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WEST HILLS 7230 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 401 WEST HILLS, CA 91307 WEST LOS ANGELES 10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD., SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
WWW.M3PT.COM / LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 / JUNE/JULY 2024
M3 AND ME
As a kid, I thought my family members were invincible. But, as I grew older, I noticed they slowed down and had less energy. I love my family, so I was concerned they might not have the same quality of life forever. My grandfather ended up doing physical therapy for a couple of sessions, and I was taken by the level of enthusiasm and care he received. His positive results did not go unnoticed by me. Seeing how much better my grandpa felt after PT opened my eyes to a new career goal. Physical therapists can change people’s lives and ensure they experience the world in less pain. It’s my dream to help people through PT, and I especially want to use my skills as a Spanish speaker to bridge the gap between communication and the level of care for the Spanish-speaking community. Over the last two years, I’ve gained amazing hands-on experience at M3 PT as an aide. In this support role, I assist the therapists with whatever they need, from hot and cold packs to office tasks. Along with helping patients, I schedule calls and keep everything nice and clean. I think of myself as the grease that keeps the office running smoothly. My favorite part of the job is the interaction with our incredible clients. Though I don’t get to see them as often as their therapists, I do get to work with them regularly during their exercises, and a relationship forms through that, built on trust and sincerity. I try to give my all to patients, and I think they recognize that. It’s rewarding to help someone through chronic pain. Communication is essential in this field, so I listen closely to them and check in frequently. PT is holistic; you treat the body and work with the mind to help them through life. I’m incredibly grateful to M3 PT for giving me this chance and letting me blossom and develop many skills. It’s bittersweet that I’m moving on to the next step in my journey to become a physical therapist. After a rigorous application process, I have been accepted to PT school at A Farewell to M3 PT MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST
California State University, Northridge, for a three-year program. I was excited to be accepted as I went there for my undergraduate degree and always took notice of the PT students, imagining myself there one day. I’m actually a legacy student, as CSU is where my parents met while attending college. More than anything, after having to do virtual instruction during the pandemic, I’m happy to get the authentic on- campus college experience. As I prepare for this new adventure, I can’t help but reflect on my time here at M3 PT. I will miss the little moments with our patients and all the great chit-chat with the front office team. I will miss asking for advice and learning from our physical therapists. There are wonderful volunteers who are getting in their experience hours, and I cherish giving them my input and sharing my knowledge. I’ll even miss doing the laundry. It was always my nice break during the day to take my mind off things. I would not have reached this exciting milestone of PT school if it weren’t for M3 PT. Though this is my goodbye, I will never forget the lessons, people, and experiences I had here. As far as what’s in the future for me, I will pay off those student loans and use all my experience to help people live long, happy lives.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Matias Ramirez
LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
ESSENTIAL SECURITY SFTEPS FOR YOUR NEW LIVING SPACE BURGLAR-PROOF YOUR NEW HOME
Moving into a new home or apartment can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life. With all the decorating and unpacking, it can be easy to overlook the importance of securing your home and adding extra safety measures. According to FBI data, in the United States, burglars strike homes about every 30 seconds. So, make these DIY security tips one of the first things on your move-in checklist. Consider a security system. First, your new space should have a security system to monitor your home. Many options are available, including do-it-yourself setups. It’s a good idea to contact your local law enforcement department, which can provide area crime statistics and sometimes even complete a home security evaluation. Strengthen the doors and windows. Check all the doors for functioning hinges, strong door frames, or loose screws. Some easy ways to reinforce the door are installing a deadbolt or a smart lock. You can also remove the screws currently in your deadbolt and replace them with longer, thicker screws that will go into the studs and strengthen it. If you are renting or moving
into a previously occupied home, it’s wise to get new keys and locks. Sliding doors are a common entry point for burglars; place a
dowel in the track for an inexpensive way to reinforce the door. As for windows, check that all closures and locks function properly; the dowel works as reinforcement in sliding window tracks, too. Light it up. One of the best ways to deter criminals from entering your home is by turning up or turning on the lights on your property. Focus on lighting up areas in your front and backyards, near entrances and windows, to keep intruders out. To save energy and money, opt for solar- powered lighting or set up your outdoor lights on a timer. Protect your Wi-Fi. In today’s digital world, hackers can access many of your family’s private details through your home Wi-Fi network. Keep your network protected with a strong password and encryption. Most routers come installed with a firewall to protect you against viruses or malware. You can find out if you have a firewall activated by checking your router settings.
How PT Can Keep Gardeners in Full Bloom PAIN-FREE PLANTING
Use proper tools. Think about comfort and mobility when choosing your gardening tools. Equipment with longer handles will ensure you hold your wrist correctly, and non-slip handles can protect your joints from extra pressure. You can also reduce strain on your body by avoiding heavy lifting. Use a wheelbarrow or cart to move heavy objects. Keep good posture. Always use good body mechanics when you are gardening. When lifting something, bend from your knees, tighten your abs, and keep your back straight. Don’t twist your spine or knees when moving items to the side. Instead, pivot on your toes and turn your entire body. Switch it up. You can reduce strain in specific body areas by varying your gardening tasks. Listen to your
muscles and joints as you work in the soil. If you’re experiencing soreness somewhere, take a break and stretch. You can also move to another task that isn’t going to work the same part of your body. Cool down afterward. Once you complete your gardening project for the day, be sure to cool down properly. You can take another short walk or do some light stretches. If you are experiencing pain even after that or for a prolonged amount of time, it’s a wise idea to reach out to a physical therapist. As you garden this summer, incorporate basic physical therapy concepts into your routine! By adding simple stretches, strengthening exercises, and proper body mechanics to your yard work, you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the benefits of gardening.
Tending to your garden can be a labor of love, and all the bending, lifting, and kneeling required can leave you fleeing the garden bed for your actual bed. Don’t stash those seeds and gardening shears just yet. Physical therapy can help you recover after a long day in the yard and build your strength to prevent future planting pains. Let’s dig into how green thumbs and nature lovers can incorporate PT into their gardening routines! Warm up first. Just like how you warm up before a workout, you should prepare your body for yard work. Before you start, take a light, 10-minute walk and stretch your spine and limbs.
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Published by Newsletter Pro •
Road Trip Wellness Exercise Essentials for Adventure Seekers Sunshine, new sights, and lots of travel — summer is here, and as you get ready to hit the road, you can also prepare for optimal physical health so you don’t hit any fitness roadblocks. Whether by train, plane, or car, your body has to adapt to new things while you travel. When you pack your suitcase, stow away these three tips to help you optimize your physical well-being as you take your next seasonal adventure! Maintain good posture. It’s essential to stay in proper posture while you are traveling. If you are driving to your destination, ensure your seat is at a height where your eye level is at least 3 inches higher than the steering wheel. In general, while sitting on a plane or in a car, slide your tailbone as close to the back of the seat as possible to give your back good support. Long flights can be extra challenging to stay in a comfortable position, but you can use pillows or blankets for additional support and keep your feet flat on the ground rather than crossing your legs. Pack the right items. The last thing you want on your vacation is blisters on your feet, so make sure you have the right shoes. Opt for comfortable options with adequate arch support, especially if hiking or walking is on your agenda. You can also pack some of your favorite essentials for exercise, like a resistance band or yoga mat. Make sure you bring the right bag, too. A backpack distributes weight better than a shoulder bag, which can strain your shoulders and back. If you must carry a heavy suitcase, lift it using proper body mechanics.
Drink plenty of water. Water is your best friend on vacation. Due to the warmer temperatures, being on the move, and experiencing a new environment, you can quickly become dehydrated in your travels. Dehydration causes various unpleasant symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. So, aim to drink eight to 10 glasses daily and carry a refillable water bottle with you everywhere. It’s also a good idea to limit your consumption of sugary drinks. As you prepare for summer travel, remember what it takes to keep your body pain-free along the way. Step it up a notch by incorporating regular physical activities and time to exercise into your vacation plans.
Delightful Banana Bread
TAKE A BREAK
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened • 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs and mashed bananas and mix until blended. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until blended. 6. Stir in walnuts. 7. Pour batter into prepared pan. 8. Bake for 65–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 | 3
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10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD., SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 PHONE: 310.275.4137 FAX: 310.274.1815
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
WWW.M3PT.COM
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
How M3 PT Paved the Way to PT School
2
DIY Security Tips Every New Resident Needs
2
Physical Therapy Hacks for Happy Gardening
3
Your Road Map to Vacation Fitness
3
Delightful Banana Bread
4
Perfect Spots for a Laid-Back Holiday
FORMERLY KNOWN AS WILSHIRE LINDEN PHYSICAL THERAPY — SAME TEAM, NEW NAME!
Off the Radar
HIDDEN GEM VACATION DESTINATIONS
Crater of Diamonds State Park If you have ever felt envious of the
Are you tired of visiting hyped-up vacation destinations or getting lost in a big city or crowded national park? If so, consider a holiday at a less congested, more laid-back locale. These hidden gems offer beautiful views and exciting excursions — all without the headaches that come with vacationing to big-name destinations!
prospectors who made their riches during the California Gold Rush, then pay a visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, where you can discover your own hidden gems! You can discover rare rocks and minerals in a massive field birthed by volcanic activity, including diamonds, amethysts, garnets, and quartz. The best part? Anything you find, you can keep! Seekers have found more than 35,000 diamonds at the park since it opened in 1972, and with some luck, you could add a few more to that tally!
Pinnacles National Park Make an excursion to Pinnacles in California to enjoy the splendor of nature without having to share space with millions of tourists. With over 30 miles of hiking trails crisscrossing rocky hills and river-strewn caverns, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for memorable adventure. Despite its wondrous views, Pinnacles was named the 15th least-visited national park in 2023, with just over 340,000 annual visitors.
Crater Lake National Park Make your way to Oregon and dive into the deepest lake in the country! Crater Lake National Park’s namesake was formed when a volcanic eruption triggered a mountain to come apart in spectacular fashion. You can stay at plenty of campsites and find excellent fishing in the lake’s pristine and seemingly bottomless water. If you are a fan of hiking, fishing, or breathtaking views, then Crater Lake is for you.
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