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CALDWELL 1906 Fairview Ave, Ste 410 Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 454-9839 Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 465-9418 THE ASCENT NAMPA - MIDLAND 130 S Midland Blvd Nampa, ID 83686 (208) 461-5057 NAMPA - SOUTHSIDE 3151 E Greenhurst Rd
JOSH TAKES HIS DREAMS ACROSS THE OCEAN APRIL 2018
FROM BOISE TO PYEONGCHANG
About two months before I finished my physical therapy internship, my son, Josh, was born. It was an incredible moment, made all the more touching because Josh was born with congenital fibular hemimelia. This condition affects the development of the lower leg bones, and it meant Josh had his first surgery when he was 8 months old. Thanks to some amazing community support and his determined spirit, Josh has thrived. He got connected with Shriners, which has been an incredible source of support throughout his life.
Josh got his first set of legs for his first birthday. At 19 months, he was walking around, just like most kids at that age. He’s a stud. Josh’s birth was also confirmation that I’d chosen the right profession. Physical therapy has been a huge help for Josh. It’s encouraged him to stay active and led him to some incredible opportunities. He’s now a senior in high school, and Josh’s No. 1 passion is skiing. When he was 13, Josh got involved with Recreation Unlimited, a program at Bogus that teaches adaptive skiing. He was fitted with a bi ski, which has a seat and two outrigger poles so he can steer. For the first couple of years, he was tethered to two other people on each side of his ski, and they would go down the hill with him. From the beginning, he was eager to go down by himself — like a lot of teenagers, he’s an adrenaline junkie. After a couple of years, Josh could go down the hill on his own. He has improved so much over the last year, and it’s amazing to watch him carve turns and do jumps. Along with Recreation Unlimited, Josh has found opportunities through the National Ability Center and participated in ski and sled hockey camps in Park City, Utah. One day several months ago, we got a letter from the National Ability Center. They had a cultural exchange program in which youths from the U.S. would have the opportunity to go to Korea and teach youths with similar disabilities how to ski. The event was connected to the Paralympics. Of course, Josh jumped at the opportunity. Last month, along with 12 other youths and chaperones from the U.S., he got to share his skill with kids in PyeongChang, South Korea. In
addition to teaching others, they got to watch some of the inspiring athletes compete in the Paralympics. Talk about a cool senior trip, right?
Fireworks light up the sky and the Olympic torch at the opening ceremonies for the 2018 Winter Paralympics
Josh Weatherston (front) enjoying some time on the Olympic half-pipe with his US and Korean friends
He’s got red hair like Shaun White, but Josh needs more practice on his half-pipe skills!
Josh has aspirations to one day compete in skiing and is constantly working to get better. Last year, he applied for a grant through the Challenged Athlete Foundation and got his own custom ski. He heads to the slopes whenever he can. Josh reminds me that what can seem like the biggest hurdle is often an opportunity in disguise. It’s all about how we approach it. For Josh, that means taking it ski-first.
Josh riding up the lift in his sit ski with an instructor in PyeongChang, South Korea
–Sean Weatherston
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DECIDING ON PLANTS When it comes to deciding which plants you want in your garden, there are many variables to consider. Do you want 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 vegetables 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. Why You Should Consider Investing in a Family Garden GARDENING: BRINGING FAMILY TOGETHER
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? A LEARNING EXPERIENCE Nearly every step in the gardening 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 MELANIE BRINGS THE ENTHUSIASM When you walk into our Caldwell or Nampa clinics, Melanie is probably one of the first people you see. She’s at the front desk three days a week in Caldwell, at our Midland Clinic on Tuesdays, and at the Greenhurst clinic on Thursdays. As our billing coordinator, Melanie embraces her tall tasks, relishing the opportunity to get to know everyone and making sure things are running smoothly at each location. She also appreciates watching the progress patients make, from the first time they come in to after they’ve started working with our physical therapists. Melanie expresses an enthusiasm and excitement for every part of Altitude. Asked about her job, she says, “I just love every aspect of it, from the front desk to billing. I love this job. I love getting up and going to work. It’s like a big family. The interactions with employees and patients are my favorite.”
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 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.
My entire family at my son Jacob’s High school graduation.
What makes Altitude such a great place to work? As Melanie explains, “We have a ton of fun. Sometimes we have Nerf gun battles, or we’ll go out and exercise with our patients. We have a really good time. It’s a relaxed, laid-back environment. We want to make sure our patients are comfortable and have a positive experience.” After work, Melanie is a scrapbooker and “always has projects going on.” She has documented milestones for each of her two sons since they were born. Jacob, her eldest, is studying computer science at BSU. Her youngest, Colby, is active in the marching band at his high school, where he plays the saxophone. Colby isn’t the only one with a musical ear — Melanie and her husband, Darin, were both in jazz band in school, and Darin often
jumps right back in and plays his sax with Colby at home. High school sweethearts, Melanie and Darin are very grateful
to live in Idaho, and they take pleasure in watching their boys grow up in the same community they did. We’re really grateful Melanie is here, too, and that Altitude is blessed with her skills and positive personality. Say hi to Melanie next time you see her at a clinic!
My son Colby and his friend Maddy at a marching band event.
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3 TIPS FOR RECOVERY
GET BACK TO DOING WHAT YOU LOVE
After our client injured her leg playing soccer, she felt hopeless. Would she ever get back to the sport she loved? Would she even be able to run again? Her future looked uncertain. With physical therapy, however, she eventually regained her positive outlook and returned to the soccer field. Recovering from an injury can be a challenging process, but you will get there. Here are three tips to keep in mind as you begin to heal. GIVE IT TIME One of the most difficult aspects of recovering from an injury is accepting that it will take time to fully regain your pre-injury abilities. Each person’s healing process will be different. Keep reminding yourself that every step you take is making you stronger and healthier. Seek the support of your physical therapist, health professional, and loved ones when you need a boost. They’ll remind you how great you’re doing! KEEP MOVING Once you’ve been cleared by your doctor, try to stay active. Keep moving as much as you can
without increasing the pain. Even if you have to modify an exercise, it’s probably better to do it halfway than not do it at all. It will take time, but if you stick with your program and keep moving, you will see results. CELEBRATE EVERY VICTORY You can do lunges again? That’s amazing! It’s time to celebrate. Every step you take toward recovery is progress. Celebrating your victories can provide a much-needed confidence boost. Write down your progress, even if it seems small at the time, to remind yourself of that victory when the going gets tough. If you need help on your road to recovery, visit us at Altitude PT. Our physical therapists work hard to gradually get our patients back to being pain- free and active. With three convenient locations in the Treasure Valley and the most uplifting therapists around, we’ll help you get you back to doing what you love.
TAKE A BREAK
PASTA WITH TURKEY AND BROCCOLI
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!
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
2 cloves garlic, chopped
• • • •
3/4 pound pasta (shells or orecchiette)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups broccoli florets 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound ground turkey
Salt
Parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
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 while breaking up meat with a wooden spoon for 3–5 minutes. 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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(208) 454-9839
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1906 Fairview Ave, Ste 410 Caldwell, ID 83605
(208) 454-9839 www.altitudept.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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My Son’s Trip to PyeongChang Gardening: Bringing Family Together Meet Our Awesome Team 3 Tips for a Positive Road to Recovery
Pasta With Turkey and Broccoli The Origins of April Fools’ Day
THE HISTORY OF APRIL FOOLS’ DAY FOOLED AGAIN
Although April Fools’ Day has been celebrated for centuries by cultures around the world, the holiday’s origin is unclear. Historians point to a variety of possible beginnings, but the only solid conclusion is that the April Fools’ Day we know today is a blend of traditions. THE GREGORIAN CALENDAR In 1582, France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Some people were slow to get the news, and others failed to recognize that the start of the year had moved from April 1 to Jan. 1. Those who celebrated during the last week of March became the butt of jokes and hoaxes. People placed paper fish on the backs of March celebrators to symbolize young, easily caught fish and referred to them as “poissons d’avril,” or “April fools.” HILARIA Other historians have linked April Fools’ Day to the ancient Roman festival Hilaria, which
was celebrated at the end of March. The festival honored Cybele, a mother of gods, and celebrations included parades, masquerades, and jokes to honor the vernal equinox, the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. ‘CANTERBURY TALES’ Another origin story comes from Geoffrey Chaucer’s 1392 book, “The Canterbury Tales.” There are still questions about whether Chaucer really wrote the stories and whether they have any direct link to April Fools’ Day. In the book, Chaucer describes the date “32 March.” Some believe this was a joke, because March 32 doesn’t exist, but some medievalists insist it was a misprint. April Fools’ Day certainly has murky origins. Whether our traditions come from the Gregorian calendar switch, Hilaria, or even “The Canterbury Tales,” we can all enjoy our chance to let loose and play pranks on our friends and family at least one day each year.
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