Take a look at our February newsletter!
FEBRUARY 2024
WWW.PHYSICALTHERAPYCT.COM | 860-482-0600
Why We Want to Create a Compassionate Patient Experience A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Patients
We know that being a patient isn’t easy, and you could choose from countless physical therapists. Yet, we’re grateful you decided to choose us to help you find lasting pain relief and healthy mobility. Instead of highlighting Valentine’s Day this February, I wanted to celebrate Patient Recognition Week, taking place on the first seven days of this month. I’d like to share why we appreciate our patients and how we ensure we do our best to provide the best experience possible. “How can we make our patients' visits better?” This is a question we continuously ask ourselves at Advanced PT Torrington. We’re a private practice, which means we’re not affiliated with any physicians in particular. People are sent to our clinic because they know we offer high-quality care. Yet, we aim to always be better and do what we can to make physical therapy more than just bearable for our patients. “I want to share my deepest appreciation for our patients who have chosen to be part of our community and for letting our team be part of yours.” Health care and insurance can be a headache filled with endless phone calls, complicated guidelines, impersonal treatment, and weeks or months of waiting for relief. We want to make this process as pain-free as possible for our patients so they know they have chosen the right physical therapy clinic. It starts from the moment you make your phone call to your last day of physical therapy treatment. Every step of the way should be filled with compassion, understanding, and excellent service. When anyone walks through our front
doors, we offer a friendly face and want them to feel like part of our community. I’ve always wanted kindness to be the backbone of our clinic, and I think everyone can see it in the way we engage with our community. We require our physical therapists to go above and beyond what most would expect from their therapists. That way, our patients can be happy every time they come to their appointments. We know recovery isn’t ever fun or easy, but we want you to still find positivity and hope throughout your treatment. Virtually every person who comes through our doors is in pain, and we don’t want to add any more stress to that! I want to share my deepest appreciation for our patients who have chosen to be part of our community and for letting our team be part of yours. It’s been an incredible five years since we first opened our clinic, and we’ve been able to connect with so many people. I want to send my thanks to every single person who has come to us for help! Our patients are the heart of our business, and we truly cannot thank you enough. I want Advanced PT Torrington to be people’s first choice because of our quality service. We take time and effort to be the best at what we do, and when it comes to caring for our patients, this noticeable difference in effort sets us apart. We don’t just want to treat and heal our patients. We want to make them happy while doing it! I’m looking forward to supporting our patients in the months ahead of us in 2024, and I was thrilled to have a few giveaways for our Patient Recognition Week this year. It’s just a slice of how we show we care! –Kevin Smith
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From Stray Dog to Nursing Home Hero SCOUT’S HEARTWARMING TALE
A heartwarming story unfolded about an hour north of Traverse City, Michigan. It’s the tale of Scout, an adventurous dog whose journey from an abandoned stray to a beloved companion showcases the love our furry friends have for us. Scout’s story began as a frequent escapee from Antrim County Animal Control. Scout constantly “slipped the leash” and traveled to the same location after all his escapes: the Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. Every time he escaped, Scout crossed a highway, jumped a 10-foot chain link fence and a 6-foot privacy fence, and slipped in the front door to sleep on his couch in the lobby. The nurses at Meadow Brook had to make a choice after Scout reappeared in their lobby for the third time. And after recognizing the patients
wanted Scout around just as much as he wanted to be there, they happily took him in. After giving him a check-up, it was clear Scout had not lived the easiest life before finding his way to Meadow Brook. No one knows where he came from before escaping animal control for the first time, what his original name was, or the exact abuse he suffered before finding his forever home. Scout flinches at loud sounds and has round pellets, likely buckshot or BBs, lodged in his face. But despite his past, Scout openly cares for and protects the residents of Meadow Brook. Scout now patrols Meadow Brook, visiting the residents as often as possible. Whenever someone is having a rough day, whether it’s because a friend forgot to visit or their health is acting up, Scout
is there to ease their woes with a damp nose poking for affection and a doggy smile on his face. “He makes a good nursing home dog,” Stephanie Elsey, the facility’s clinical care coordinator, said. “He knows his job, and he’s good at what he does.” Scout’s journey from a shelter’s uncertainty to a beloved member of the Meadow Brook community is more than just a happy tale. It’s a reminder of life’s unexpected joys and the incredible, healing bond between humans and animals.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PILLOW FOR A PAIN-FREE MORNING
Stomach Sleepers: The Flatter, the Better Stomach sleeping is generally not recommended due to the strain it puts on your neck and back. However, if this is your preferred position, choose a flat or no pillow. This helps keep your neck as straight as possible. A soft down pillow or a thin memory foam can work wonders in providing just the right amount of comfort without compromising your neck’s position. If you’re unhappy with your sleep position, gradually shift your sleep position. For instance, if you’re a stomach sleeper, try moving to side sleeping with body pillows for support. Remember, changing habits takes time, and comfort is the key to a good night’s sleep. Your pillow plays a pivotal role in ensuring a pain-free wake-up call. Choosing the right one for your sleeping position enhances your sleep quality and invests in your neck’s long- term health. Say goodbye to those pesky neck pains and unwelcome headaches, and embrace mornings filled with pain-free vitality.
Waking up with a stiff neck or a throbbing headache is the worst way to start your day. Often, the culprit is as simple as the pillow you rest your head on. Choosing the right pillow based on your sleeping position is not just about comfort but also neck health and sleep quality. Here are three options for your best pillow based on how you sleep.
Back Sleepers: A Balancing Act Back sleepers need a pillow that supports the natural curve of their neck. A too-high pillow can strain neck muscles, while a too-flat one can cause your head to fall back, both leading to morning discomfort. Ideally, a medium-thick pillow, preferably memory foam, works best. It cradles your head and neck, providing a balanced alignment. Side Sleepers: Height Matters Side sleepers have a larger gap to fill between their head and the mattress. A firm, high pillow is essential to align your head and neck with your
spine. Memory foam or a high-fill down pillow are excellent choices as they conform to the shape of your neck and head, ensuring optimal support.
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Supercharge Your Health With These 4 Nutrient-Rich Foods
Fish Fish are naturally low in fat and high in protein. They also have omega-3 fatty acids, which are hugely important for cell function, especially cells in your eyes and brain. Studies have shown benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease. Some good fish options are sardines, mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna. Berries Berries are delicious, packed with natural sugars, plus high in fiber and antioxidants. They are a great snack on their own and make a great addition to cereal, oatmeal, and yogurt. You can add common berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries or exotic options like goji or gooseberries. Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens include chard, collard greens, kale, and spinach. Leafy greens are high in fiber and various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. MARRY ME CHICKEN Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
TAKE A BREAK! Here are four healthy, nutrient-rich options, but before making any significant dietary changes, consult your physician or health practitioner. provide all of the nutrients a healthy person needs, many foods are high in nutrients you can and should eat to improve your diet. We’ve all heard the term superfood, but what does it really mean? It’s often used in clickbait articles and referenced by dietitians and nutritionists. Articles with titles like “The 10 Superfoods to Supercharge Your Metabolism” and “Superfoods You Need to Eat” are everywhere. Unfortunately, the term “superfood” is marketing fluff, with no agreed-upon official definition among dietitians. However, superfoods have generally come to mean foods rich in vitamins and minerals that may have myriad health benefits. While there is no single food that can adequately
Legumes Like the children’s rhyme says, beans are a magical fruit. They are high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins. They have also been shown to lower the risk of heart disease. Many types of beans exist: soy, kidney, butter, red, black, and chickpea and can be used in many dishes like chili to add necessary fiber. Many foods provide the nutrition and health benefits you need to live a long, healthy life. Try incorporating some of these foods into your meals for a more balanced and nutritious diet.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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1. How We Celebrate Patient Recognition Week 2. Michigan’s Stray With the Biggest Heart The Secret to Pain-Free Mornings 3. These ‘Superfoods’ Supercharge Your Health Marry Me Chicken 4. Natural Over Perfect INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Art of Graceful Maturing ICONS WHO REJECT ARTIFICIAL YOUTH
Helen Mirren: Advocate for Authentic Beauty Dame Helen Mirren, with her captivating presence, is a beacon of authentic aging. Mirren has openly criticized the pressure to undergo cosmetic procedures, advocating for a more natural approach to aging. Her fearless fashion choices and selection of film roles that celebrate her mature charm highlight her commitment to aging gracefully and naturally. Samuel L. Jackson: Embracing Wisdom Samuel L. Jackson, known for his powerful on-screen presence, has also spoken against the trend of cosmetic alterations in favor of aging naturally. He views the experience and wisdom gained over the years as invaluable, choosing to focus on these qualities rather than altering his appearance. Jackson’s distinctive style makes him an inspiring figure for natural aging. These stars, through their examples, promote a refreshing perspective on aging. They exemplify the beauty of growing older without artificial intervention, embracing each wrinkle as a testament to their journey. In doing so, they inspire a shift toward a culture that values natural aging, viewing each passing year not as a challenge to combat but as an achievement to celebrate.
In a world captivated by the illusion of
perpetual youth, several celebrated personalities stand out for their admirable approach to maturing naturally.
These individuals not only embrace their advancing years with dignity but also advocate against relying on artificial methods to maintain a
Photo credit: Wikimedia commons, Flickr, Dick Thomas Johnson
youthful appearance.
Meryl Streep: The Unaltered Legend Meryl Streep, one of the greatest film actors of all time, has always approached her life stages openly and honestly. She has been vocal about her decision to avoid cosmetic alterations, preferring to age gracefully. Streep’s career, marked by roles that celebrate her evolving persona, reflects her respect for the natural process of aging. Her appearance at events, showcasing her elegant, unaltered features, reinforces her stance against the trend of cosmetic enhancements in Hollywood.
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