Campus Commons Physical Therapy - October 2024

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CAMPUS COMMONS

MY NEW VACATION OUTLOOK A RECENT TRIP CHANGES MY WHOLE PERSPECTIVE!

I have a confession: I’m not a camping or hiking kind of guy.

it’s an American classic with ragged mountains and great wildlife. I want to traverse in parks with tree trunks the size of semi-trucks and round the bend on a trail to find a roaring, cascading waterfall. I didn’t expect this kind of vacation transformation in my 50s, but I’m embracing it while I can. My wife is the perfect person to be with on these vacations. She has an uncanny ability to appreciate the moment in front of her. She likes to slow down and capture every inch of the view in her mind, and she reminds me to do that often. I tend to rush from one moment to the next, wanting to see and do as much as possible. My wife knows the value in slowing down and appreciating the beauty right there. Admittedly, some national parks on my list are less of a priority to see than others. For example, I’m sure the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon National Park are gorgeous, but I would much rather explore the wilderness of the forest and mountains before I see barren desert mountains. Then again, I used to always think beaches were the ideal vacation spot. And while I still love a vacation near the ocean, this year I’ve learned the natural beauty of our world, apart from the beach, is awe-inspiring. Walking around Yosemite gave me renewed energy and appreciation for the landscape we get to call home, and I can’t wait to explore its mountains and canyons more.

Sure, I’ll do these activities, and I usually enjoy them. But hiking and camping are never my first choice for relaxation or a vacation. I’m usually the type of traveler who prefers to find a beach somewhere warm and tropical, like Hawaii. (Ironically, my daughter is a big hiker. She enjoys hiking with her friends whenever she can!)

But a recent trip to Yosemite National Park has shaken my idea of what a great vacation should be.

A few months ago, my wife and I were invited to the wedding of one of our employees here at Campus Commons Physical Therapy. The couple decided to get married amidst the backdrop of the steep, gorgeous mountains in the park, and the next day, my wife and I explored more of Yosemite. During our entire trip, we kept thinking to ourselves, “Why didn’t we bring our children here when they were younger?” Yosemite is actually relatively close to us — about two hours away — and every inch of it is spectacular. There are breathtaking mountain views, covered in pine trees and huge waterfalls, and we hiked around just “taking it all in,” as my wife likes to say. Our recent excursion to Yosemite got me thinking that maybe vacations don’t have to be reserved for the beach. In fact, since that trip, I’ve decided to add “visiting more U.S. national parks” to my bucket list.

See you on the trails!

Yellowstone National Park is high on the list. I want to see how the parks in the northern half of the country compare to the ones near us. Moreover,

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A Crowd Shows Up to The Chicken Man’s 40-Day Rotisserie Romp PHILLY’S PECK-ULIAR CELEBRATION

The City of Brotherly Love never ceases to amaze us. In 2022, Alexander Tominsky perhaps didn’t expect just how much his city would support him, but Philadelphia did not disappoint. Tominsky, aka The Chicken Man, posted a flyer stating, “COME WATCH ME EAT AN ENTIRE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN,” along with a modest photo collage of him eating the bird. The “official” event description was equally straightforward:

Despite people being unsure whether the said rotisserie chicken event was, in fact, real, Philadelphia showed up.

And they enthusiastically cheered Tominsky on as he consumed his 40th rotisserie chicken. The uproar only intensified when he triumphantly finished the chicken, standing up and putting his fist in the air (reminiscent of the film hero Rocky Balboa). To make the scene even more iconic, Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia” played in the background amid the poultry pandemonium. The lesson here? We’re not entirely sure — American gluttony? Fifteen minutes of fame? — but it does prove the power of community, especially in Philadelphia. Many in the crowd weren’t sure that said chicken consumption would occur or perhaps questioned why an abandoned pier was the locale of choice. At the end of his binge-eating extravaganza, Tominsky expressed his gratitude for the people who showed up, saying, “Thanks for watching me consume.”

“November 6th will be the 40th consecutive day that I have eaten an entire rotisserie chicken 12 o’clock noon The chicken will be consumed on that abandoned pier near Walmart This is not a party.” A bit odd for sure, but everyone has the right to eat 40 rotisserie chickens and celebrate said poultry at an abandoned pier. Little did The Chicken Man know that this flyer would become a viral sensation, and a crowd would show up to the abandoned pier on Nov. 6 to cheer him on.

Be sure to keep an eye out for The Chicken Man because you never know when he’ll make a rotisserie return.

Move Better, Live Better POWER YOUR BODY WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY

A SAFER PATH TO PAIN-FREE LIVING More than 170 million people in the U.S. live with some form of physical discomfort, leading to an overburdened health care system and an increased likelihood of painkiller addiction. Depending on a patient’s unique circumstances, physical therapy may provide an alternative to costly and potentially habit- forming medications. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found a notable decrease in opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent physical therapy to treat lower back pain. Additionally, licensed physical therapists can help alleviate arthritis symptoms by vastly improving their patients’ mobility and joint strength.

potential to reduce the effects of Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions. It also helps patients living with paralysis improve their coordination by strengthening other parts of their body, such as making the right arm stronger to compensate for a loss of movement in the left one. Unsurprisingly, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has cited physical therapy as a critical means of improving balance, respiratory function, and aerobic capabilities.

TAILORED TREATMENT FOR PERSONALIZED HEALING

www.campuscommonsphysicaltherapy.com 2 therapy getting more attention these days, let’s explore a few basics on how it can improve your body, mind, and spirit. October 2024 marks the 32nd anniversary of National Physical Therapy Month! Established in 1992, this annual celebration aims to better promote the benefits of physical therapy and recognize the many therapists and students who’ve enhanced the quality of life for countless patients across the country. With physical

Now in our 50th year, Campus Commons Physical Therapy is committed to providing our clients with experienced care. We welcome the opportunity to develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your health and achieve your mobility goals. Please join us in building a vibrant, flexible, and pain‑free Sacramento!

NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR NEUROLOGICAL WELLNESS

The human body is remarkably resilient in the face of significant challenges. Physical therapy can tap into a patient’s natural

HAPPY TRAILS AHEAD

A GUIDE TO SAFE AND HEALTHY HIKING

Hiking is a fantastic way to move your muscles and harmonize with nature, but hitting the trails without proper preparation could put your well-being at risk. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to the hobby, these tips and reminders will help you enjoy a safe and memorable scenic adventure. EMBRACE YOUR BOUNDARIES. If your typical exercise regimen includes walking on paved sidewalks, it may not be a good idea to hit steep hills and unsteady surfaces on your first hiking excursion. If you’re a smoker, don’t aim to reach

keep a flashlight and whistle handy to attract attention if you require help after nightfall. If you’re tempted to dismiss that previous sentence while touching your trusty cellphone, be aware that reception may not be great in certain hiking areas — making physical maps more reliable than Google — your safety should never depend on whether you can charge your battery.

USE TICK-FREE TACTICS.

Ticks love spending time with hikers, even if they tag along without an invitation! To keep parasites at bay, always pull your socks over the edge of your pantlegs and cover any exposed skin with insect repellent. Avoid walking on the edge of trails, and check your gear regularly for unwanted guests.

exceedingly high altitudes that could challenge your lung capacity. It’s also wise to check your footwear, as those comfy sneakers you love may have worn-down soles that could make you slip on uneven and rocky terrain. Leave them home and get some dependable trail shoes or hiking boots instead.

BRING A BUDDY. Of course, hiking with a companion doubles your chances of a great trip — and having an extra pair of eyes will better identify risks as your journey unfolds. Be sure to share these tips to help your fellow trail traveler(s) enjoy great company in the great outdoors.

PACK FOR PROTECTION. Naturally, food and water are essential to a

happy hiking experience. To be on the safe side, bring along more than you plan to consume, as unexpected events — like getting lost or injured — could prolong your time in the elements. Be sure to pack a stocked first-aid kit and extra clothes, and

TAKE A BREAK

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Inspired by AllRecipes.com

INGREDIENTS •

1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil, or as needed

• • • • •

1 tsp vanilla extract

• • • •

1/2 cup half-and-half

1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée

1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts

3 large eggs

8 slices day-old bread

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Maple syrup, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1. Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat. 2. Whisk half-and-half, pumpkin purée, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. Stir in walnuts until evenly distributed. 3. Place 1 slice of bread in the bowl and let it soak briefly to coat both sides. Lift bread to let excess liquid drip back into the bowl, then transfer to the hot skillet. 4. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until done. 5. Stir batter to redistribute walnuts and repeat with other slices of bread, cooking in several batches if necessary. 6. Serve warm with maple syrup.

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425 University Ave. #140 Sacramento, CA 95757

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

1

How a Trip to Yosemite Changed My Mind

The Viral Sensation of Philadelphia’s ‘Chicken Man’

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Healing and Movement: A Beginner’s Guide

Savvy Tips for Outdoor Treks

Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Enjoy Your Favorite Orders Without the Guilt

T r a n

Y O U R G O -

Are you hungry for some delicious takeout but want to keep it healthy? Whether you’re craving spicy Szechuan or dreaming of a cheesy slice of pizza, we’ve got your back with the ultimate guide to guilt-free takeout! From swapping out egg rolls for lighter spring rolls to skipping your hamburger bun, discover how to indulge in your favorite cuisines without compromising health. So, grab your fork, and let’s dive into the menu of nutritious takeout options that will satisfy your cravings and keep you healthy. AVOID FRIED FOODS. Many of the most popular dishes at fast-food restaurants are battered and fried. Look for items on the menu that are baked, steamed, roasted, or grilled, as they are healthier alternatives. Fried foods are high in calories and trans fat, which could negatively impact your health. Simple swaps like choosing a veggie burger instead of a regular burger with bacon or a baked potato instead of fries can make all the difference. MANAGE YOUR PORTION SIZES. Many fast food joints serve big portions you can split into two meals, so always watch how much food you order. Avoid supersizing your meal and

stick to the smallest serving sizes for sides, drinks, and main entrees. Our favorite takeout hack is to check out the kid’s menu. The children-size hamburgers at most restaurants typically

contain only 250–300 calories, so you will still get a solid serving of protein with less fat — and save a little money.

SKIP THE ADD-ONS. When you crave fast food, every calorie counts. Say no to add-ons or extras for your meal, like bacon or cheese. Sauces and dressings often have extra calories and sugar, so avoiding them or asking for them on the side is best. If you want condiments on

your food, like mayonnaise, ask them to add only a light amount or ask for sauce packets so you can control those extra calories. Some healthy and tasty swaps for flavor are avocado, hummus, or salsa. So, remember these tips to keep your meal delicious and healthier next time you’re in the drive-thru line. You can enjoy a world of flavors without sacrificing your well-being by making mindful choices and small swaps.

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