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PERSONALIZED RECOVERY WITH HEART Helping People Heal, One Step (and Rep) at a Time
(906) 563-5871 FoundationsMed.com
AUGUST 2025
Hello everyone. I’m Jodi Wadge, the physical therapist here at Foundations Health. I’ve been working in the field for over
When COVID-19 came, the nursing home setting completely changed, and it wasn’t something they prepared you for in PT school. Around that time, Dennis Murvich approached me with his vision for Foundations Health. I was curious about regenerative medicine, and as I researched, I was drawn to the idea of treating the whole person. It was a combination of movement, nutrition, sleep, nature, stress management, community, and healing therapies integrated into one plan. No two days at Foundations are the same. I work with various ages and conditions, keeping me on my feet and always learning. After my evaluation and discussion of overall goals, every patient gets a personalized plan. I spend anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour getting to know patients to truly understand their needs and guide them through recovery.
three decades and continue to be inspired by how physical therapy helps people reclaim their lives. What I love most about Foundations is our team-based approach that combines functional medicine, traditional medicine, PT, and regenerative treatments. Every patient gets a customized plan that supports their body’s natural healing ability, because every person and every body is unique.
Physical therapy helps all kinds of people. Many are dealing with acute or chronic pain, while others are trying to prevent falls, improve their balance, increase strength, or even just move better. We’re also building confidence. I want to help them fully, whether it’s a better golf swing or playing with their grandkids. At Foundations, PT supports the regenerative process. Treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) stimulate the body’s healing, and PT ensures patients recover safely and effectively. Healing takes time, and I focus on education, ensuring patients understand their body’s needs and how to best support their recovery. You can’t get everyone better, but every day, I aim to make life easier and more pain-free for people. I want to shine a little light in this dark world. Sometimes, that just means helping someone kneel to the ground to play with the grandkids or move without hurting. One woman recently told me, “I haven’t said ‘good’ when asked how I’m doing in 20 years — until today.” How can you not have a good day when you hear that? I live this journey too. I have two knees with advanced osteoarthritis, so I know pain firsthand. I don’t want that to stop me from doing the things I love, like hiking, standup paddleboarding or instructing yoga. I also want to stay as mobile and agile as possible so I will be able to continue to be active with my family and friends and be able to keep up with future grandchildren. I believe in what we do at Foundations, so much so that I’m a patient. PRP treatments have helped me tremendously.
I don’t have the typical physical therapist’s story about a defining moment that led to this career. I was always active and involved in sports and I knew I wanted to help people, so I pursued science classes in college. My mom, who worked at a hospital, suggested physical therapy, so I volunteered there and saw firsthand how it positively impacts people and instantly could see myself in that role. When I first started, I imagined I would be working with athletes — like the Milwaukee Bucks, my hometown team. But life took a different turn. I met my husband, moved to the Upper Peninsula, and started working in outpatient care before transitioning to a nursing home. I never pictured myself landing there, but it was one of the most meaningful chapters of my career.
Working with older adults brings unique challenges and rewards. Many of my patients have just had joint replacements or other surgeries, but also live with other conditions like high blood
pressure or a history of having a stroke. The goal isn’t just rehab; it’s getting them back home, helping them climb stairs, or doing other everyday tasks. It’s about healthspan, not just lifespan, helping people live better and longer.
If you’re ready to feel better, move better, and enjoy the things you love longer, we would be honored to be part of your journey at Foundations.
—Jodi Wadge
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1 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
NEW STUDY SAYS PETS ARE WORTH PLENTY THE $100K REASON TO GET A PET
Most pet owners already know their furry friends make life better, but according to a new study, the value might be higher than anyone realized. Some researchers say it’s close to $100,000.
team factored in things like age, income, personality traits, and family size. They also used a clever workaround: They asked people whether they look after their neighbor’s house while they’re away. That behavior is linked to pet ownership but not directly to happiness, which helped researchers isolate the impact of pet ownership.
Researchers in the U.K. aimed to measure how much happiness dogs and cats bring to people’s lives. Using data from more than
It’s not just a fun fact, either. Experts say findings like this could affect everything from housing laws to public health programs. If pets fight loneliness and lift people’s moods, it might make sense to rethink rules that prevent pet ownership in some apartments and assisted living facilities.
700 people, they found that owning a pet can boost life satisfaction as much as getting married or landing a massive raise. In economic terms, it’s the emotional equivalent of earning nearly $93,000 more per year.
While the researchers focused only on cats and dogs, the message came through clearly. Pets matter, maybe even more than we thought. And if you already
To determine whether pets actually improve happiness, rather than the
live with one and know how they benefit your well-being, the science now backs you up. That wagging tail or soft purr might be worth more than you ever guessed.
opposite — happy people are more likely to have pets — the
FUEL YOUR RECOVERY WITH REGENERATIVE MEDICINE Bounce Back Faster Imagine healing in a way that not just masks symptoms but helps your body bounce back faster and stronger. Regenerative medicine goes beyond traditional treatments by harnessing your cells’ natural ability to repair themselves, promising quicker and more effective recoveries for injuries and chronic conditions. From stem cell therapies to platelet-rich plasma injections, these cutting-edge treatments accelerate your healing, so you can return to what you enjoy most even sooner. Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Platelet-rich plasma therapy, PRP, uses your own blood for rapid tissue repair. The platelets extracted from your blood sample are essential in your body’s ability to close cuts and tears in your skin and tissue, and blood clotting. When injected into the affected area, it gives your body a boost of growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and regeneration. The high concentration of platelets can stimulate or significantly speed up the healing process, shortening your recovery time and providing pain relief. PRP is commonly used to reduce the typically long recovery times after certain surgeries and procedures. PRP was first used in the 1970s to speed up and enhance healing after face, jaw, and mouth surgeries, and its usage has grown since. Stem Cell Therapy Stem cells are young cells that have not yet developed into specific types. So, when used to treat injuries or wounds, they can transform into whatever cells your
body needs to heal. They are a powerful treatment to repair and replace tissue or organs. Stem cells can speed up the closure of wounds, replacing damaged skin cells quickly. When injected, they also release a range of growth factors, enhancing the formation of new blood vessels required for bringing nutrients and oxygen into damaged tissue. This therapy reduces inflammation, which is known to slow the recovery process. With regenerative options like PRP and stem cell therapy, you can reduce your recovery downtime and support your body’s natural repair process. At Foundations Health and Physical Medicine, we offer advanced treatments that help speed up healing at the source. Contact us today, and start your journey to healing!
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SPINACH, FETA, AND EGG STUFFED PEPPERS Ingredients • 2 large bell peppers, any color Inspired by EatingWell.com
JODI’S PT CORNER
Hydration, Heat, and Healing: Why August Is a Tricky Month for Your Muscles
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup chopped onion • 2 cups chopped spinach • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt • 4 large eggs • 2 tbsp reduced-fat milk • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
The summer’s longer days and sunny skies are a great reason to spend time outdoors, but it’s also a season when your muscles work harder to keep up. With the warmer temperatures, increased activity, and the need for more hydration, your body faces unique physical challenges this
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Halve peppers lengthwise; remove and discard seeds. 3. Place peppers cut-side up in an 8-inch-square microwave- safe dish. Microwave on high 2 1/2–3 minutes until tender; pat dry and sprinkle with salt. 4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and black pepper. 5. To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil, then add onion and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. 6. Add spinach and cook, stirring 1–2 minutes more until spinach is wilted. 7. Divide spinach mixture evenly among pepper halves. Sprinkle with feta, and top with egg mixture. 8. Bake 30–35 minutes until filling is set.
time of year. To stay limber and pain-free, it’s essential to understand how heat impacts your ability to recover, why water is your best friend, and what adjustments you can make to your routine to keep your muscles strong. Sweat, Strain, and Soreness When the weather heats up, your body has to kick into high gear to regulate your internal temperature, which can lead to muscle fatigue. Heat can also impact blood flow, cause inflammation, and make you more likely to cramp up or swell at your joints. It’s important to avoid heavy physical activity outside during the hottest parts of the day and get proper rest. Focus on eating nutritious foods, drinking water, and listening to your body. If you experience cramping or swelling, you can try an ice pack on the affected area. Fuel Recovery With Fluids Your body relies on water to function correctly, and drinking enough fluids is a necessity during the summer. Dehydration can lead to serious health risks, with many uncomfortable symptoms from dizziness to heat stroke. When your muscles lack proper lubrication, they can cramp, become sore, and lose flexibility. Since you sweat more in the heat, your body will lose more fluids than usual, so it’s key to have a water bottle on you as you exercise. Make sure to hydrate often while doing physical activity and eat foods with high water content for an extra boost. Train Smarter, Not Hotter Your PT routine doesn’t need to take a vacation this August. Along with drinking enough water, you can make simple adjustments to keep yourself safe. Allow yourself to take extra breaks and be mindful of any signs that you are overheated. Opt for indoor activities or wait until the evening when the temperature drops for any exercise outdoors. Don’t skip your warm-up or cool down routines, as they can help prevent injuries and aid in your body’s recovery process.
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TESTIMONIAL “Doctor Murvich was able to get to the source of my pain and eliminate it. He does not do the same adjustment for every patient. He takes time with each patient and listens.” —Denise D.
For more tips to stay on track with your PT and maximize your wellness journey, check out next month’s Jodi’s PT Corner.
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The biggest compliment you can give us is trusting us enough to care for your friends, relatives, and coworkers. The majority of our new patients come from folks just like you, so please accept our HUGE THANK YOU! WOW, THANKS FOR ALL THE REFERRALS!
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INSIDE Regenerative Healing Meets Real-Life Movement 415 W US Highway 2, Ste. 2 Norway, MI 49870 (906) 563-5871 | FoundationsMed.com
Why Pets Beat Pay Raises The Future of Healing Starts Here
Jodi’s PT Corner Spinach, Feta, and Egg Stuffed Peppers
New Research on Performing When It Counts
Why Some Athletes Choke and Others Don’t The Psychology of Clutch
Some athletes come alive at the most crucial moments, but others fall apart when the spotlight is on. So, what actually separates those who thrive under pressure from those who choke? That question led researchers to comb through nearly 30 studies on performance. Instead of crunching numbers, they analyzed interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports psychologists — people with firsthand experience of what it feels like to compete when the stakes are highest. The findings point to traits that often show up in clutch performers. Confidence, or more precisely, self- efficacy, stood out. Athletes who believed they could handle the moment were more likely to do so. They also focused their attention on the task. They didn’t worry about the crowd or the outcome, just what needed to happen in the moment. Many athletes said they framed high-pressure moments as challenges rather than threats. They kept their mental effort where it mattered most, even when everything around them felt chaotic.
Those traits don’t just appear out of nowhere. Athletes can build them using deliberate strategies. Things like pre-performance routines, mental imagery, and self-talk help train the mind to stay steady despite external stressors. Goal-setting and cognitive restructuring (learning to think differently about pressure) also made a difference. Simulated pressure training was another standout strategy. When athletes practiced in high-stress scenarios, they often carried that composure into real competition, allowing them to show up calm when it counted. The big idea here is that pressure doesn’t have to derail performance. In fact, with the right habits and preparation, athletes can learn to rise to the occasion. That matters for sports, but it’s not limited to athletes. Anyone who performs under stress — students, speakers, performers — can benefit from the same mental skills. Pressure will always be part of the game, but how you prepare for it can change the outcome.
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