SEPTEMBER 2021
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LESSONS LEARNED FROM A CRUSHED FINGER THANKS TO A WORKPLACE INJURY, LESLIE DISCOVERED THE POWER OF PT!
Anyway, back in 1988, I rushed right off to see a doctor. After they gave me stitches and my hand healed a little, I was introduced to the next step in workers’ compensation cases: therapy. My hand was in really bad shape, but my therapist worked with me to slowly regain my range of motion. Today, my hand is pretty much back to normal, which is good because if that finger still stuck out, I’d be giving the world the bird 24/7! Seeking therapy was a real lifesaver for me back in the '80s, and it’s pretty cool that today, I get to help other injured people through the recovery process as part of their own workers’ compensation cases. Most of the people we see here in the clinic have either fallen or tripped on the job and ended up with hip, back, shoulder, or knee pain because of it. We help them recover and get back to work ASAP to support their families. You’d be amazed at who these people are. Not everyone with a workers’ comp claim is a farmer or construction worker — far from it! You can hurt yourself just as easily tripping over a rug in an office or slipping on the floor at a restaurant. Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, so it’s important to be careful on the job. One thing I didn’t know back in the '80s was that when you’re injured at work, you’re allowed to choose your own physical therapist. So if you end up with a workplace injury, you can let your referring doctor know you'd like to come see us at Advanced Practice Physical Therapy instead of working with a PT your company picks. Pretty cool, huh? If you do come in to see us for help with a workers’ compensation injury, make sure that you know your claim number, your adjusters’ name and phone number, and, if possible, have your authorization to get physical therapy handy. From there, we can help you through the whole workers’ compensation process while also working with you in the clinic to regain your strength, mobility, and balance. As sure as I can type with my once-crushed finger, you’ll be back to work in no time! –Leslie Larsen
If you’ve been a longtime reader of our newsletter (or just talked to me a lot at the reception desk), you might remember that years and years ago, I used to work in a jewelry manufacturing plant. I worked with big, dangerous machines creating rings for corporations and events. Then, one day in 1988, one of those machines introduced me to PT! The machine that got me was called a dapping machine. It was the piece of equipment that put company logos on the rings we made. I’d used the machine thousands of times without a hiccup, but one day, instead of pushing the button that would release the ring I was working on, I pushed the one that triggered the metal stamper. It smashed down immediately — right onto my middle finger. Oh man, did it hurt! I was bleeding everywhere, and in that minute, I learned the first lesson of workers’ compensation cases: Seek medical attention immediately. Since I was bleeding like crazy, I had to go right to the doctor's office, but I’ve learned since then that even with minor injuries or incidents, it’s important to get medical attention and report your injury to your workplace within 24 hours. That makes the whole thing official, and it’s important to do even in minor cases (like if you trip over a trash can or electrical cord) just in case your body starts aching later.
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THE SCIENCE BEHIND SAD AND MAD TEARS WHY YOU SHOULD CRY
participants who cried while watching a sad movie and compared their tears to participants who cried because of a cut onion. Frey said the emotional tears were not only unique to humans but that they’re also a “unique kind of tear.” Their unique chemical makeup has both a detoxifying and stress- reducing effect. Emotional tears have higher levels of ACTH, a stress hormone released by crying. They also have higher levels of endorphins and oxytocin, which are known to reduce both stress and pain.
Ronda Rousey is tough. She was the first American woman to earn a medal in the Olympics for judo, and she was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame to commemorate her six titles. Rousey is noted for her physical and mental toughness, so it might surprise you to learn that she loves a good cry.
“I really cry all the time … Everything [makes me cry]. Especially during fight week,” she told the Huffington Post.
While crying is more often associated with weakness than strength, the science of the tears we shed when we’re emotional — including feelings of anger, sadness, and stress — shows that crying actually makes us healthier.
Crying and Your Health
The benefits of crying have been explored by everyone from ancient philosophers to modern-day scientists. While philosophers noted the cathartic effects of crying, scientists have filled in the knowledge gaps about why crying feels good and how it’s actually good for us.
More Than Just Water
Before you cry, you may feel a welling up of tears in your eyes that makes them appear watery. While tears of all types are mainly made up of water, scientists say that they are distinguished by their chemical makeup. Biochemist Dr. William H. Frey produced foundational scientific research on the science of crying. He collected tears from research
The stress-reducing benefits of crying don’t just feel good in the moment. There are several secondary benefits such as:
• Lower blood pressure, which keeps your heart healthy and helps you avoid stroke, heart failure, and dementia
• Lower manganese levels, which helps decrease anxiety, irritability, and aggression
• Decreased risk of ulcers and other digestive issues
• Decreased risk of tension headaches and migraines
Finally, crying serves an important social role. Tears elicit sympathy, signal that something is wrong, and facilitate connection during hard times. If you find yourself having chronic or uncontrollable bouts of tears, something else may be going on and you should seek professional help. But if you find yourself crying when stressed, angry, or sad, embrace your tears, knowing they’re helping make you healthier both mentally and physically.
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THE SECRET SAUCE COOK WITH THE SAME INGREDIENTS WITHOUT GETTING BORED
5-Minute Honey Mustard Sauce To avoid hearing “chicken again?!” add this honey mustard sauce from PinchOfYum.com to your repertoire. Simply whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for a delicious topper for all meats.
One upside to spending more than a year at home was that many people donned their aprons, learned new recipes and techniques, and began cooking meals regularly in their own kitchens. Even as restaurants reopen, over 70% of Americans say they'll keep their new habit of cooking at home because it's healthier and cheaper. That said, the average American can only whip up about five meals without a recipe at hand, and many people cook and eat the same types of protein and vegetables over and over. One easy way to avoid boredom is to keep your main staples but diversify your sauce routine! When in doubt, learn one creamy sauce and one herb- or citrus-based sauce. Here are a few examples that work particularly well for chicken, America’s favorite animal protein. These can be used with your other favorite meats and your favorite vegetable preparations, as well!
Simple Lemon Herb Sauce Want a lighter, healthier option? Go for an oil-and-herb sauce like FoodNetwork.com’s “Chicken With a Lemon Herb Sauce.” In a blender
or food processor, add 1 peeled clove of garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup freshly chopped herbs of your choice (they recommend a mix of parsley and mint), 1 1/2 tsp ground pepper, the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse all ingredients together until well mixed and the herbs and garlic are coarsely chopped. Quick Miso Maple Sauce This umami-filled sauce from Kitchn.com brings a lot of flavor with just three simple ingredients: 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 cup miso paste. That's it! Whisk the ingredients together and pour over oven-roasted, pan- seared, or grilled chicken and serve. These three sauces are a great place to start, but if you find yourself uninspired in the kitchen, just look up “simple sauces” online and the protein or vegetable you’re preparing. The internet will come to the rescue every time!
ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN Inspired by WellPlated.com
TAKE A BREAK!
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided • 1/2 cup apple cider • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided • 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1. LESSONS LEARNED FROM A CRUSHED FINGER 2. THE SCIENCE OF CRYING 3. LET SAUCES BRING NEW LIFE TO TIRED MEALS ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN 4. DO COUPLES SLEEP BETTER APART? INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COUPLES SLEEPING APART A NEW TREND IN SLEEP ARRANGEMENTS
• Cognitive: You focus more easily, remember better, and learn quicker when you’re well rested.
From bank accounts to emotions, couples share a lot of things in their lives. But one thing couples have long shared is being called into question: a bedroom. You may have heard about this trend of sleeping apart from a friend or from celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham, who took it to an extreme by building “his and hers” wings in their home. You may not have an extra wing in your home, but if you have a spare bedroom, you might consider joining the estimated 25% of American couples who are sleeping separately in an effort to sleep better. Why sleep separately? While the stereotype holds that couples who don’t share a bed are in a fight or unhealthy relationship, more and more evidence shows that sleeping alone may simply be the best way to get a
• Mood: Insomniacs are five times more likely to develop depression. Though that’s an extreme, if you’ve ever had a poor night’s sleep, you’ve probably experienced the grumpiness or short temper that can go with it. • Heart health: Blood pressure decreases during rest, which helps keep your heart healthy. Chronically poor sleepers are more at risk of heart disease. Aren’t there negative consequences for couples? One of the most common concerns couples have about sleeping in separate rooms is that it will lead to less intimacy
in their partnership. However, sleeping apart often means sleeping more and better, and studies show that well-rested couples are more likely to share intimacy. Plus, sleeping arrangements are highly cultural and change over time. There’s nothing that says that sleeping together is a must for a happy relationship! As more couples are learning, sometimes it’s just the opposite.
good night’s rest. And as more research comes out about the importance of sleep for physical and mental health, some couples can’t figure out how to improve their sleep while sharing a bed with a snoring spouse or one who has a completely different schedule.
If you need a reminder about the myriad benefits of sleep, here are just a few:
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