North County Water & Sports Therapy Center - December 2023

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(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

FIND THE PERFECT GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON UNWRAP THE JOY OF THOUGHTFUL GIVING

Every holiday season, the world is filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies, twinkling lights adorning homes, and festive songs filling the streets. But for many, the holidays also bring along a familiar source of stress and anxiety: the quest to find the perfect gift. In our fast-paced world, the pressure to discover the ideal present for family and friends can become a daunting task. It’s a challenge that many of us face as the holiday season draws near, and we try to find that one item that will not only be appreciated but will light up their face. Sometimes, the hunt for this “perfect gift” overshadows the true meaning of the holidays. It’s important to remember that the magic of the perfect gift isn’t about its price tag — it’s about finding a gift that carries meaning and evokes a genuine emotion. The joy experienced when you see a loved one’s eyes light up at the sight of a thoughtful present is worth more than any extravagant purchase. REFERRALS WELCOME! A referral is the greatest compliment you could ever give us. If you know someone in need of our expert services, we welcome the opportunity to help! Feel free to pass along this newsletter, or have them give us a call at (858) 675-1133. We greatly appreciate it!

While there may be pressure to buy something to check someone off your list, this approach isn’t what the season is about. It’s about connecting with loved ones, creating lasting memories and cherishing moments that will forever dance in our hearts. For some, the perfect gift may not be a physical object — it could be the gift of an experience. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride, a cooking class, or tickets to a long-awaited concert, the gist of a shared experience can be an amazing gift. On the other hand, some may enjoy sentimental gifts — ones that tug at heartstrings or invoke cherished memories. A handmade photo album, a handwritten letter, or jewelry with a personal connection can hold immeasurable value. To me, the perfect gift is as diverse as the people we hold close to our hearts. It’s not about conformity or following expectations or trends, but rather, it’s about understanding the individual preferences and desires of our loved ones and helping to bring the magic of the holidays to life!

each gift, and there was always one special gift tucked away in there, too. However, year after year, with her big giving heart, her stocking was always empty. So, when my brother and I were old enough, we purchased a massive six-foot stocking for her, filling it with carefully selected and wrapped gifts. This gesture was our way of thanking her for the years of love and dedication she had shown us. Continuing the tradition, my husband and I fill up each other’s stockings, playfully wrapping each item and making guesses about what’s inside. Our stockings are all lovingly handmade by my grandmother and hold a special place in my heart. These traditions serve as a reminder that the perfect gift is not about extravagance — it’s about love, thoughtfulness, and the joy of creating lasting memories. As the holidays roll around, let’s embrace the true magic of the season and the opportunities to connect with loved ones. The perfect gift doesn’t break the bank — it’s the one that warms the heart and brings a smile to the face of someone we love!

When I look back on my own holiday traditions, I’m reminded of the joy

that comes from creating meaningful moments. As a

From my family to you and yours, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

child, my mother always filled our stockings with practical gifts — chapstick, toothbrushes, gum, and other little tokens. She would individually wrap

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EXPLORE AMERICA’S MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TOWNS FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER

Solvang, California A slice of Denmark right in sunny California, Solvang brings endless holiday cheer, especially with their annual Julefest. Pronounced “Yule- fest,” this month-long festival takes place every December and features picturesque events, including a ballerina-filled tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, culinary delights, traditional Danish celebrations, and much more! Woodstock, Vermont During Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, you’ll find the town in peak Christmas mode, where you can experience parades, horse-drawn carriages, carolers, and the Billings Farm, a local favorite of the season. Stroll down Main Street to witness an idyllic Christmas spot filled with cozy small-town shops and restaurants. North Pole, Alaska If you ever feel like celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, we know the perfect

It may be too late for less spontaneous travelers to start planning a Christmas vacation. But that shouldn’t stop you from planning next year’s holiday journey! The good news is you don’t need to venture to another continent to find a Christmas wonderland. There are countless picture-perfect Christmas towns across the country. Make your next Christmas trip feel like a Hallmark movie at one of these festive towns! Leavenworth, Washington Many have dubbed Leavenworth the most Christmas-centric in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. This Bavarian-style village experiences nearly 96 inches of snowfall every year, and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the holidays. The town lights up and decorates almost 21 miles, where you can find reindeer farms, carolers, gingerbread competitions, and Christmas markets. Every step of the way offers an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity!

destination. North Pole, Alaska, offers Christmas decor and festivities year-round! Here, you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer, meet the man himself, and enjoy the snow that covers the entire town. Be sure to check out their ice sculpture competition, which features artists from all over the world! Ready for the Christmas celebration of your dreams? Start planning your next holiday vacation at any of these destinations, and we promise your dreams will most definitely come true!

STAFF SPOTLIGHT GET TO KNOW ERIC BROOKS

Eric Brooks completed his undergraduate degree at Sonoma State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After his undergraduate, he attended Santa Rosa Junior College, where he received a degree to be a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered. Eric also attended Carrington College in Pleasant Hill, where he received a degree to be a Physical Therapy Assistant. Eric completed his clinical rotations in various settings, focusing on manual therapy, therapy exercise progression, and patient education. Eric grew up in the East Bay and enjoys staying active with hiking, running, and kayaking.

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THE SURPRISING SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR SHAKY MUSCLES

2. Am I doing a new exercise? If you’ve never done a jump squat or bench pressed 200 pounds, you’ll probably feel shaky the first time you try a full set. That’s because your body is adjusting to the new motions at a cellular level. Simply put, when you start a workout, your muscle fibers tell your muscle cells whether to contract or relax — and those fibers can get tired of doing their job. When one fiber becomes fatigued, your body adjusts to rely on another. Trying something new (essentially, asking your fibers to give new directions) can confuse your body and delay the tradeoff, making your muscles shake. 3. Am I pushing myself harder than I ever have before? When you amp up the intensity of your workout, your body will often do more muscle fiber “tradeoffs” than usual because you’re demanding more output. When too many tradeoffs happen at once, that can make your muscles shake. Muscle tremors aren’t always a bad sign. If you’re trying a new exercise or pushing for improvement, they’re part of the learning process! However, if you’re struggling with exhaustion or dehydration, or you think you’re overworking yourself, shaking can be a red flag. Consider reducing the intensity of your workout or taking a rest day. When in doubt, discuss the issue with a physical therapist, especially if you’re recovering from an injury.

Imagine you’re running through a basic exercise routine. You feel good, so you push yourself harder than usual — and your muscles suddenly start shaking! Every athlete has experienced that moment of panic when tremors hit. But have you ever wondered why your muscles shake? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Shaking muscles can mean at least three things: You’re underprepared for your workout, pushing yourself too hard, or breaking new ground and building muscle! To figure out which option explains your scenario, ask yourself these questions: 1. Did I drink plenty of water today and get at least seven hours of sleep last night? If not, your muscles could be shaky because of dehydration or fatigue. LAUGH THERAPY

INGREDIENTS •

10 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

• •

2 tbsp granulated sugar 1/2 cup heavy cream

• •

4 tbsp butter

4 large eggs, separated

DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium heatproof bowl, add chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water and stir until chocolate and butter are melted and blended, then remove from heat and let cool slightly. 2. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until thick. Then gradually add melted chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. 3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. 4. In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; fold egg whites and then cream into the chocolate mixture. 5. Pour into individual serving dishes and chill for 3 hours or until set.

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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 The Magic of Meaningful Gifts 2 Discover the Most Enchanting Christmas Towns in the US Staff Spotlight 3 Why Your Muscles Shake During a Tough Workout Tasty Holiday Chocolate Mousse 4 Celebrate the Season With Local Holiday Events

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS

Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo From Dec. 9–Jan. 1, the San Diego Zoo will be decorated

San Diego, known for its stunning beaches and year-round sunshine, has a special glow during the holiday season. With the unique blend of coastal charm and festive spirit, there is a wide array of holiday and seasonal events and activities for everyone to enjoy! Here’s a glimpse of the festive holiday events around town this month! December Nights at Balboa Park On Dec. 1-2, Balboa Park will transform into a winter wonderland during the annual December Nights celebration. With the iconic California Tower and botanical gardens as a backdrop, the event offers a delightful mix of holiday lights, international cuisine, live music, and dance performances. Families can explore museums, enjoy the Festival of Lights, and even visit Santa Claus. San Diego Bay Parade of Lights The 53rd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights is a maritime spectacle you won’t want to miss. On Dec. 10 and 17, dozens of festively decorated boats and yachts, each adorned with dazzling holiday lights, will take center stage on the water. This year’s theme will be Christmas traditions around the world, and the best part is that it’s a free event!

from head to toe for Jungle Bells! While visiting the animals, you can take in the twinkling lights and charming holiday decor throughout the park. Don’t forget to check out the nightly tree-lighting ceremony, too! Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado For a touch of traditional winter charm with an oceanfront twist, head to Hotel Del Coronado’s Skating by the Sea. From now until Jan. 7, the iconic hotel’s Windsor Lawn is transformed into a beachfront ice-skating rink, where skaters of all ages can join in the fun!

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