July 2017
ELITE (318) 443-3311
www.elitephysicaltherapy.us
Physical Therapy Lagniappe What Do You Enjoy?
In high school, I lived for soccer. Then, I got injured — I tore my ACL — and my soccer- playing future suddenly had a big question mark looming over it. Not knowing how that injury would affect my plans was frustrating and scary, and I know many of you can relate. Unsure of what the future held, I started going to physical therapy. The care I received at my physical therapist’s office positively affected my life in several ways. The most immediate result was that I completely recovered from my ACL injury; I was down and out for a while, but it didn’t have a long-term impact on my ability to play soccer. Not only was I able to play for the rest of high school, I also went on to be a starter on the Louisiana College soccer team for all four years of my undergraduate education.
But a longer-term benefit of getting physical therapy back in high school was the exposure to the field and the realization that this was something that interested me. While I was playing college soccer, I was also majoring in biology. And in 2006, I graduated with my masters in physical therapy and started practicing while I worked on my doctorate. In the decade-plus that I’ve been a physical therapist, I’ve been privileged every day to come in to work and help people heal. A lot of people don’t realize that physical therapy is capable of treating a wide variety of conditions. I specialize in patients with neurological diagnoses, such as those recovering from a stroke or dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Of course, we see plenty of ACL tears and tennis elbow, as well, but
that’s just the surface of what we’re able to treat. In every case, we want to return people to health so they can enjoy the things in life that they want to. My own pleasures in life have shifted; with a young family, I’m not playing too much soccer anymore. But my husband and I love running around with the kids, taking them to their own soccer practices — or basketball, baseball, or dance! When I can, I like to get outdoors or maybe catch an LSU baseball game. I know my patients enjoy a greater quality of life after receiving treatment, and that, in turn, gives me satisfaction and fulfillment in my own life.
Happy Fourth of July,
-Julia Harrison-Sketo
A lot of people don’t realize that physical therapy is capable of treating a wide variety of conditions.
Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 1
AMERICAN VALUES
Food, Fireworks, &
Every American child is taught that we celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On that day, we have cookouts, wear patriotic garb, and gather to watch the night sky lit up by fireworks. Like all traditions, these events can seem like a matter of course, but they have a fascinating historical origin. One of our founding fathers, John Adams, had ideas for what the celebration would look like even before the document had officially been ratified. In a letter to his wife Abigail written on July 3, 1776, he spoke of celebrations “with pomp and parade, with [shows], games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” It was only one year later the first Fourth of July fireworks display was held in Philadelphia. Of course, the Revolutionary War was still raging at this point, so celebrations were by no means extravagant or widespread. Once the war ended in 1783, Independence Day began to be recognized as a holiday in many parts of the country. It replaced March 5, the date of the Boston Massacre, as the major patriotic holiday in Massachusetts. Around this time, fireworks also became commercially available all over the young nation.
After the War of 1812 ended and American independence was solidified further, celebrations reached even greater heights. During this time, John Philip Sousa’s 1897 march “The Stars and Stripes Forever” became a Fourth of July standard. “Stars and Stripes” may have been the first song associated with the holiday, but it certainly isn’t the only one. “God Bless America,” “This Land is Your Land,” and “America the Beautiful” are all Independence Day classics. Another integral part of Fourth of July celebrations is, without question, the food. From hot dogs and hamburgers to watermelon, there’s no better day to enjoy some
my spirit is refreshed every Fourth of July by the recollection of that day’s merriment.”
The Fourth of July, though, isn’t just about food and festivities — it’s also a day to remember the ideals our country was created to embody. Thomas Jefferson, the writer of the Declaration of Independence, certainly felt that the holiday was a time to reflect on these values. In the last letter he ever wrote, from his home at Monticello on June 24, 1826, he advocated that annual celebrations “forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
all-American fare — and there’s no more food more American than barbecue. Barbecue has been a Fourth of July tradition, especially in the South, for over a century. When the great American ornithologist John J. Audubon visited Kentucky in the early 19th century to research the local birds, he was treated to an Independence Day barbecue. He never forgot, and wrote of the event, “Although more than 20 years have elapsed since I joined a Kentucky Barbecue,
“Elite Physical Therapy helped me with a left total knee replacement. I had a very hard time in the beginning with everything, and they made it easy for me. They’re a second family, for sure. Don, Brandi, and Jessica are amazing, and I thank them for getting me where I am today: back to normal!” Anya Parker
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‘Ms. Omatha,’
It’s Been an Honor
Omatha Lummus has been a fixture at Elite Physical Therapy for many years. And although we are happy for her as she moves into the next phase of her life, it is with a hint of sadness that we say goodbye as she retires at the end of June. “Ms. Omatha” is as sweet and kind as they come. Her calm voice and compassionate ways have always set a tone for us at Elite, and these traits have earned her respect and love from her co-workers and have endeared her to many patients over the years. She has been a dedicated employee and has shared her love of family and God with all who have had the pleasure to be in her company.
I will always think about the importance of God in her life and the prayers that she has offered to me and many others in need. I also think about how much she loves her family, especially her granddaughter, Sophia. I know she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, John, her daughter, Kiley, and her family, as well as with her own father. And even though we know that her decision to retire was a very difficult one, it will be special for her to enjoy her family on a deeper level now. She also looks forward to being able to travel more. It has been an honor to work side by side with her over these last 20-plus years. Although we realize that time goes on and we will adjust to her absence, we know that the Elite family will never be the same, and she will be missed.
-Bart
On a personal note, I will always picture her sitting with Ms. Johnnie at our old office, and
On Us! Have a Laugh
This healthy, tasty, filling dish is a cinch to make on a busy weeknight. And cleanup’s a breeze! One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
Ingredients •
1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 (14.5-ounce) can fire- roasted diced tomatoes 1 cup corn kernels, frozen, canned, or roasted
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1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled, and diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 jalapeno, minced
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
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1 cup quinoa
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 cup vegetable broth
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½ teaspoon cumin
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1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-
2. Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, and
and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice, and cilantro.
high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
cumin; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat
3. Serve immediately.
Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 3
Recipe adapted from DamnDelicious.net.
3446 Masonic Drive Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 443-3311
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Inside THIS ISSUE
• What Do You Enjoy?
• Food, Fireworks, and American Values
• July Testimonial
• ‘Ms. Omatha,’ It’s Been an Honor
• One-Pan Mexican Quinoa
• The World’s Happiest Vacations
Destination: Happy People
Visit a hustling, bustling tourist trap and what do you get? Crowds of competitive travelers and a local populace that is sick to death of them. Visit a place with happy people, and you get good service, friendly faces, and you’ll learn firsthand what Harvard researchers affirmed in a 2012 study: Happiness is contagious. Luckily for the average traveler, the places that topped a nationwide Gallup poll and the United Nations’ annual World Happiness Report have plenty to offer in addition to cheerful locals. The Happiest States in the U.S. If we were to tell you that Hawaii is the happiest state in the country, you probably wouldn’t be
surprised. And sure enough, Hawaii ranked first in overall happiness for the sixth consecutive year. The sunny beaches, rich culture, and perfect weather give tourists a taste of paradise that the natives enjoy all year long. Next in line is a state that has little in common with the Aloha State. Alaska came in second place for the third consecutive year. With eight national parks, including Denali, Glacier Bay, and Gates of the Arctic, Alaska’s 663,000 square miles are filled to the brim with the wonders of nature. The Happiest Country in theWorld Denmark has long been the standard-bearer in this category, but this year it relinquished the
title to its Scandinavian sister. Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking vistas on earth, most notably its western fjords like the world-famous Geirangerfjord and Nærøfjord. For the city wanderer, you’ll find choice seaside restaurants and walkable streets in towns like Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, which sports rainbow architecture and a 15th-century waterfront. Knowing the heart of a destination begins and ends with its people. Tack on beautiful scenery and daydream-worthy activities, and you just found yourself the perfect vacation.
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