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A2M Is Changing the Game STOP JOINT PAIN AT THE SOURCE
(906) 563-5871 FoundationsMed.com
SEPTEMBER 2025
If you live with chronic joint pain, whether it’s osteoarthritis, old injuries, or even early
signs of osteoporosis, you know how much it can interrupt everyday life. For many, these aren’t just minor aches; they impact their overall quality of living. It makes it hard to get a restful night’s sleep. Going up the stairs feels painful, and getting down to the floor to play with your grandkids is uncomfortable. Sometimes, it feels like your body is wearing out faster than it should. Sept. 8 is World Physical Therapy Day, and the focus is on osteoarthritis this year. At Foundations Health, we believe in treating pain from every angle, so we’re excited to offer a new treatment: Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M). This cutting-edge injection targets the root cause of joint degeneration, making it a powerful option for osteoarthritis. Combined with guided physical therapy and support for your overall health, it allows your body to slow down the damage and start the healing process naturally. Your body contains proteases, enzymes that break down proteins as part of the normal self-healing process. Just like we shed skin every so often and our bodies replace it with new skin cells, the same thing happens in our knees. The cartilage inside this necessary joint replaces itself over time, and proteases play an essential role in the repair. When you have a knee injury, a bad diet, or an unhealthy lifestyle, the joint can become inflamed or imbalanced, and proteases jump into hyperdrive. They become overactive and uncontrolled, speeding up the degenerative process. Proteases become enemy number one when it comes to osteoarthritis. If you can’t get them under control, the cartilage breaks down, the joint space narrows, and it becomes a destructive cycle leading to bone-on- bone contact and a lot of pain. This is often the point at which a knee replacement looks imminent, and we want to avoid that. A2M acts as a protease inhibitor, stopping these wild enzymes from wreaking havoc on your joints, and it’s already active inside our bodies. When you receive this treatment, we draw your blood, extract the A2M from the plasma, and inject it into whatever joint bothers you. It stops arthritis, halting the
degenerative process so your body can catch up on repairs. It’s a game changer. Unlike invasive knee or joint surgeries, this has minimal side effects and long- lasting relief. I know if I were looking at a knee replacement, I would 100% opt for an A2M injection. A2M is effective for anyone trying to avoid a knee or joint replacement in the future. It can even help former high school athletes who’ve had injuries like ACL tears. The ideal patient for A2M is someone in their 40s who is experiencing pain in their knees, shoulders, or hips, and the grinding/clicking noise indicative of an arthritic condition. You may feel a minor irritation when you first start A2M, but that means your body’s repair processes are working. It may take six months or a year to see the full effects of A2M, but it has a better track record than treatments like corticosteroids, which kick in quicker but also fade quicker. A2M provides more long-term, consistent results. We know the best results come from treating the whole person, not just a joint. A2M shines as part of a full team approach. We review your scans, check your movement, and look at muscle imbalances with help from our physical therapist. Add in gentle chiropractic care and nutritional support, and all the pieces come together for a healthier, happier you. Contact us today to learn more about A2M and get back to doing the things you love.
1 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com —Dr. Dennis Murvich
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND OUR FAVORITE STAR Sun-believable!
That big ball of fire in the sky plays a significant role in our lives. Most of us don’t give the sun a second thought unless it gets in our eyes when driving or we need to apply sunscreen before going outside. Without the sun, our planet would be plunged into darkness and frigid temperatures, making life impossible for us, plants, and all the animals that call Earth home.
giant, consuming Mercury, Venus, and potentially Earth before becoming a white dwarf. Thankfully, none of us will be around to experience that phenomenon.
The sun is very hot. Learning that the sun is hot is not a groundbreaking discovery; even our youngest children understand this concept, but many people don’t realize just how hot the sun is. At its core, the sun burns at 27,000,000 F. The surface is much cooler, sitting at 10,000 F. For reference, lava erupting from a volcano will only reach around 2,200 F at its hottest. The sun’s surface burns so hot that you could boil diamonds on it! We’re learning more every day. Many details about the sun remain unknown. Astrophysicists have spent decades trying to predict and better understand solar storms, which disperse plasma across the solar system, often disrupting energy grids and spacecraft. In recent years, NASA has made a dedicated effort to learn more. They sent the Parker Solar Probe to the sun, where it studies solar wind and the corona from within 4 million miles of the star’s surface. Ideally, this information will make predicting future solar storms and space weather events easier.
In honor of Sun Day on Sept. 21, let’s explore three lesser-known facts about the star at the center of our solar system.
The sun won’t extinguish itself anytime soon. Thanks to science fiction, some people believe that once the sun uses up its energy, it will dim or explode and end all life in our solar system. However, that’s not a real concern. First, you must consider the age and lifespan of our sun. It’s already been around for 4.5 billion years, and scientists predict it will survive for another 6.5 billion. When that time comes, the sun will grow to a red
The Natural Way to Repair Aching Joints Knee Pain Relief Without the OR
What if your aching knees didn’t need metal plates or an invasive surgery, but just your own healing power? Regenerative medicine is changing the way we think about joint pain, offering cutting-edge treatments like stem cell injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and potentially delay or replace the need for knee surgery. These treatments utilize your body’s cells to address the root causes of knee or other joint issues, giving you an alternative to costly and invasive surgeries. Stimulating natural repair processes. Regenerative treatments like PRP aren’t just fixing what’s broken or damaged; they encourage new, healthy tissue to grow. Your health care provider will use platelets or cells extracted from you that are responsible for restoring cartilage and stimulating natural repair to the affected joint. Unlike surgery, which typically just manages pain or weakened joints, regenerative alternatives work to rebuild and continue to improve your joint function internally, making it an option that could delay or eliminate your need for knee replacement. Non-invasive relief that lasts. There’s no denying that surgery is invasive and could result in complications, a long recovery time, and the potential
that it won’t last. Depending on your lifestyle and current health conditions, surgery might not be a realistic option for you. Rehabilitation can last for months, surgery can result in blood clots or infections, and knee replacements can wear down over time, requiring an additional procedure. Regenerative therapies are typically simple injections that don’t require invasive incisions. The recovery downtime is minimal, and the treatments promote long- term tissue regeneration. Is it right for you? You should always consult a health care professional about the best steps to help you heal from knee or joint pain. Regenerative medicine is a powerful option for people who may be experiencing knee pain and mobility problems but still have cartilage in their knee joints. It can be especially helpful for patients with mild osteoarthritis, isolated damage, or who are too young for a knee replacement. The best candidates are those who are not ready to go under the knife but want to avoid a life of pain or reliance on medications. If you’re ready to learn more about the natural healing power of regenerative medicine, contact us at Foundations Health. Your path to pain-free living starts here.
2 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
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GRILLED TERIYAKI FLANK STEAK Ingredients Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
JODI’S PT CORNER
BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO POSTURE
• 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
The busy school year is kicking back into full gear, and with it come long hours at a desk, heavy backpacks, and more screen time for kids and adults. All these can wreak havoc on your posture and lead to extra aches and pains if you’re not mindful. Whether you are a student, parent, or teacher, now is a perfect time to reset your routines and build healthy habits that support
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strong alignment from the classroom to the living room. Let’s stretch for the school season, with these tips to keep your posture an A+.
Desk posture done right. Whether seated in class or spending more hours at your work station, proper posture helps prevent neck and back strain. Follow the 90-degree rule. Bend your elbows, hips, and knees at a 90-degree angle and keep your feet flat on the floor. Reading materials or computers should be at eye level in front of you to avoid unnecessary pressure on your neck. Sitting for too many hours can cause muscle fatigue, so take short breaks throughout the day. Balance the backpack load. Overloaded school backpacks and full briefcases can cause severe back pain and poor posture. The bottom of a backpack should sit about 2 inches above the waist and have wide straps with padding. It should fit snugly to distribute the weight inside evenly. Ensuring you or your child’s bag is not overloaded is even more important. A backpack should not weigh over 10%–15% of the wearer’s weight. Load bags with the heaviest items first to help pull the shoulders back. Mind your daily habits. Good posture starts outside the class or teacher’s office; you build it by keeping up with regular physical activity and healthy habits. Focus on activities for you and your family that strengthen your core, like swimming or yoga. A strong core supports your spine, a crucial piece of the perfect posture
TESTIMONIAL “Family-friendly, fantastic chiropractic results, and I always feel welcome and cared for. The staff at Foundations Health and Physical Medicine are AWESOME! I strongly recommend you stop in and see for yourself. Best business in town!” —Lionel Lauren
puzzle. Ensure everyone is getting their routine check- ups with the doctor and that you’re eating healthy meals. Mindfulness is another vital facet of sitting up straight. Build little reminders for yourself and your children to check how you are sitting or to keep your shoulders back. For more tips to stay on track with your PT and maximize your wellness journey, check out next month’s Jodi’s PT Corner.
3 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
The biggest compliment you can give us is trusting us enough to care for your friends, relatives, and coworkers. The majority of our new patients come from folks just like you, so please accept our HUGE THANK YOU! WOW, THANKS FOR ALL THE REFERRALS!
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415 W US Highway 2, Ste. 2 Norway, MI 49870 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
INSIDE
Is Knee Surgery the Only Option?
Amazing Facts About the Sun Is Knee Replacement the Only Option?
Jodi’s PT Corner Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
5 Stunning Fall Hikes to Take This Season
LEAF LOVERS WELCOME The Ultimate Fall Hiking Bucket List
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina The Smoky Mountains are a fall favorite known for their endless ridgelines and misty valleys. Mid-to- late October is peak foliage season, especially along trails like Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon If you’re looking for some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ve ever seen, the Columbia River Gorge is the spot! Trails like Multnomah Falls or Eagle Creek offer pretty fall colors, mossy cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
There’s something special about getting outdoors and hiking this time of year. The air is crisp, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and the trees show off their fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking to enjoy leaf-peeping and fresh air, fall is the ultimate season to hit the trails. And the U.S. is brimming with stunning places to do just that. Aspen, Colorado Come September, the mountainsides come alive with beautiful golden aspen leaves, hence the name! Hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail or Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offer beautiful views of alpine lakes with gorgeous foliage and snow-dusted peaks. Just be sure to bring layers — mountain weather can be moody! Acadia National Park, Maine If you want coastal charm mixed with fall colors, Acadia National Park delivers. Right along Maine’s gorgeous coastline, this park is full of color and stunning ocean views — a rare combination!
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Just a short drive from Washington, D.C.,
Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem for fall hiking. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For something gentler, the Stony Man Trail is perfect for families and still offers breathtaking scenery. With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a fall favorite on the East Coast.
4 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
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