Check out our October newsletter!
October 2019
513-874-8800 www.stretchphysicaltherapy.com Painless News
2 Locations:
9500 Kenwood Rd Blue Ash, Ohio 45242
4851WunnenbergWay West Chester, Ohio 45069
On the Road Again
Megan Gets a Bike and Hits the TrailsWith Kim!
You never realize how much you take something for granted until you can no longer do it. This summer, I was given an opportunity to do something I hadn’t been able to do for months — years, even! It might not seem like a big feat to most people, but for my daughter and me, it was huge.
In early August, Megan and I hit the trail in Loveland, Ohio, just to see how far she could go. I’m proud to say that she was able to bike 10 miles — nearly 11, actually — and she kept her speed at about 10 mph! She was cruising right along with me, and I could not have been more proud.
Megan and I took a bike ride together this summer.
Ever since Megan’s diagnosis with POTS in 2016, we have all remained optimistic. We knew that she could get back to cardiovascular exercise and remain active, despite her fainting and the need for a wheelchair, but it was always a matter of when she would be able to get to that point. The other key factor was if we would be able to afford any equipment we may need. Since the addition of Megan’s service dog, Nora, and as Megan reached a stable point, we began researching bikes. After about six months of research, we had an idea of what we wanted, and we worked with Fairfield Cyclery to make it happen. In early July, we purchased a recumbent bike with two wheels in the front and one wheel in the back. We worked with Fairfield Cyclery to fit the bike to Megan’s length, and we had a harness installed onto the bike. The harness will keep her strapped into the bike if she happens to faint, while the two wheels in the front keep her stabilized. We even had a motor installed onto the bike, so if she gets too tired to continue pedaling, she can flip on the motor and coast through the trail. “This bike has given Megan an opportunity to gain back a piece of her that POTS took away …”
As a mom, it’s difficult to watch your child struggle with an illness, especially one that has been as debilitating as POTS. We were fortunate enough to get Nora nearly two years ago, and her presence has been a godsend for Megan. But the bike is a new opportunity for some added independence for Megan. She can hop onto her bike and pedal without having to bring Nora, and she is able to feel the wind in her hair and see the scenery just like everyone else on the trail. Megan can go for “walks”with her husband and their dogs without having to stay inside, giving her more freedom to enjoy the outdoors. This bike has given Megan an opportunity to gain back a piece of her that POTS took away, and I am so incredibly grateful for Fairfield Cyclery’s assistance, the support of our community, and the fact that we could afford this opportunity for Megan. By next year, we hope to participate in a 25-mile bike ride together. I used to take these rides all the time, once even going so far as riding 78 miles each day for two days. But when I opened Stretch Physical Therapy and Total Wellness, I had to step back to focus on my business. It felt great to get back on that seat and feel the wind on my face again. Not to say I’m quite ready for the 25-mile bike rides again, but if Megan has taught me anything over the past few years, it’s that anything is possible with a little perseverance and a positive attitude.
—Kim Nartker
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A Difficult Discussion
Talking toYour Kids About Cancer
As pink-clad products line store shelves this October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, children are bound to be curious. Since they rationalize the world around them with what they already know, kids may ask silly questions like, “Is cancer contagious?”Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or you just feel it’s time to educate your children about the disease, answering questions can be difficult. These tips can help you prepare. Telling a child that you or a loved one has cancer can be complicated. To start, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends giving yourself time after hearing the news of a cancer diagnosis to process this new reality. Two- parent households should tell their children together, while single parents are encouraged to ask an adult with a positive influence on the child’s life to join the conversation. Remember, your child will be experiencing the same emotions as you but in a kid’s body, where hormones and developmental changes are already wreaking havoc. Monitor their emotions and offer them space and opportunities to discuss their feelings with a professional. When it comes to explaining the disease and its consequences, younger children may require fewer details and broader concepts, while older kids may need more comprehensive answers to their questions. A 5-year-old is going to have different concerns than a 16-year-old, so your approach must be different. However, regardless of your child’s age, always tell the truth. Testimonial Always Tell the Truth
Focus on Prevention Education
A loved one doesn’t have to be diagnosed with cancer for you to educate your family about the disease and its prevention. Studies have linked prevention efforts, including anti-smoking campaigns and healthy lifestyle programs, to actually preventing cancer. (In fact, half of all cancers can be prevented!) Teach your child about the dangers of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure to foster healthy habits and lifestyles. Organizations that host walks, benefits, and other events for cancer prevention and research can be great sources of education for families, too.
The ACS has resources for families living with cancer or those wanting to learn more. Visit Cancer.org for more information.
“Before laser therapy, I had a lot of stiffness in my feet, which was pretty debilitating. Through treatment, I started to notice some relief which then turned into A LOT of relief. I was finally able to walk comfortably, sit for long periods, and not experience stiffness when I would get up. I’m so thankful for what Britney has done for me through the treatments. I feel like I have gotten my life back!” –Emily
www.stretchphysicaltherapy.com 2
Maintaining Your Equipment Over the Winter for an Optimal Spring TAKING INVENTORY
As we close the books on another season, it’s difficult to say goodbye to your favorite hobbies. Rather than dwell on your memories, take the winter to improve your gear and equipment! Try these maintenance tips to use your winter wisely. For Your Bike The best way to store your bike is to hang it on a rack in your garage or in a heated space. If your bike is in an unheated room, lubricate the chains and cables. Consider removing your tires and storing them in a heated location to protect the rubber, but regardless of where you store your bike, keep the tires inflated. Lastly, take the winter to inspect your protection. Update your biking wardrobe with reflective gear, and make sure your helmet fits appropriately. For Your Walks, Runs, and Hikes The right pair of shoes can make all the difference when it comes to your walk, hike, or run. If you don’t choose shoes that are going to protect your feet and give you proper support, you run the risk of foot, knee, and hip degeneration from miles HAVE A LAUGH!
of damage. Since icy, snowy weather limits your ability to hit the trail, use this time to examine and update your shoes. Keep in mind what you’re using your shoes for when choosing the right pair. For example, runners’ shoes should absorb big impacts but remain light for quick movement. For Your Body Your body is your most important piece of equipment! As you dismount from the bike and replace your tennis shoes with boots, consider the ways you can keep your body primed and ready when the warm weather returns. Stretch Physical Therapy and Total Wellness’ Stretch and Recover Program can offer an all-inclusive solution. Members will be paired with a team of experts who will focus on training, strengthening, stretching, and replenishing your muscles, joints,
and ligaments. Every month, members can utilize our expert methodologies, including stretching sessions, laser therapy, and muscle recovery sessions to help their body recover from a busy season and prepare for the next adventure. Learn more about our Stretch and Recover Program and the ways in which Stretch Physical Therapy and Total Wellness can help you perform at your highest ability next spring by calling 513-874-8800.
Vegan Ooze Smoothie
While these smoothies may not be nuclear-flavored — in fact, they’re all-natural and vegan — their neon colors may convince you otherwise. They’re a fun and festive way to get kids to drink their fruits and veggies.
Green Smoothie Ingredients
Purple Smoothie Ingredients
• • • • • • •
8 oz almond or coconut milk 1 cup frozen blueberries
• • • • • • •
8 oz almond or coconut milk
2 cups fresh spinach 1/2 frozen banana 1/2 fresh avocado 2 tbsp hemp seeds 1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup fresh spinach 1/2 frozen banana 2 tbsp hemp seeds 1 tbsp maple syrup
1 cup ice
1 cup ice
Directions
1. 2.
In a blender, combine all ingredients.
Blend on high until smooth.
3. For added fun, serve in beakers and flasks with crazy straws.
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513-874-8800
Inspired by ForkAndBeans.com
Phone: 513-874-8800 www.stretchphysicaltherapy.com
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West Chester Hours: M,W, Th 7-6 pm Tues, Fri 7-12 pm
Blue Ash Hours: Mon 2-6 pm Fri 8-12 pm
4851WunnenbergWay West Chester, Ohio 45069 Inside
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KimNartker Celebrates Her Daughter’s New Freedom
EducatingYour Kids About Cancer
Our Patients Say It Best!
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ReplenishYourselfWhile It’s Cold Outside!
Vegan Ooze Smoothie
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The Real Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Halloween Celebrations in Sleepy Hollow Hayrides and Headless Horsemen Our goal is to help you avoid medications, injections, and surgeries, specializing in lower back pain and sciatica, rotator cuff and shoulder injuries, arthritis, athletic and sports injuries, knee, foot and ankle conditions, and overall well-being.
In 1790, a school teacher named Ichabod Crane was riding home alone from a harvest festival in the village of Sleepy Hollow
attraction, and Irving isn’t the only spooky celebrity buried there. Fans of the Gothic soap opera “Dark Shadows”will be delighted to enter the crypt of famed vampire Barnabas Collins. Another highly anticipated stop for many guests is Sleepy Hollow’s premier annual attraction, Horseman’s Hollow, an experience not for the faint of heart. During the event, the 300-year-old Philipsburg Manor is transformed into a living nightmare, where vampires, witches, ghouls, and undead soldiers lurk in the shadows. They all serve the dreaded Headless Horseman and are determined to make sure guests don’t leave alive! But it’s not all scares in Sleepy Hollow. There’s plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Sleepy Hollow boasts relaxing hayrides, tours of Irving’s home, live readings of famous Halloween stories, performances of a brand-new musical based on Irving’s spooky tale, and the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, an incredible exhibition of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins.
when he encountered a mysterious rider on horseback. Crane, horrified by the horseman’s missing head, turned and ran in the opposite direction. The Headless Horseman gave chase, hurling his own decapitated head at the terrified teacher. Ichabod Crane was never heard from again ... or so
goes “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving.
This story, first published in 1820, has become a Halloween favorite. The legend is so beloved that in 1997, the village of North Tarrytown, New York, where many events of the story take place, officially changed its name to Sleepy Hollow. Today, the town becomes one big Halloween party during the month of October. Sleepy Hollow is home to many historic landmarks, including the Headless Horseman Bridge and the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Washington Irving himself was laid to rest. Evening lantern tours of the cemetery are a popular
If you want a real Halloween experience, you can’t go wrong in Sleepy Hollow. Just be careful not to lose your head!
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