring and summer, the waves subside, allowing turtles to crawl onto the beach to lay their eggs. Baby turtles hatch at night and make their way to the water by the light of the moon. If you do head to the beach at night to see this specticle, don’t use white light, as it can disrupt the turtles’ progress (that means no flash photography).
Eco tip: Look, but don’t touch! It’s illegal to touch a sea turtle in Hawaii.
BIOLUMINESCENT PLANKTON IN JAMAICA Imagine looking out at the water as the sky gets dark and seeing it turn a bright, glowing blue. That’s the sight you might be treated to at Luminous Lagoon in Jamaica, where dinoflagellates, microscopic organisms in the
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