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CAMPUS COMMONS
Anything he did or said was a learning opportunity, from how to conduct yourself as a professional to a great way to treat a specific injury. To this day, I hold the highest respect for him and am so grateful for our time working in the same office, talking about things over lunch or between appointments. His influence has played a huge role in my development as a therapist, and I still use many of the things I learned from him today. I’ve tried to do the same for young therapists I work with now, whether they’re students in a PT program or starting their careers at Campus Commons PT. In the time they’re here, my goal is to instill “real world” opportunities Physical Therapists can only ever learn through experience. I’m satisfied if I can share just one little thing that can help them in the future. If I can show them that working in a system that prioritizes quality time with the patients has value, that’s time well spent. For the younger physical therapists working with me now, I also try to pass on the values I hold dear at Campus Commons PT. One of those values is going the extra mile to provide the best patient care possible. When you leave physical therapy school, everyone assumes you know everything, but you don’t. One of the first things Ed taught me is that it’s completely understandable — and normal — to not know the answer to some problems as a new PT. However, it is your responsibility to figure out those answers. And maybe “figuring it out” means you have to
ED’S WISDOM
A TRIBUTE TO SOMEONE WHO TAUGHT ME SO MUCH
Recently, I learned that January is National Mentoring Month, and after hearing this, I couldn’t help but remember one my mentors from when I first started working as a physical therapist. After graduating from school, I began working here at Campus Commons PT. When I started as a new therapist 26 years ago, I had the pleasure of working with a great senior therapist named Ed. Ed and I sat across from each other for the first four or five years of my time as a young PT, and in retrospect, he taught me a lot. I often learned purely through observation from afar — watching what he did with certain patients, injuries, or treatments. Other times I learned by asking him questions directly. We’d talk about patients, treatments, growing as a professional, developing my skills and life in general. Looking back, I realize Ed was one of the most impactful mentors I’d ever had, and he probably didn’t even know. In his mind, he was just answering some questions, but I was absorbing every conversation like a sponge.
critically think, research, talk with other therapists, or take a few extra steps in your plan. That’s okay! What’s important is you put the effort in and do everything you can for your patient. This is one of our core values I emphasize frequently now. And that’s just one of the many endless examples I reflect on from my time so long ago. What’s interesting is that, at the time, while I was still working with Ed, I had no idea how much he was impacting me. When you’re in the moment, it can be hard to tell. So this month, in celebration of National Mentoring Month, I encourage you to reflect on any mentors you may have had. And, if you can, consider letting them know how grateful you are for their influence, especially if they didn’t know you were looking up to them!
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT — THE BENEFITS OF EATING AS A FAMILY
POSITIVE EFFECTS ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows family bonding and may even improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let’s delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. PROMOTES HEALTHY EATING HABITS One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential
nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-prepared meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children.
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Mealtime conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school-aged children.
Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with
numerous benefits. The advantages are numerous, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.
Your Friends Can Help You Heal When we think about getting healthier, we usually focus on eating well and exercising. But for people recovering from an injury or serious about sports, having good friends can be just as important. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY First and foremost, having friends can make the road to recovery or maintaining peak physical shape a less lonely one. For those facing the challenges of rehabilitation or a demanding fitness routine, the support of friends can be a comforting balm. Sharing experiences with a trusted confidant can provide emotional support that complements the physical aspect of the journey. THE IMPACT OF FRIENDSHIP ON PHYSICAL HEALTH Beyond emotional support, the camaraderie of friends can also have tangible benefits on physical health. Recent studies suggest that individuals with strong social connections tend to have lower stress levels, which can benefit those undergoing physical therapy. Stress has been linked to inflammation and delayed healing, so having a friend to share a laugh or discuss common interests may contribute to a more relaxed, healing environment. THE ROLE OF FRIENDSHIP IN FITNESS The advantages of friendship are equally noteworthy for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Training regimens can be grueling, and the risk of burnout is real. Having friends who share similar fitness goals can provide
motivation and accountability, making it more likely that you’ll stick to your exercise routine. Whether it’s a regular tennis match, a shared hike, or just a gym buddy to swap workout tips with, the social aspect of physical activity can make the process more enjoyable and sustainable. FRIENDSHIP AS A SOURCE OF BALANCE Moreover, the wisdom that comes with age often brings a heightened awareness of the importance of balance. For those in their later years, staying physically active and socially engaged becomes increasingly vital for overall well-being. Friends can serve as a source of encouragement to maintain healthy habits and explore new activities, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment. While the path to better health may involve specific exercises and therapies, the value of friendship should not be underestimated. So, don’t underestimate the healing power of a good friend — they just might be the secret ingredient to your journey to well-being.
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7 FOOD-DRUG INTERACTIONS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO IGNORE!
GRAPEFRUIT AND STATINS Do you enjoy having grapefruit with your statins in the morning? If so, you should reconsider. Grapefruit can interfere with how your body processes these medications, which increases the chances of experiencing negative side effects. Switching to a different type of citrus fruit would be for the best. BANANAS AND ACE INHIBITORS Potassium-rich foods like bananas mixed with ACE inhibitors can lead to high potassium levels, risking heart arrhythmias. Moderation is key; some ACE inhibitors are best taken an hour before meals. FRUIT JUICE AND HYPERTENSION MEDS If you’re on certain hypertension drugs, grapefruit juice could be a buzzkill. Also, apple or orange juice might dampen the effects of beta blockers. Keep the juices on hold within a couple of hours of your medication. HIGH-FIBER FOODS AND THYROID/HEART MEDS Are you someone who loves to eat a lot of high-fiber foods? If you are taking medications like levothyroxine or digoxin, you should be careful. Overeating fiber can make these medications less effective. To avoid any problems, plan your meals in a way that considers your medication.
When it comes to medications, we’re used to checking in with our doctors about potential clashes with other drugs. But what about the sneaky culprits lurking in our favorite foods that can disrupt the effectiveness of our prescriptions? This topic often slips under the radar, even for many healthcare professionals. Yet, these food-drug interactions are crucial, especially for older adults juggling multiple prescriptions.
So, let’s take a look at some of the common food and drug interactions that you should keep an eye out for.
DAIRY AND ANTIBIOTICS Calcium in milk, cheese, and yogurt can interfere with drugs like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, affecting how well they combat infections. Best tip? Give it an hour before or two hours after taking these antibiotics. LEAFY GREENS AND WARFARIN Warfarin and vitamin K-rich greens like spinach and kale? Not the ideal combo. These veggies can mess with the effectiveness of this blood-thinning medication. Consider a chat with your doctor to find the right balance. TYRAMINE-RICH FOODS AND MAOIS An older class of antidepressants (MAOIs) doesn’t play well with tyramine- packed foods like aged cheeses and red wine. The result? A sudden spike in blood pressure. If you’re on MAOIs, consider bidding farewell to these tasty troublemakers.
TAKE A BREAK
Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a zesty dish that combines salmon with the vibrant flavors of garlic and lemon!
INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs salmon fillets
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on the baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the salmon.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
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INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
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The Physical Therapist Who Shaped My Career
Why Eating Together Matters More Than You Think
A Friendly Trick to Better Health
The Surprising Impact of Food on Medication Effectiveness
Baked Salmon With Garlic and Lemon
How ‘Nature’s Green Magic’ Can Transform Your Health
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Chlorophyll, the green pigment responsible for absorbing energy from the sun and assisting plants in photosynthesis, is often referred to as “nature’s green magic” due to its numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the perks of adding some to your diet. ANTIOXIDANTS Chlorophyll is rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. Neutralizing harmful free radicals can reduce cellular damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as certain cancers and cardiovascular conditions. DETOXIFICATION Chlorophyll aids in purifying the body by binding to and removing toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals. This process supports liver health and promotes overall well-being. ALKALIZING EFFECT Chlorophyll helps alkalize the body and balance pH levels. An alkaline environment is less
susceptible to diseases, making it an essential component of an anti-inflammatory diet.
cravings. These effects can lead to a lower calorie intake.
IMPROVED DIGESTION Including chlorophyll in your diet can help promote healthy digestion by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and enhancing the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. ODOR CONTROL Chlorophyll can act as a natural deodorant by neutralizing odors in the body and reducing bad breath. SKIN HEALTH It’s believed that chlorophyll can assist with skin conditions such as acne, sun damage, and eczema, as its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated skin and promote a healthier complexion. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Chlorophyll supplements can aid in weight loss by controlling appetite and suppressing
IMMUNE SUPPORT By strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation, chlorophyll can help the body protect itself against infections and diseases. CANCER PREVENTION While more research is needed, studies suggest that chlorophyll may help protect against certain types of cancer by preventing DNA damage and inhibiting cancer cell growth. While chlorophyll is generally safe, be sure to consult a health care professional before taking chlorophyll supplements, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. By incorporating more chlorophyll-rich foods and supplements into your daily routine, you’ll be on your way to improved overall health!
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