Take a look at our February newsletter!
physical therapy and rehabilitation
February 2023
3600 Miller Road, Flint, MI 48503 • 810-620-8042 • horizonptflint.com
I became a physical therapist because I wanted to help people, so nothing matters more to me at Horizon PT than my patients. But I know it can be challenging to find a provider who cares; patients tell me all the time. In honor of National Patient Recognition Week this Feb. 1–7, I want to share a bit about why our patients matter so much and how Horizon is working to give you the best experience possible. We couldn’t accomplish any of the work we do without our patients, and I don’t only mean that we wouldn’t be in business! As physical therapists, we’re coaches who show you how to work through your pain and mobility problems. But it’s up to you to take advantage of our expertise and do the work. After all, you’re the only person who controls your body. Patients who choose to be engaged in their care generally see much better outcomes than those who don’t. They tend to recover faster and more fully, and they are more likely to achieve the goals they set. It’s one thing to go through the motions, but doing the bare minimum doesn’t create the improvement most people want. A patient committed to the process works harder and is more likely to enjoy the fruits of their labor. In other words, we rely on you to make your treatment program work. So, it’s frustrating to hear patients’ stories of bad experiences with physical therapy. Our patients frequently tell us about physical therapists who are inattentive to their needs. Too often, they show the patient how to do their exercises and walk away. I’ve learned that people hate that. They want feedback and coaching throughout the process. And it makes sense — after all, you can do exercises on your own at home! Physical therapists should be actively engaged with their patients throughout every appointment. Listening to what our patients say is just as crucial as guiding them. Every patient we see has different goals. A “copy and paste” approach to every ailment won’t give them the desired results. The PTs at Horizon strive to ask in-depth questions about what our patients are feeling and what they hope to achieve. It’s the only way to ensure they are comfortable and confident in their treatment plans. The Most Essential Part of Your Care Is You !
Sometimes, healing doesn’t run on a tight schedule, and patients need more time than their appointment allows. Whenever possible, we do our best to give them more time so they walk out of the door feeling cared for and comfortable. We also try to make the process enjoyable. I’m aware that exercise is not fun for everybody. We try to keep things lighthearted and make each patient’s experience as pleasant as possible — even if they’d rather be doing something else. It keeps people motivated and more likely to achieve their goals. Finally, we want to advocate for our clients’ other needs outside of physical therapy whenever possible. We recently formed a relationship with someone who does prosthetics and orthotics. We can now call him in to see any patient who is having a problem with their prosthetic limb or orthopedic products. It’s just one of the ways we try to give you full wraparound care. We hope that everyone at Horizon Physical Therapy makes you feel appreciated every day of the year. But we can never say it enough! Thank you for your trust in us and all the hard work you do to further your own recovery. We look forward to continuing to help with your needs throughout 2023.
-Dr. Jerome Adams
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Your Intellectual Wellness Matters! Challenge Yourself to Expand Your Mind
Learn a new skill. One of the main components of intellectual wellness is working to acquire more knowledge. This
These days, as taking care of our health becomes more important than ever, we hear a lot about our physical wellness and how to improve it using nutritious foods and exercise.
But what about our intellectual wellness?
doesn’t need to be physics or engineering but can be
WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS? The University of New Hampshire defines intellectual wellness as “being open to new ideas, thinking critically, and finding ways to be creative.” Essentially, this means thinking about the world around you with an open mind and putting energy into what you’re thinking, not just allowing your brain to run idly.
something as simple as cooking a new healthy recipe, learning to draw, or attempting a DIY home repair project. The important part is that mastering something new provides an information-based approach to the world around you. Remove subjectivity. We view every situation with a pre-formed opinion or bias. The truth is our brains are wired this way to streamline thinking, but to be intellectually healthy, we must work hard to push past it. Remove subjectivity by learning a different way to perform a task or challenge yourself to understand (or simply read) the ideas of others. Be objective, even when you disagree with them. Improve your critical thinking. Next time you’re engaged in conversation, try being thoroughly engaged and think about what is being said. Ask questions to yourself and others, and hash out what you agree with and things you don’t. Work to keep your brain active in everything you do by finding a connection to everything around you.
Signs of healthy intellectual wellness include:
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Ability to see an issue from all sides
• Purposeful exposure to ideas, beliefs, and people who differ from yourself • Awareness of your core values • Capacity to learn new things
HOW TO FOSTER AND DEVELOP INTELLECTUAL WELLNESS Intellectual wellness differs from other types of well-being. You need to work hard and challenge yourself to stay intellectually healthy. If you’re looking to improve or nurture your intellectual wellness, here are three ways to do it.
SUCCESS STORIES! “Dr. Adams at Horizon Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation has an awesome staff of professional women who provide service to all who come in for service. I have been coming here for over five years, and they have helped me with a lot of therapy throughout those years. I would recommend him and his staff highly for any type of physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. Thank you!”
“Physical therapy went great for me at Horizon! The entire staff was very helpful. I had a stroke and was having trouble walking. I was stumbling and falling. The staff at Horizon helped me work through my balance issues. Now I am able to walk without stumbling and falling, thanks to the staff at Horizon.” –Errick M. –Simone W.
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Achy Breaky Back THE TOP CAUSES BEHIND THE PAIN
HERNIATED DISCS The discs in our spine act as cushions between the bones. When these discs slide out of the proper position, they can push against nerve roots. These herniated discs — also referred to as bulging, slipped, or ruptured discs — do not always cause pain, but they are a common culprit of lower back pain. Other factors like scoliosis, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease can also cause back pain, and back pain can be a symptom of other medical problems like kidney disease. Because there are many causes, anyone experiencing back pain should see a medical professional for an official diagnosis. People with back pain regularly report a lower quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy can help by reducing pain, increasing mobility, and reducing dependency on prescription medications. Give Horizon Physical Therapy a call so we can help you begin your journey toward better health!
Millions of Americans experience lower back pain every year. According to the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown University, about 65 million Americans consistently report a recent episode of back pain, and for roughly 16 million Americans, that pain is chronic. Back pain is also the leading cause of missed days from work. Why is back pain such a widespread problem? In part, it’s because so many different conditions can cause back pain. While the list is long, here are some of the most common culprits. STRAINS AND SPRAINS Many sudden onset cases of back pain are caused by stretches and tears in the lower back’s muscles and ligaments. Sometimes, strains and sprains result from a fall or other injuries. Other times, overuse of the back through improper lifting can be the culprit. Even everyday activities can sometimes cause a sprain, especially for an older or inactive person. OSTEOARTHRITIS The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in our joints wears down. As a result, bone friction increases and inflammation may occur. Osteoarthritis often affects the spine and can lead to spinal stenosis, where the space around the spinal cord narrows.
Have a Laugh
FETA CHICKEN BURGERS
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Try these delicious chicken burgers with a Mediterranean spin on the classic sandwich we all love. Featuring Greek-style toppings and seasonings, this recipe is refreshing and super healthy, too.
Ingredients
• • • • •
1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• • • •
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
6 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
1/2 tsp Greek seasoning
Directions 1. Preheat broiler and mix chopped cucumber and mayonnaise.
2. For the burgers, mix the red pepper, garlic powder, Greek seasoning, and black pepper. Add chicken and cheese; mix lightly but thoroughly (the mixture will be sticky). Shape into 6 patties about 1/2-inch thick. 3. Broil burgers, remembering to cook both sides thoroughly. Serve on buns with cucumber sauce. If desired, top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy!
810-620-8042 3
3600 Miller Road Flint, MI 48503
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
THIS ISSUE Inside
Celebrating National Patient Recognition Week
Intellectual Wellness: What It Is and How to Improve Yours
Success Stories
The Top Causes of Back Pain
Feta Chicken Burgers
Wanna Stay Warm Outside?
GET OUTSIDE WITHOUT THE COLD Warm Up With an Outdoor Fire
Is it too cold to spend time outside? Nonsense! While we wait for spring, there’s no better way to get some fresh air than around a warm fire with friends and family. Whether you build a bonfire or purchase an outdoor firepit, a cozy fire is great fun day or night, and you can do plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Your fire is also the perfect opportunity to tell scary stories. Get a flashlight, head out at night, and do your best to frighten each other! (If you’ve got kids around, make sure the stories are age-appropriate.) Everyone can make up their own stories, retell tales they heard long ago, or do some research online beforehand. Find out who is the best storyteller — and the biggest scaredy-cat.
Get started with some campfire classics — roasting marshmallows and cooking hot dogs! Placing food on a skewer and holding it over a fire is a fun activity for everyone, and kids will love the opportunity to prepare their own “meal” — with
Many typical “indoor” activities can also be brought outside. For example, get out some cards or a board game. Music will also liven up the atmosphere. You can even start a dance party if you keep a safe distance from the flames. Those looking for solo time can also read a book, sketch, or journal. No matter what activity you choose, an outdoor fire will allow you to enjoy the fresh air and get some vitamin D (if during the daytime) without excessive shivering. It might even turn into a favorite cold- weather activity.
proper adult supervision, of course. Campfire grill racks will help you make slightly fancier food options.
One of the best fire pastimes is taking the time to chat. Invite over folks you haven’t seen in a while and catch up! A fire is also an opportunity to put the phone away and connect on a deeper level. Consider bringing some interesting prompts along, like “What is your favorite childhood memory?” or “What was your worst vacation experience?” They’ll get everyone talking and forgetting all about the cold.
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Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
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