Check out our October Newsletter!
October 2017
ELITE (318) 443-3311
www.elitephysicaltherapy.us
Physical Therapy Lagniappe Meet the Elite Members of Our Team
A Passion for People
This month, we dedicate our newsletter to the hardworking, caring physical therapist’s assistants (PTAs) who are essential to our work at Elite: Brandi Thiels, Carol Vercher, and Jayme Perkins have a passion for people — both the team they work with at Elite and the patients they work with every day. Brandi started with us as a physical therapy tech while she was in college, and her goal was always to become a PTA. She calls it “the best move I have ever made.” Her favorite part of the job? “I love the life stories. I like really getting to know all about the patient — what they have been through and what they have overcome.” Speaking of her work in physical therapy, Brandi says, “I find that, at times, I have been offered more than I feel I have given and feel blessed because of it.” Brandi says, “The Elite PT team is like a family. This closeness and loyalty that we have with each other creates such a peaceful and calming atmosphere, which is what most of our patients need to feel when they are hurting or discouraged about their current situation.” When she isn’t working, Brandi is grateful to spend time with her close-knit family. She stays busy with two beautiful, rambunctious boys, and she says, “I have a lot of things I enjoy, but my role in my family is what I love to do best.”
After deciding that PTA was the job for her, Carol has discovered the same passion for her patients. She finds the most rewarding part of being a PTA is “helping people get back to doing the things that are important to them.” She understands that people come to the physical therapist at a difficult time in their lives, and she finds it fulfilling to assist
Jayme knew in high school that she wanted to be in a profession where she could help others, so starting at Elite as a physical therapy tech was a natural fit. Her first patient confirmed she was in the right field. “Watching the success of that patient as she was restored to health — where she was able to walk again and care for young children
and get back to doing what she loved — was very inspiring. Seeing the excitement and joy on her face when she reached that goal was just something I knew I wanted to see again and again.” Away from the office, Jayme loves to spend time with her family, which includes her husband and 21-month-old baby girl. She loves fishing, hunting, and running when her busy schedule affords her those opportunities. From my perspective, these three special professionals are tireless, efficient, focused, and caring — truly
them in their recovery. As a PTA, Carol says she has “found my calling.” She says the Elite team members “all bring something different to the table, but our main goal is to make things better for our patients.” Carol enjoys spending time with her family when she’s not at Elite. Being recent empty- nesters, she and her husband are enjoying getting back into outdoor activities, like gardening, fishing, and biking.
all of the qualities that you hope for in this position. They are dedicated to what they do, and our workplace would not be the same without them. From the entire Elite PT team, be well and have a wonderful month. -Bart Jones Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 1
DO KIDS’ MENUS DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Kids can be picky eaters. This is a fact recognized by parents and restaurants alike — hence the classic children’s menu featured at many restaurants around the country. These menus are virtually identical: chicken tenders, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, french fries, and so on. Kids’ menus are loaded with fried foods and cheap carbs. Some parents love the kids’ menu. It makes deciding on food easier. Or, at least, that’s what we tell ourselves. Kids’ menus are populated with foods practically every kid loves. But they have a dark side. Aside from poor nutrition, the kids’ menu changes the family dynamic.
from “Good Eats,” “Iron Chef America,” and “Cutthroat Kitchen”) said, “Never, ever, ever, ever, ever let your kid eat from the children’s menu at restaurants and never, ever, ever make your kid special food to allow them to avoid whatever the family is eating.” Why? During his “Alton Brown Live!” tour, he explained that it comes down to control. By giving kids the option of the children’s menu, you relinquish culinary control to your kids. The next time you go out as a family or you make a delicious meal at home, they are more likely to demand “their” food. This is a habit a child can quickly adopt — and a habit that’s tough to break. Kids are picky eaters because, as parents and adults, we let them be
picky eaters. We perpetuate bad habits. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In a Mom.me article, Dr. Cara Natterson suggests kids eat what the rest of the family eats. For instance, let them indulge in the appetizer menu, then build up to the entrée menu and let them share and sample your food. Encourage culinary exploration. When you encourage your kids to avoid the children’s menu, you give them an opportunity to expand their flavor horizons. More importantly, it helps them make healthier choices that aren’t loaded with fat and empty carbs. Make going out to dinner a learning experience, and before you know it, the phrase “kids’ menu” will have disappeared from your family’s vocabulary.
In an interview with Eater.com, television chef and host Alton Brown (who you may know
October Testimonial I have made great strides since attending PT at Elite Physical Therapy. When I first came, I could not bend or stoop without pain radiating down my back, and I was in constant pain, whether I was lying in bed, sitting, or walking. Standing was not an option due to a tremendous amount of back pain, muscle pain, and leg pain I had. With the expert help of Wesley, I have learned the
exercises that I can do at home to relieve me from future problems. I function at a much better level now, compared as to when I first came to Elite. I would not hesitate to recommend this facility to anyone, and I am completely pleased with the results of my treatment. Thank you, Wesley, and thank you, Kelsey. You’re the best.” -Jeanette Dodd
2 • www.elitephysicaltherapy.us • Elite PT
Go Pink
Why Breast Cancer Awareness Month Hits Home
Breast cancer. You might hear those words and think of a person you know who’s affected by it. The subject is important, as nearly everyone knows somebody who has (or has had) breast cancer. At Elite PT, it’s a really special term for us — and one that really hits home. Last year, one of our PT Techs, Toyna Treadway, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has gone through surgery and treatment, and we are so happy to have her back and know that she is on the road to recovery.
many of us worked with for a long time. In her work as an OT, she treated patients with breast cancer and was a tireless advocate for breast cancer awareness. She was part of the team that brought the Susan G. Komen race to our town. It was her work, on and off the clock. In 2014, Angie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her battle with cancer became an inspiration to us because she never stopped fighting. Throughout the battle, she was an image of grace and dignity. Unfortunately, Angie passed away in March of 2016. It was a terrible loss to everyone who knew her.
With these two women’s stories in mind, we are reminding you that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, you will see us “go pink” in support of those who have fought and are fighting this terrible disease. Remind your loved ones to schedule regular breast exams. Early detection is still the best way to improve outcomes. While you can’t eliminate risks altogether, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. In honor of Angie, Toyna, and all the women who are fighting this battle, take care of yourself.
During this time of year, we also remember Angie Roberts. Angie was an occupational therapist whom
Sausage and Barley Soup
It’s a great time of year to warm up with a cup of soup, and this
comforting, guilt-free dish comes together in a flash.
Ingredients • Cooking spray •
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1 (141/2-ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped
6 ounces turkey breakfast sausage
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1/4 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley
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21/2 cups frozen bell pepper stir-fry
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1 cup coarsely chopped fresh baby spinach
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2 cups water
Directions 1. Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes or until browned. Remove from heat. 2. While sausage cooks, place stir-fry and 2 cups water in a blender; process until smooth.
3. Add stir-fry puree, tomatoes, and barley to sausage in pan. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts.
Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 3
Recipe courtesy of CookingLight.com.
3446 Masonic Drive Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 443-3311
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www.elitephysicaltherapy.us
Hours of Operation: M-Th: 7:30-5:30 Fri: 7:30-1:30
Inside THIS ISSUE
• Meet the Elite Members of Our Team
• Do Kids’ Menus Do More Harm Than Good?
• October Testimonial
• Go Pink
• Sausage and Barley Soup
• 5 Fascinating Facts About Fall
5 The end of summer doesn’t have to signal an end to fun. How about sweater weather, Halloween parties, and football season? The list goes on and on. In fact, fall might be the most interesting season of them all. Here are five facts you probably didn’t know about the season. 1. It was originally called “harvest.” In a world that was far more agricultural, the season was defined by the harvesting of crops. It’s also a reference to the harvest moon, which was essential to farmers during the season.
Fascinating Facts About Fall
2. Fall babies tend to be impressive. Not only does the world’s most common birthday, October 5th, land in fall, but those babies have built an impressive resume. The British Department for Education found that they tend to do better in school, and also tend to live longer. 3. Weight gain is most common in the fall. It’s not only the Halloween candy or Thanksgiving turkey. Researchers believe it’s primarily caused by lower levels of vitamin D. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, we tend to get less sun. It’s another reason to be careful about diet and exercise this season.
4. Autumn is good for the economy. “Leaf peeping,” which is a slang term for fall foliage tourism, is more than just a funny name. It’s also a $3 billion industry in New England alone. 5. People fall in love more in the fall. Men and women’s testosterone levels tend to spike in the autumn, which makes women even more attractive to men. A data study on Facebook also found that more people change their relationship status from “single” to “in a relationship” during the fall than any other season.
4 • www.elitephysicaltherapy.us • Elite PT
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