Kinetic Physical Therapy Specialists - April 2024

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APRIL 2024

847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com

The Chronicles of Siblinghood Love, Laughs, and Lessons Learned

Every family has stories passed down from generation to generation that show the chaos, love, and lessons learned. In the spirit of National Siblings Day, I’ve been reflecting on my memories with my brother and sister, our journey from spirited rivalry to cherished camaraderie. Our story isn’t unique, but you might find echoes of your own family in the details. My brother, sister, and I were the typical sibling set growing up — engaging in our fair share of arguments and games. Our battles were epic, the alliances fleeting, and the peace treaties, well, they were often written in sand. My brother, always the closest in age to me, bore the brunt of my “elder brother wisdom,” which, in hindsight, was probably more elder brother mischief. On the other hand, my sister was the family’s peacekeeper, often trying to mediate between two stubborn boys, only to be squished in the backseat of our family car during our strategic “lean-ins” on every turn. Fast-forward to the present, and past disagreements have given way to shared rounds of golf and family barbecues, where my brother’s skills as a chef leave us all marveling at how a master griller could once have been the target of my not-so-brotherly pranks. It’s a transformation that amazes me, the kind you don’t notice happening until it’s there. Then there’s my wife Emilie and her sisters, a trio spread across the states, who bring another layer of sibling dynamics into our lives. Despite the miles between them — one in Minnesota, another in Colorado — they share a bond that survives and thrives in their rare but cherished get-togethers. Their relationship is a testament to the enduring nature of sibling connections, underscoring that physical distance pales in comparison to the emotional closeness that can exist.

However, perhaps the most endearing sibling story to emerge from our family is the creation of “Brother’s Day” by my sons, Zach and Nathan. Unbeknownst to them, they stumbled upon a tradition that perfectly encapsulates the essence of

being brothers. With no prompt from Emilie or me, they designated a day to celebrate each other, complete

with gifts and, more importantly, a recognition of their unique bond. It’s a tradition that, to me, symbolizes the evolution of sibling relationships from the rivalry- filled days of youth to something deeper, profound, and infinitely more rewarding in adulthood. As I remember more sibling childhood memories, I’m struck by how powerful our relationships are. They’re a mix of shared history, personal growth, and love only understood through shared laughter, tears, and countless “remember when” stories. So, as we celebrate this special day, let’s raise a glass to our siblings — the ones who’ve seen us at our worst, cheered for us at our best, and continue to play an irreplaceable role in our stories. And to Zach and Nathan, thank you for reminding me of the pure joy of being brothers. Here’s to many more Brother’s Days to come, each a testament to your unbreakable bond. Happy Siblings Day to my family and all of you lucky enough to navigate the wild, wonderful journey of life with siblings by your side. –Mike Ulmer

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Surprising Facts About High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a vital metric in determining heart health. Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, making it one of the biggest threats to the nation’s health. A crucial tool in the fight against high blood pressure is education. There are many interesting facts about this common condition; knowing them can help you make the right lifestyle choices and moderate your risks. THE NUMBERS CAN BE MISLEADING. Blood pressure readings can vary depending on many factors. Some results have nothing to do with health at all: Merely talking during the test can raise your blood pressure as well as tight clothing, anxiety, and your sitting position. And here’s the kicker: High blood pressure doesn’t usually have symptoms. Some refer to it as “the silent killer” because it can be undetectable and dangerous. As a consequence, a substantial portion of people with hypertension don’t know they have it, especially younger people. LIFESTYLE HAS A HUGE IMPACT. It shouldn’t be surprising that diet is a primary contributor to high blood pressure. Sodium, in

particular, is detrimental to cardiovascular health, so reducing sodium intake is essential for those pursuing a heart-healthy diet. Processed foods, especially those with sodium nitrates like beef jerky, are especially harmful. Meanwhile, potassium lowers blood pressure by relaxing arterial walls. Bananas, spinach, and avocado are excellent sources of potassium.

Getting enough sleep every night is also essential for those seeking a healthier heart. Besides getting enough hours in, you must follow sleep hygiene protocol just before bedtime, such as avoiding

cellphone and tablet screens, refraining from caffeine, and abstaining from alcohol.

The reality is that everyone is susceptible to high blood pressure, including young people. So, when you have your blood pressure measured, dress comfortably and relax. Understand that many variables can impact your results. We know high blood pressure can damage many essential organs, from the liver to the kidneys. It leads to heart attacks, strokes, and an array of other life-altering issues. So, arm yourself with knowledge so you can mitigate the risk or reduce its impact.

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back

“After right knee replacement, I went to Kinetic for rehab. My therapist, Emery, has been patient and gentle. The exercises he has taught me have helped me gain strength and stamina. He has taken me from a walker to a cane and now to nothing at all. I can now climb

stairs with ease for the first time in years. I even look forward to our therapy sessions! Thank you, Emery and the wonderful staff at Kinetic.” –Carol Byrne

“Mandie helped me past my knee replacement, to go from totally depending on a walker to being able to walk without aid! Freedom!” –Bonnie Pennington

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happen when the ankle is forcefully rolled out of its usual position. • Incomplete recovery: If an injury like a sprain or fracture is not treated correctly, it can lead to incomplete recovery or healing. Even if time passes and you believe your injury is rehabilitated, you may still feel pain, stiffness, or weakness in your ankle. • Arthritis: When the cartilage in your ankle breaks down and causes the bones to rub together, arthritis comes into play. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. • Malalignment: Whether you have a low arch, flat foot, or overly high arch in your feet, malalignment can lead to uneven distribution of your weight on your feet. As a result, you could feel chronic ankle pain. TREATMENTS AND PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical therapy can be the solution if the usual treatments like rest, medication, and orthopedic footwear have still not ended your ankle pain. Physical therapy is also an incredible option for those who have or will undergo ankle surgery to help rehabilitate your ankle and get you back on your feet as soon as possible. If chronic ankle pain affects your daily activities, you can make a change, and we’re here to help you. Call 847-515-8970 to schedule a free screening and consultation where we will discuss your unique concerns and customized treatment plan. We’ll guide you through the necessary changes to reduce your pain.

Don’t Let Ankle Pain Hold You Back

Chronic ankle pain can limit your ability to stay moving and perform everyday tasks, whether you feel discomfort during an activity or after. In most cases, chronic ankle pain can affect you for weeks, months, or even years. Ankle pain can describe any discomfort ranging from swelling and pain to stiffness and a dull, lingering ache. If you’re feeling ongoing ankle pain and want to stay active, understanding the cause is vital to finding effective treatment. CAUSES: INJURIES AND CONDITIONS There are various reasons you may be experiencing chronic ankle pain. However, the most common types of injuries and conditions that can be at play include: • Fractures: Ranging from mild to severe, fractures are breaks in the bones that can be caused by an injury or accident. A stress fracture can also develop over time. • Tendinitis: The tendons in your ankle, which connect your muscles to your bones, can become inflamed, irritated, or even torn. • Sprains: An ankle sprain is caused by a tear or stretch of the ligaments in the ankle. This can

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Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce

INGREDIENTS • 2 lbs steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt steak) • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat grill to medium- high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!

• Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com

11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142

INSIDE

Celebrating Sibling Relationships PAGE 1

Lesser-Known Facts About High Blood Pressure PAGE 2

Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2

Find Relief From Chronic Ankle Pain PAGE 3

Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce PAGE 3

3 Vacations Spots to Avoid Seasonal Gloom PAGE 4

Escape April Showers This Spring

April showers bring May flowers, but you don’t have to stick around to wait for them to bloom. Escape to these three destinations and enjoy the new life of spring without the rain. AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS Why wait for May to see spring flowers? All April long, Holland sports the most beautiful colors in the world, and people from all over the globe go enjoy the Keukenhof Garden Festival. This festival has occurred for 75 years, and as it’s only 30 minutes away from Amsterdam proper, you can experience the best of both worlds. Explore the thousands of tulips during the day and then spend time in the city, exploring the beautiful canals and shopping districts in the evening. Don’t worry if you miss the beautiful flowers; most of the city’s museums and hotels have tulips, too. SEVILLE, SPAIN Embark on an enchanting journey to Seville, where vibrant culture and passion come alive. Picture yourself strolling through cobblestone streets where you can immerse yourself in the parades that travel through the

city during Holy Week. Brass bands build up to a beautiful celebration on Easter, and just two weeks later, the Feria de Abril begins. This fiesta is full of lively parties, even more music, and colorful costumes. Sevillanos on horseback and the clacking footwork of flamenco dancers are captivating to watch, so don’t miss out by getting rained in. MALTA Located to the south of mainland Europe in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is part of an archipelago consisting of several islands, including Gozo and Comino. Because of its diverse cultures, you’ll hear Arab accents in the language as you pass Baroque architecture. Nature lovers, hikers, and landscape photographers alike can explore the rocky coastlines, impressive rock formations, and dazzling sea caves, such as the Blue Grotto (Malta), plus beautiful beaches like Ramia Bay (Gozo) and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Malta). However, the biggest advantage of traveling in Malta is that everything is in full bloom: green fields, blooming citrus trees, and beautiful flowers. If you go in spring, you’ll beat the tourists, too, as summer is peak season.

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