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April 2018
A Spring Update
I ’ve been working with a patient who Navy wife. She’s been married for 22 years, and her husband has been on deployment on and off for 17 years of their marriage. He’s currently in Japan. This patient is one of my favorites because she is truly incredible. She has a son, and while her husband serves our country, she takes care of their child and home, assuming the role of both parents. After learning more about this patient’s life, I asked her, “How do you do it?” She responded, “I knew what I was getting myself into when I married a man who wanted to have a career in the Navy. I do this for my country.” Although it is unfortunate that she has to come to our clinic to get therapy for her hand injury, I am forever thankful that I met her. One of the greatest aspects of my job is that I get to meet people from all walks of life and learn their stories. There is never a day I leave the clinic uninspired. This month, Easter fell on April 1. When the kids were younger and living at home, Wendy and I would celebrate by cooking a breakfast never fails to brighten my day every time she comes to the clinic. This woman is a
of pancakes and bacon, and my eldest son hid eggs around the house and in the yard for everyone to find. Our neighbors often joined in for the egg hunt, and afterward we would enjoy a relaxing day together. We don’t celebrate much anymore now that the kids are grown up, but we relish the times when they make it over for an occasional holiday meal. “There is never a day I leave the clinic uninspired.” Funnily enough, April Fools’ Day and Easter fell on the same day this year. Wendy and I don’t pull pranks on each other, but one of my favorite pranks was one that Wendy pulled on her kids when they were young. She and I have been married for 14 years. When we were still dating, Wendy decided that she wanted to introduce
–Tom Primavera together as a family. I hope you had a great Easter. We look forward to seeing you soon. her children to me, so I invited them to my home. At that time, one of the houses on my road was in incredibly bad shape; the porch was collapsing, rusty cars sat out front, and the roof barely had any shingles left. I’m not sure whether this was premeditated or Wendy decided to pull a prank on her kids on a whim, but as she approached the shabby house, Wendy slowed down, pulled over, and said, “Here we are!” All of the kids started crying and telling Wendy that they didn’t want to get out of the car. She laughed and said, “April Fools’!” and continued driving down to my house at the end of the street. As the weather gets warmer, Wendy and I will be going to the beach more often. We also hope to make a trip to our vacation home in New Jersey to hang out with the kids and spend quality time
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Pediatric Occupational Therapy It Looks Like Playing, Because It Is
3 April Fools’ Pranks
From Earlier, More Trusting Times
April Fools’ Day isn’t what it used to be. Sure, it’s still a fun distraction, with Google announcing “scratch and sniff” digital technology and Amazon declaring new features enabling Alexa to understand your pets. But it’s pretty hard for anyone to genuinely pull your leg in the Internet age. Back when you couldn’t debunk a hoax with a simple Snopes search, things were a little more interesting. Here are a few of the most hilarious — yet somehow convincing — April Fools’ pranks in history. When NPR’s popular “Talk of the Nation” program announced in 1992 that former President Richard Nixon had announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, listeners were shocked. Never mind that he’d been the center of the largest presidential scam in history, but his campaign slogan, “I never did anything wrong, and I won’t do it again,” left something to be desired. NPR even brought political experts on the show to discuss the ramifications of such a move, and listeners flooded the station with outraged calls — until host John Hockenberry revealed that the on-air Nixon was actually comedian Rich Little. Nixon for President, 1992
Swiss Spaghetti Growers Enjoy Record Harvest
Ah, to be as naive as we were during the early days of television. In 1957, a BBC news show called “Panorama” conducted a special report on a massive spaghetti harvest in Ticino, Switzerland, following a remarkably mild winter. The black and white images showed farmers pulling huge strands of noodles off tall trees and prompted hundreds of viewers to call into the station and ask how they might procure their own spaghetti tree.
Every child should be able to live their life to the fullest. Unfortunately, many children struggle with a variety of complications that prevent them from doing so. Tasks that seem simple for many kids may be difficult for others. This is why we offer pediatric occupational therapy for all children who struggle with day- to-day challenges. These difficulties can range from grooming or handwriting challenges to eating, focus, and visual impairments. We empower children to overcome their obstacles in fun and exciting ways. Kids make breakthroughs in many foundational areas. Often, this therapy looks like games or playing, and that’s exactly what we want. Therapy should be like play, because that’s the most engaging way for kids to develop the basic motor skills they need. A typical pediatric occupational therapy session includes a variety of exercises that will strengthen the brain and body. Exercises might include astronaut training, Brain Gym, or Beckman Oral Motor Assessment and Intervention. Each session will vary from child to child, but the objective remains the same: We want to help your child succeed. If your child has needs and could benefit from occupational therapy, don’t be ashamed. Our team is here to make sure your child has a transformative experience without making them feel singled out. There is no one blueprint that works for every child. We take a collaborative approach by listening to your concerns and creating targeted goals for your child. This paves a path to success that is defined by you and your child’s needs, which helps foster individual achievement. Contact us today and let’s find a way to bring your son or daughter happiness and freedom.
Thomas Edison’s Amazing Food Machine
When Edison was in his prime, Americans truly believed he could accomplish anything — even a machine that transformed air, water, and dirt into biscuits, vegetables, meat, and wine, as reported by the New York Daily Graphic in 1878. The article was reprinted in newspapers across the country. Thousands of people bought the trick. When Buffalo’s Commercial Advertiser ran an editorial on Edison’s genius in the endeavor, the Graphic reprinted it in full, along with the headline, “They Bite!”
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Gardening: Bringing Family Together Why You Should Consider Investing in a Family Garden
After spending a winter cooped up inside with your family, there might be a little tension between everyone. Fortunately, it’s spring, and the warm weather, melting snow, and blooming flowers offer a good way to ease restlessness. This season, why not bring your family closer together by starting a family garden?
to grow edible plants, ones that have magnificent blossoms, or ones that are easy to care for? Flowers are a good start if you want a plant that grows a little faster; plus, they lend a pop of color to your garden. Growing vegetebles is also rewarding, as the kids will take great pleasure in eating what they’ve grown. Other possibilities include sunflowers, blackberries, peas, and lettuce. You might be surprised at how willingly children eat their greens when they’ve had a hand in growing them. Family gardens can bring something new and fresh to your home. So, get outside, enjoy the sun, and discover the joys of plants and gardening.
A Learning Experience Nearly every step in the gardening
for long periods, you may be spending time together, but it’s usually not quality time. Working in a group to create and maintain a garden is a hands-on experience for everyone. It’s a chance to get the whole family involved with a single project, and you can literally share the fruits of your labor. Deciding on Plants When it comes to deciding which plants you want in your garden, there are many variables to consider. Do you want
process can be a learning experience for kids and parents alike. Begin by discussing where you should start and why, what supplies you’ll need, and the types of plants you want to grow. Gardening also offers opportunities to learn about science, ecology, and nutrition.
Collaboration Gardening gives your family a chance to collaborate. When you’re stuck inside
SUDOKU
Pasta With TURKEYANDBROCCOLI
This simple, delicious recipe only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s also a great way to encourage kids to eat their broccoli. The next time you make pasta, leave the canned sauce in the pantry and make this instead!
• 3/4 pounds pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
(shells or orecchiette)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• 1 pound ground turkey
• Parmesan cheese
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Add broccoli when pasta is 1 minute from done. Drain both and return to pot. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, garlic, crushed red pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3–5 minutes while breaking up meat with a wooden spoon. 3. Combine turkey with pasta and broccoli mixture, adding the remaining olive oil as you stir. Serve in bowls topped with Parmesan cheese.
(Recipe inspired by realsimple.com.)
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
785 SE Bayshore Drive, Suite #102 Oak Harbor, WA 98277
A Spring Update
April Fools’ Pranks From the Pre-Internet Age
Don’t Let Your Child Struggle Another Day
Starting a Family Garden
Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli
Upcoming Local Events
Don’t miss our FREE back pain relief class on April 28, 11 a.m., at North End Fitness. Call our clinic for more details!
Local Events You Won’t Want to Miss!
L ooking for a fresh way to celebrate spring? If you’re fed up with being stuck because of all the snow and rain outside, here are a few great events to get you out and about this month. Marathon Do you enjoy beautiful sights and getting active? The Whidbey Island Marathon will be perfect for you! The run is a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy breathtaking views, and get a good workout. It’s a fun and exciting event that nearly anyone can participate in! There will be two marathons. The half marathon doesn’t have an age limit, and anyone older than 16 can participate in the full marathon. The full marathon will start at 7 a.m. at Pass Lake and finish at Bayshore Drive Waterfront. All other races will be in downtown Oak Harbor starting at the same time. Come enjoy the sights and a day of running!
Holland Happening
From April 26–29, an international festival will take place in our very own Oak Harbor. The Holland Happening celebrates those who have Dutch heritage. There will be a parade and a carnival in which people of all ages can participate. Look forward to wooden shoe races and wonderful food. The three-day event will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Tickets to enter the carnival will be $25 until April 25, and $30 at the door for all-day passes.
Whether you’re Dutch or not, it will be a great weekend to have some fun!
Greenbank Meerkerk Gardens
Throughout April, Meerkerk Gardens will be open for the public to enjoy the peak blooming season. With 10 acres of beautifully displayed gardens, it will be a great chance to get out and enjoy nature and the steadily warming weather. While the garden is open nearly every day of the year, the rhododendron collection only blooms once a year. For only $5, you can see these gorgeous flowers at the height of their glory this April.
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