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AUGUST 2019
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MEET STITCH! ONE ODD DOG
We’ve talked about a lot of the members of the Ulmer family in this newsletter, including my sons and my parents. So, seeing as we’re entering the “dog days of summer,” I thought I’d throw the littlest member of our household a bone. This month, I want to tell you about Stitch. We brought home Stitch the French bulldog about two years ago. Our last dog had passed away not long before, and soon enough, Emilie and the kids were ready for a new puppy. I was the last holdout, but, in a moment of weakness, I caved. Nathan was the one who picked Stitch out, naming him after his favorite character from the Disney film “Lilo and Stitch.” In the movie, Stitch is an alien genetic experiment who escapes to Earth, where everyone thinks he’s a dog. I think our own Stitch is experiencing a similar case of mistaken identity. Both Emilie and I have had dogs our entire life. In fact, my mother worked at a rescue shelter, and we frequently brought home many furry friends. But all three of us are in agreement: Stitch is the most unique dog we’ve ever met. Our bulldog thinks he’s a cat. That’s the best way I can describe it. Beyond the pointy ears and small body, his interactions with
people are very cat-like. Once he’s warmed up to you, he’ll stay close, curling up in your lap the moment you sit down. He even sits with one leg behind his back! And the similarities don’t stop there. His little snores sound a whole lot like purrs, and one of his favorite activities is to chase a laser pointer around for hours. Heck, as I write this, Stitch is curled up on his little bed under my desk, shooting me knowing looks. Perhaps the wildest example of Stitch’s un-doglike behavior is how he goes on walks. I’ve been on walks with canines big and small, and they all do plenty of meandering. I’m sure all dog lovers reading this can relate to how they have to sniff every surface. Stitch doesn’t do this. When we walk, he’s on a mission: get out, do his business, and make it home. No sniffing, no distractions. If he had a litter box, he might not even be interested in the outside world. The one way Stitch does behave like a dog is when it comes to fetch. The only word he knows throw.” He’ll play for hours but is just as happy to snuggle up to you on the couch. He’s really the best of what dogs and cats have to offer. Did I mention he likes to is “ball,” which he defines as “something you are going to
wear hats? I’ve never seen another animal do this, but the boys will put a cap on him, and he’ll happily pose for photos. Christmas cards have never been easier thanks to Stitch! Despite (or maybe because of) his strangeness, Stitch is a beloved member of the family. The kids do a great job sharing the responsibility of taking care of him, and Emilie treats him like her own baby. If she had her way, Stitch would roam the halls of our clinic! For my part, I love the gentle, caring nature of this little goofball. He’s brought a lot of joy to each of us, which is why I’m happy to share his story with you.
Here’s to man’s best friend,
–Mike Ulmer
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You’ve probably heard of pickleball, especially given its rising popularity in the United States and Canada, but you may be wondering what the big deal is about this relatively new fad. Pickleball is an awesome, low- impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s great exercise and great fun, and it’s the perfect game for family get-togethers. Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. It was the creation of three fathers — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — who needed to come up with something to keep the little ones entertained and out of their hair. Soon, however, it became popular among the adults, and they ended up spending more time on the court than their children. “Frankly,” McCallum says, “the kids got pushed out.” Since its early days, pickleball has transformed from an ad-hoc game to a full-fledged sport, complete with official rules, equipment, and leagues. Despite the more formal structure in place today, pickleball is incredibly easy to pick up and play. Investing in some paddles and balls won’t cost more than $100, and you can easily convert a tennis or badminton court for pickleball.
One of the appeals of pickleball for older adults is that it is not excessively strenuous. It also doesn’t have the steep learning
curve and high barrier to entry that sports like tennis or golf do. Due to the nature of a pickleball, which contains strategically placed holes similar to those of a whiffle ball, the game is much more about finesse than pure power or athleticism. While you can definitely hone your skills with practice, you’ll start having fun from day one. In addition to being a fun form of exercise, pickleball also offers older adults the chance to socialize with their peers. Leagues often lead to long-term friendships. Courts are small, and each game consists of only four players, making it easy to engage in some casual conversation or playful, competitive banter between points. If you’ve never picked up a paddle, consider joining a league or buying a set for your next family outing. You can introduce your grandkids to a fun new sport — and then school them for the bulk of an afternoon.
On Nov. 20, 2018, I had a reverse right shoulder replacement. After spending December with my arm in a sling, I started rehab with Chris at Kinetic. When I started therapy on
The best thing I did after my hip replacement was choose Kinetic for my PT. From the first phone call to the last appointment, everyone has been wonderful. Chris, my physical therapist, was outstanding. He helped me meet my
Jan. 1, I had very limited use of my right arm and no strength at all. With Chris’s guidance, I left for Florida on Feb. 2, 2019 to meet up with some friends to play golf. I cannot think of a better group of people to recommend than Kinetic, from the office staff to the four physical therapists. –Denney Roper
goals, and, in less than three months after surgery, I was tying my shoes, riding my bike outside, and learning to play pickle ball. –Sharon Olesen
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No matter the cause, back pain is debilitating. In severe cases, even just walking can become an agonizing experience. Once it becomes clear your pain won’t go away after a warm shower, it’s time to consider the possibility that you may be experiencing sciatica. WHAT IS SCIATICA? To
outward, or tears, it then puts pressure on your sciatic nerve in your lower back. HOW DO I KNOW IT’S SCIATICA? While
Sudoku However, despite the very real, severe pain this condition causes, most cases resolve themselves without any invasive treatments. Your body is capable of mending the damage over time, but you still have to contend with the pain while that happens. THIS IS WHERE PHYSICAL THERAPY COMES IN, ISN’T IT? You guessed it. When it comes to minimizing sciatica pain, remaining active is the best medicine. Keeping your body limber and learning stretches to relieve the aches you feel will get you through the recovery process. That’s why we’re excited to announce our very own Mike Ulmer will be leading the back pain and sciatica workshop once again! The first of these will be Aug. 3 at 10 a.m., followed by one on Sept. 7, so be sure to call to reserve your spot today!
this nerve pinching may at first feel like
regular back pain, it will quickly become more severe. Most sciatica is
experienced on one side of the lower back, radiating down into the leg. The pain will often get worse while you are seated and, at times, will sharply increase. Some people also experience “pins and needles,” numbness, and/or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. I THINK I HAVE SCIATICA. WHAT NOW? “Bulging disks” and “pinched nerves” make sciatica sound like a grave medical issue.
understand sciatica, you first have to know about the sciatic nerve. This is essentially the “phone line” responsible for sending signals between your brain and your legs. Sciatica flares up when this nerve is “pinched,” causing it to radiate pain beyond just the affected site. This pinching typically happens when you have a herniated disk. When one of the “disks” between the bones of your spine bulges
Senegalese Lamb Skewers
INGREDIENTS For the lamb: • 2 lbs. trimmed leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 tbsp peanut oil, plus more for grilling • Salt and black pepper, to taste For the onions: • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard • 1/2 tbsp agave nectar • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced • Salt and white pepper, to taste Equipment • Bamboo skewers
DIRECTIONS 1. In a bowl, coat lamb with 1 tbsp oil and generously season with salt and pepper. 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, and agave nectar. Toss in onions and season with salt and pepper. 3. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium and oil the grates. 4. Thread lamb on skewers and grill for 6–8 minutes. 5. Serve alongside onions.
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847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com
11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142
INSIDE Meet the Littlest Ulmer! PAGE 1
Why You Should Play Pickleball PAGE 2
My PT Story PAGE 2
Back Pain or Sciatica? PAGE 3
Senegalese Lamb Skewers PAGE 3
Not Your Average Vacation Lodgings PAGE 4
When Airbnb was founded a little over a decade ago, the developers hoped to provide an alternative to traditional travel accommodations. Today, with annual revenue in the billions, the service is an industry unto itself. While most people use Airbnb to “live like a local” while traveling, you can find some truly wacky lodging options if you spend some time searching the platform. Here are just a few of the many contenders for the title of “Weirdest Airbnb in the U.S.” For ease of searching, the listings here have the same titles as they do on Airbnb. BRAND NEW STUDIO EARTHSHIP TAOS, NEW MEXICO Earthships, houses run by clean energy and featuring reused materials, are a fixture of the Taos area. This one, which looks almost like a crashing wave with a living space in its undertow, combines the rustic charm of truly getting away from it all with modern amenities like Wi-Fi and in-home laundry. It’s a truly unique living space surrounded by pristine nature and not far from the historic Taos Pueblo. MANCAVE APARTMENT/AIRPLANE HANGAR GENEVA, FLORIDA Airbnb super hosts Dan and Deborah have no shortage of quirky properties
for rent — including yurts and treehouses — but their apartment fashioned out of an airplane hangar surely takes the cake. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was a theme restaurant featuring eclectic aviation. Memorabilia lines the walls with a bar front and center, and the bed is in a loft high above the ground. DOG BARK PARK INN B&B COTTONWOOD, IDAHO As you approach the Dog Bark Park Inn, you won’t have to guess if you’re in the right place. After all, how many buildings are shaped like beagles? When describing the space on Airbnb, the hosts make no bones about who this rental is aimed for. “Stay in a giant dog!” they say. In addition to being inside a massive wooden dog, you’ll find canine-themed games, books, and more. Talk about ruffing it.
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