Kinetic PT - December 2019

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DECEMBER 2019

847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com

THE DIFFERENCE A DECADE MAKES

With the New Year fast approaching, I find myself thinking a lot about the past. After all, it’s not just the year coming to an end — it’s the end of the decade. I think we can all agree the 2010s were a roller coaster ride, especially when you look back to where we were at the start. Remembering just the way things were for my own family 10 years ago feels like imagining a different world entirely. Our clinic was certainly different. Back then, it was just Emilie and me against the world. Those were definitely heady days, wondering if we could make it as our own business owners — but slowly it became clear we were building something special. We got to know more and more patients, who in turn got to know us and little Zack and Nathan. Still, if you’d traveled back in time and told me we’d have a team of five therapists and a fantastic community of patients who have become lifelong friends, I may not have believed you. And, of course, our clinic isn’t the only thing that’s grown. At 14 and 12, Zach and Nathan certainly aren’t little anymore. Now they have clubs, sports, and activities as they become young adults — and to think I thought they were a handful at 4 and 2! Even Christmas shopping for them has become utterly different.

This is what really drives home how much has changed for me: In Christmases past, Emilie and I would do our shopping at Toys “R” Us! Now, not only do the boys want drastically different kinds of gifts, but the store we used to buy them in doesn’t even exist anymore! Online shopping may have its conveniences, but I can’t help but feel we’ve lost some of the magic from the old days. I remember how Emilie and I would stride confidently into the Toys “R” Us, determined to stick to the budget I had drawn up — only for me to break that budget within the hour. That was the thing with shopping for boys: I always found stuff I wanted to play with, too! One year we found these marshmallow shooters and just had to get them. On Christmas Day, we ended up running around the whole house having a war with the little sugar puffballs. I miss those days. Even our physical house has gone through some changes in the past 10 years. As I write, we have a crew redoing part of our kitchen, including putting in a new stove. This will be just in time, too, since we’re supposed to host Christmas dinner this year! Every time we hold the meal at our house, I attempt to make a prime rib though the process always takes longer than I think it’s going to. I’ve always blamed our stove, so maybe this

year will be different. Starting the meal on time will certainly be a change we’d all be happy with! Things have definitely shifted over the years; some of the changes have been good, and some make me miss the old days. However, I realize some traditions have stayed the same over the years, like how we decorate our Christmas tree. Every year shortly after Thanksgiving, we break out the box of ornaments and hang the decorations we’ve collected over the years. Some are gifts from when the boys were born, some are new, and they all come together to make an interesting collection. They may not all match, but each one comes with its own special memories, and together they make the tree beautiful and unique. Not that I want to get too profound here, but I think those decorations are a good reminder of how to appreciate change. Sure, families grow and life can feel different — but we’ll always have the good memories of the way things were, and we’re always making new ones along the way. They all combine to make something very special we get to enjoy in the present.

Happy Holidays,

–Mike Ulmer

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HOLISTIC HEALTH PRODUCTS FOR ALL

Holistic wellness is sometimes seen as an inaccessible form of care. Holistic treatments and products can be hard to find, but access to them should never be restricted based on location, demographics, or affluence. Thankfully, this problem is becoming less relevant as more stores begin stocking holistic products. Holistic health products, which were often reserved for expensive online shopping or limited boutique releases in the past, are becoming more accessible as drugstores and big-box stores around the country jump on the holistic health train. Chains like Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target have started stocking their shelves with notable holistic staples, especially those related to digestive and immune health. You can even find cleaner beauty and cosmetic products from brands like Burt’s Bees and Tom’s of Maine in many of these stores. Safer baby products, like cough syrup made with all-natural ingredients and diapers from brands like The Honest Company, are being placed in the eyesight of more people everywhere. With this shift in availability, customers have more options than ever before when shopping for holistic care.

These stores have an incredible opportunity to bring alternative wellness to areas that haven’t experienced it. Citizens in small, rural, or distressed communities where specialty stores and holistic medical practices are scarce can now explore more options. And, if more options at reasonable prices result in healthier and happier people, then that’s great for us all.

“I am always pleased with Kinetic PT. This time I was involved in a car accident with little feeling on my left wrist. Peggy set me up with appointments immediately. My experience with Chris was an almost full recovery. My injury will take time to heal. Thanks again, Kinetic! Hopefully, next time I come, it will just be for a visit. My sincere thanks!”

“All the people made it a joy to come here. All the treatment was done professionally, which helped me recover from the pain in my leg and back. Chris did an excellent job on my therapy. I will continue my exercise to keep myself healthy. I learned you have to keep moving or you will lock up, and that is no good!”

–Charles Knudtson

–Beverly Rodway

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Avoid the Aches and Pains of Travel

‘Tis the season for travel, and we’re sure many of our readers have plans to get out of town this season. But, whether you drive to a loved one’s house or take off to warmer latitudes, you don’t want pain visiting you for the holidays. Unfortunately, road trips and air travel are the perfect recipes for back, neck, and shoulder aches — but you can keep these debilitating conditions from ruining this joyous time of year. BACK TO BASICS Being seated for long periods of time often leads to pain because of the way we position our back. Being hunched forward, reading a book on a long flight, or craning your neck to check your rearview mirrors puts far too much strain on

your neck and shoulders. However, reclining too far or slouching in your seat is a recipe for lower back pain. To keep yourself from either extreme, proper posture is essential. SITTING RIGHT “Proper posture” doesn’t mean sitting stiff as a board. In fact, you want your back to arch slightly. Keep your tail bone as close to the back of your seat as you can and the inside of your knees about two inches away from the edge of the chair. Don’t keep the backrest at a 90-degree angle — you want it reclined slightly back to around 100–110 degrees (but always return your seats to their upright position when landing). While flying, keep both feet flat on the floor and

Sudoku avoid crossing them. While driving, adjust your mirrors so you can check them with minimal head movement. LEGS MADE FOR WALKING Ultimately, the best method to avoid the aches and pains caused by sitting is to, well, not sit. Breaking up long periods in a chair, even if it’s just to stroll up and down the aisle of the aircraft or stretch your legs at a rest stop, can make a huge difference. Of course, wait until the fasten seatbelt sign has turned off, and follow all instructions of your flight crew while in an aircraft.

Gingerbread Dogs

Inspired by GoneToTheSnowDogs.com

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup molasses • 4 tbsp honey • 1 cup water • 1/2 cup vegetable oil DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 F.

• 6 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking soda • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp dried powder ginger

2. In a medium bowl, combine molasses, honey, water, and oil, and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing well until dough forms. 3. Separate dough into four equal balls. Wrap dough balls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–5 hours. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out chilled dough to 1/4-inch thick. Use dog-shaped cookie cutters to cut out treats. 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes on baking sheet until cookies start to brown. Carefully remove treats from the oven and let them cool completely before serving to your dog.

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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 Marshmallow Guns, Toys ‘R’ Us, and the 2010s PAGE 1 The Rise of Holistic Products in Big-Brand Stores PAGE 2

My PT Story PAGE 2

Aches and Pains of Travel PAGE 3

Homemade Gingerbread Dog Treats PAGE 3

Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest PAGE 4

The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent. TREEBONES RESORT, CALIFORNIA For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day. SPRUCE HOLE YURT, COLORADO Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the

end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold. FALLS BROOK YURTS, NEW YORK For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

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