DECEMBER 2020
620 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 • 508-528-6100 • www.ProPTinc.com
OUR HOLIDAYS MAY LOOK DIFFERENT
But We Can Make Them Meaningful Just the Same
W e’ve nearly made it to the end of 2020! A few holiday celebrations are usually a great way to cap off the calendar, but this year, the sentiment has been a little different, especially when thinking about the holiday season. This really will be an unprecedented year for holidays, which is why we need to be even more mindful of how we choose to face them. This is traditionally the time of year when Professional Physical Therapy hosts a canned food drive to donate to organizations in need. But as you can imagine, many organizations have altered their plans for accepting items this year. We’re sad we won’t be able to collect canned goods and other items to donate, but, of course, we understand their position. Instead, we’re encouraging our patients to check out websites for local food pantries and organizations like The Santa Foundation to see how you might be able to contribute. We knowwe’ll still be finding ways to give back to the community we love. Just because this holiday season is going to look different for many of us doesn’t mean we shouldn’t find ways to celebrate. We just need to approach things a little differently this year. The main question is: How do we get people together without getting together? How we interact with and support the people we love is going to be very different this year, and that can be disheartening in many ways. But if we choose to recognize how we can still make this season meaningful, we can still feel the warmth and connection we need. I would love to see my family for Christmas, but with rising coronavirus cases just about everywhere, we’ve had to play it smart and change plans. I’m disappointed about that, of course, but when I step back and look at other options I have for creating meaningful celebrations, I realize something very important that has developed over these long months of extended caution and isolation: Life has become more about the support of the immediate communities we’ve built. The people you’re able to interact with more regularly, like coworkers and neighbors, have become so important now. Those in our immediate environment have become the ones we hold on to the most during these times. I’ve certainly gotten to know my neighbors better over the last year, and I’m so glad I have. I feel I have new people in my life to turn to in times like these, and who knows if that would have happened if circumstances were different?
It’s also been wonderful to see our team here at Professional Physical Therapy grow closer. We all socialize at work as we always have, but now, people are spending more time together outside of work, too. We’re here as a social resource for each other because we know we can trust one another to be safe and healthy. Spending time together this way has been a blessing both for our work environment and personal fulfillment. Now is the time to think about the things in your life you’re still in control of. Who do you see in your neighborhood and at work? Who can you reach out to and spend time with this season? Who might you even be able to connect with on social media or Zoom? How can you come together to make your holiday celebrations meaningful and memorable? We may not be able to gather with our loved ones who live far away and do all our traditional activities this year, but we can find ways to forge great new relationships and invent new traditions. We can find ways to make the holidays enjoyable, and it’s even more important to do so this year.
We wish you a happy holiday season, and cheers to making it a meaningful one!
± Dr . Stacey Raybuck Schatz
Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 1
Herbalism: A Natural Solution To Improve Your Digestive Health
aromatic herbs prevent bloating, but this is only part of the story.” If left untreated, poor digestion results in the inflammation of the digestive tract. When it comes to decreasing the risk of inflammation and other symptoms, a medical herbalist will consider a person’s total health when putting together the herbs needed for treatment. Many herbs can help your digestive system function well and stay healthy. Here are a few you can include in your daily meals or use when you have an uncomfortable gut feeling, according to TraditionalMedicinals.com.
Herbalism, a plant-based medicine, can be used to heal and improve your body’s functions. This medical practice is thousands of years old and dates back to the ancient Egyptians, but qualified herbalists continue to use herbal medicine today. Through the use of a variety of plants (roots, flowers, and leaves), herbalism can help improve digestion and provide other benefits for your circulation, mood, energy, and stamina. Digestion is an important part of your body’s functions. Poor digestion can result in diarrhea, constipation, nausea, heartburn, gas, or bloating. Other well-known conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), involve problems with digestion. Each of these symptoms and conditions can significantly impact a person’s well-being and daily life, but the proper use of herbs can help people reduce or ease these symptoms and support digestive health. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists states, “Many herbs are known to act directly on the digestive tract — bitters, for example, may stimulate acid and enzyme production, fennel and other
• To calm the nerves: chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender
•
To relieve cramping: ginger and fennel
• To alleviate constipation: dandelion leaf and root tea
For more information about herbalism and how it can benefit your health, visit the National Institute of Medical Herbalists at NIMH.org.uk.
Patient
of the Month
KAYLA HATCH PURR FECT CAT SHELTER
“I picked this charity that helps cats find their forever homes! Cats, and all pets, are an important part of our lives, especially when we are injured or having a difficult time. Our animals always lift us up and make us feel better. Adopt — don’t shop — if you are able!” –Kayla
Kayla has been very dedicated to PT. In fact, since she started coming here, she even got the rest of her family to join! Her happy and upbeat attitude makes her a joy to work with and be around. Her hard work to strengthen her knees and hips are some of the reasons why we chose her to be December’s patient of the month!
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GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF WELLNESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! It’s the last chance to use your 2020 health savings account (HSA) benefits before they disappear in the new year. If you’ve met your deductible, now is the time to take advantage of your benefits and get the care you need.
Turn this insert over to find out more.
Professional Physical Therapy 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 528-6100
Focusing on our health and wellness is so important right now. Physical therapy can help you feel better without having to resort to surgery, injections, or medication. Your HSA benefits can be used for many physical therapy treatments, including manual therapy, vestibular therapy, deep tissue laser therapy, and more. Call us today to find out exactly how your HSA benefits can help you end the year right. Professional Physical Therapy has proudly given back by donating to each of these amazing organizations on behalf of each of our Patients of the Month.
PlanYourWay to a Healthier You
How to Create the Right Fitness Routine
activity each week is recommended for most adults, so plan activities that at least fulfill that minimum. Your plan should also include a variety of activities to keep boredom at bay. Consider a number of things like walking, biking, swimming, and weight training when making your schedule. And don’t forget to plan for recovery time. Finally, write down your personal program so you can stay on track. GATHERYOUR EQUIPMENT If you plan to get started on the first of the year, you should have all the equipment you need ready before then. First, it’s important to get shoes that are comfortable and supportive and clothes that don’t affect your mobility. If you’ve chosen exercises that require equipment, do your research and purchase equipment with the most reliable reviews. Also consider downloading a fitness app to your smart device. They can help you keep track of your progress and even reward you as you hit milestones.
With resolution season around the corner, many of us are thinking about how to make healthier fitness choices in the new year. While dedication is the main ingredient for success, planning ahead can make sticking with a new routine easier. December is the perfect time to make such a plan. ASSESSYOUR LEVEL You probably have an idea of how fit you are, but using indicators to assess your baseline fitness gives you a way to measure your progress. Take note of your pulse rate before and after walking one mile, how long it takes you to walk one mile, how many pushups you can do at one time, how far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs in front of you, your waist circumference, and your body mass index. These should give you a good baseline of where you’re starting. DESIGNYOUR PROGRAM Consider your long-term goal: Are you trying to lose weight, build muscle, or both? What small goals can you set to get there? Next, create a balanced routine. Doing 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
Making a solid fitness plan this month could be the key to finally achieving your health goals in the new year!
SUCCESS STORIES
Festive Apple Cider
“I was always treated with dignity and care. When I began, it was very painful to walk longer than 15 minutes. I have been able to resume all of my normal activities. Thank you to all!”
If you’re cutting back on calories, skip the eggnog and buttered rum this year and fill up your mug with this delicious mulled cider!
–Jeanne Varjian
Ingredients
• 2 tsp allspice berries • 1 inch fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp honey • 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 lemon • 1 gallon pure apple cider • 1 large orange, thinly sliced crosswise • 2 tsp whole cloves
Directions 1. Using a paring knife, shave the lemon peel off in curls. Reserve the curls and save the lemon for use in a different recipe. 2. In a large slow cooker, combine the lemon peel with all other ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours. 3. If desired, use a sieve to strain the spices. Serve and enjoy!
“From the first phone call I received, I experienced friendly, professional service. This year, 2020, had many roadblocks, but ProPT gave me the ability to progress on my own. Upon return, we didn’t skip a beat. The staff members are all friendly and really make you feel comfortable. I see how they treat all patients the same — with patience and compassion. Thanks to all the staff at Professional Physical Therapy!”
–Barry McLean
Inspired by BoulderLocavore.com
Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 3
www.ProPTinc.com 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-6100
Thank you for being part of the Professional Physical Therapy family!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Making the Most of the Holiday Season Improve Your Digestion With Herbalism Patient of the Month How to Create a New Year’s Fitness Plan Festive Apple Cider
5 Ways to Make Your Holiday Extra Eco-Friendly This Year
5 WAYS TO MAKEYOUR HOLIDAY EXTRA ECO-FRIENDLY THISYEAR
magazines, comics, posters, maps, or even art by your kids to conceal your gifts this year.
Sustainability is the gift that keeps on giving, so if you’d like to give a gift to the environment this December, make your holidays anti- plastic! Here are five ways that you can use the latest eco-friendly technology to make sure your Christmas is just as convenient as ever. SET UP RECYCLING BINS. Nobody wants to sort through trash on their holiday, especially if you’re hosting all the parties! To avoid dealing with the waste, set up recycling and composting bins before any home holiday festivities. It’ll make your next trip to a local recycling center so much faster because everything will be organized and easier to manage. USE PAPER CONTAINERS FOR LEFTOVERS. Give your celebration a restaurant-from-home feel by storing and giving away leftovers in paper containers rather than plastic. Paper will dissolve and leave behind much less chemical residue than plastic. Want to make it look extra posh? Stamp the exterior with the family initials! CHANGE UPYOUR GIFTWRAP. Why use wrapping paper every year when you can make your packaging extra interesting, colorful, and creative? Use newspapers,
RENT, BORROW, OR RETHINKYOUR TABLEWARE If you’re missing proper tableware for your holiday celebration, don’t despair — some companies will actually let you rent out their dishes for your special evening! You can also borrow tableware from friends and family. But you don’t have to use metal tableware. Try following another culture’s customs and serve your food on local ingredients, like palm leaves, coconuts, or wood. LOCALIZE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. If you can buy ingredients like fresh meat or vegetables from local farms, you won’t use as much plastic packaging and you’ll support small businesses at the same time! Never buy one-use plastics if you don’t have to. For every holiday tradition, ask yourself: Can I reduce, reuse, or recycle any components to this? We hope you have a happy, eco-friendly holiday!
4 • www.ProPTinc.com | Professional Physical Therapy
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