NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture - July 2019

NOVA

Chronicles

Hours of Operation: Monday–Wednesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday–Sunday Closed

July 2019

MY FIRST SUMMER JOB Caddying at Oak Hill Country Club

down-to-earth, nice guy. I also caddied for the country music star Darius Rucker and for the basketball coach at Syracuse University, Jim Boeheim.

The first summer job I ever had was working as a caddy at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. I was around 14 years old, and it was my job to help the golfers in any way I could, including carrying their clubs, handing them a club when they needed it, cleaning the clubs, and anything else that helped them play better. The interesting thing about working at this particular country club was that it was an exclusive one. It was one of the best jobs I could have had at that age. It paid very well, and the people who ran the club let me and the other caddies go golfing on the course every Monday. Since I had been golfing since I was about 5 years old, it was my teenage dream job. My best friend, Steve (who also caddied), and I made sure we were out on the beautiful field every Monday to golf all day in a place we wouldn’t have had the chance to play on otherwise. It was one of my favorite summer jobs I ever had. The job also gave me a lot of opportunities to meet people I might not have ever known. In the Rochester area where I grew up, many of the very wealthy people belonged to Oak Hill Country Club. When I worked there, I met all kinds of well-known, interesting, and kind people. For instance, I’m sure many of you know the Wegmans grocery chain; it originated in my hometown, and while I was working at the club, I met the owner, Danny Wegman. I had the opportunity to caddy for him, and he was a really

Meeting people like Wegman, Rucker, and Boeheim and talking with them helped me a lot, especially from a business perspective. By having those opportunities to speak with these men, I learned how to communicate with other people. When you meet someone famous or wealthy, you might think they wouldn’t want to talk to you. I know I felt that way as a kid, but they were all very willing to engage in a conversation with me. I was able to reach out to them and have full- blown discussions with them about a variety of topics, most of which included golf. Since I had been golfing for almost a decade at that point, it was always a great common topic to start with. The people I met on the course helped build my confidence in talking to a variety of people. Looking back at this summer job, I really appreciate everything it gave me. Being able to reach out to people is a huge part of my career as a chiropractor, and I’m very thankful for what I experienced and learned back when I was a kid.

-Dr. Todd P. Sullivan

NovaChiroWellness.com

(703) 912-7822

SUMMER SWIMMING SAFETY

3 TIPS FOR SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER

There’s nothing like taking a dip in a nearby pond, lake, or even the ocean. For many, it’s a summertime tradition. However, swimming in open bodies of water brings certain safety risks, as these environments are not nearly as controlled as public, club, or backyard pools. Everyone should follow these tips to have a fun and safe time cooling off under the summer sun. NEVER SWIMALONE When you swim in virtually any body of water, having someone there to keep an eye on you can be a lifesaver: the more people, the better. Stick to bodies of water with a professional lifeguard on duty when possible, though that’s not always an option. When swimming in open bodies of water, have a “designated spotter” to keep an eye on the swimmers. This way, you’re prepared if anything bad happens. It’s also a great idea to keep flotation devices nearby, such as life jackets, life rings, foam boards, etc. KNOWWHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO Sometimes, it’s next to impossible to see what’s under the surface of the water. If you are unfamiliar with a body of water, don’t jump or dive in without knowing how deep it is. If you cannot confirm what is under the surface (and the spot is not a known diving location), don’t risk it. It may be okay to swim or wade, but jumping is out of the question. Along these same lines, be VERY careful around bodies of slow- moving or standing water. These can house dangerous microbes and other contaminants that can make you ill and potentially be deadly. WATCH FOR RIP CURRENTS These can occur at any beach without warning. They pull swimmers away from shore and are strong enough that even excellent swimmers struggle to get through them. In fact, rip currents are behind nearly 80%of beach rescues. Keep an eye on the foam at the surface of the water. If it seems to suddenly pull away from the beach, there’s a good chance a rip current is lurking beneath. If you find yourself in a rip current, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid expending energy swimming directly back to shore. Instead, try swimming parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current.

ACHILLES TENDONITIS

How We Can Help You

Around this time of year, we see a lot more runners and triathletes at our office. People exercise more during the summer months, but this leads to an increase in injuries. A common injury I treat is Achilles tendonitis. ACHILLES TENDONITIS The Achilles tendon is the thickest in the human body and attaches the heel of the foot to the calf or gastrocnemius muscle in the leg. It allows people to run, jump, walk, or stand on their toes by moving the heel as the gastrocnemius is flexed. When the Achilles tendon is strained through repeated use, it can become inflamed and irritated, making it painful to walk. A person can also feel pain or discomfort if they have been inactive for a long time, such as when they step out of bed in the morning. This condition is known as Achilles tendonitis. Although this injury is acute, if left untreated, it will worsen over time and weaken the tendon, increasing the likelihood of a tear. SEEKING TREATMENT NOVA Chiropractic & Acupuncture uses several techniques when treating Achilles tendonitis to reduce pain and promote healing. Our first goal when treating patients is to reduce inflammation in the tendon by using laser therapy. After this, they will experience an increase in movement with less pain, but it doesn’t fix the condition. What usually causes Achilles tendonitis is tightness in the calf muscles that pulls on the tendon from overuse. To ensure our patient is completely healed, we treat the tightness in the calf and lower muscles of the leg. Depending on the severity of the condition, I will use a combination of techniques: dry needling, Active Release Techniques (ART), and the Graston Technique. Typically, 6–12 treatments will have patients back on their feet and enjoying the activities they love.

You don’t have to experience pain with every step any longer. Call our offices today to learn which treatment options are best for you.

NovaChiroWellness.com

(703) 912-7822

Tips to Step Up Your Game THE PERFECT PUSHUP

Have you ever noticed how military personnel can drop to the floor and crank out 30 pushups effortlessly? Believe it or not, so can you! All it takes is a little practice. Follow these tips to perfect your pushup. FOCUS ON FORM There’s a variety of pushup forms, and they vary both in difficulty and in which muscles they target. However, there is one pushup form that sets the foundation for the more technical and challenging moves. For the standard, military-style pushup, keep your torso lengthened in a straight line and your hands directly underneath your shoulders. When you drop to the ground, keep your body rigid and drop in one fluid motion, with the bend of your elbow pushing outward. (Pro tip: While form should be your main focus, the faster you go, the easier pushups will be.) Once you master this style of pushup, you can begin to increase the difficulty. GET ON THE FLOOR After a quick stretch and warmup, start your pursuit of the perfect pushup by limiting the distance your elbows have to drop. Try doing pushups with your hands placed on the seat of a stable chair and your legs stretched into a pushup position behind you to train your body for the form you need on the ground. Next, get into a standard pushup position with two yoga blocks underneath your chest. As you drop to the ground, watch your body for proper form and remove the blocks as you progress.

PRACTICE Rest days are essential to any fitness routine, but when your rest days are more frequent than your fitness days, your body isn’t going to adapt and grow. Keep practicing and tweaking your pushup technique. Set small goals, such as not dropping your hips, and make plans to meet them. Asking a friend to monitor your form is a helpful way to improve too.

With a little patience and plenty of practice, you’ll be doing pushups like a pro in no time!

Be INSPIRED

Inspired by CookingLight.com

Watermelon Cucumber Skewers

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh mint leaves

1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed

Salt, to taste

2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds

EQUIPMENT

1 block feta cheese, cubed

1 packet of bamboo skewers

Directions

1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full.

2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.

NovaChiroWellness.com

(703) 912-7822

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

5288 Lyngate Court Burke, VA 22015

Inside Issue THIS

Spending the Summer at Oak Hill Country Club 3 Things Everyone Needs to Know Before Swimming in Open Water

• Pain With Every Step

Perfect Your Pushup With This Guide

• Watermelon Cucumber Skewers

Events Near You

Celebrate Your Summer Vacation Today! LOCAL EVENTS

with your family or friends. With over 30 vendors participating in the Burke Farmers Market, guests will have plenty to experience!

TWISTED STITCHERSWORKSHOP Where: Burke Centre Library When: Every second Tuesday of the month, 7–9 p.m. Admission: Free! Website: LibraryCalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/5022231 Join your community library to crochet, knit, craft, and loom, either for yourself or to donate to several charity groups. Attendees will learn how to make hats and other accessories using yarn and whichever method suits them best. Any of the items made will be donated to children’s shelters or hospitals for kids to use and enjoy. If you’re interested in participating in this event, visit the website above or contact Burke Centre Library at (703) 249-1520 to learn more.

Sometimes during the warmer months, you find yourself in a lull with nothing to do. Now is your chance to break out of the summer stupor by enjoying these events happening near you!

SWAN LAKE Where: Wolf Trap Filene Center When: July 11–13, 8:30–11 p.m. Admission: $25–$95 Website: ABT.org/events/swan-lake-wolf-trap/

BURKE FARMERS MARKET Where: VRE Parking Lot When: Every Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Admission: Free! Website: FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets/burke

Swan Lake is one of the most well-known and beloved ballets. Join the performers as they spin their tale of woe, passion, wonder, and forgiveness. Come be swept off your feet as the American Ballet Theatre performs this stunning and classic ballet choreographed by Kevin McKenzie. You can find more information on the performance, cast, and tickets by visiting the website above.

Getting up early and heading off to your community’s farmers market can be a great way to start your weekend! Join your local farmers, crafters, and other early risers as they come together for a pleasant morning of shopping and mingling. You can purchase freshly baked goods while you browse the wares of the other vendors, grab tonight’s dinner, or simply have fun walking around

NovaChiroWellness.com

(703) 912-7822

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