CELEBRATING BRENDA LORENZO
Grand Strand’s Patient of the Month
A SPORT FOR ALL AGES BECOMES A CRAZE AMONG OLDER ADULTS You’ve probably heard of pickleball, especially given its rising popularity in the United States and Canada, but you may be wondering what the big deal is about this relatively new fad. Pickleball is an awesome, low- impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s great exercise and great fun, and it’s the perfect game for family get-togethers. Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. It was the creation of three fathers — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who needed to come up with something to keep the little ones entertained and out of their hair. Soon, however, it became popular among the adults, and they ended up spending more time on the court than their children. “Frankly,” McCallum says, “the kids got pushed out.” Since its early days, pickleball has transformed from an ad-hoc game to a full-fledged sport, complete with official rules, equipment, and leagues. Despite the more formal structure in place today, pickleball is incredibly easy to pick up and play. Investing in some paddles and balls won’t cost more than $100, and you can easily convert a tennis or badminton court for pickleball. While I find joy in serving every member of our community who comes to us for adjustment, I want to take a moment to appreciate one of our regular patients, Brenda Lorenzo. She is someone who embodies a holistically healthy lifestyle and understands the importance of chiropractic as a part of that. Brenda is incredibly proactive when it comes to her health. Brenda found Grand Strand while she was on vacation in town and looking to move to the area. She came in for an adjustment, and, before she officially became a patient, she sent her mom in to evaluate our services. By the time Brenda was officially a patient, both of her parents were also under our care. Not only that, but Brenda’s husband Sal joined her in corrective care once they officially moved to the area. Brenda fully believes in the value of our services and encourages everyone close to her to get regular adjustments to treat the nervous system, muscles, and overall health. If I had to pick three words to describe Brenda, they would be happy, active, and healthy. Brenda is a beam of light in the office. Her smile, attitude, and energy light up any room she sets foot in. Never one to take a passive role in her own life, Brenda is active in her work, The Incredible Rise of Pickleball
home life, and recreation. She almost always wears a bandanna when she
comes into our office because she either just finished a workout, or she’s on her way to one. The sum of Brenda’s actions and choices all add up to a vibrant and healthy life.
That being said, Brenda’s energy never leaves us feeling drained. We always feel a little more loved and cared for after our interactions with her. We at Grand Strand Health and Wellness celebrate the joy and determination that Brenda embodies, and we delight in contributing to her continued goal to optimize her health.
One of the appeals of pickleball for older adults is that it is not excessively strenuous. It also doesn’t have the steep learning curve and high barrier to entry that sports like tennis or golf do. Due to the nature of
a pickleball, which contains strategically placed holes similar to those of a whiffle ball, the game is much more about finesse than pure power or athleticism. While you can definitely hone your skills with practice, you’ll start having fun from day one. In addition to being a fun form of exercise, pickleball also offers older adults the chance to socialize with their peers. Leagues often lead to long-term friendships. Courts are small, and each game consists of only four players, making it easy to engage in some casual conversation or playful, competitive banter between points. If you’ve never picked up a paddle, consider joining a league or buying a set for your next family outing. You can introduce your grandkids to a fun new sport — and then school them for the bulk of an afternoon.
2 GRANDSTRANDCHIROPRATIC.COM
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