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JUNE 2019
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE FATHERHOOD TREASURE THE LITTLE MOMENTS
If being a dad has taught me one thing, it’s how much we tend to take our parents for granted as kids. Stepping into their shoes, I suddenly understood the reason all those annoying rules and chores existed when I was growing up. There have been so many moments over the course of raising Zack and Nathan where I’ve found myself sounding exactly like my father. Oh, if only 15-year-old Mike could see me now. This is all to say that I’m grateful for the way my parents raised my siblings and me. While I struggled to see all the good they were doing at the time, I finally realize just how necessary those household rules I used to chafe against really are. More importantly, becoming a dad showed me that these restrictions and guidelines come from a place of love. One thing you really don’t expect as a new parent is just how much time you’re going to spend worrying. First, you have this little, fragile baby you need to tend to. And then they learn to crawl, bounce, climb, and eventually walk — making every corner and stairway a potential hazard. This cycle repeats as your child matures. Zack is going into high school this fall, and my mind is buzzing with “what ifs.” It’s safe
to say I understand why I had a curfew around his age. With Emilie and I both being physical therapists, we have the added stress of seeing our children through the lens of our education. You spend a lot of time studying the development of the human body in PT school, which can cause the growth of your children to be a constant source of concern. Throughout Zack and Nathan’s childhoods we’d ask ourselves, “Are they developing at the right rate?” Despite this extra concern, there was one advantage to being a family of therapists: our patients. We received some really great advice from experienced parents we treated at the clinic. In particular, those with adult children would urge us to spend as much time as we can with our kids because their childhoods would be over before we knew it. I’m glad we took this advice to heart. Even now, Emilie and I do all we can to be there for our kids. Whether it’s supporting Zack in a school play or cheering on Nathan as he races down the ice, we make sure we’re there to treasure these moments. We also carve out time for family game nights, usually playing Scattergories. I, allegedly, cheat by making up words, but the
kids get a laugh whenever Mom catches me in the act. Not only have these moments given me great memories, but they’ve also done wonders to assuage that parental worrying. Yes, Zack is going to a huge school with 3,000 kids. Yes, he’s going to be driving before I know it and will want to hang out with friends until late at night. And yes, I’m going to worry. But I also know Zack, and I know he’s got a good head on his shoulders. That trust goes a long way toward preparing me for this whole new milestone. But those are worries for the future. Now, as Father’s Day approaches, I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with my sons and my dad on the golf course and having a relaxing barbecue with the family. For all the dads out there, Happy Father’s Day.
–Mike Ulmer
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reason why it provides a powerful punch of health benefits and also why less than 5 percent of people stick with it. Some teachers say it takes three years to learn the basic movements of tai chi — and more than a lifetime to master. Physical training, combined with the internal meditative aspect of tai chi, are the reasons martial arts legend Jet Li has turned to the exercise in recent years, even campaigning to make it an Olympic event. In an interview, Li explained his push to make
When you think about martial arts, a few images come to mind: Mr. Miyagi, possibly nunchucks, and people breaking objects using impressive disciplined strength. But one of the most powerful martial arts you may not immediately picture is tai chi. This ancient Chinese
form of combat in slow motion is an internal martial art that works from the inside out by developing the body’s internal energy, known as qi, or “chi.” In Chinese medicine, balanced qi is essential to good health. Hundreds of studies demonstrate the mental and physical benefits this quiet martial art provides. Because of its focus on posture,
tai chi a more widely recognized and accepted exercise: “In our attempts to push ourselves, we’ve lost sight of an important part of the sporting mindset: balance.” For anyone setting out on a mission to age gracefully, tai chi can help reduce your risk of falling with its focus on posture. An ounce of preventive tai chi may be worth a pound of cure;
tai chi is particularly helpful for balance. In Harvard’s analysis of 20 different studies, tai chi was shown to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia more than other forms of exercise. While the movements appear mild, the practice of tai chi requires discipline and strength. That’s part of the
the Center for Disease Control reports that people pay an average of $35,000 in health care costs every time they fall. Many community centers and health and wellness facilities offer opportunities to learn tai chi, from free community classes to entire tai chi facilities. Go see for yourself why this is the martial art everyone should practice.
“Emilie is wonderful to work with. Her positive reinforcement kept me motivated. She has provided me with an arsenal of exercise and stretches designed especially for me to minimize pain and stabilize my low back and hip issues. Thanks so much Emilie, you are the best!” –Lynn Meyer
“I love to walk daily but was unable to walk more than 15 minutes. Thanks to PT, now I can walk for hours. I can also go up and down stairs with no problems. I also was able to paint a room and go up and down the ladder to trim the walls. I have gained full movement in my right knee. I am now able to go back to full activity and enjoy doing whatever I want to.” –Ed Dziubinski
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The Importance of Consulting With Your PT
When people experience pain in their lower back and legs, their first instinct is usually to reach for an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the pain persists, they may talk to their doctor or general practitioner, who in turn may prescribe another pain reliever or an injection. In more serious cases, including spinal disc herniation, they may recommend surgery. However, if you suffer from back pain — whether it’s characterized as sciatic pain or a herniated disc — relief, without medication or surgery, may be closer than you think. It’s all about working with your physical therapist to find the ideal solution. Many people who suffer from back pain try to avoid physical activity. They take it easy until
the pain subsides or take a pain reliever to temporarily manage the symptoms. Unfortunately, when it comes to your back, taking it easy will not always produce the desired results. In fact, remaining sedentary can end up exacerbating the problem. What can you do? For some people, the answer is exercise. If you’re dealing with the symptoms of sciatica, stretching and core- strength routines can help alleviate pain and discomfort in the lower back and legs. Yoga has been shown to help people with sciatic pain, as well. Keep in mind that not all yoga poses or exercises are suited for people with sciatica or other forms of back pain. It’s best to understand the source of your
Sudoku pain before committing to an exercise routine. For instance, if you suffer from disc herniation, certain motions and poses can place undue stress on your back and increase your pain. The ideal yoga poses and core- strengthening exercises will depend on the source of your pain, so it’s crucial to consult with your physical therapist first. Your therapist can guide you and suggest appropriate steps to maximize your relief and avoid further discomfort.
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts
INGREDIENTS • 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
• Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano- Reggiano, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com
11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142
INSIDE Lessons From Being a Dad PAGE 1
Why You Need to Add This Exercise for Better Balance PAGE 2
My PT Story PAGE 2
The Importance of Consulting With Your PT PAGE 3
Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts PAGE 3
Exploring the River of No Return PAGE 4
There’s more to Idaho than potatoes. Sitting square in the center of the Gem State is one of the largest contiguous areas of protected wilderness in the U.S. While the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area may not roll off the tongue as easy as Yellowstone or Yosemite, this 2 million-acre swath of mountains, gorges, and alpine lakes offers something for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. RIVER OF NO WHAT, NOW? The name of the wilderness may sound a little ominous at first — who wants to travel down a river of no return? — but in truth, it’s a title from times gone by when canoes and small watercraft could travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River swiftly but couldn’t fight the current going back up. Today, those same rapids make the Middle Fork a wildly popular whitewater rafting destination, with plenty of local and out-of-state enthusiasts making a return journey every summer. RAFTING ISN’T FOR ME. WHAT ELSE YOU GOT? If crashing down 300 Class III rapids isn’t your speed, the Frank Church Wilderness has plenty of other ways to enjoy the wild mountain country. There are several lodges that were grandfathered
in to the wilderness area, most of which are only accessible by jet boat, light aircraft, or good old-fashioned hiking. Some, like the Middle Fork Lodge, offer five- star accommodations, located conveniently close to one of the area’s many natural hot
springs. Those with the right permits will find the rivers and lakes full of fishing opportunities, and the surrounding pine forests are teeming with game. LODGES? I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL. For those looking for a truly unplugged experience, backpacking to the many campsites scattered throughout the region can be an incredible journey. If you spend a night beside the crystal-clear waters of Langer Lake, hundreds of miles away from any light pollution, you’ll find peace, quiet, and a sky bursting with stars. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a truly untamed part of the United States, Idaho is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.
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