Kaizen PT - November 2023

Take a look at our November newsletter!

NOVEMBER 2023

KaizenSeattle.com | 206-524-6702

TOKENS OF THANKS The Power of Patient Gratitude There’s no greater reward for my work than patient gratitude. My fellow PTs and I entered physical therapy to help people, and we’re passionate about that goal. So, we always appreciate when people take the time to share our impact on their lives. Not everyone understands that doctors genuinely care about their patients. Some people “ghost” us, and we never know why. Did they get better? Did we somehow offend them? It can hurt after we put so much time and effort into a care plan. So, it’s meaningful when patients take time out of their lives to do the opposite and express gratitude for our work. A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Many patients express their gratitude verbally, while others mail us handwritten notes. It touches us when people share how we’ve helped them avoid surgery or stop taking medication with unpleasant side effects. They remind us our work is much bigger than what we do in the office. Some show their gratitude in other ways. One example is entrepreneur or manager clients who pass along business advice. I’ve learned so much from patients who have shared their business experience and marketing tips over the years, and I appreciate knowing they want Kaizen PT to succeed. Referrals are an even bigger compliment. When you send a family member, friend, or colleague to our office, our work reflects on you, too. That trust in us is touching and makes us proud. Referrals also help the business grow so we can hire more PTs and help more patients. Online reviews can be just as impactful. You may not know anyone who needs physical therapy, but plenty of people online are looking for help. Reading about how we helped others with knee or back pain gives them the confidence to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment. Meanwhile, I’m pleased our office is filled with baked goodies around the holidays. As a result, most of us end up with a New Year’s resolution to lose 5 or 10 pounds. Other personal touches from patients are just as fun. It’s really sentimental when someone selects a special gift for one of us. One patient even brought us vegetables from their garden! Thoughtful gestures like that help us know we’ve made a strong connection with our patients and positively impacted their lives. They serve as reminders of what physical therapy means to people. Recovering from pain or injury means spending time with your family, enjoying the things you love most,

and experiencing an overall improvement in well-being. Through gratitude, we have the motivation to continue learning, growing, and helping more people. Receiving a thank-you from a patient is a bit like finding money in your pocket after it’s been through the wash — a delightful surprise that never gets old. As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take my turn to thank all of you. If you’ve ever sent us a note, left a review, given a referral, or just told us how our work impacted your life, it meant more than you probably knew. Thank you for being the reason we are in business and wake up excited to go to work every day.

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Walk Your Way to Better Digestion The answer is yes! Walking is a light movement that can help your food move through your stomach and intestines, making digestion smoother. Not only can walking help improve your digestion after eating, but this simple exercise can also bring many other benefits. Just a few include: • Regulating blood sugar levels • Managing blood pressure • Reducing the risk of heart disease • Boosting your mood • Improving sleep quality

We all know the after-lunch slump leaves us counting the minutes to our next nap. But research shows that sleeping or lying down after eating isn’t the best for health (no matter how good it feels). When you do this, you’re not allowing your body the time it needs to digest your food properly, and you may experience various digestive issues, such as acid reflux and heartburn. So, is walking the best activity to do after eating?

Of course, regular exercise improves your overall health significantly, even if it’s just a quick walk around the neighborhood! The Post-Meal Walk: When and how long is best? You gain the most digestive benefits if you walk right after eating. Waiting too long afterward may only minimally aid your digestive process. Be sure to get moving as soon after your meal as possible! As for frequency, ideally, you should go for a stroll after every meal. However, to get started, try going for a walk after dinner. You can increase your number of walks as you get accustomed to the exercise. Ten minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of walking after eating. While you can walk longer if you’d like, 10 minutes is doable even with a busy schedule. Plus, if you walk for 10 minutes after every meal, that’s 30 minutes of exercise daily! Take your dog with you or stroll with your headphones, listening to your favorite podcast. How you walk is up to you, but no matter what, you’re doing your mind and body a huge favor!

PODCAST WISDOM: Lifelong Learning Potential

You’re never too old to learn something new! There are plenty of debunked myths floating around about the brain’s ability to absorb information as we age, but the truth is, learning in every phase of life is incredible for your mind. We keep our cognitive skills sharp as we age when we continue learning new information and skills. So, what’s the easiest way to passively learn something new? Tune in to one of these podcasts and continue with your day! Podcasts from experts can provide you with a plethora of compelling information to keep your brain strong. ‘Ologies’ Witty and endlessly informative, “Ologies” is hosted by Alie Ward, a science correspondent with all the humor you need to keep coming back for more. Ward interviews experts

and “-ologists” and asks them not-so- average questions. The information and insight you receive is easily digestible and entertaining. With over 340 episodes at your disposal on most streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify, “Ologies” can keep you

listening to one of over 200 episodes and learn everything you never knew! ‘Maintenance Phase’ With social media and so-called health gurus everywhere, it can be challenging to know what health advice is factual or safe. “Maintenance Phase” debunks all the diet fads, fitness myths, and trendy health gimmicks to keep you insformed. With the help of hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, you learn the actual science behind your body’s health and discover what is true and what is simply trending. With plenty of podcasts at your fingertips, these three are exceptionally entertaining and informative. Put your headphones on and clean up the house, or drive your daily commute with one of these podcasts to keep your brain in tip-top shape!

listening for a long time! ‘You’re Wrong About’

The first step to understanding the world around you is to consider the possibility that everything you know may not be true. That’s where “You’re Wrong About” comes in! Host and journalist Sarah Marshall dives into different historical figures and events falsely covered by the traditional media. From Sinead O’Connor to Bonnie and Clyde, Sarah meets with various experts to go through the cold hard facts and what you likely didn’t know about these people. Start

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Coffee Conundrum: Could Your Morning Brew Harm Your Health?

Millions of Americans start their morning with a piping hot cup of coffee. There’s nothing like

who are prone to acid reflux or heartburn. Coffee before food may make symptoms worse. Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might also beware. Scientists have long known that coffee stimulates our colon muscles and can help people have bowel movements. Some consider it a bonus, but IBS patients are already prone to diarrhea. Coffee causes increased cramping for some, and the effect can be more noticeable on an empty stomach. Coffee can also affect us emotionally. The beverage gives some people jitters, particularly without food. Research indicates the effect is more pronounced in people with anxiety disorders, possibly because jitters mimic anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest consuming coffee with food decreases the concentration of caffeine in our bodies and makes the effect less likely. Ultimately, whether you should rethink drinking coffee on an empty stomach is up to you. People suffering from GERD, IBS, or anxiety should consider whether their liquid pick-me-up worsens their symptoms. The current research suggests that consuming coffee before food is probably fine for most other people, but it’s always wise to listen to your body for cues. If you feel less than your best after your morning coffee, see whether a change in routine improves the situation.

the familiar smell, comforting warmth, and hit of caffeine to get you ready for the day. But could this common habit actually harm our bodies? For some

people, consuming caffeine on an empty stomach could cause unpleasant side effects.

No definitive data suggests drinking coffee before breakfast will negatively impact you in the long term. Only limited research exists on the matter, and the results are inconclusive. However, some people anecdotally report feeling worse if they drink coffee on an empty stomach, and nutritionists and dietitians believe certain people may be more susceptible to adverse side effects. People with digestive problems should be the most cautious about their morning cup of coffee. Coffee stimulates acid production in the stomach, particularly when it’s otherwise empty. That’s not a big deal for most people, but it can be for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or

TAKE A BREAK!

STUFFED PEPPER SOUP

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp beef bouillon granules • 1 tsp black pepper • 2 cups cooked long-grain rice • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 1 28-oz can tomato sauce • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained • 2 cups chopped green peppers

DIRECTIONS

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

206-524-6702 KaizenSeattle.com

5025 25th Ave. NE, #201 Seattle, WA 98105

1. The Ripple Effect of Patient Thanks 2. The Power of Post-Meal Walking Podcast Your Way to a Sharper Mind and Smarter You 3. The Truth About Drinking Coffee Before Breakfast Stuffed Pepper Soup 4. Rick Springfield Reveals His Secrets to Staying Fit at 73 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The Power of Fitness and Good Nutrition at Any Age ROCK STAR RICK SPRINGFIELD’S FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

He’s how old? Rick Springfield continues to shock the world with just how incredible he looks at the age of 73! The ‘80s rock star and “Jessie’s Girl” singer has recently released a new album, “Automatic,” and has shown that he still keeps up with his healthy lifestyle. So, what’s Springfield’s secret to a toned body at his age? The musician revealed the not-so-secret key to his excellent health: daily exercise and a nutritious diet. Springfield recently explained, “I work out every day. I just got a trainer and have been working with him. Basically, I watch what I eat, and I try and stay active.” Sounds simple, right?

singer looked unhealthy and too thin. “A friend of mine came up to me and said, ‘Are you okay?’ I got so thin. So I had to put fish back in [for protein].” He also made it clear that he is in no way a home cook, but his wife is the one who keeps him well-fed! Springfield shared that he is extremely grateful for his wife, Barbara Porter, who loves cooking and always comes up with the best recipes for him. Apparently, the singer was never that great in the kitchen! He said, “When I was a bachelor, I’d make a big pot of brown rice, chop up an onion and put that in the rice with a can of tuna. I’d have that, a baked potato and salad, and live off that for a month. Barbara comes up with these incredible things. She loves cooking.”

Photo credit: Wikimedia commons, Adam Bielawskii

While Springfield may have a personal trainer and talented spouse, we can all still learn from his dedication to his body and health. Ultimately, a healthy diet and exercise routine is the simplest (but not the easiest) way to our best health!

Springfield was a proud vegan in the past but has now shifted to a

pescatarian diet. Despite feeling healthy, many people around him stated that the

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Join us for a FULL WEEK of FREE EXAMS! NOV. 27–DEC. 1

Our expert team of physical therapists can help with all types of issues, including:

Dear Valued Patient,

We have exciting news! To give back and thank our community for their continued support, we are hosting a full week of free exam appointments with our team of physical therapy experts.

Back pain Sciatica Arthritis

Knee pain

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Pain in hands or feet

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These exams are perfect for:

Problems walking

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Shoulder pain

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Sports injuries

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Neck pain Headaches

All past patients

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Balance or dizziness

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» All present patients who have another problem not currently being treated

If you feel pain or have problems with walking, standing, sitting for long periods, going up or down stairs, getting in or out of the car, sleeping, driving, exercising, playing sports, or working long hours, then this is an excellent opportunity to see one of our qualified therapists and find the cause of your issue. Call us at 206-524-6702 or send an email to Info@kaizenseattle.com to schedule your free exam before slots run out! And as a special bonus, all who attend a free exam appointment during the week of Nov. 27–Dec. 1 will receive a FREE copy of my book, “Back to Normal.”

» All friends and family of our past and present patients

Your free exam consists of a 20-minute, one-on-one appointment with one of our physical therapists, who will talk with you about the history of your problem and ensure that you leave knowing:

1. The cause of your pain or problem 2. What a plan for successful treatment looks like

If you are a past or present patient, schedule your free exam by calling us at 206-524-6702 or sending us an email to Info@kaizenseattle.com . If you are referring a friend or family member, give them this insert and have them call us to schedule their free exam at 206-524-6702 or send us an email to Info@kaizenseattle.com .

Sincerely,

–Dr. Colin Sisco Colin Sisco, Owner and Physical Therapist

Call or email now to schedule your exam the week of Nov. 27–Dec. 1! Appointments are free but space is limited.

206-524-6702

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Here’s what others have to say about Kaizen PT!

“I am an 81-year-old woman in need of help to increase my strength and balance. Barry has really helped me improve my ability to get around the area. I’ve really enjoyed our outdoor outings. He has shown me how to be safe in my stride and how to watch for trouble spots. My stamina has improved greatly. Thank you, Kaizen and Barry!” –Rosemary L.

“Early this fall, I tore my soleus muscle while running, which is one of my favorite ways to exercise. Marina helped me to gradually rebuild mobility, flexibility, strength, and muscle memory to heal safely and quickly. I feel confident I can run again, injury-free!” –Cindy Jo A.

“Before PT, I was struggling with tingling and soreness in my back. The issue was stopping me from going to the gym and getting proper exercise. Thanks to the excellent help at Kaizen Physical Therapy, I was able to fully recover and return to the gym without pain.” –Camden D.

“Colin Sisco helped me tremendously with chronic pain from a tennis shoulder injury. I had been to other PTs previously, but none were able to help me with daily pain management. Colin was able to see the restricted movement in my neck/ shoulders and work with me on exercises to improve my range of motion and overall pain level. I’m now pain-free and very thankful to have found Colin & Kaizen. I would highly recommend them to anyone!” –Jenny R.

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