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WEST HILLS 7230 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 401 WEST HILLS, CA 91307 WEST LOS ANGELES 10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD., SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025
WWW.M3PT.COM / LA · 310.275.4137 / WEST HILLS · 747.888.3562 / DECEMBER 2019
M3 AND ME
FAMILIAR FACES ALEXIS AND STEPHANIE’S STORIES
what brought Alexis to our clinic, the position has shown her a whole new skillset.
This month’s featured team members should need no introduction. They are the first hello new patients meet and the last person to congratulate them on their recovery as they stride out the door. They are both the face of our clinics and the brains working behind the scenes. They are our front office managers, Alexis and Stephanie! And, since this is our December edition, they were kind enough to share some holiday memories! MEET ALEXIS GAYTON The two and a half years Alexis has been with M3 have been a time of self-discovery. As our receptionist at our West Hills office, she has always been a caring presence for everyone who comes through our doors. “I like talking to all the patients and seeing them get better,” she explains. “It’s amazing to see the progress they make.” But, while this caring nature is –Dr. Raul Lona
“When I came [to M3], I thought I wanted to be a physical therapist,” the 21-year-old college student reflects. But as time wore on, Alexis discovered she excelled at a different form of care. “I found I like the administrative side of the job … I get to make a difference behind the scenes,” she tells us, explaining how she’s
13th year with our clinic, Stephanie recalls the moment perfectly. “It was Christmas Eve when I got the call for the [job] interview … it was the best gift ever.” It’s clear that day was an impactful moment for Stephanie, who lovingly refers to M3 as her “first real grown up job.” However, prior to becoming a staple member of our team, this Mount St. Mary’s graduate did important work in college. “I did reception work at the school’s convent,” she explains. “I took messages and did scheduling for the nuns — I felt honored to be trusted with that responsibility.” When Stephanie first stepped through our doors all those years ago, she was actually hired as a physical therapy aide. But as time wore on, the skills and talents she had honed working at Mount St. Mary’s showed through. “Raul recognized my strength in connecting with people,” she tells us. “Patients would even say they felt like they’ve known me for a long time.” Between her caring nature and organizational skills, it was clear Stephanie was a perfect fit to be the face of our West LA location. She’s been a steadfast part of our team over the last decade, and we hope to have her here for years to come!
decided to pursue a degree in health administration. Her talents in support,
scheduling, and organization have definitely helped patients and our West Hills team alike!
Alexis’ logistical skills may also come in handy over the holidays, especially during her family’s big Christmas gathering. “I have a lot of little cousins,” she tells us with a laugh. “We celebrate Christmas with the entire family … thankfully, we all live very close to one another!” According to Alexis, her parents often host this gathering and go “all out” with the decorations. As she put it, “By the time they’re done, the whole house looks like the north pole!” It’s clear Alexis loves this time of year. When we asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she told us “I don’t want anything more than to spend time with family.” MEET STEPHANIE MARTINEZ Since 2006, the holiday season has taken on a new meaning for Stephanie. “Christmas time is actually my anniversary of working here!” she explains joyfully. Preparing to celebrate her
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RUNNING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND TIPS FOR RUNNING AND JOGGING IN COLD WEATHER
Maybe you love the majesty of a winter’s morning, or maybe you just hate the treadmill. Whatever your reason is for wanting to run or jog outside in the dead of winter, remember to take the proper precautions before stepping out. Runners face challenges during the winter that they don’t face any other time of year. If you want to experience the winter safely, there are a few things to keep in mind.
soles, then you’ll need to get a new pair with soles that will grip the ground better before stepping out on the ice. Regardless of how amazing your shoes are, remain vigilant about where you’re stepping.
WARM UP INSIDE FIRST.
DRESS DOWN A LAYER.
If you’re planning on braving the snow and frigid temperatures, try to spend 10–15 minutes warming up before you walk out your front door. Cold weather naturally tightens muscles and joints, so stretching your limbs in a heated environment is a good way to ensure maximum comfort and minimum risk of injury when you’re running in the cold.
Yes, it is cold outside, but your body will naturally warm up as you run, just like it would with any other physical activity. Think of what you would normally wear to stay comfortable in the cold, and then wear one less layer when you’re running. Of course, you should keep other weather elements in mind as well, such as wind, rain, and snow, when you’re picking out your running clothes. Finally, if a day is particularly cold, snowy, or windy, don’t force yourself outside for the sake of your health. Sometimes, a good bowl of soup and a roaring fire can be just as physically satisfying as a run outside.
WEAR SHOES WITH TRACTION.
If your favorite running path is covered with snow and ice, you should consider finding a different route. But, if you can’t resist going down your beaten path, then you need to make sure your shoes are up to the challenge. If your running shoes have worn
YOUR FIRST VISIT WHAT TO EXPECT AT M3
If you’ve never had physical therapy, or, if it’s been a while since you’ve needed treatment, you might be wondering what to expect. We’ve found that people have a lot of questions about what happens after they first step through the doors of our clinic, so we thought we’d lay it out for you! We’ve strived to make this first experience as welcoming and personalized as possible, so you can get the help you need fast. When you arrive for your first appointment, we ask that you have all your relevant paperwork filled out. You can find and download this on our website, M3PT.com. You can also show up early and get a copy of these forms from our front desk — just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to answer all the questions! Also, if you were referred WHAT YOU’LL NEED
by a medical professional, be prepared to provide us with their name. However, not all appointments require a referral. Last, but not least, we’ll need to make a copy of your insurance card so have it on hand!
• How this is impacting your daily
activities or your functional limitations
• Your goals with physical therapy
• Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health
MEETING WITH THE THERAPIST
GETTING PHYSICAL
When you meet with one of our expert therapists, they’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your health to identify the best treatment for you. They’ll ask you about the following:
Depending on your answers above, your therapist will conduct one or more tests to identify the source of your problem(s), as well as to screen for deeper issues you may not be aware of. This can include testing the strength of your muscles, reflexes, balance, and range of motion. From there, they will work with you to plan out your treatment, including further visits and at-home exercises. This way you get care that fits your needs!
• Your medical history
• Your current problems/complaints
• Pain intensity, and what aggravates and eases the problem
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WAYS TO KEEP MOVING THIS DECEMBER
Our free workshops on back and shoulder pain have proved more popular than ever, so we’re bringing them to our clinics once again! If you have an aching back or think you have sciatica, these courses can make a huge difference. You’ll learn more about the root cause of your condition, as well as stretches and exercises that help you move better and manage your pain. Here’s where and when these workshops are being held this month: Shoulder Pain Workshop at the West Hills Clinic: Wednesday, Dec. 11; 6:30 p.m. Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop at the West LA Clinic: Tuesday, Dec. 10; 6:30 p.m.
These courses are completely free, but space is limited. To reserve your spot during this busy holiday season, give us a call! Dial 747-888-3562 for our West Hills location or 310-275-4137 for West LA. Unable to make this workshop? We’ll have more available next month! And, if you have a request for us to cover another pain or mobility issue in a future course, let us know. We’d love to provide more educational opportunities that help our readers move better and live better.
POTATO LATKES • 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into quarters • 2 large eggs • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour INGREDIENTS
TAKE A BREAK
• 2 tsp kosher salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp black pepper • Safflower or vegetable oil, for frying
DIRECTIONS
1. Using either a food processor with a coarse grating disc or the coarse side of a box grater, grate potatoes and onion. (If using a food processor, halve or quarter potatoes.) Once grated, wrap in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much moisture as possible. 2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper. 3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan containing 1/4-inch of oil over medium- high heat. Use a heaping tablespoon to drop batter into the hot pan, working in batches. Use a spatula or spoon to form them into discs. Fry about 5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. 4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain, and serve alongside applesauce and sour cream.
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10474 SANTA MONICA BLVD., SUITE 435 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 PHONE: 310.275.4137 FAX: 310.274.1815
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Meet Alexis and Stephanie!
2
Tips for Running and Jogging in Cold Weather
2
First Time Visitor’s Guide
3
More Free Workshops
3
Potato Latkes
4
Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest
FORMERLY KNOWN AS WILSHIRE LINDEN PHYSICAL THERAPY — SAME TEAM, NEW NAME!
GLAMPING IN BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS YURT SWEET YURT SPRUCE HOLE YURT, COLORADO
The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent.
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold.
TREEBONES RESORT, CALIFORNIA
FALLS BROOK YURTS, NEW YORK
For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day.
For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the
Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.
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