Check out our August newsletter!
theptdoctor.com
718.747.2019
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
August 2025
ON THE
MOVE
Happiness Might Not Be in Your Head IT COULD BE IN YOUR GUT
What if your happiness isn’t just in your head ... but in your gut? No, seriously. This whole universe is living in your intestines, called the microbiome, and trillions of microbes are talking to your brain, steering your mood, cravings, and even your health. And it turns out they might be more in charge than we thought. This month is Admit You’re Healthy Month — let’s dive in! I found a Netflix documentary called “Hack Your Health.” If you haven’t seen it, check it out. It follows a woman struggling with an eating disorder, and she’s tried everything. Eventually, she dives into the world of fecal matter transplants (FMT). Yep, poop pills. It sounds disgusting, I know, but stick with me. Instead of popping probiotics, she swallows encapsulated feces that are cleaned, processed, and prepped from a donor. Her very first donor was her brother, and about two weeks into the process, her eating disorder started resolving. She’s feeling better, eating normally. However, she also began to develop acne, which her brother also suffered from. It turns out that microbes are so powerful that they transfer acne along with mental health benefits. So, she switched it up and used her boyfriend as a donor, and her acne cleared up, but then depression set in. Choosing mental clarity over clear skin, she switched back to her brother’s microbiome again. It’s absolutely wild.
Now, before you think this is sci-fi, FMT is a real medical treatment, but currently only FDA-approved for C. diff infections. The concept is out there, but the practice is still fringe, partly because Big Pharma does not back it. Let’s face it: There’s no profit in poop. But it raises the big question: Could swapping out your gut bacteria really change your mindset and mind? Current research indicates it’s possible. Here’s where it gets even more interesting. We have thousands of different microbes in our bodies. Some help you thrive; others drag you down. And the food you eat determines which ones impact our moods and minds. Carnivore diets like the one I follow, for example, flip the script. I was a vegetarian for many years, but found that when I followed the carnivore diet, the benefits were far better for me. According to many doctors featured in the new “Animal” documentary, dropped June 20 on Netflix, people are seeing huge results: reversing diabetes, reducing heart disease risk, even shrinking tumors. Conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, dementia, and autoimmune issues have people seeing real, lasting improvement just by shifting what they feed their microbiome. See, when you cut carbs, the sugar- loving microbes die off, and that clears the path for the good guys to flourish. Suddenly, cravings vanish, inflammation
drops, and mental fog clears up. It’s not just theory — people are doing it and seeing real change within weeks. And there’s more: What if your thoughts could influence your microbes, too? Think about it. We know stress harms the body. But joy, gratitude, and meditation boost immunity and healing. Could being genuinely happy help your gut bacteria, just like your gut bacteria help you be happy? We’ve not reached scientific consensus yet, but it’s not a stretch. Positive attitude = better microbes = better health. One nurse at Sloan Kettering even said patients with good attitudes survived years longer than those without. So, maybe happiness is a feedback loop: What you feel affects your microbiomes, and your microbiomes affect what you feel. And that’s where I’ll leave you: with a question. If something as odd as a poop pill can transform someone’s mental health ... what could a steak do? Or a smile? Or maybe both? –Dr. Robert Morea
718.747.2019 • THEPTDOCTOR.COM • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
EXERCISE THAT FITS YOUR LIFE STAYING ACTIVE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
If you’re dealing with a long-term health issue, exercise might feel like one more thing that’s out of reach. But for many, finding a way to move regularly can help reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and make daily life more manageable. That doesn’t mean you have to commit to high-intensity workouts or long sessions at the gym. It doesn’t even have to be every day. Ten minutes of walking, stretching, or lifting weights a few times a week might help you sleep better or stay steadier on your feet. It often starts with simple habits, like light gardening, short walks, or a few seated exercises. A bit of motion every day builds up over time and can help with various conditions.
Memory changes? Regular activity can help with stability. Those with mild cognitive issues can often follow exercise routines without much help, while others may do better exercising in short bursts with a caregiver or friend nearby for support. Joint pain? Arthritis and osteoporosis make some movements harder but not impossible. Low-impact routines like tai chi or pool-based exercises may help reduce stiffness without adding stress to bones and joints. What about heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure? Movement doesn’t cure anything, but it does help the body handle stress better. Blood pressure tends to improve with activity, as does glucose control. Even a short walk after meals or a few
low-resistance leg raises while seated might keep things in better balance. Do you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or other lung issues? These conditions may require a slower pace or coordination with a therapist. Many pulmonary rehab programs include breathwork and light arm or leg movements. These everyday activities strengthen arms, legs, and the muscles needed for breathing and can help you more easily handle day-to-day tasks. The main idea here is not to aim for perfection. Focus on what’s possible. Ask your doctor what makes sense for you, and build a manageable routine. Movement doesn’t have to be overly complicated to be effective. Just find a way to do something active regularly.
Pillow Talk PREP FOR YOUR BEST REST YET
When your head hits the pillow, are you counting sheep but not catching any z’s? It’s time to hit snooze on nights of tossing and turning and wake up refreshed with a better sleep routine! Getting the proper amount of rest every night is crucial to living a healthy life and can even help prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A sweet slumber starts with the proper routine. Here’s the dreamy plan to wake up feeling your best. Bedtime Boundaries Consistency and bedtime boundaries can help your body and mind get into a regular rhythm to reach REM sleep. Try to go to bed around the same time every night to train yourself to
get sleepy regularly. It doesn’t matter what time you choose as long as you stick as close to your sleep schedule as possible. You should also select a time before bed when you consistently turn off your phone, computer, and other devices. The blue light from electronics makes your mind think it’s daytime and can distract you from dreaming. Relax, Rewind, Rest You can use many tools to help relax and unwind from the day and prevent intrusive thoughts and tension from keeping you up at night. Listening to gentle music before entering the bedroom can put you in a sleepy state of mind. Journaling or writing a to- do list before it’s time to nod off can
remove lingering stresses or racing thoughts. Try meditation or yoga to ease your muscles, focus your mind, and eliminate anxious feelings. Dine Right, Sleep Tight Though a late-night snack or a delayed dinner might seem harmless, it can make drifting off difficult. Your digestive system takes time and energy to break down food, which can keep you awake if you eat too late. Eat light, healthy suppers so your stomach can take a snooze with you, and avoid eating anything several hours before you plan to hit the hay.
2 • 718.747.2019 • THEPTDOCTOR.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
ACHIEVE PAIN-FREE MOVEMENT! DON’T SETTLE FOR A LIFE OF PAIN! Sign-up for a Free Screening with Dr. Robert Morea, the PT DOC Owner and practicing Physical Therapist. Dr. Robert has been a physical therapist for 27 years. Tap into his knowledge and experience. If you haven’t been to our clinic this year and are suffering with pain, then don’t wait ... book a FREE SCREENING EVALUATION with Dr. Robert today. Learn how he can help you and how you can help yourself.
FREE SCREENING DAY Wednesday, Sept. 3rd
Located at PT DOC Physical Therapy Call 718.747.2019 now for an appointment. Space is limited and spots are filling up fast! No prescription needed.
Bone Facts You’ve Likely Never Heard THE SECRETS OF OUR SKELETONS REVEALED
Our bodies are made up of bones and joints that we rarely acknowledge unless we feel pain or are recovering from an injury. We have no reason to worry about them when we can move comfortably, but that doesn’t mean they’re unimportant. Without bones, we would be squishy blobs on the ground, unable to move, eat, speak, or do anything else. Let’s explore three lesser- known facts about our skeletons, no bones about it! We have fewer bones now than we had as children. Humans are born with 275–300 bones, the malleable framework for our tiny infant bodies, but that drops to 206 bones once we reach adulthood. Where did they go? Childbirth requires flexible membranes, and hard, sturdy bones would make the process painful for any expectant mother. Many baby bones are nothing more than cartilage, and as we grow, our bones fuse and harden through ossification, leaving us with around 100 fewer bones. However, bone density and strength continue to change as we age. Stronger bones replace what we broke. Breaking a bone is a scary experience, regardless of age. Arm bones are the most commonly broken among adults, making up nearly half of all cases, whereas collarbones are
the most common for children. When you break a bone, you may believe it needs time to return to its original position and shape, but that’s not exactly how it works. Instead, blood vessels immediately form in the area of a broken bone to advance the healing process. After three weeks, collagen takes the place of the blood vessels, starts to harden, and keeps any broken pieces in place. Over time, the pieces fuse to form a new bone, often stronger than the original.
Male and female skeletons are similar. When you compare men’s and women’s skeletons, they share most characteristics. The femur is the longest and strongest bone, and the stapes in our middle ear is the
smallest and lightest bone in both bodies. Both skeletons have 54 bones in the hands, fingers, and wrists. The only major difference is in the pelvis. A woman’s pelvis’s shape, size, and angle are optimally designed for childbirth.
718.747.2019 • THEPTDOCTOR.COM • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
718.747.2019
212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360
theptdoctor.com
Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Hack Your Gut, Heal Your Mind
2. Keep Moving Despite Health Challenges
Your Guide to Dreamy Sleep Habits
3. Achieve Pain-Free Movement! Don’t Settle for a Life of Pain!
How Our Bones Evolve, Heal, and Shape Us
4. The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!)
How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects Nature vs. Nature
Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table.
There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active.
Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff that out fast.
4 • 718.747.2019 • THEPTDOCTOR.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator