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SCIENCE MEETS COMPASSION
(906) 563-5871 FoundationsMed.com
JULY 2025
A Community-Focused Approach to Pain and Wellness
Hello everyone, I’m Megan Land, a Nurse Practitioner here at Foundations Health. Over a decade of hospital work has taught me that healthcare should be integrative, blending the best of science, conventional medicine, and innovative regenerative therapies. It’s a forward-thinking approach that doesn’t just treat pain and mask symptoms, but helps patients thrive and heal. I’ve seen firsthand how the human body adapts and compensates for survival, but what’s more exciting is how most of us — when we are supported holistically — can regenerate and repair our bodies! I don’t have a grandiose story about what drew me to healthcare, but I started exploring it in high school because I thought it would be fulfilling and suit my personality. In my senior year, I took advantage of a CNA training program and really enjoyed it. Following graduation, I was accepted into a nursing program, and the rest is history. That exploration as a teenager led me to further my education, be passionate about medicine, and serve my community. My first job after nursing school was in a hospital, and that’s been my home ever since. I fell in love with the work, particularly what was possible in the intensive care unit. I had great mentors along the way, and decided to return to graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner. I’ve spent the last 10 years caring for our community’s adult population in the hospital’s medical, surgical, and ICU settings as a Hospitalist NP. Nurse practitioners have a multifaceted and complex role. We diagnose and manage acute and chronic illnesses, prescribe medications, and develop individualized patient treatment plans while collaborating with other physicians and members of the healthcare team. Although community members may still run into me at the hospital occasionally, I’m excited to step into a role at Foundations Health that empowers individuals through root-cause prevention, wellness, and regenerative therapies. One of the most rewarding things about working where you grew up is that I get to care for my own tight-knit community. I’m a proud “yooper,” born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. Having the opportunity to treat patients who are your friends and neighbors creates a powerful sense of trust. That bond allows for a special kind of personalized and compassionate care. I don’t treat patients as cases; they are individual people with unique stories.
Meeting patients and families during some of the most challenging times in their lives in the hospital has been one of the most humbling parts of my work. Growing my career within the walls of the hospital shaped my outlook and who I am as a person; I was constantly reminded of how fragile and unpredictable life can be. It taught me to value time, show compassion freely, and never take a single moment for granted. Regenerative medicine allows patients to return to functional living and improve quality of life using innovative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell treatments, A2M, and lifestyle optimization. This approach blends the best of science and holistic care, emphasizing prevention, cellular repair, and long- term vitality. It empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery while addressing other influential health factors. For me, it represents a more forward- thinking, personalized model of care that supports healing and thriving so that patients can get back to living fully. There’s always a place for conventional medicine, but regenerative medicine gives patients who may not be good candidates for traditional surgeries or therapies other treatment options. It’s a compelling alternative to surgical interventions and prolonged reliance on medications. I’ve witnessed incredible patient outcomes in my short time here.
If you’ve been struggling with an orthopedic or sports-related injury, chronic hip, shoulder, or knee pain, call Foundations to determine if regenerative therapies might be right for you. You deserve to feel better, move better, and live better. At Foundations Health, we’re here to help you do just that!
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—Megan Land
1 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
THE SECRETS OF OUR SKELETONS REVEALED Bone Facts You’ve Likely Never Heard
Our bodies are made up of bones and joints that we rarely acknowledge unless we feel pain or are recovering from an injury. We have no reason to worry about them when we can move comfortably, but that doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Without bones, we would be squishy blobs on the ground, unable to move, eat, speak, or do anything else. Let’s explore three lesser-known facts about our skeletons, no bones about it! We have fewer bones now than we had as children. Humans are born with 275–300 bones, the malleable framework for our tiny infant bodies, but that drops to 206 bones once we reach adulthood. Where did they go? Childbirth requires
the most commonly broken among adults, making up nearly half of all cases, whereas collarbones are the most common for children. When you break a bone, you may believe it needs time to return to its original position and shape, but that’s not exactly how it works. Instead, blood vessels immediately form in the area of a broken bone to advance the healing process. After three weeks, collagen takes the place of the blood vessels, starts to harden, and keeps any broken pieces in place. Over time, the pieces fuse to form a new bone, often stronger than the original.
Male and female skeletons are similar. When you compare men’s and women’s skeletons, they share most characteristics. The femur is the longest and strongest bone, and the stapes in our middle ear is the smallest and lightest bone in both bodies. Both skeletons have 54 bones in the hands, fingers, and
flexible membranes, and hard, sturdy bones would make the process painful for any expectant mother. Many baby bones are nothing more than cartilage, and as we grow, our bones fuse and harden through ossification, leaving us with around 100 fewer bones. However, bone density and strength continue to change as we age.
wrists. The only major difference is in the pelvis. A woman’s pelvis’s shape, size, and angle are optimally designed for childbirth.
Stronger bones replace what we broke.
Breaking a bone is a scary experience,
regardless of age. Arm bones are
How PRP Injections Could Change Your Life FROM JOINT PAIN TO PERSONAL POWER
to heal with minimum recovery time. Though it’s not an instant fix, it can be a game-changer for long- term joint pain relief. Let’s explore if PRP therapy is right for you. What Is PRP Therapy? PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that, when injected into a painful joint, triggers the body’s natural healing process by increasing blood flow and encouraging tissue repair. The injection is made by drawing a small amount of blood from your arm and isolating the platelets, small cells responsible for stopping or preventing bleeding. The PRP is injected into the injured joint to accelerate the healing process. The entire procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes to complete and usually has very mild side effects, like minor soreness at the injection site. I s PRP Right for You? PRP injections are made from your blood, are non-invasive, and effective for various joints,
making them a viable solution for many people. Often, athletes or physically active people can benefit from PRP when they suffer soft tissue injuries. This powerful treatment is also suitable for individuals with arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, hair loss conditions, and even those who are recovering from surgery and want to speed up the healing process. Though it’s not right for everyone, if you have tried medications, surgery, or physical therapy alone without much improvement, PRP could be just the boost your body has been waiting for. Joint pain doesn’t have to control your life, and relief could be closer than you think! PRP injections don’t just mask symptoms; they support your body’s ability to repair and regenerate. If you are ready to learn more, contact us at Foundations Health and Physical Medicine to schedule a consultation!
Are aching joints slowing you down? If you’ve tried everything from painkillers to surgeries with little relief, it might be time to explore a cutting-edge option that uses your body’s natural healing process to repair damaged tissue. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a non-surgical treatment made from your blood that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. Effective for various joints, like your knees, hips, and shoulders, it can be a highly effective option to give your body a genuine chance
2 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken Ingredients • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
JODI’S PT CORNER
Protect Your Knees and Back While Gardening
1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 2 cups cherry tomatoes,
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1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
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Salt and pepper, to taste
As the summer warms up, it’s the perfect time to get out into the garden for
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
yard work, but diving in headfirst can lead to injuries and pain if you aren’t careful. It’s essential to stretch, use the proper techniques,
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and take plenty of breaks as you work, especially if you are currently in physical therapy for an injury. Let’s get your yard and back in shape with these PT tips to work pain- free outdoors safely.
Stretch Before Shoveling Even though many tasks in your yard are simple,
they can still cause physical strain, so it’s important to evaluate your body and current fitness level. If you have been less active recently or are healing from an injury, skip any physically demanding chores like lifting heavy bags of soil or digging in hard dirt. Ease into the process, starting with light stretching and a pre-planting exercise routine. You should spend 5–10 minutes preparing your body for the work. Focus on areas like your back, shoulders, arms, and legs, as these will all be activated as you garden. Posture Is Power Whether you’re trimming branches or pushing a wheelbarrow, using the proper techniques and form can ensure you don’t hurt yourself. Any time you bend, do so at the knees instead of your waist to engage your leg muscles and reduce the strain on your back. You should also pay closer attention to your posture if you need to lift something heavy. Keep the item close to your body and ensure your back is straight. Power the lift with your legs. Listen to Your Body Don’t push yourself too hard, no matter how badly you want a lush lawn. Listen to your body’s cues and be willing to take breaks or make adjustments. If you start to feel soreness or strain, it’s the perfect time to call it quits for the day. You can use ergonomic tools like cushions to protect your knees, and you should always wear a good pair of shoes for yard work that gives you strong support and comfort.
TESTIMONIAL “I come in not only to get adjusted but to seek kind familiar faces and get professional advice on a number of issues. It’s such a well-rounded place here at FOH, and I’m not sure what I would do without the fine tuning I receive. Thank you, Foundations of Health!” –Kim S.
For more tips to stay on track with your PT and maximize your wellness journey, check out next month’s Jodi’s PT Corner.
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Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com
The biggest compliment you can give us is trusting us enough to care for your friends, relatives, and coworkers. The majority of our new patients come from folks just like you, so please accept our HUGE THANK YOU! WOW, THANKS FOR ALL THE REFERRALS!
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
415 W US Highway 2, Ste. 2 Norway, MI 49870 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
INSIDE Helping Yoopers Heal
How Our Bones Evolve, Heal, and Shape Us Feel Better From the Inside Out With PRP Therapy
Jodi’s PT Corner Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
Savoring Nature Safely on a Biking Adventure TRAIL-READY
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest- growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. Be Weather-Wary Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and clammy skin. If
these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down.
Know Your Level Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. Gear Up Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet.
Don’t Go Alone Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
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