Foundations Health and Physical Medicine - July 2025

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,

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

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,

-

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.

3 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com

Published by Newsletter Pro | www.NewsletterPro.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator