NOVEMBER 2019
620 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 • 508-528-6100 • www.ProPTinc.com
ALONEWITH A GREATWHITE
Our Trip to South Africa
anything, you are the one who feels exposed. The animals are in their natural habitat, doing their own thing, and we are the ones encroaching. Given the nature of the drive, it’s very important that you follow the rules in order to preserve the safety of yourself and everyone else in the jeep. And one of those rules was to not step outside the vehicle or drop anything. The slightest disturbance can make the animals behave unpredictably — these are wild animals, after all. Thankfully, my faux pas didn’t result in anything scary happening. One of our guides waited until it was safe, scooped up my shades, and we rolled on. That moment aside, though, the game drives were exhilarating. I underestimated how powerful it would be to really be in nature halfway across the world. Seeing lions in mating season and leopards feasting on their kills are images I will never forget. It’s not exactly the same, for obvious reasons, but I got a taste of what it must’ve been like to live centuries ago, when nature presented daily challenges to the human race. Maybe because of how vulnerable I felt on these game drives, I wasn’t at all scared to get into a cage and go shark diving, which ended up being one of my favorite parts of our trip. Even I was surprised by how tranquil it felt to be in the water next to these giant creatures. You can’t see far in the water, so you feel alone one moment, only to be brushing up against a great white shark the next. It’s totally surreal. At one point, I even had half a mind to reach out and touch one of the sharks. If you can’t tell by now, I had a hell of a time on our trip to Africa. I don’t think we had finished looking through our photos before I was asking my husband when we’d be going again. It’s rare in life that something you build up to be a momentous occasion lives up to your expectations. In the case of our trip to Africa, those expectations paled in comparison to what we experienced, and we’re beyond grateful for it.
I’ve never felt so mortified for dropping a pair of sunglasses.
Now, these weren’t expensive designer sunglasses that shattered into a million pieces. They weren’t a pair my grandmother handed down to me that I dropped into the ocean. Nope, these were regular old sunglasses that I dropped from the side of the jeep. They didn’t break, we picked ‘em up, and I still have them to this day. So why was I so embarrassed? Well, I happened to drop them in the middle of one of our game drives — the local term for a safari; there was no hunting involved — in South Africa. That may not seem like a big deal, but it felt incredibly grave at the time. If you’ve never been on a game drive, it’s a difficult experience to describe. When I imagined it, I figured it would be like the best version ever of a theme park ride, an on-the-rails experience with prescribed beats and moments of wonder. In reality, it’s not like that at all. If
As you sit down at your Thanksgiving table this year, I hope you can think back to an experience from 2019 that will stay with you forever. Our lives are all full of special moments, whether they involve lions or not, and we would do well to cherish them.
– Dr. Stacey Raybuck Schatz
Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 1
Tea has been consumed for thousands of years and is the second-most popular drink in the world, with water being the first. It is the national drink of several nations, including China and India, and is an integral component of religious ceremonies the world over. Drinking tea has been known to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. In addition to these instant benefits, tea can also help improve a person’s long-term health through regular consumption. YOUR HEART According to Harvard Health Institute, several studies show that those who regularly drink black and green tea are at a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These types of tea contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which are plant chemicals that help dilate arteries and reduce bad cholesterol. Studies also link tea consumption with improved vascular reactivity — how well your blood vessels respond to stress. YOUR BRAIN Flavonoids don’t only fight heart disease; these chemicals can also reduce any vascular damage to the brain. The National University of Singapore has conducted studies that link reduced risks of dementia in the elderly Tea Time What’s Swirling Around in Your Cup?
with regular tea consumption. The results speak for themselves: “The longitudinal study involving 957 Chinese seniors aged 55 years or older has found that regular consumption of tea lowers the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly by 50%, while APOE e4 gene carriers who are genetically at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease may experience a reduction in cognitive impairment risk by as much as 86%.” YOUR MOOD Tea leaves contain the amino acid L-theanine, which stimulates several feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters help boost your mood and alertness. According to a study by the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China, tea even has the ability to ward off depression. The study took 22,817 participants with 4,743 cases of depression over 11 studies, and 13 reports found that individuals who drank three cups of tea a day decreased their depression risk by 37%. So, the next time you want a warm beverage that will do your mind and body good, reach for some tea and bask in all the health benefits as you sip.
Patient
of the Month
“The pastor, Father Mullen, at St. Brendan’s church was very nice to my wife when she was suffering from cancer. When my wife was very sick, he spent time with her, which helped her through our family’s difficult time. I truly appreciate Professional Physical Therapy for picking me to honor such a compassionate and caring charity.” –Frederick Fred has been here a couple times over the years, and although he may not always be happy he is back, we are always happy to see him. He works hard when he is here and is always friendly to everybody. When Fred is in the clinic, everybody is due for a good laugh. Dr. Patt always enjoys talking sports with him, even when their viewpoints don’t always line up! FREDERICK HAYES ST. BRENDAN’S PARISH CHURCH
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Help Professional Physical Therapy support the Franklin Food Pantry this holiday season. The Franklin Food Pantry is a local food bank serving struggling families right here in our backyard. They can also use a hand from local residents, especially during the holidays. This year, they are looking for:
• White Tuna • Salad Dressing • Crackers • Cookies • Canned Pasta
• Coffee • Toothpaste
• Other Nonperishable Food • Reusable Shopping Bags • Personal Care Items
Note: Franklin Food Pantry cannot accept expired food.
You’re welcome to bring donations to Professional Physical Therapy as well as to the Franklin Food Pantry directly. You can learn more at FranklinFoodPantry.org. The organization also hosts an annual 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. All proceeds benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Franklin Turkey Trot When: Thursday, Nov. 28; 8 a.m. Where: 91 Jordan Road Register: FranklinTurkeyTrot.org
Are you blaming the cold for your stiff shoulder?
Do you wish you could toss the football like a backyard Brady?
Can daily tasks like driving cause you shoulder pain?
Is your shoulder giving you a chip on your shoulder?
If so, consider attending Professional Physical Therapy’s next Shoulder Pain Workshop. Professional Physical Therapy Shoulder Pain Workshop When: Saturday, Dec. 7; 8 a.m. Where: Our Office Admission: FREE (donation to Franklin Food Pantry strongly encouraged) At our Shoulder Pain Workshop , you’ll learn the most common causes for shoulder pain and how to treat the issue without surgery, injections, or medication.
Shoulder pain can cramp your style in the following ways: • Take away your focus and concentration, making even routine tasks a chore
• Keep you from your favorite activities
• Ruin your travel plans because you’re worried about handling luggage
• Hamper your independence
Our workshop will feature live demonstrations on audience members, as well as in-depth explanations on how to deal with shoulder pain. Professional Physical Therapy specializes in natural, safe, permanent solutions that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Don’t suffer in silence. Call us today at 508-528-6100 or stop by the office to reserve your space.
Skip the GymThisWinter
Cold Weather Workout Effects
exercise for longer, burning more calories and improving your endurance. As an added bonus, when your body shivers to produce heat, it also burns more calories than it would at a resting state. Of course, exercising in the cold requires extra safety precautions. Even though you might not sweat as you normally would, it’s extremely important to keep yourself adequately hydrated. Also, remember to dress in layers. If you get too warm, you can always remove a layer, but if you get too cold, you can’t put on a layer you don’t have. Keep your skin properly covered to avoid hypothermia or frostbite in extreme conditions and always be aware of your own limitations as you would in any other climate. If you’re older or may have conditions that affect your physical activity, start by spending only short bursts of time testing your body’s reaction to exercising in cold weather and bring a workout buddy as an added precaution. Above all, have fun and fight any dreaded holiday weight gain by getting outside this chilly season.
We’re giving you permission to skip the gym! But don’t get too excited — instead, we want you to get your exercise outdoors this winter. With the proper precautions, working out in cold weather has excellent benefits you just can’t get in a gym. Instead of letting the cold deter you from getting outside, use it to motivate you. Outdoor winter workouts are the perfect way to get small doses of sunlight during an otherwise dark and drab time of the year. Exposure to sunlight not only helps with your vitamin D intake but, according to the American Heart Association, sunlight can also improve your mood overall. The AHA also suggests that whereas heat and humidity might bog you down, winter’s chill can invigorate and energize you. Aside from being a mood booster, there are surprising physical benefits to winter workouts. The human body is equipped to regulate its temperature better in cold climates than it can in hot ones, which means you’ll be able to
SUCCESS STORIES
“After getting surgery in late July, I already knew where I wanted to go for PT. In just one short month, Pro PT has helped me get back onto my feet and rebuild my strength going into college. I feel way more comfortable about the amount of walking I’ll be doing at school because of the help of the Pro Pt family!”
The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Thanksgiving may be held on Thursday, but the food often lasts at least through the weekend. To make the best use of the excess, grill up some killer turkey sandwiches.
–Dylan Labonte
Ingredients
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2 slices sourdough bread 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing
“I have been a hill walker my whole life. I grew up on a hill! When my knee started hurting, I knew I had overdone it. The orthopedist told me I had spent 41 years of my life walking incorrectly, and it was affecting my knee. He sent me to Pro Pt, and, within months, I had new exercises in place, and, for the first time, I was walking correctly. Thank you, Pro Pt, for this life-changing experience.”
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2 tbsp leftover gravy 1 tbsp butter, room temperature
2 slices Swiss cheese 1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce
Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.
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Directions 1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides. 3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve. Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 3
–Julie Sprenkle
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
www.ProPTinc.com 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-6100
Thank you for being part of the Professional Physical Therapy family!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Welcome to Nature Spilling the Tea on Tea Patient of the Month Benefits of Cold Weather Workouts The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich A Holistic Approach to Physical Therapy
A Holistic Approach to Physical Therapy WHY WE CARE ABOUT YOUR SKIN
time outdoors, be sure to use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the areas on your body that won’t be covered. 2. Know your skin type. Be sure to choose skin products (makeup, lotions, body wash, etc.) that complement your skin type. People with oily skin, dry skin, or even a combination of both have many options. Furthermore, if you have sensitive skin, be sure to avoid fragrant products, as they might cause further irritation. 3. Know what to look for. With approximately 9,500 Americans diagnosed with skin cancer every day, you should examine your skin regularly for symptoms. Look for new or unusual moles and pay attention to any unexplained changes or itches. You can look online or use the ABCDE rule to detect any abnormal symptoms. Because physical therapists use a holistic approach, they can help you with much more than injury recovery. Helping you become pain-free, confident, and healthy is the goal, and that includes your skin!
Most people believe physical therapy is mainly rehabilitation for people after an accident. While this kind of treatment is a substantive portion of physical therapists’ daily work, they offer so much more. Because physical therapists holistically examine patients’ entire musculoskeletal systems for abnormal muscle movement and microtraumas, they can often detect issues with skin or connective tissue.
Since November is National Healthy Skin Month, here are some tips to help you keep your largest organ healthy all year long.
1. Arm yourself with protection. Even if you don’t see a lot of sunshine during these colder months, you should still keep skin protection in mind. If you plan on spending
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