Take a look at our December newsletter!
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718.747.2019
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 2023
ON THE
MOVE
A Nostalgic Journey Through Christmases Past My Brother and I Were Always on the Hunt
Ah, Christmas! The very word brings a smile to my face, a warmth to my heart, and a flood of memories to my mind. When I was growing up, Christmas was the pinnacle of the year and a monthlong celebration in our household when my mom would deck our halls with all kinds of decorations — she was the queen of holiday decor and had boxes upon boxes of ornaments, tinsel, and lights. But it wasn’t just about the Christmas tree; the entire house would transform
Christmas Eve was always an adventure! We had a tradition of visiting a friend’s house for a Christmas Eve party, and since we were the only kids there, we’d retreat to a bedroom and engage in epic wrestling matches. Sweaty and tired, we’d turn on the TV to watch the Yule log — yes, a log burning in a fireplace, accompanied by Christmas music. It wasn’t the most exciting thing, but it was an excellent excuse to do something else, like more wrestling or playing video games.
into a winter wonderland. The scent of pine needles and cinnamon filled the air, and the twinkling lights made everything seem magical.
Christmas Day was just as magical and fun as Christmas Eve. My brother had this uncanny ability to wake up early, especially on Dec. 25. Armed with flashlights, we’d tiptoe downstairs, careful not to wake our parents. The sight of presents under the tree would send a jolt of excitement through us. We’d snoop around, shaking boxes and guessing what was inside. One year, we got the surprise of our lives: two BMX bikes, one black and gold for my brother and a blue one for me. How my mom managed to hide those, I’ll never know. Now, as a parent myself, I try to re-create that magic for my own kids. Sure, the cat’s
She was also a pro at wrapping gifts and shopping. She’d start buying presents in November and was always on the lookout for sales. And then, there were the stockings, hung on the railing coming down from upstairs, filled with little knickknacks that would probably be discarded in a week but added to the overall excitement of the day.
Of course, with so many gifts, it was inevitable that my brother and I would discover them and uncover the truth about Santa Claus. My brother, a couple of years
out of the bag about Santa thanks to older cousins, but the essence of Christmas remains. It’s about family, love, and the joy of giving, not just receiving. So here’s to the Christmases of yesteryears, the ones we’re celebrating now, and the many more to come. Happy Holidays to all of my readers and I hope the magic of the holiday season sweeps over your life and the Bayside community this year!
older, had already figured it out, so we became detectives, snooping around the house to find where the “Santa stash” was hidden. Our curiosity led us to the boiler room, where gifts were wedged in a corner, hidden under other stuff. We felt like we had cracked the Da Vinci Code! For years, we played it cool, pretending we still believed in Santa, even calling “Santa tracking services” on Christmas Eve to ask when he would land in New York. We were giggling on the side, sharing our secret knowledge with friends who were also in the know.
–Dr. Robert Morea
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Winter Wonderland Hazards: How to Stay Safe and Avoid
Common Cold- Weather Injuries
While we may get a good laugh from viral videos of people fumbling on ice, injuries that come from these falls can be dangerous. Increased ice and snowfall in winter means everyone should be cautious when treading through this rugged weather, especially those traveling to winter wonderlands this season! Be aware of common winter injuries and causes. With increased risk for injuries during the winter, be aware of the most common types of accidents. The most typical situations leading to severe injury during winter include:
Lastly, take it slow. When walking on ice, be sure not to rush. Slow, short steps are much safer than quick, long strides. Also, ensure you have your cellphone with you in case of an emergency. Drive safely in winter conditions. We should always be driving with the utmost caution, but traveling in winter conditions requires you to be even more alert and prepared. Slick roads and snow-covered streets are a recipe for disaster, but there are a few ways to prevent a collision and keep yourself safe. First, installing winter-grade tires is always a good idea as the season begins in full force. These tires are designed to handle slippery roads, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures. Next, inspect your brakes and your entire vehicle to ensure it can safely drive through winter weather. Finally, use good judgment; if you don’t have to go outside in severe weather, don’t! Play winter sports with caution. For many, winter means the best sports and activities, including snowboarding, skiing, ice hockey, and much more. However, because these sports occur on slippery ice and snow, you’re more prone to injuries. To stay safe, take some extra precautions: • Do some warmup exercises. • Wear protective gear, including helmets, gloves, padding, and goggles. • Always stay informed of the weather conditions and heed any storm warnings. • Have fun with a friend in case of an emergency. • Stay hydrated to prevent exhaustion. Know what to do if you experience an injury. Injuries happen, and it’s essential to assess the severity of the damage as soon as you can. If pain is recurring, seek help from a medical professional. Undergoing treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure a speedy and complete recovery. With these wintertime safety tips, you can stay happy and healthy this season! Have fun!
• Slipping and falling on ice • Getting into a car accident caused by icy roads and snowstorms • Participating in winter sports and activities
The resulting injury from any of these situations can occur anywhere throughout the body and range in severity. Shoulder pain, wrist strains, back injuries, head injuries, hip fractures, and ankle sprains are just a few common examples. The best way to prevent an injury is to take safety precautions, especially when facing the season’s harsh elements. Stay safe on the ice. Falling on ice can be painful and even lead to severe injuries for older adults. Salting your driveways and sidewalks is one of the best ways to keep them slip-free so you can avoid a disastrous fall. Another critical way to prevent falls is wearing proper footwear for icy conditions. If you know you’ll be outdoors, put on winter boots or sneakers with good traction!
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The Surprising Science Behind Your Shaky Muscles
TAKE A BREAK! Imagine you’re running through a basic exercise routine. You feel good, so you push yourself harder than usual — and your muscles suddenly start shaking! Every athlete has experienced that moment of panic when tremors hit. But have you ever wondered why your muscles shake? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Shaking muscles can mean at least three things: You’re underprepared for your workout, pushing yourself too hard, or breaking new ground and building muscle! To figure out which option explains your scenario, ask yourself these questions: 1. Did I drink plenty of water today and get at least seven hours of sleep last night? If not, your muscles could be shaky because of dehydration or fatigue. 2. Am I doing a new exercise? If you’ve never done a jump squat or bench pressed 200 pounds,
you’ll probably feel shaky the first time you try a full set. That’s because your body is adjusting to the new motions at a cellular level. Simply put, when you start a workout, your muscle fibers tell your muscle cells whether to contract or relax — and those fibers can get tired of doing their job. When one fiber becomes fatigued, your body adjusts to rely on another. Trying something new (essentially, asking your fibers to give new directions) can confuse your body and delay the tradeoff, making your muscles shake. 3. Am I pushing myself harder than I ever have before? When you amp up the intensity of your workout, your body will often do more muscle fiber “tradeoffs” than usual because you’re demanding more output. When too many tradeoffs happen at once, that can make your muscles shake.
Muscle tremors aren’t always a bad sign. If you’re trying a new exercise or pushing for improvement, they’re part of the learning process! However, if you’re struggling with exhaustion or dehydration, or you think you’re overworking yourself, shaking can be a red flag. Consider reducing the intensity of your workout or taking a rest day. When in doubt, discuss the issue with a physical therapist, especially if you’re recovering from an injury.
SKILLET CHICKEN POT PIE Inspired by TheModernProper.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1/2 cup butter • 1 cup chopped onion • 1 cup sliced celery • 2 cups sliced carrots • 1/2 cup flour • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1/2 tsp celery seed • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 cup milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 2 cups peas • 4 cups cooked chicken • 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed • 1 egg
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes. 3. Add flour, salt, pepper, celery seed, and garlic powder to pan and stir. Sauté for 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate milk. 4. Add stock and bring to a simmer, whisking until mixture thickens. Add peas and chicken. 5. Roll out pastry sheet into 16-inch square
on floured surface. Cut into 3-inch squares and place overlapping onto chicken mixture.
6. In a small bowl, whisk egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush egg over pastry and place in oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
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718.747.2019
212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360
theptdoctor.com
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1. My Christmas History 2. Your Guide to Winter Injury Prevention and Safety 3. Why Your Muscles Shake During a Tough Workout Skillet Chicken Pot Pie 4. A Truck Driver’s $14,000 Christmas Miracle INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Truck Driver Received an Emotional Secret Santa Surprise
When truck driver Carl opened his trailer door to a news crew in 2022, he did not appear to be in the mood for company. The 72-year-old East Idaho resident initially seemed standoffish and skeptical of the unexpected correspondent and his camera, asking several questions about why they were visiting him. But when reporter Nate Eaton handed Carl an early Christmas gift from “an anonymous person,” he warily relented and invited the crew inside. When he opened the gift box, Carl found a stack of gift cards inside. He appeared surprised and puzzled, so Eaton explained that the four gift cards were worth $500 each for gas for his truck. Another $2,000 was included on four additional cards from a local supermarket so he could purchase groceries. In shock, Carl responded, “Holy crap!”
He began to tear up at the unexpected generosity and shook the reporter’s hand in gratitude when Eaton announced he had one more surprise left. He then handed Carl a cashier’s check worth $10,000 to spend however he wanted. “Thank you so much,” Carl replied emotionally before trailing off, “You don’t know …” It’s unclear how East Idaho News and their Secret Santa chose Carl as the subject of this generosity, but the selection was no accident. Carl had lost a leg above the knee 37 years prior but still worked four days a week at age 72, sometimes clocking 14-hour days. He’d also suffered more recent setbacks; his wife died from a brain aneurysm in 2010. Meanwhile, he had three COVID-19 infections in less than three years. Despite worsening health and pain
caused by his amputated lower leg, Carl continued to begin work at 2 a.m. while also making time to attend his grandchildren’s sports games. Carl explained the gift meant he could finally retire. He repeatedly requested the identity of his Secret Santa, but East Idaho News refused to say. So, Carl instead thanked his anonymous gift-giver through the camera. His hard exterior melted away, leaving only gratitude and awe behind. In his last words in the broadcast, Carl promised to “pay it forward” by finding a way to help someone else.
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It’s back! Join us for our new Holiday Bash!
When:
Wednesday, Dec. 13 2:15–3:30 p.m. The Physical Therapy Doctor Facility 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360
It has been our pleasure to serve you in 2023, and we look forward to helping you and your family and friends in the future. Feel free to bring a friend or two to our holiday party this year, and please, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions on getting the results you want and the care you deserve at the PT Doctor clinic. God bless you and have a wonderful holiday season. Hope to see you here. Best regards,
Where:
R.S.V.P. by Dec. 6!
We will be offering your choice of a chicken or vegetarian sandwich. R.S.V.P. by Dec. 6 and let us know your selections and how many sandwiches you would like. Sandwiches will be packaged for you to eat at home, or you can stay and eat with us here in the clinic. The entire staff will be here to chat with while wearing the craziest holiday sweaters you’ve ever seen! On the reverse side of this paper we’ve included pictures from Halloween at our clinic for your enjoyment. The annual holiday party is our chance to show you how much we appreciate you entrusting us with your physical therapy needs.
–Dr. Robert Morea
Don’t miss our Grand Prize Raffle. Win a flat-screen TV!
Halloween 2023
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