NOVA
Chronicles
Hours of Operation Monday–Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday–Sunday: Closed
December 2019
Two of my favorite winter activities are skiing and hockey. With winter in full swing, it’s the best time to head out with a few friends and my skis to spend a day out on the slopes, and, not to mention, winter is prime time for hockey too. SKIING AND HOCKEY
skiing and have skied out on a few slopes in the West, you’ll know what I’m talking about. On the East Coast, our snow is icy, and our winters are bitter cold; out West, the ski runs are longer, the snow is more of a powder, and the weather isn’t as freezing. So far, I’ve gone on a few skiing trips, once to Vail, Colorado, and another to Park City, Utah, with a group of friends. Both were fantastic skiing experiences that I hope to repeat when I get the chance. For as long as I’ve been skiing, I’ve also been playing hockey. Growing up, many of the parks I lived close to had large ponds that would completely freeze over, and a group of friends and I would always take the chance to get out and play a game or two. I also remember that the father of one of my good friends built a small ice rink in their backyard, and all of us would go over and play at his house quite a lot. Nowadays, once a week, I play center in a men’s hockey league that runs year-round. Our games and practices usually take place in the MedStar Capitals Iceplex, which is the same facility our local professional team, the Washington Capitals, uses. It’s a top-notch rink; you really feel like you’re a professional skater while you play on their quality ice. I’ve found that playing helps me stay connected with the game and our local hockey team. I like the Washington Capitals, and I try to follow them throughout the season, going to as many games as I can with the kids. Being able to play in the place they practice is really cool. Since I enjoy skiing and hockey so much, I’m looking forward to when my boys are old enough to participate, as well. We’ve enjoyed a few Washington Capitals games together, but I can’t wait to take them out on their first skiing trip and to my team’s practices for a chance to see the players up close.
I first started skiing when I was in middle school while living in New York. The school I was going to had a ski club that would go to the local ski resort upstate every so often, and I decided to join on a whim. At the time, all I wanted to do was find a winter sport or activity that could keep me busy during our long winters. A typical Rochester winter lasts about six months, and it really gives you an incentive to get involved with a winter sport. When I first tried skiing, I discovered that it was a lot more challenging than I thought but not so difficult that I didn’t enjoy it. It really clicked for me and made me want to pursue and practice it until I got better and better. Growing up, I did a lot of traditional skiing at a few resorts close to us, but I also did cross-country skiing. There were a lot of great parks around Rochester that I’d go through on my skis, which was a lot of fun. Through the rest of middle school and high school, I tried to go skiing as often as I could, but when I started college, I wasn’t able to go out as much as I wanted. I had very little free time as I made my way through undergrad, and even less when I entered chiropractic school. It’s only been in the past few years that I’ve had the chance to get back into it and travel around with a few friends to a couple of different places for a great ski trip.
-Dr. Todd P. Sullivan
Around the Washington, D.C., area, there are a few places to go skiing, but in my experience, the best slopes are out in the West. If any of you enjoy
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
WHY DO WE HANG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS? LIGHT UP THE NIGHT The first string of twinkling lights illuminating your neighbor’s house is always a telltale sign of the upcoming seasonal festivities. Christmas lights are a holiday staple, but have you ever wondered where this beloved tradition started? The tradition of hanging lights on the tree originally started with candles. Because this posed an immense fire hazard, Edward Hibberd Johnson, a close friend of Thomas Edison and vice president of the Edison Electric Light Company, vowed to find a better way to decorate Christmas trees with light. In December 1882, three years after Edison’s invention of the lightbulb in November 1879, Johnson hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue lightbulbs together and wound them around a Christmas tree in his parlor window. A passing reporter saw the spectacle and declared in the Detroit Post and Tribune, “One can hardly imagine anything prettier.” Johnson continued this tradition, increasing the number of lights each year and eventually putting them up outside. But because electricity was still a new concept, many years passed before the fad took off for regular Americans. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge began the tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree, which spurred the idea of selling stringed lights commercially. By the 1930s, families everywhere were buying boxes of bulbs by the dozen. Today, an estimated 150 million Christmas lights are sold in America each year, decorating 80 million homes and consuming 6% of the nation’s electricity every December. Whether you’ll be putting up your own lights or appreciating the most impressive light displays in your neighborhood or town, let the glow fill you with joy this season. Just don’t leave them up until February!
THE GRASTON TECHNIQUE
Will Get You Back In the Game Quicker
A patient who has injured their muscles, tendons, or ligaments will often feel pain, discomfort, and limited mobility in the injured area. Our office offers many treatment options, but one we want to highlight this month is the Graston Technique. WHAT IS THE GRASTON TECHNIQUE? In previous newsletters, we’ve mentioned that this treatment is used for a number of injuries we see in our clinic, such as Achilles tendinitis, repetitive stress injuries, and tennis elbow. This treatment focuses on loosening any muscles or fascia that are causing discomfort. To do this, a Graston tool, which is a stainless steel massage tool that gently massages the area, is used to relax the muscles, restore range of motion, and improve mobility. CAN PATIENTS FEEL THE DIFFERENCE? The most interesting part of this treatment is that the patient can feel their muscles heal. When the Graston Technique is applied, Dr. Sullivan and the patient can feel the injured area. Healthy muscle tissue feels smooth, but as the Graston tool is used over a problem area, small ridges and bumps may be felt in the muscle. Not only can the patient feel that this area is injured, but they can also receive direct feedback throughout the treatment process. As the treatment continues over their next several visits, they’ll feel those bumps and ridges smooth out. WHAT IS A TREATMENT SESSION LIKE? During a Graston Technique treatment, Dr. Sullivan will select an appropriate Graston tool and rub it over the affected spot with a specific massage technique to loosen the soft tissue. The treatment itself will take up to 30–60 seconds in each area. Patients describe the treatment as a "hurts good" feeling, like you're releasing the injured muscle. To learn more about the Graston Technique or to schedule an appointment at our office, call us using the number below. If you want to see an example of what this treatment method will look like, visit Dr. Todd Sullivan’s YouTube channel: youtu.be/EDnDIDhXWFo
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
Tips for Running and Jogging in Cold Weather RUNNING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
limbs in a heated environment is a good way to ensure maximum comfort and minimum risk of injury when you’re running in the cold.
WEAR SHOESWITH TRACTION. If your favorite running path is covered with snow and ice, you should consider finding a different route. But, if you can’t resist going down your beaten path, then you need to make sure your shoes are up to the challenge. If your running shoes have worn soles, then you’ll need to get a new pair with soles that will grip the ground better before stepping out on the ice. Regardless of how amazing your shoes are, remain vigilant about where you’re stepping. DRESS DOWN A LAYER. Yes, it is cold outside, but your body will naturally warm up as you run, just like it would with any other physical activity. Think of what you would normally wear to stay comfortable in the cold, and then wear one less layer when you’re running. Of course, you should keep other weather elements in mind as well, such as wind, rain, and snow, when you’re picking out your running clothes. Finally, if a day is particularly cold, snowy, or windy, don’t force yourself outside for the sake of your health. Sometimes, a good bowl of soup and a roaring fire can be just as physically satisfying as a run outside.
Maybe you love the majesty of a winter’s morning, or maybe you just hate the treadmill. Whatever your reason is for wanting to run or jog outside in the dead of winter, remember to take the proper precautions before stepping out. Runners face challenges during the winter that they don’t face any other time of year. If you want to experience the winter safely, there are a few things to keep in mind. WARMUP INSIDE FIRST. If you’re planning on braving the snow and frigid temperatures, try to spend 10–15 minutes warming up before you walk out your front door. Cold weather naturally tightens muscles and joints, so stretching your
Classic Roast Chicken Ingredients
Be INSPIRED
Inspired by Ina Garten
•
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
•
1 chicken, approx. 5–6 lbs
•
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
•
Kosher salt
•
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
•
Freshly ground pepper
•
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
•
1 large bunch fresh thyme, 20 sprigs removed
•
Olive oil
•
1 lemon, halved
Directions
3. Meanwhile, in a roasting pan, toss onions and carrots in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and 20 sprigs of thyme. 4. Place the chicken on the vegetables and roast for 1 1/2 hours. 5. Remove from oven, and let stand for 20 minutes covered with foil. 6. Slice and serve with the vegetables.
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing giblets if included.
Move to a work surface, pat dry, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with thyme bunch, lemon halves, and garlic head. Brush outside with butter, and then season again. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen string.
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
5288 Lyngate Court Burke, VA 22015
Inside Issue THIS
Enjoying the Long Rochester Winters
The History Behind Christmas Lights
• Healing You Can Feel
Tips for Running and Jogging in Cold Weather • Classic Roast Chicken
Events Near You
FRESHFARM FARMERS MARKET Where: Mosaic District When: Every Sunday until Dec. 29, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Admission: Free! Website: MosaicDistrict.com/events/event/freshfarm-mosaic This month is your last chance to visit the Mosaic FRESHFARM Farmers Market until next year. The weekly market provides the freshest vegetables, fruits, poultry, eggs, cheese, bread, and pastured meats. If you’re looking to provide your holiday guests with a selection of fresh food for the big dinner, make sure to stop by the farmers market to check off your grocery list.
Don’t Miss Out on These Local Events THE BEST END OF YEAR CELEBRATION
It’s the end of the year! But, before you say goodbye to 2019, here are a few activities you can look forward to enjoying before it closes out.
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner When: Every Saturday, 8:30 p.m.–12 a.m. Admission: See website for details. Website: Bit.ly/2NBMoKa
MEADOWLARK’SWINTERWALK OF LIGHTS Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens When: Nov. 8 through Jan. 5 Admission: $8–$14.50 Website: NovaParks.com/events/winter-walk-of-lights
After a long week, treat yourself and your spouse to a delightful evening with a variety of genres of music and fantastic food. Each Saturday, The Ritz-Carlton invites local musician Christopher Linman to serenade diners with everything from smooth jazz to modern tunes. Now is your chance to wind down after a stressful week, and with a few big holidays taking place this season, don’t we all need a chance to get away for the weekend?
Get your holiday cheer by visiting this wonderful winter walk! Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is open for anyone who enjoys the beauty of Christmas lights. Whether this is your first, second, or third time, you won’t want to miss catching a glimpse of the Fountain of Lights or the Lakeside Lights. Guests can also enjoy warming themselves up with hot beverages and roasted marshmallows provided at the Light Refreshments concessions. Be sure to dress warmly, strap on your best walking shoes, and get ready for a magical evening.
NovaChiroWellness.com
(703) 912-7822
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online