Gilbert PT - April 2019

CAN HUMANS, TOO? If Dogs Can Predict the Weather ...

If you’re an animal lover, you might be familiar with the popular claim that dogs have the ability to predict an impending storm. While this contention definitely has the makings of an old wives’ tale, it actually holds some truth. Due to their ability to sense changes in barometric pressure and their impeccable sense of smell and sound, your canine friend is able to determine when bad weather is approaching. In fact, when the tsunami hit Sri Lanka on the coastlines of India in 2005, many eyewitnesses reported seeing animals — even household dogs — fleeing to safety several minutes before. If dogs can sense changes in barometric pressure, do you think humans can, too? According to Dr. Timothy Hain — an otoneurologist specializing in inner ear balance disorders — humans, like their puppy pals, possess the power to predict impending storms. However, this power stems from being susceptible to vertigo or migraines. Severe spring storms are especially difficult for millions of people suffering from what is known as “seasonal vertigo.” Studies exploring the correlation between poor weather and vestibular disorders demonstrate that because vertigo or migraine sufferers have lower thresholds to a large array of sensory inputs like light, sound, and motion, it’s likely they are more sensitive to barometric pressures. This is why their disorder is often triggered by rapid weather changes.

Because approximately 40 percent of the U.S. population will experience a balance disorder in their lifetime, and since dizziness is the third most common major medical problem, the number of Americans who experience seasonal vertigo during these spring months will continue to grow. Fortunately, our team here at Gilbert Physical Therapy specializes in vestibular rehabilitation through a repositioning of the inner ear and comprehensive balance training. If you notice that you experience more dizziness during specific seasons, your body might be telling you two things: to prepare for an upcoming storm and to schedule an appointment with us soon.

SUDOKU

Opening Day Hamburgers

Inspired by Saveur Magazine

Ingredients

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1 pound ground chuck, 80 percent lean 4 soft, white hamburger buns, split

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4 1/4-inch-thick yellow onion slices

1 teaspoon vegetable oil Salt and pepper, to taste Condiments of your choice

4 1/4-inch-thick tomato slices

12–16 pickle rounds

4 small leaves iceberg lettuce

Directions

1. Lightly grease a small nonstick skillet with oil. Heat over medium-high. 2. While heating, gently shape meat into four patties 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful to handle the meat as little as possible to prevent tough burgers. Season liberally with salt and pepper. 3. Sear patties on each side, about 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until desired doneness, about 1 more minute per side for medium-rare, 2 more per side for medium-well. 4. Let meat rest for a minimum of 3 minutes. 5. To assemble, place patty on bottom bun and top with tomato, pickles, lettuce, and onion (in that order). Spread condiments on top half of bun and place on top of onion. Serve.

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