North County Water & Sports Therapy Center - August 2023

Check out our latest edition!

PATIENT PULSE

(858) 675-1133 | www.waterpt.com

15373 Innovation Dr. #175 | San Diego, CA 92128 | (858) 675-1133 12171 World Trade Dr. | San Diego, CA 92128 FOREVER SEARCHING FOR THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

On our wall in the office, we have a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. It reads: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” I took these words and ran with them. I pressed forward and learned more about business and leadership. I implemented some changes and gained confidence in my skills. I hired the right people and now have a fabulous team once again. The right butts are in the right seats! I continue to learn; to stop learning would be to give up. On Aug. 18, we recognize Never Give Up Day, and this got me thinking about when I was close to giving up, but my desire to succeed and deliver hope, healing, and optimism to others kicked into overdrive and saved me. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s just as bright as the face of some patients who succeed in physical therapy.

I live and breathe optimism — it’s one of the most essential parts of a physical therapy treatment plan. However, I’m only human, and sometimes, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be tough. 2020 was a rough year. The world shut down, people lost their jobs, businesses closed up shop, and a lot of people fell really ill. During this time, surviving as a practice was tough, and there were indeed times I wondered if we’d make it. As our numbers dropped, I was determined to keep everyone employed and paid — there was no question — I just had to make it work. Believe it or not, coming out of COVID-19 was even more challenging, as many of our staff left. They either moved away to be closer to home or took other jobs for advancement. At first, I felt betrayed and a little used as they stuck around for a paycheck during those rough times with no other options. Then, I moved into a “self- doubt” stage and took the blame — I must have done something wrong, I thought. And it was then that I came face to face with an option — to give up or continue to press forward.

One of the things that always helps me keep going when things get tough is remembering my “why”: why I entered the field of physical therapy and started the practice. I think about my passion for guiding patients and clients to live their best lives by helping them to feel and move better. This is my motivation to continue to press on and move forward. Sometimes, patients want to give up on their rehab or exercises — physical therapy is tough! But having them express their “why” is a motivator. Sometimes, their why is to be able to walk without a cane again or to no longer experience pain, but it gets deeper. Sometimes, it’s to be able to walk their daughter down the aisle on her wedding day or to have the ability to play with their grandchildren.

Life is beautiful and precious. Never give up! There is so much magic in store for you!

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DON’T REMOVE YOUR SHOES REDUCE PRE-FLIGHT WAIT WITH TSA PRECHECK

When you arrive at the airport, you likely feel resigned to the hassle of waiting

belts on while leaving laptops and appropriately sized liquids in their carry-on bags. Finally, PreCheck passengers have a designated security line where, in March 2021, TSA reported the average wait was only 5 minutes. The vast majority of airlines and airports operating in the U.S. accept TSA PreCheck, and you can apply with an online application. You must finish registration and submit fingerprints at an in-person enrollment center, but most appointments take about 10 minutes. Five years of enrollment costs $78. At that price, even those who only book one round-trip flight a year might decide to avoid the typical security hassle. Further, many credit cards will reimburse the cost. TSA PreCheck isn’t the only method on the market. Nexus is another domestic security program, and Global Entry allows expedited processing through customs and immigration when returning to the U.S. on international flights. Which service best meets your needs depends on your travel habits. But if you fly regularly, these programs are almost certainly worth your time and money. Don’t get left behind — consider enrolling before your next trip!

in a long security line and taking off your shoes. But did you know there’s an elite flight club full of

people who don’t need to go through that routine? They have that privilege because TSA PreCheck has confirmed they aren’t a security threat. Best of all, the program is inexpensive and easy to join. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began the TSA PreCheck program in 2013 to improve frequent flyers’ experience. TSA performs an enhanced security screening on applicants and issues those who pass muster a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that entitles them to fewer security checks at the airport. A TSA PreCheck registration, however, won’t let you waltz straight from the parking lot to your plane. Members must still walk through a metal detector and allow the TSA to X-ray carry-on items. But people with TSA PreCheck can bypass the full body scan or pat down. They also keep their shoes and

MEET JULIA FERNANDES OUR NEW PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR

Julia grew up on a farm on the East Coast in Connecticut and recently moved to sunny San Diego for a change of scenery. She studied biology at Florida Southern College and biochemistry at Western Connecticut State University to pursue her dream of becoming a dentist. While she completes the necessary steps to get into dental school, she has been enjoying working in the front office with physical therapy patients for the last three years. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, hiking, and going to the beach. Above all, she loves getting to know new people and hearing their stories. We are excited to welcome her to the North County Water and Sports Therapy Center team!

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HOW NORDIC WALKING CAN HELP YOU GET MOVING FIND YOUR STRIDE

What is Nordic walking? Nordic walking is when an individual uses two chest-height poles, much like ski poles, while pushing each one into the ground with every step. The benefit of the poles is that they help the user balance and stand straight, while the act of pushing the poles into the ground actually increases upper body strength and flexibility.

You’ve heard from your doctors, family, and friends alike how important movement is for individuals as they age. Regular walking is the best way for many older adults to get that daily movement in. But what if going for a walk is easier said than done? That’s why many older adults who suffer from balance and/or mobility issues are partaking in something called Nordic walking or pole walking.

Nordic walking is no different. By getting those steps in, you’ll lower your cholesterol and enjoy improved cardiovascular fitness. • Improved Mental Health: Research shows that physical activity boosts mood while actively lowering the risk of depression. And since users of Nordic walking typically walk outdoors, they also enjoy the mental benefits of being around nature. Where can you find Nordic walking poles? The most accessible place to find Nordic walking poles is online. Retailers like Amazon and Bass Pro Shops sell the poles, but a great resource is YorkNordic.com America’s No. 1 Nordic walking pole retailer. If you prefer to shop in person, Target, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and athletic stores typically carry poles too. If you’d like more information on Nordic walking, you can always search the term on Google or YouTube for tips and tricks on starting the habit!

What are the benefits of Nordic walking?

Aside from helping with balance, strength, and mobility, Nordic walking touts a few other health benefits users can enjoy. • Low Impact: Since Nordic walking uses poles to support the body through each step, there is much less impact on the joints and ligaments. • Reduces Joint Pain: Because Nordic walking poles help the body balance, the user’s joints (especially the back and knees, which the body typically tends to overcorrect) can find relief. • Improved Cardiovascular Health: Remember, almost any movement is good for you, and

LAUGH THERAPY

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INGREDIENTS •

1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained

• • • •

1 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

• • •

5 garlic cloves

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tbsp sherry vinegar

4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets

2 tsp honey

DIRECTIONS 1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread.

Inspired by FoodAndWine.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Monday—Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (858) 675-1133 www.waterpt.com

15373 Innovation Dr. #175 San Diego, CA 92128

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Great Things Take Time — Be Patient! 2 Travel Like a Pro With TSA PreCheck Julia Fernandes Joins Our Team! 3 Walking Just Got Easier! Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce 4 This Month’s Exciting Local Events

DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE 5 FUN LOCAL EVENTS THIS MONTH!

SeaWorld Craft Beer Festival This event is sure to make a splash! From Aug. 18 to Sept. 10 (select dates), at SeaWorld San Diego, more than 100 craft brews, cocktails, wines, and seltzers will be featured for tasting! As an added benefit, these drinks will also be paired with some tasty food samples! Best of San Diego Party San Diego Magazine hosts an incredible party with over 100 local bars, restaurants, retailers, wineries, and breweries every summer. On Aug. 18, at Liberty Station Marketplace, the festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. Advanced ticket purchase is required to attend this event! Del Mar Horse Races From July 21 to Sept. 10, the horses are running at the Del Mar Racetrack. Don’t miss the special events on Saturdays. There’s always great food,

Because of the heat, August is known as the “dog days of summer.” The weather is warm enough to spend the entire day outdoors, soaking up the sun, touring the beaches, strolling the park, or possibly even golfing or surfing.

But here are some big events happening around town to pencil in for this month!

16th Annual Bike the Bay This annual cycling event will take place on Sunday, Aug. 27, and will be fun for all. It’s a noncompetitive event, and participants will cruise 25 miles through Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista, and National City and across the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge. Bikers will go around San Diego Bay on the Bayshore Bikeway on primarily flat terrain with plenty of gorgeous views to enjoy!

fun events, and lots of action at the track — it’s an excellent place for fun with the whole family!

Balboa Park There’s always something to do at Balboa Park: shop, explore, eat, or even tour a museum. It’s the perfect place for a spontaneous afternoon adventure!

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THE GIFT OF MOVEMENT

become preventive in helping me recover when a fall was threatening. I can’t tell you all the falls I didn’t have because of those exercises. Ask her to explain “muscle memory.”

You also would not believe all her praise which brings a positive evaluation of my efforts. In fact, at times, I’d think I’d won the Super Bowl!

Her questions and attentive listening allow her to identify with where I am, what I can do next, what I cannot do yet, and to adapt her plan for helping me increase my present stability.

I first met Naureen when my Parkinson’s diagnosis and physical therapy collided. Her head was covered by a shawl, while her face was covered with a COVID mask. Yet her eyes sparkled with interest and concern. I was given the gift of a physical therapist who not only was trained in Parkinson’s but one who lives with its day-to-day reality in her family. Let me bring to light what a gift she is. Over months of PT, Naureen brought out an accurate understanding of the exercises she asks me to do. Instead of telling me what exercise to do and making sure I did the repetitions, she would explain why and demonstrate how this exercise would

Naureen’s professional ability, creativity, and passion come out in the class she offers to five Parkinson’s clients. Each week the class has a format that varies, accounting for what we need, with a continued

awareness of the individual ability of each. Naureen keeps FUN, LAUGHTER, and AFFIRMATION throughout the time.

The last gift I would like to mention is her ability to teach. She not only can teach me, but I have watched her teach another therapist. Her passion and ability will allow her to become a “designer” of effective therapy and then teach it, opening up ideas for others in the future.

May you also come to benefit from the gift Naureen offers those with Parkinson’s.

–Larry

MORE ON BACK ...

... CONTINUED FROM FRONT

PARKINSON’S EXERCISE GROUP Keep Moving With Therapy Classes

Step BIGGER, stand STRONGER, and do MORE With our PWR Classes (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery)

Do you or a loved one suffer from Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease often affects one's balance, fine and gross motor skills, posture, flexibility, and gait. These limitations can often rob individuals of their independence. Our goal with this therapy-based program is to combat the mental and physical effects of the disease through customized exercises.

Through these classes, participants can improve motor skills and coordination, target agility and strength, and challenge their balance, flexibility, and focus. Classes will be led by an LSVT-BIG and PWR! (Parkinson's specialty certifications) physical therapist. Athletic clothing and closed-toe sneakers are recommended. Contact us at (858) 675-1133 for more information regarding pricing and registration. Classes will meet each Friday from 10–11 a.m. Register today, as spots are limited .

(858) 675-1133 · www.waterpt.com

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