December 2017
ELITE Physical Therapy Lagniappe Reflecting on 2017 (318) 443-3311 www.elitephysicaltherapy.us
All Kinds of Grateful
Look right above this article, and you’ll see a picture of our office. You might notice our logo, the brick building, and the windows that line the outside. It wasn’t that long ago — five years, in fact — that we called another building home. If you visited us at that time, you know that it didn’t have many windows and was quite dark. We felt fortunate to have the space, but a lot of the features were not optimal for our patients. Today, we practice physical therapy in a well-lit, wonderful space. I’ve been asked a few times why I’m standing in front of the window with my head lifted to the sky. It’s because I’m enjoying the sunshine on my face so much I don’t mind the brightness. Seeing the daylight while we work is such an improvement. We all appreciate the new building, especially the visibility and easy access it provides for our patients. We hope you do, too. I’m also grateful to have a team of dedicated staff who constantly strive for excellence. Our physical therapy is powered by people who love what they do. Their energy and passion are on display every day as we welcome patients into our clinic. So many of them are like family to us. I’ve seen each person on our team go above and beyond for patients and for one another. As we’ve grown and gotten busier, everybody has stepped up and done their part here. We’ve shared knowledge and grown together with each passing week and month.
The previous year has seen many transitions in our staff, from Omatha’s retirement to the addition of Travis and Kelsey. We’ve welcomed back Toyna after her battle with breast cancer and welcomed new additions, including Abby’s new baby, James. We eagerly anticipate Jayme’s new baby boy in 2018. We are blessed with a lot of kids in our Elite family. I love to hear about them and talk about them to anyone who will listen. The growth we’ve seen during 2017 is a blessing, and with the end of the year coming, we’re grateful for everything the year has brought.
appreciate how our “patient family” goes out and spreads the good word about the work we do. That positive vibe has been the main catalyst in our growth. On a personal note, we’re going through our family transitions as well. One of my daughters is already off succeeding in college and the other is gearing up for that milestone as a senior in high school. We’re preparing for the next step in our family life, and I love to watch the growth and progress of my daughters during this time. There are many other transitions in the families of our Elite crew, with growing babies, toddlers, kids, adolescents, teenagers and grandkids — I love it all! The journey through 2017 has been great, and we look forward to an exciting and successful 2018 for everyone. We appreciate the blessings of this life, the new friends we have made, and the goals we have achieved. I hope we are all able to take some time to appreciate all we have been given during this holiday season and prepare ourselves to make 2018 a special year.
So Thankful
Merry Christmas!
We’re thankful for the dedication of our patients because you make it possible for us to come to our dream jobs every day. Our patients inspire us, and their progress and successes keep us motivated and excited. People who have worked so hard to get better, like Dr. Wold, are an inspiration to us as a staff and to other patients who see his dedication and drive to improve. We really
–Bart Jones
Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 1
… And Look for Meaning Instead Give Up the Search for Happiness
How many books have you seen with the word “happiness” in the title? A lot, right? It’s such a popular topic because the pursuit, journey, and, ultimately, achievement of happiness is supposed to be the key to a fulfilling life. Happiness is the ultimate human condition; reaching it is our purpose and will bring us contentment. But before you pick up that guide to happiness, there’s some new data you need to pay attention to. Turns out, we’ve been focusing on the wrong goal. More and more research is supporting the benefit of pursuing a meaningful life over a happy one. Viktor Frankl could be called a leading expert on the topic. Frankl lived through the Holocaust in a concentration camp and saw firsthand how humans deal with unhappy circumstances. As a respected psychiatrist, his observations
became the basis for his book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Frankl found that the people who stood the best chance of surviving the horrific experience were those who saw some sort of meaning in their lives, even under the bleakest circumstances. For Frankl, this meant providing therapy to others in the camp. As Frankl puts it, once a person finds meaning, they know the “why” of their existence, and they will be able to bear almost any “how.” In the years since “Man’s Search for Meaning” was written, it seems we’ve forgotten a lot of its advice. The Centers for Disease Control found that 4 out of every 10 Americans do not have a satisfying life purpose, and yet, 60 percent of Americans say they are happy. What gives?
between “I’m going to buy this dress because it will make me happy” and “I’m going to volunteer at a shelter because it will be meaningful.” Happiness involves satisfying an immediate need, whereas finding meaning focuses on making choices that give us a sense of purpose. Even more telling, the Journal of Positive Psychology found that meaningful acts usually involve giving, but reaching happiness often means taking. Because of this, leading a meaningful life, while often more challenging, is also more satisfying. Is it possible that the pursuit of a meaningful life will lead us to happiness? Absolutely. Just don’t expect it to be an everlasting condition. Think of happiness the way psychologist Frank T. McAndrew does: “Recognizing that happiness exists — and that it’s a delightful visitor that never overstays its welcome — may help us appreciate it more when it arrives.”
It comes down to the pursuit of happiness versus pursuing meaning in life. It’s the difference
Client Testimonial
“I came to Elite with great expectations, but scared. At 60 years of age, I had my knee replaced. From the time I walked in the door, you became family! This was not my first experience, as other family members had used your facility. Don, Brandi, Jessica, and all the others were always cheering me on in my therapy. I actually look forward to my next knee replacement! Everyone was great!” #HalloweenGraduation -Jennifer D. Parker
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How to Prepare
for Health Care Changes
Ask your provider, “What am I going to owe?” You have the right to ask your provider this question. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and find out the details so you can know what to expect. Know what your deductible and copays are. Unfortunately, deductibles are all too common and often very high. Be prepared by making a plan to pay your deductible if you receive any health care services at the beginning of the year. Also be aware of copays and coinsurance costs. Ask us. We can help you. Our staff is not only here to provide the best in physical therapy services. We’re here to help you through some of the more challenging parts of health care. We may be able to answer some of your questions and point you toward resources. Call your representatives and senators. Some important impacts to your health care, like the therapy cap for Medicare, are still being debated in Congress. You have an opportunity to
While it’s common to wait until the new year to start resolutions, if you’ve had a nagging injury or pain, right now might be the best time to take care of it. Chances are you’ve met your deductible for the year. It might be a good time for a tuneup or evaluation of a lingering issue. If you’re unsure about the status of your health insurance, it’s time to find out. With the new year just around the corner, it’s important to be aware of what’s happening with your health insurance. Unfortunately, deductibles, copays, and coinsurances are going up for some people. Getting hit with a bill you aren’t expecting is no way to start the year. The smart consumer knows what insurance does and doesn’t pay, particularly at the beginning of the year. You might know your current insurance guidelines, but if there are any changes, find out about them before you’re surprised by a bill.
speak up. Call your representatives and senators to make your voice heard. You can also ask us at Elite PT for updates on the status of the cap and even how to make contact. We’re here for your health, and we want you to be your best in 2018. Have a safe and happy holiday season.
Here are some ways to know your health care coverage in the new year.
Have A Laugh!
Holiday Star Cookies
Looking for something a little lighter to eat during the holiday season? Try these paleo-friendly star cookies!
Ingredients •
2½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
•
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ cup coconut oil, melted
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½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt
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5 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions 1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. 2. In a small bowl, mix coconut oil, agave, and vanilla. 3. Mix wet ingredients into dry. 4. Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper until ¼ inch thick. 5. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. Remove top piece of parchment paper and dust dough with almond flour. 7. Cut out cookies with a small star cutter. 8. Using a metal spatula, place stars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 9. Bake at 350 F until edges are lightly browned, 5–8 minutes.
Elite PT • (318) 443-3311 • 3
Recipe inspired by elanaspantry.com/star-cookies
3446 Masonic Drive Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 443-3311
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www.elitephysicaltherapy.us
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Inside THIS ISSUE
• Our Year in Review: Blessings Abound
• Give Up the Search for Happiness
• Hear From One of Our Clients
• Become a Health Care Expert
• Holiday Star Cookies
• New Year’s Celebrations From Every Corner of the Globe
New Year’s Celebrations From Every Corner of the Globe
HONG KONG, CHINA China’s most cosmopolitan city recreates the famed ball drop in its own Times Square shopping mall. From there, locals go to Victoria Harbor, partying on boats and the city’s many rooftop and terrace bars. The grand finale? A stunning pyrotechnic dragon slithering across the sky. BERLIN, GERMANY Celebrations in this capital begin with a wacky tradition: the Berliner Silvesterlauf. It’s a race where runners deck themselves out in their holiday best and flip pancakes as they run through the streets. When the sun sets, more than 1 million people gather at the Brandenburg Gate for a night of world-class bands and spectacular fireworks. Oh, and the after-parties last well into the morning. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND This time of year, the world’s northernmost capital only gets four hours of sunlight, so
When you think of marquee New Year’s Eve parties, New York is probably what comes to mind. The Times Square ball drop has become an iconic moment that closes out the calendar, but it’s far from the only mega celebration. Let’s take a globe-trotting tour of some of the world’s biggest and best New Year’s Eve parties, time zone by time zone. SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Due to its location, Sydney is the first major city to close out one year and begin another. With this honor comes the dignified responsibility of getting the party started, and the city doesn’t hold back. The world’s largest fireworks display illuminates the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House, drawing over 1 million visitors every year. On Bondi Beach, there’s also a dance party that would make a music festival blush.
residents love an excuse to go wild. Beginning around 4 p.m., bonfires light up the city, burning off the past year’s negative vibes. It only gets more festive from there. And there’s no better way to cure a New Year’s hangover than visiting one of Iceland’s picturesque hot springs. RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL Just before celebrations reach their apex in America, Brazil’s most famous city puts on a party like no other. Revelers dress up in white and go to Copacabana Beach for an all-night celebration. Boats filled with flowers are put out to sea to honor the oceanic goddess Yemanja. Music, dancing, fireworks, and an unrivaled atmosphere — Rio has it all. If you follow the new year from one end of the world to the other, you might be a little tired by the time 2018 hits our shores. Partying with the entire world, however, makes the effort worthwhile.
4 • www.elitephysicaltherapy.us • Elite PT
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