Take a look at our December newsletter!
DECEMBER 2023
6358 EDGEMERE BLVD. EL PASO, TEXAS 79925 915-562-8525
11855 PHYSICIANS DR. EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 915-855-6466
LET’S GET BACK TO THE BASICS
How to Prioritize Health and Wellness in 2024
It’s been over three years since the pandemic began, but I can’t say we’ve entirely returned to normal. I can still see the remnants of it here at our clinic, with team members (and patients) still needing to stay home after catching COVID-19. The world hasn’t recovered either; COVID-19, inflation, and social issues have had us in a state of instability for years now. But while 2023 was a year of rebuilding our norm, I think 2024 is the year we can finally return to life before 2020. It’s time we restart. This year, we could see what worked and what didn’t. 2023 was a year of navigating the unknowns and working toward a new normal. While I think we made progress, I don’t think we’re quite finished yet. In 2024, we’ll have the experience and knowledge to fully adjust to this new way of life, whether it’s remote work or an unfamiliar economy. As we try to return to before, it’s time to look within ourselves and ask, “What do I want?” Sometimes, this means returning to the basics, and your health is perhaps the most essential. Look at your health and discover all that you’ve been neglecting. When you focus on and improve your health, everything else will fall into place. You may have once been entirely focused on your health, but after the pandemic, your routine changed, and so did your eating habits and activity levels. Let’s get ourselves back on track. Watch what you’re eating, how it affects you, how much you exercise, and how your body feels. With so much unrest, returning to the basics is a surefire way to feel a newfound sense of stability. If you’ve met your deductible, your physical therapy treatment might be free! Treat your aches and pains before your deductible resets on Jan. 1. If you have an annual insurance limit, you should also stop by this December to use up any leftovers before it’s too late! Why pay out of pocket in January when you can see us for free this month? Call our Edgemere Boulevard clinic at 915-562-8525 or our Physician’s Drive clinic at 915-855-6466 to schedule an appointment.
Not only has remote work caused many to become more sedentary, but it’s also led to a significant decrease in social interaction. Staying at home daily is a recipe for isolation, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
Personally, I’m the type of person who gets their energy from interacting with others. I think that no matter what, we are all social people who need a certain level of communication and understanding at our core. I’m glad we stayed open through the pandemic and never went remote because I would’ve driven myself (and probably my wife) crazy. But I know many people have isolated themselves over the past few years. Even if you didn’t work remotely, many of us had to hold back from visiting loved ones and friends to avoid spreading the virus. Distance has undoubtedly happened to all of us, and in 2024, we should get back to this basic as well: communication and human interaction. All you need is one phone call with a friend or a visit with your family to uplift your day immediately. I know business owners have also been struggling recently, and I can’t say that I don’t know your pain. Employee retention and operations have gone through ups and downs these past
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WINTER TRAVEL TIPS, HACKS, AND REMINDERS! Make Your Journey Merry and Bright
Now that Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, we can turn our attention toward Christmas and New Year’s Day! Over the next few weeks, many of us will travel across the country to visit loved ones to celebrate the holidays. This is easily one of the busiest times of year for travel, as AAA estimated that more than 112 million Americans traveled during last year’s holiday season. This year looks to be equally busy. Traveling during the holidays can be hectic and frustrating. It takes planning and a little luck to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. You might need to deal with more traffic or longer lines at airport security, but you can make this situation easier by implementing some helpful strategies. Here are some tips to help you reach your destination with as little stress and trouble as possible, regardless of your mode of transport. Heading to the Airport There’s no secret strategy to help you get to your terminal quicker or ensure you make your connecting flights on time. You could enroll in TSA precheck, but there’s no guarantee it will be faster during the holidays. Your best bet is to arrive
at the airport early enough to check your bags, make it through TSA, and board your flight with ease. One of the most frustrating situations any frequent flyer can experience is lost or damaged luggage. Suitcases aren’t cheap! If you ever grab your luggage from the carousel and notice it’s damaged or scuffed, do not leave the airport. Instead, go to baggage services and explain the situation. They will gather your information before directing you to a link where you can choose a new suitcase to replace the broken one. If the bag is lost, you will need to fill out a claim as well, although it will likely be a couple of weeks before the airline considers your bag truly lost. Traveling by Car For many families, it’s tradition to pack the car full of gifts and visit the grandparents for the week or a long weekend. It’s a family road trip! Driving in the winter comes with more challenges than any other time of year. Before leaving the house, pack an emergency kit to keep you and your family safe if you get caught in a blizzard. Stock your vehicle with blankets, flashlights, water bottles, basic car maintenance tools, and kitty litter to help free your car from the snow. If you get stuck, turn on your ignition every hour for 10 minutes to warm up the car, and switch on your lights for visibility. Do not get out of your vehicle to look for help! You could get lost and end up in more danger. Traveling during the holidays isn’t only stressful for the travelers but for everyone working as well. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile, consider purchasing some treats or gifts to give to those who are working the holidays. Sharing them with your flight crew or the attendant at the terminal will bring a smile to their face and could even result in them doing something nice for you. Hotel workers, gas station attendants, and retail employees are some of the many people who work diligently throughout the holidays and could use some extra recognition. The holiday season is full of joy and excitement. Don’t let traveling take the fun out of your experience!
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The Surprising Science Behind Your Shaky Muscles
Imagine you’re running through a basic exercise routine. You feel good, so you push yourself harder than usual — and your muscles suddenly start shaking! Every athlete has experienced that moment of panic when tremors hit. But have you ever wondered why your muscles shake? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Shaking muscles can mean at least three things: You’re underprepared for your workout, pushing yourself too hard, or breaking new ground and building muscle! To figure out which option explains your scenario, ask yourself these questions: 1. Did I drink plenty of water today and get at least seven hours of sleep last night? If not, your muscles could be shaky because of dehydration or fatigue. 2. Am I doing a new exercise? If you’ve never done a jump squat or bench pressed 200 pounds,
you’ll probably feel shaky the first time you try a full set. That’s because your body is adjusting to the new motions at a cellular level. Simply put, when you start a workout, your muscle fibers tell your muscle cells whether to contract or relax — and those fibers can get tired of doing their job. When one fiber becomes fatigued, your body adjusts to rely on another. Trying something new (essentially, asking your fibers to give new directions) can confuse your body and delay the tradeoff, making your muscles shake. 3. Am I pushing myself harder than I ever have before? When you amp up the intensity of your workout, your body will often do more muscle fiber “tradeoffs” than usual because you’re demanding more output. When too many tradeoffs happen at once, that can make your muscles shake.
Muscle tremors aren’t always a bad sign. If you’re trying a new exercise or pushing for improvement, they’re part of the learning process! However, if you’re struggling with exhaustion or dehydration, or you think you’re overworking yourself, shaking can be a red flag. Consider reducing the intensity of your workout or taking a rest day. When in doubt, discuss the issue with a physical therapist, especially if you’re recovering from an injury.
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SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE Inspired by TheModernProper.com
three years. But the team members who have stuck with your company for years, through thick and thin, make a world of difference. I’m grateful for those on my team who have worked hard to make the business run as usual when things were unusual. I hope you also can take the time to appreciate those who have stood by you and your business and show them this gratitude in 2024. I don’t mean to loom over the gloom the pandemic has brought, but instead, I look forward to the future where we can once again thrive. I wish you all the best as the new year approaches, and, of course, happy holidays!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 cup sliced celery • 2 cups sliced carrots • 1/2 cup flour • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/2 tsp celery seed • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 cup milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 cups peas • 4 cups cooked chicken • 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed • 1 egg
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 4. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 5. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square
on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture.
6. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
915-562-8525 | www.SpineRehab.net 6358 Edgemere Blvd. El Paso, Texas 79925
1. A Look at What’s Ahead in 2024 2. Your Ultimate Holiday Travel Guide 3. Why Your Muscles Shake During a Tough Workout Skillet Chicken Pot Pie 4. A Truck Driver’s $14,000 Christmas Miracle INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Truck Driver Received an Emotional Secret Santa Surprise
When truck driver Carl opened his trailer door to a news crew in 2022, he did not appear to be in the mood for company. The 72-year-old East Idaho resident initially seemed standoffish and skeptical of the unexpected correspondent and his camera, asking several questions about why they were visiting him. But when reporter Nate Eaton handed Carl an early Christmas gift from “an anonymous person,” he warily relented and invited the crew inside. When he opened the gift box, Carl found a stack of gift cards inside. He appeared surprised and puzzled, so Eaton explained that four gift cards were worth $500 each for gas for his truck. Another $2,000 was included on four additional cards from a local supermarket so he could purchase groceries. In shock, Carl responded, “Holy crap!”
He began to tear up at the unexpected generosity and shook the reporter’s hand in gratitude when Eaton announced he had one more surprise left. He then handed Carl a cashier’s check worth $10,000 to spend however he wanted. “Thank you so much,” Carl replied emotionally before trailing off, “You don’t know …” It’s unclear how East Idaho News and their Secret Santa chose Carl as the subject of this generosity, but the selection was no accident. Carl had lost a leg above the knee 37 years prior but still worked four days a week at age 72, sometimes clocking 14-hour days. He’d also suffered more recent setbacks; his wife died from a brain aneurysm in 2010. Meanwhile, he had three COVID-19 infections in less than three years. Despite worsening health and pain
caused by his amputated lower leg, Carl continued to begin work at 2 a.m. while also making time to attend his grandchildren’s sports games. Carl explained the gift meant he could finally retire. He repeatedly requested the identity of his Secret Santa, but East Idaho News refused to say. So, Carl instead thanked his anonymous gift-giver through the camera. His hard exterior melted away, leaving only gratitude and awe behind. In his last words in the broadcast, Carl promised to “pay it forward” by finding a way to help someone else.
4 • www.spinerehab.net
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