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February 2025
ON THE
MOVE
Nature’s Classroom Boy Scouts Taught Me Lessons Beyond the Merit Badges
Growing up, I spent countless summers as a Boy Scout at Camp Yawgoog in Rhode Island. My dad, a National Guard veteran, would join for part of the week, and he loved every minute of the structured adventure. While I was initially reluctant to leave behind my friends, street games, and summer sports back in Queens, camp always won me over by the end of the week. At camp, I worked toward becoming an Eagle Scout by earning as many merit badges as possible — from metalworking and basketry to first aid and wilderness survival. Every day was filled with hands-on learning, using real tools, building fires, crafting projects, and exploring the great outdoors. It was like stepping into another world, far from the concrete streets of Queens. But camping wasn’t all merit badges and campfires. I remember a survival badge test where we built a makeshift shelter deep in the woods and spent the night fending off thousands of mosquitoes — and I mean thousands. I sealed myself inside my sleeping bag and left just a tiny air hole, but they still bombarded me all night long. Miserable? Absolutely. Memorable? Without a doubt.
Today, I see how disconnected many of us are from nature. Society has perfected so many specialized tasks that we forget what it takes to survive on our own. Modern conveniences create a buffer between us and the natural world. This disconnection came to mind recently while reflecting on the tragic story of the UnitedHealthcare executive’s untimely murder from a cowardly 26 year old man from a “well off” family. It was a sobering story of an extreme action taken by a person who didn’t seem to have a reason to be provoked to such measures, especially targeted to this specific victim. It is disturbing how this 26 year man came to that decision in his mind with all his access to 6 years of ivy league college education and resources. At this time he is still innocent until proven guilty... but it doesn’t look good for him right now. It seems more and more difficult for young people to stay grounded with all of modern society’s advancements. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of everyday life, detached from the fundamentals that sustain us. It is hard for young people to appreciate the collection of systems that our society has created by working together for the greater good over many decades and even centuries. Being born into this ease of living, with instant results and gratification, causes a big separation from reality. The reality is that 99.9% of us would not be able to sustain ourselves for even a few weeks if we
had none of these advancements. Nature grounds us and teaches patience, cooperation, and humility — lessons that seem increasingly critical in today’s complex world. A child’s education at home and in school should start at that level, and be reminded again before college, in order to put everything they will learn about the complex world in perspective. So, here’s my suggestion: In honor of National Boy Scouts Day on Feb. 8, before heading off to college, every young person should spend a weekend camping. Maybe the college should arrange this. Leave behind the gadgets, bring only the essentials, and experience what it’s like to rely on your wits and teamwork. At the very least go for a long hike in the wilderness or try to make a fire on your own. Trust me, the next four years will look very different when you’ve tried this or spent a night battling mosquitoes, the weather, and providing yourself shelter and food with nothing but the bare essentials and determination. –Dr. Robert Morea
Looking back, I realize camping taught me essential life lessons: resourcefulness, resilience, and
gratitude. It made me appreciate things we often take for granted, like mosquito netting, warm beds, and food that doesn’t require fire-starting skills.
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YOUR GUIDE TO A FAMILY-FRIENDLY VALENTINE’S DAY Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many parents. While they’d love to go out for a romantic dinner and enjoy a date night with their spouse, they have to think about the kids, too! Finding a babysitter for Valentine’s Day can be down what they love about that person and some of their favorite memories. It’s a great way to spread joy and show everyone how loved they are. Togetherness Over Romance
Make some sweet treats. Valentine’s Day often includes desserts and candies; your event should be no different. Instead of taking the kids to the store to pick out their favorite chocolate bars or Valentine’s treats, consider baking something special. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, or bake sugar cookies and allow everyone to decorate their treats with sprinkles and frosting. You can even bake a red velvet cake or another Valentine’s favorite if you feel adventurous. Give gifts to each other. While Christmas and birthdays are often associated with gift-giving, you can also give your kids and spouse special gifts on Valentine’s Day to brighten their mood and ensure they feel loved. Flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates are the go-to Valentine’s gifts, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to the script. Your family will be thrilled by any gifts they receive!
incredibly challenging, so shift gears and spend the day as a family instead of a couple. You can find plenty to do to ensure your Valentine’s Day is fun and exciting for every family member. Here are three activities to try that will help make Valentine’s Day memorable. Write love letters. Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about love and romance, making it the perfect time for your family to share what they love about each other. Give your kids and yourself time to write love letters to each family member, writing
How E-Bikes Make Fitness Fun and Accessible for Older Adults REVIVE YOUR LOVE FOR CYCLING
As we age, staying physically active whenever possible becomes increasingly important. However, many of us start to experience difficulties with our normal exercise routines as we approach our senior years. It’s not as easy to go for an extended run, lift weights, or participate in sports, so we have to start looking for less intense alternatives that still boost our physical fitness and keep us entertained. Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are becoming a popular fitness trend for older Americans. When did you last take your bicycle from the garage or storage and ride around town? It’s probably been several years, but many of us have fond memories from our youth of biking to a friend’s house or a local hotspot. E-bikes are making it possible for us to relive those memories without risking injury or overexertion. The technology behind e-bikes has improved significantly in recent years.
They’re now more user-friendly and accessible than ever before. Some models even have built-in GPS to ensure you never get lost, regardless of whether you’re riding through city streets, peaceful neighborhoods, or scenic nature trails. Many e-bikes are lightweight and easier to maneuver than traditional bikes. E-biking provides amazing physical and mental health benefits that are easily noticeable after only a few rides. You’ll see improvements in cardiovascular health, muscle strength, weight management, balance, and mood. Plus, it’s a low-impact activity, so you can explore to your heart’s content while also being kind to your joints. While e-bikes present opportunities to improve your physical fitness while limiting your risk for injury, they’re also a great way to meet like-minded people in your community. You can find e-biking clubs and events nationwide, and many
host group rides throughout the year. It’s a great way to meet new friends! An e-bike can boost your overall well- being, but follow all safety measures, such as wearing a helmet and obeying road signs. Even though e-bikes are safer and more efficient than ever, you can still get injured while riding, especially if you are going too fast for road conditions — some e-bikes can get up to speeds of almost 30 mph. What are you waiting for? Get riding! Your body and mind will thank you!
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Nature’s Answer to Anxiety, Stress, and More What Are Adaptogens?
We’re always looking for new ways to offset our stress. Some people change their diets, hoping that eating healthier will improve their mental health, while others include exercise in their daily routines. No tried-and-true method works for everyone, but a recent trend taking our country by storm might be the secret to healthily reducing stress. All we need to do is take an herb, root, or other plant substance called an adaptogen to melt away any long-looming stress.
Adaptogens are available at almost any pharmacy, each with a unique use. Ashwagandha is one of the most common adaptogens and helps reduce anxiety and depression. Ginseng helps combat fatigue and has other health benefits. Reishi is a type of mushroom adaptogen that can boost our immune system and even fight cancer. Schisandra, a fruit extract from the magnolia vine, helps with concentration, coordination, and endurance and may protect the liver and nervous system. While adaptogens sound like an ideal solution for stress management, consider a few things before you start taking them. Adaptogens can negatively interact with certain medications, so you should check with your primary care physician before starting them. Additionally, the Food and
While adaptogens have existed for centuries, they are only now becoming more mainstream in American culture. Studies regarding adaptogens are still underway, but experts theorize that these unique plant substances directly interact with the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-
adrenal axis, which controls and manages individual stress
Drug Administration does not regulate many adaptogen supplements, so do your research to ensure you choose a reputable brand. After talking with your health care provider and finding the right adaptogen for your situation, you may discover the key to managing or reducing your stress.
TAKE A BREAK! responses. In order for an herb or plant substance to be considered an adaptogen, it must be nontoxic at regular doses, support the body’s ability to cope with stress, and help the body return to a stable state.
GINGER-GLAZED MAHI MAHI
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS
• 3 tbsp honey • 3 tbsp soy sauce • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger root
• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 4 (6-oz) mahi mahi fillets • Salt and pepper to taste • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • Cooked brown rice, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. In a shallow bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and garlic. 2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 25 minutes. 3. Add vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove fish fillets and add to skillet, reserving marinade. Fry fish for 4–5 minutes on each side, turning only once, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove fillets to a serving platter and keep warm. 4. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to a glaze. Spoon glaze over fish and serve over brown rice.
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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.
Camping, Resilience, and Rediscovering What Really Matters
2.
Family Activities That Will Make Valentine’s Day Special The Ideal Fitness Trend for Aging Americans Are Adaptogens the Secret to Better Stress Relief? Ginger-Glazed Mahi Mahi
3.
4.
Is Your Coffee a Friend or Foe?
BREW-TALLY HONEST THE PERKS AND PITFALLS OF CAFFEINE
Perk up, coffee lovers. We’re about to spill the beans on how the beloved brew can be a friend and foe to our mental health. Caffeine can lift our spirits, energize us, sharpen our focus, and even counteract the effects of depression. But this popular stimulant can also lead to jitters, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms if we sip too much. Grab a cup of Joe, and let’s explore the perks and pitfalls of this flavorful fuel. Buzz Behind the Boost Studies have found that moderate doses of caffeine can have perks. This naturally occurring stimulant can help with weight loss, alertness, brain function, memory, and physical performance. Caffeine can also guard against certain types of cancer, strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease. There’s even proof that coffee can reduce depression, thanks to the other acids in the drink that reduce
inflamed nerve cells in the brains of people with depression. Buzz Kill Caffeine can be a needed pick-me- up, but it can also feed the grind that keeps you up at night or gives you anxiety. Tea and coffee can interfere with essential neurotransmitters like dopamine. This disruption can lead to a lack of motivation, irritability, and restlessness. Drinking too much of these fine brews can make you nervous, impact your sleep, and cause your body to go into flight or fight mode. For people who are already suffering from depression, the drink can cause your symptoms to worsen. So, as you drink your morning java, just remember to find the balance with the beans. Caffeine can be the ultimate mood booster, but too much will make you feel wired instead of wonderful!
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Balance & Fall Prevention Workshop
• Are you afraid when you walk? • Are you doing less because you feel unsteady on your feet? • Have you missed family gatherings or activities you love because you’re afraid of falling? • Are you tired of doing less? • Are you tired of depending on others? • Do you want to walk better, without a cane or a walker? When: Thursday, Feb. 19 Time: 2:30 p.m. Where: PT DOC Physical Therapy clinic Call 718-747-2019 today to reserve your spot. Learn what you can do to improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling before it’s too late.
The Physical Therapy Doctor 212-73 26th Ave. Bayside, NY 11360 718.747.2019 ThePTDoctor.com
For all attendees! An introduction to the BioDensity machine, which is proven to increase bone density 2-4% per year. All natural treatment for building bone strength! If you are over 50 years old, then you need to be doing exercises on this machine once every week!
Lots of fun & love at the Holiday Party in December!
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