Kinetic Physical Therapy Specialists - January 2024

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JANUARY 2024

847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com

A NEW YEAR, AN OLD HOBBY Picking Up an Old Hobby Is the Perfect Resolution

Resolutions are hard to follow, especially when you set those grand goals of a lifetime. Just as February hits, we’ve already lost our steam, and our resolution motivation has long been forgotten. I think there’s a better, more fulfilling way to improve our well-being amid the new year. Instead of forcing yourself to drink wheatgrass shots or run at the crack of dawn, try picking up a hobby. While it

and doesn’t need us to shuttle him to school events or hockey anymore. The result is that I need to look for ways to pass the time! This year, I decided to start playing golf more often and improve my skills. I’ll openly admit that I am not very good at the sport and don’t practice as often as I’d like. Well, I want to change that. I have a whole setup in the basement to help me hone my game

Golfing is a great physical activity you can do alone or in a group. You can be social or choose to wind down and play on your own. The sport is customizable, and I love how I can determine just how intensely I want to play or how relaxed. While my dad and I love golfing, I can’t say the boys are too crazy about it. I’ll drag Zach and Nathan to the course occasionally, but Zach is always busy, and Nathan, the hockey player he is, always swings away just a bit too rough! Usually, TopGolf is the best place for us to enjoy golf without chasing after golf balls or spending too much time on the course. Now that the two of them are busy most days, I can rekindle my love of golf. It will take me some time to get accustomed to this new free time, but hopefully, I can use it to improve my skills and maybe even beat my dad at golf this spring (or at least not get yelled at)! I hope you can take time to pick up a new hobby, or an old one, this year and really dedicate some spare time to yourself. Happy New Year and good luck! –Mike Ulmer

may sound overly simple, I think the positive effects of having a favorite hobby that’s not work-related or mentally taxing can do you a world of good.

until spring finally returns, and let’s

just say the water heater already has a dent or two. I did not want to procrastinate on practicing until

winter decided to end, so I’m working

With my sons becoming more independent every day, I’ve

with what I have!

found myself with much more free time than ever before. It’s honestly a little weird! For as long as I can remember, I was running back and forth between the clinic, rehearsals, parent-teacher meetings, and the endless cycle of picking my kids up and dropping them off. Now, Zach has become fully immersed in college, and I have to remind him to call us from time to time. As for Nathan, he’s driving now

If I practice enough now, I won’t embarrass myself on the greens in the spring! I was able to play a few nine-hole rounds in 2023, but I want to be much more consistent this year. What I love about this hobby is that there isn’t any pressure to be perfect because it’s truly impossible. Nobody I golf with takes the game that seriously, and you can just let loose unless we’re talking about my dad!

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CALM YOUR MIND, BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY: THE BENEFITS OF WHITE NOISE

White noise is commonly used to help people fall asleep, but now, more people are using it to increase their concentration during the workday. By providing a consistent background sound, white noise can mask environmental distractions like chattering, traffic, or intermittent noises that may otherwise disturb concentration. Here are a few benefits of utilizing white noise in your day. CALMING EFFECT

stand out and be detected, which can enhance cognitive performance. This can be particularly useful when you need to train your attention while tackling complex problems. ENHANCES CREATIVITY Some studies suggest that moderate white noise can

improve creativity and imaginative thinking. It keeps the idea gateway open during the generative process and

White noise, especially calm nature sounds, exerts a soothing effect on

the mind, providing a stable auditory environment that

enables you to think freely and develop novel solutions.

reduces sudden distractions. The calming influence can help you feel more positive and enable the mind to transition to a more conducive state for a deeper focus on work or study. BOOSTS CONCENTRATION White noise boosts concentration by

Whether you’re studying, working, or engaging in creative endeavors, the benefits of

white noise extend to a wide range of activities, making it a versatile tool for

increasing background neural “noise” in the brain, which helps essential neural signals to

enhancing focus.

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back

“Thanks, Kinetic! I had an annoying pain in my back that I ignored for a long time until it really flared up and I had pain whenever I sat. Emilie gave me great exercises to do at home and really worked on

“Mandie was wonderful in helping me so much on my journey. Before starting my PT, I was having a lot of pain in my right leg, mostly at nighttime or sitting for a long time. I noticed a big difference in the first few weeks; the pain at night was so much better. I continued to improve over the next

my right side where the muscles were very tight. I also did dry needling with Mandie, which I felt was very helpful in releasing some of those really tight muscles. Both were extremely helpful, and I can now get back to my normal routine.” –Linda Fahey

few weeks. Now, I am basically pain free. Mandie was wonderful in helping me so much on my journey. She knew exactly what to do to solve the problem.” –Kathleen O’Connell

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HOW TO AVOID OVERUSE INJURIES A Balanced and Safe Approach to Fitness

So, you’ve decided to tackle those New Year’s resolutions head-on, diving into the world of fitness with determination. But before you sprint from zero to hero, let’s talk about the potential downsides of going full throttle. It’s all about finding the right pace to avoid overuse injuries because we all want a smooth fitness journey, right? WHAT ARE OVERUSE INJURIES? Overuse injuries are like unexpected bumps on your fitness road trip. Imagine you’re cruising through your new workout routine, embracing high-intensity moves. Suddenly, strains, sprains, and stress fractures join the journey, threatening to throw a wrench into your fitness plans. Tendinitis can cause joints to swell and ache. Shin splints make your shins ache, turning your workout groove into a bit of a challenge. And stress fractures? They can happen if you don’t manage the intensity wisely. PREVENT AN INJURY. We get it — the enthusiasm is real, but let’s pump the brakes a bit. Transitioning from a primarily sedentary lifestyle to intense workouts demands a bit of finesse.

Start slowly with a gentle warm-up before a jog, for example. Gradually increase the intensity, giving your body time to adapt to the new routine. Rest days are your checkpoints for recovery — use them wisely! Think of them as a pause button to allow your muscles to recover and gear up for the next segment. And speaking of gearing up, pay attention to your form. Seek guidance from fitness pros or, better yet, a friendly physical therapist to ensure you’re moving the right way. USE PHYSICAL THERAPY WHILE YOU WORK OUT. Now, don’t worry if you’re already feeling the effects of overexertion. Physical therapy is your pitstop for recovery. Think of it as a tailored road map — your physical therapist will design exercises to target those sore spots and get you back on track. In the grand finale, remember this: Fitness is a journey, not a mad dash. Find your rhythm, embrace the journey, and let your fitness goals be a sustainable adventure, not a sprint. So, lace up those workout shoes, take a steady stride, and let’s navigate this fitness journey with balance and resilience!

Sudoku

Bell Pepper Sandwich

INGREDIENTS • 1 medium bell pepper, any color • 2–3 tbsp cream cheese • 1 tsp whole-grain mustard • 2 oz ham (or other deli meat), thinly sliced • 1 1/2 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced The new year is all about fresh beginnings. So, why not start the year with a quick, refreshing meal that is both flavorful and nutritious?

• 1/2 small cucumber, cut into 6–8 thin slices • 2 tbsp guacamole or a few slices of avocado • Dash of salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS 1. On a cutting board, remove the stem of the bell pepper with a sharp knife. Cut the pepper in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. 2. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board and spread cream cheese inside each half. Spread whole-grain mustard on top of the cream cheese. 3. Layer your deli meat, cheese, cucumbers, and guacamole on each bell pepper half. Add a dash of salt and pepper, then combine both halves and serve!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com

11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142

INSIDE

Why Starting a Hobby Could Be Your Best Resolution Yet PAGE 1 White Noise: Your Secret to Enhanced Concentration PAGE 2 Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 Navigating New Year’s Fitness Without Overdoing It PAGE 3 Bell Pepper Sandwich PAGE 3 Innovative Ideas to Cut Your Vacation Costs PAGE 4

LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS. Keep an eye out for discounts, offers, and coupons that can help you save money on activities, dining, and shopping. Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer various deals that could be useful during your trip. These websites often provide discounted tickets to attractions, cheaper dining options, and even discounted rates for experiences like spa treatments or outdoor activities. TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASONS. Traveling during off-peak seasons will save you money on flights, hotels, and activities. You also benefit from less crowded destinations and shorter queues for popular tourist attractions. This is a win-win for travelers seeking a budget-friendly and less-crowded travel experience. USE LOCAL GROCERY STORES AND PACK SNACKS. Another way to save money while you travel is by shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and meals rather than eating out for every meal. This gives you a taste of local businesses and culture. Packing snacks can also help you avoid buying overpriced food at airports or touristy areas. By implementing these tips into your travel planning and experience, you can stretch your dollar further without compromising the quality of your trip. Happy traveling!

Traveling can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can also be costly. Many people dream of exploring new destinations, but financial constraints can be limiting. Fortunately, we’re here to share five practical tips to help you save money while enjoying your trip. PLAN AND BUDGET AHEAD. One of the most effective ways to save money is by planning and budgeting your trip in advance. Create a comprehensive budget that includes airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Having a budget lets you track your expenses and helps you avoid overspending. You can also take advantage of early bird rates for flights and hotels. CANCEL UNNECESSARY SUBSCRIPTIONS. Before you travel, review your monthly subscriptions like gym memberships, streaming services, or magazines you won’t use while you’re away. Temporarily canceling these subscriptions can free up extra cash for your travel fund. 5 Proven Strategies for Cost- Effective Travel

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