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APRIL 2021
WWW.PHYSICALTHERAPYCT.COM | 860-482-0600
'TIS THE SEASON FOR FRESH STARTS! SAYING GOODBYE TO AVERY AND HELLO TO THE GOLF COURSE
When I hire someone new to work in my clinic, I always ask them about their dreams.
“I know that you’d love to work here,” I say, “but what is your ultimate goal? What do you want to do next?”
That might seem like a weird strategy. After all, wouldn’t I like to keep my team together as long as possible? But the truth is that there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing an employee who came to me, eager to learn, go on to bigger and better things. This spring, that’s exactly what happened with our physical therapy aid, Avery. When I hired her in the summer of 2019, her long-term goal was to get into PT school and become a full-fledged physical therapist. A few months ago, she got the news that she’d done it! Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, accepted Avery’s application, and she’ll start next school year. I’m happy for Avery and proud of everything that she has achieved. She’ll stay on here at the Advanced Physical Therapy Torrington until this summer, and I’ll ask her to give you a proper goodbye in the newsletter then. For now, though, I just want to say that I know she'll do great work in PT school. She’s already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was at that point in my career, in both anatomy and physiology knowledge and experience treating patients. We’ll miss Avery’s skill and energy here in the clinic (and I’m guessing you will too), but I can’t wait to see what she does next. April seemed like the perfect month to share Avery’s big news because, for me, it has always been a time of fresh starts and a gateway to spring. When April comes around, I prioritize getting back outside and enjoying the fresh air — particularly on the golf course. As I write this, I can’t wait to get out on the green at Fairview Farm and work on my swing. (Speaking of swings, if aches and pains are hindering yours, a physical therapy session could help.)
Georgia, this month. Nothing is more picturesque or perfectly spring-like than the Augusta National Golf Club during the Masters. The bright green grass and beds of colorful flowers just add to the perfection of the game. Luckily, I’m not the only one in my group of family and friends who feels that way. I have a lot of golf buddies, and every April we get together for a little Masters-themed party. We have Masters-inspired foods like the famous $2 pimento-cheese sandwiches and Georgia peach cobbler, and we watch the final round together on TV. Even when we’re not in the same room to celebrate, we’re constantly texting during the tournament to keep each other up to speed. Are you a golfer, too? If you are, I’d love to talk about the Masters next time I see you. And if you’re not, I hope this spring you and your family will get to enjoy the outdoor hobbies you love. If stiffness, pain, or another physical issue is hindering your ability to have a good time, let me know, or send your family member my way, and I’ll see if I can help.
Wishing you a happy, healthy fresh start,
Although Avery’s news is bittersweet, I’m feeling nothing but excitement for the 2021 Masters Tournament in Augusta,
–Kevin Smith
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As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. The Benefits of Pet Ownership A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES HOW PETS IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. Find the Right Pet Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .
DON’T SLEEP ON THESE TRACKING DEVICES WANT A BETTER NIGHT’S REST?
Sleep is essential for good health. It recharges your body and helps you start your day refreshed and alert. With so many wearable devices and sleep tracking apps on the market now, you may be wondering if you should be tracking your sleep. If any of the following apply to you, you may benefit from using a sleep tracker. • You have difficulty sleeping soundly. You wake up repeatedly throughout the night, either due to environmental noises (a snoring partner) or a sleep disorder (sleep apnea). • You feel exhausted during the day. When you don’t get enough sleep at night, you’ll feel tired during the day and may have difficulty focusing and be less productive.
table. Many track your heartbeat and movement. It’s important to keep in mind that while sleep trackers can provide valuable insights, the data they produce is based on an estimate rather than a direct measurement. For a full analysis of your sleep patterns, you should schedule a sleep study. Which device should you get? There are many trackers out there — including medical-grade trackers — so how do you decide which is right for you? You’ll want to assess both the cost of the device and the kind of data you’d like to collect. The Actiwatch is a medical- grade tracker that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is often used by doctors. However, it can cost up to several thousand dollars. Store-bought sleep trackers are not as accurate as the Actiwatch, but they are more affordable and still provide useful insights. If you choose to use a FitBit, Jawbone Up, or an Android watch, you should track your nightly sleep as well as any naps you take throughout the day to get the best results.
• You want to improve your performance. Whether you’re an athlete or you simply want to do your best at work, consistently getting a full night’s sleep is essential. What do sleep trackers monitor? A typical sleep tracker monitors your sleep phases, quality, duration, and environmental factors. Some devices strap to your wrist, while others clip onto a pillow or monitor from a bedside
If you are having a severe case of insomnia, narcolepsy, or any other sleeping disorder, it’s essential to speak to your doctor who knows your medical history. They can help you find the best solution to a good night's rest.
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FROM COLLEGE SPORTS TO SUPERSTARDOM 4 CELEBRITIES WHO WERE STUDENT-ATHLETES
April 6 is National Student-Athlete Day! Many students play sports in addition to their studies in high school and college, and many famous people also spent much of their youth playing sports while going to school. Here are four stars who were also college athletes. Singer Garth Brooks From a young age, Brooks loved sports and hoped that his athletic abilities would make him famous. He earned a track scholarship to Oklahoma State University as a javelin thrower and spent most of the 1980s perfecting his technique. In 1999, he played left field for the San Diego Padres, and he continued to play baseball in the early 2000’s, signing with the New York Mets and Kansas Royals. Today, the famous country singer provides children with health and education assistance as well as recreational and sporting opportunities through his foundation, Teammates for Kids.
Actress Emma Watson When Watson enrolled at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, she joined the field hockey team. She loved the sport as a child, and as an adult, her passion for field hockey continues to motivate her. She occasionally travels to elementary schools for a few friendly games in hopes of encouraging young players. Watson has also worked with Hockey Futures, an organization that promotes the sport to British youth. Actor Steve Carell Much like his character Michael Scott in “The Office” once said, Carell too has “been pretty much skating my whole life.” Carell is a fantastic ice skater and has played hockey since he was a child. He was a goalie for Denison University, a
Division III school in Granville, Ohio. Today, Carell still plays in a Los Angeles recreational league whenever he has the opportunity. TV Broadcaster Robin Roberts Roberts began her career in broadcasting as a sports director at Southeastern Louisiana University’s radio station. She also played on the school’s basketball team, the Lady Lions, between 1979 and 1983. During her career on the court, Roberts
scored 1,446 points and had 1,034 rebounds, which earned her a place in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and on the NCAA's list of most influential student-athletes.
SPRING VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN
TAKE A BREAK!
PASTA BAKE Inspired by TheSeasonedMom.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced • 1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered • 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces • 1/2 cup carrots, grated • 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped and divided • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided • 2 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4.Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley.
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860-482-0600 | www.PhysicalTherapyCT.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
881 New Harwinton Rd. Torrington, CT 06790
1. COVER TITLE 1. AVERY GE S A FRESH START 2. CARING FOR PETS BRINGS HEALTH AND HAPPINESS DON’T SLEEP ON THIS ADVICE 3. 4 CELEBRITIES WHO WERE STUDENT-ATHLETES SPRING VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN PASTA BAKE 4. DID YOU KNOW ARCHERY CAN KEEP YOU FIT? INSIDE THIS ISSUE
THE BENEFITS OF A BOW AND ARROW HOW ARCHERY KEEPS YOU HEALTHY The word “fitness” brings to mind a number of images: jogging, cycling, lifting weights — the list goes on and on. However, people rarely think of archery. This activity has been around for thousands of years, and a bow used to be a key weapon in hunting and war. Today, archery is most often practiced as a sport, and it confers many health benefits you may not be aware of.
Focus Archers benefit physically by strengthening their muscles,
but the mental focus required to succeed in this sport also provides a lot of benefit both in and out of the archery range. Keeping a steady and unwavering sight on the target while ignoring all distractions is key to making a perfect shot, and this focus can also help increase productivity at work and improve relationships.
Exercise Archery is a low-impact activity everyone can enjoy, regardless of age, gender, or ability. As with any sport, in order to perform well, archers need to practice consistently. Regular practice also means regular use of their upper bodies and exercise that helps maintain overall fitness. What’s more, archers also get exercise by walking to and from the targets and the designated shooting area. Strength It takes significant strength to pull a bow at full draw. In one motion, archers engage the muscles in their arms, hands, core, back, and chest. The more the motion of drawing and firing is repeated, the stronger these areas of the body will become. There are also many relatively easy exercises archers can do outside of this sport to build strength and improve their shot, including side planks, dumbbell exercises, and yoga.
Patience This is another key component to archery: If an archer rushes a shot, they’re more likely to miss their target. Knowing when to take a shot is just as important as knowing how. Patience is also important when training the body for archery. Archers must be willing to perform the same task over and over to finally hit that center target. It’s important to keep in mind that archery can be dangerous when not practiced correctly. Talk to a professional or get a lesson from an archery instructor to learn how to properly handle a bow.
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