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FEBRUARY 2024
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TALES FROM THE PINEWOOD DERBY The Cubs Scouts Created a Family Tradition
Many people these days join the Boy Scouts just to add it to their college resume. While I never made it past the Cub Scouts and never added that particular feather to my cap, the Scouts did do a lot for me as a person. In recognition of National Boy Scout Day on Feb. 8, I want to share a few of the memories and lessons that have stuck with me. The thing I remember the most from the Cub Scouts was the Pinewood Derby. One of my fondest moments was building a Pinewood Derby car with my father. For those not in the know, Pinewood Derby races are a long-standing tradition in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts programs. With the help of an adult, you built a miniature wooden car with no
fastest derby car possible. I even purchased a few items to streamline the process.
My son, who was 8 at the time, painted it and cut most of it himself. I was so proud of him. While you could tell that some of the parents had done all the work on their cars, my son’s was deemed the coolest by all his peers. We lined up to race and let the cars run down the hill. As if it were fate, history repeated itself, and my son’s car won the first leg of the derby. We moved on to the second leg, where his car fell short, the same as mine all those years ago. Funnily enough, now that my son is in college in mechanical engineering, one of his first projects was to work on a pinewood derby car, bringing things full circle. When he visits, we break out the old car we made and race them together.
motor and plastic wheels. The vehicle could only weigh a
And one day, perhaps he’ll be entering the Pinewood Derby with his own child.
certain amount and be a specific size to qualify for the race. Some people used kits to build their cars, others, like my father and me, built ours from scratch.
The Scouts encouraged me to get outside, make memories, and stay active — which I do today in my personal and professional life. It’s important to
I remember painting it myself; it was a beautiful car, painted bright red with a yellow stripe for extra speed. And believe it or not, we won the first heat. It was exhilarating. We moved on to the second stage of the races, where, unfortunately, we didn’t win, but I’ll never forget the fun I had working on that first car. Years later, when I had a son who was also in the Cub Scouts, we designed his derby car together. I’m very competitive, so I used many modern resources that weren’t available when I was young. I scoured the internet to find the best way to engineer the
maintain an active lifestyle not only for yourself but also for all of your loved ones. Here at Kinetic PT, we can work with you so you can have the physical ability to make cherished memories, much like I have been fortunate to do.
Until next time, keep active and keep moving on,
–Mike Ulmer
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A 15-Minute Nap Can Boost Your Mood, Happiness, and Health THE POWER OF POWER NAPPING
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep
response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time. Lower Stress
Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. Live Longer Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. Think Clearer
People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression,
emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically.
While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline.
Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“I will continue my exercises at home. This is my second time for PT on the same muscle in my lower back. Bending over doing yardwork or housework irritates it but not as bad since
“Thank you Amanda! Before
therapy I could not walk to the end of the block and back without burning pain. Now, I am doing well and looking forward to improving still more with daily home exercises.”
treatment. I will continue my exercises at home. I’ve had Amada both times for PT and appreciate her patience with me, and making me accountable for my exercises at home. This is a chronic condition so will probably be back as needed.” –Shannon Burington-Whitt
–Linda Engle
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BEYOND SURGERY: Effective Alternative Treatments for a Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tears are a prevalent cause of chronic knee pain. The meniscus is the bit of cartilage that supports and cushions the knee. As it’s essential for mobility and maintaining personal autonomy, injuries to the meniscus are often treated with surgery. However, other treatments are just as effective, or more so, and don’t require going under the knife. Why You Might Want to Skip the Surgery Many meniscus surgeries are meniscectomies, which is when a surgeon cuts the damaged sections out. In some cases, this is a successful strategy, but it can also lead to many problems down the road; for example, it puts more stress on the area and can speed up and increase the severity of arthritis. Also, a study in 2013 found that surgery and physical therapy can have the same results, with physical therapy being slightly more effective. So, it’s wise not to jump directly to surgery before exploring other options. Nonsurgical Treatment Options Many options are available for people who don’t want to pursue surgery to repair their cartilage tear. One common strategy is a steroid injection. Steroids are known to reduce pain and inflammation and speed up
the healing process. However, steroids can be damaging to joint cartilage and may end up inhibiting the healing process if it takes too long, so it may not be the best solution. Hyaluronic acid is another injection used to help with this injury. This treatment adds lubricating fluid to the knee. Unfortunately, it doesn’t repair the tear but does offer relief from the more painful symptoms. The primary recommended method to repair a tear is physical therapy. Working with a skilled physical therapist, like those at Kinetic PT, will help you regain your range of motion and rebuild your strength. Many types of meniscus tears require different approaches, so trying a nonsurgical treatment is worthwhile as it may be more effective. But remember, in some instances, surgery may still be needed. It’s a matter to discuss with your doctor and physical therapist. If you have suffered a meniscus tear, consider some of the alternatives to surgery to help get you back on your feet. Contact Kinetic PT and book an appointment today, and we will work with you to help you repair your injuries.
Sudoku
MARRY ME CHICKEN
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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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com
11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142
INSIDE
Making Active Moments With Your Family PAGE 1
3 Reasons to Take a Cat Nap PAGE 2
Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2
Nonsurgical Options for Healing a Meniscus Tear PAGE 3
Marry Me Chicken PAGE 3
Exploring Europe’s Hidden Gems PAGE 4
modernity. The Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the city, and Tivoli Park is a green oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Krakow, Poland The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to Krakow’s historical significance. The Wawel Royal Castle, with its eclectic mix of architectural styles, dominates the city’s skyline. Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter, brims with character and a poignant history. Europe’s lesser-known cities offer a unique blend of charm, history, and culture. Each city, with its own distinct personality, tells a story that enriches the tapestry of European heritage. So, the next time you plan a European adventure, consider veering off the beaten path to explore one of these hidden wonders.
Discovering Europe’s Overlooked Beauties EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES
Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures, history, and landscapes, offers many different experiences for travelers. From the cobblestone streets of quaint villages to the bustling avenues of cities, the continent beckons with a blend of the old and new. Places like London, Paris, and Berlin are all hugely popular, but these four hidden gems deserve recognition despite being often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts. Ghent, Belgium This medieval city is a treasure trove of history, with its well- preserved architecture and charming canals. The Gravensteen Castle, a stone sentinel standing since the Middle Ages, offers a
glimpse into Ghent’s storied past. Art lovers can appreciate the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, an iconic piece of religious art housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Porto, Portugal Known for its port wine and stunning Douro River views, Porto captivates with its colorful buildings and intricate azulejos (ceramic tiles). The Livraria Lello bookstore, with its spiraling staircase and ornate woodwork, seems straight out of a fairy tale and is a must-visit for bibliophiles. Ljubljana, Slovenia This small but vibrant city is a blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau styles with a touch of
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DEAR VALUED CLIENT,
Valentine’s Day is this month, and to “share the love,” our team is hosting a day of completely FREE screenings for newsletter readers like you! The free screening is ideal for people suffering with:
• Lower back pain • Arthritis • Sciatica
• Shoulder pain • Knee pain
• Balance problems • Difficulty walking
• Neck pain • Headaches
This exclusive offer is open to:
• All past patients who have not been seen for PT in more than three months • All present patients with another problem we aren’t treating • All loved ones, family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers of our past and present patients Each screening includes a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with one of our physical therapists. Your PT will talk with you about the history of your problem and will take measurements to test your strength and mobility. After a thorough screening, they will give you a written copy of:
1. The cause of your pain or problem 2. A plan for successful treatment
These appointments are free, but limited — each PT only has 10 spots!
If you’re experiencing pain or problems with day-to-day activities — like walking, standing, sitting for long periods, going up or down steps, getting in and out of the car, sleeping, or driving — then this is an excellent opportunity to see one of our world-class therapists and discover the cause of your problem!
CALL 847-515-8970 NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE SCREENING Free Screening Days Are Feb. 12-16
If you are a past or present patient, call 847-515-8970 to schedule your free screening. If you are referring a friend or family member, give them this letter and ask them to call 847-515-8970 to schedule their free screening.
Grab your slot before it’s gone. We’ll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Mike Ulmer, Physical Therapist
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