Take a look at our newsletter this month.
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718.747.2019
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December 2019
ON THE MOVE
Multi-Tasking, Memory, and What Matters KEEP LIFE IN FOCUS
I have a bone to pick with “multi-tasking.” Whoever got it into our heads that you need to juggle multiple tasks and conversations at once to be
The memories people have of us outlive our bodies. When we lose a loved one, our recollection of the times we spent with them are a real, tangible comfort. But meaningful memories come from meaningful
successful owes humanity an apology. Maybe I’m biased because I have the opportunity to work with people from a generation where simple one-at-a-time interactions were the norm. But the more I look around, the more I see how interruption is a centerpiece of our culture today.
“Meaningful memories come from meaningful interactions — I just can’t see someone reminiscing about a Twitter thread.”
interactions — I just can’t see someone reminiscing about a Twitter thread. That’s why I’m thankful for the work I do. Working one on one with patients over the years has left me with so many great memories. I’ve never had to stop and check emails or Google
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, “multi-tasking” was the hot new buzzword. Adults would tell us we had to learn it if we wanted to be successful in this world. The age of the personal computer was going to reward those who could constantly shift their attention from one subject to the next. Boy, we didn’t know how wrong we were. I know this thanks to my sons. They are often getting their attention pulled away from whatever they’re doing thanks to their cell phones — and I don’t blame them. Imagine being a teenager with the whole world at your fingertips. Do you think you’d be able to focus on a textbook or a conversation with your “old man” when a little box in your hand could connect you instantly with any of your friends, favorite games, books, movies, or TV shows? I’d certainly have a hard time. I’m not trying to be a curmudgeon about the changing times, but I do think there’s a certain irony to how multi-tasking was sold to my generation. For kids to succeed today, they have to do the opposite of multi-task — the ones who can block out the millions of distractions and just do their school work will be light-years ahead of their peers. I could go on about the stress, anxiety, and possibly even depression this “always online” age is causing, but that’s a whole other article entirely. What I want to focus on is what multi-tasking is doing to our memories of one another.
something — when you’re doing physical therapy, you are in the moment. This brings a thought to mind from a funny TV show called “Parks and Recreation,” where Ron Swanson expresses how he can’t understand people buying paintings of nature. He says, “Why do people stay inside and look at a painting of nature? Why not just go outside and look at the real thing?” In other words, go live life and experience the real thing. The same goes for an in person conversation — there is no substitute. Keep life simple and keep it plainly in front of you. Over the years I’ve had several former patients pass on, and I miss them dearly. But I’ll always have the memories of the time we spent together, the inside joke we made, and the laughs we shared. I feel lucky to be in an industry that allows me to slow down and give people my undivided attention. I’ll always cherish the memories I’ve created here.
This is all to say, focus on what matters. You won’t regret it.
–Dr. Robert Morea 718.747.2019 ▪ THEPTDOCTOR.COM ▪ 1
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F E E L I N G S A D ?
WAYS TO FIGHT SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that people experience every fall and winter. If you find yourself feeling blue as the days become shorter and darker, know there are things you can do to boost your mood until spring returns. INCREASE YOUR ACTIVITY Keeping your body active can increase your energy levels, help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and boost your self-esteem. Summit Medical Group states that a person who exercises for 30–60 minutes a day can manage or avoid SAD easier than a person who does not exercise regularly. When you participate in physical activity, your body releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which have a morphine-like effect on your brain. If exercising outdoors is not ideal, consider swimming,
a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Getting just a few minutes of sunlight a day through a walk or short jog can make all the difference. If you live in an area where the winters are bleak, cloudy, and dark, sunlight can be harder to come by. But technology has you covered: You can purchase “sun lamps,” which simulate sunlight without the damaging UV rays. Just set up a sun lamp in your workspace or living area and feel your mood lift. MAINTAIN YOUR ROUTINE Often, it can be difficult to stick with your daily routine during the cooler months. It may be harder to wake up on time in the morning to work out, or it may be too cold outside to go on your daily run. Luckily, you can find small ways to mitigate this. For example, invest in a sunrise alarm clock, which gently wakes you up with a simulated sunrise, or shop for high-quality thermal workout gear. If you continue to suffer from SAD and feel there’s no end in sight, it’s important to seek help from professionals. They can determine the best treatment options available for you.
walking, or dancing instead. GET SOME SUN
Exposure to sunlight is also significantly beneficial for people suffering from SAD. Sunlight helps your body produce adequate amounts of serotonin,
DON ’ T JUS T TAKE OUR WORD FOR I T
“I feel 90% better. Initially, I could not lift my left arm/ shoulder at all. I dislocated the shoulder and tore the rotator and tendon. Jenove worked with me for about two months. Some motion returned, but then I had surgery and have worked in therapy for about six months. I can now do most of what I did before the surgery. I believe therapy and consistent exercises have really helped.
“Jenove … magic in his hands!”
“My experience coming to The Physical Therapy Doctor has been extremely positive. My first experience was to attend a day presentation on balance. I followed that up with a couple of appointments for balance, but then I fell and everything changed. I have worked with Jenove and the staff for about a year. Jenove has restored my motion and strength. I believe he has magic in his hands, locating the tight spots and massaging them out. Everyone here is professional and hospitable, and I am most grateful.” –SISTER JOANNE D.
Thanks for sharing your story, Joanne! Being able to help people move better and feel better, even after debilitating injuries and surgeries, is what we do best! Want to know if Jenove’s magic hands can help you, too? Pick up the phone and call 718.747.2019!
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DECEMBER BRAIN TEASERS
TWINS, A KING, AND A QUEEN Two twins are lying next to a king and a queen in a large room. Yet, there are no adults and there are no children in the room. How is it possible? FAST AND FURIOUS A bus driver was heading down a street in Colorado. He went right past a stop sign without stopping, turned left where there was a “no left turn” sign, and went the wrong way on a one-way street. Then he went on the left side of the road past a cop car. Yet, he didn’t break any traffic laws. Why not? Solutions are available in the clinic, so make sure to drop by to check your answers!
Season’s greetings from all of us at The Physical Therapy Doctor! We hope this newsletter finds you warm, joyful, and in the company of loved ones. We just wanted to take this time to thank you for being part of our clinic’s extended family. Even if we haven’t gotten to see each other in person for a while, it means the world to us that you’re reading this, and we hope you stay in touch! Robert’s son was actually the inspiration for this little note. He told his father about what he’s been learning in his global studies class — about how humanity discovered farming and grew from tribes, to kingdoms, and eventually to nations. Reaching back that far into our history certainly put things in perspective: Before we had walls and borders, we were all just people. That’s a comforting origin to remember this time of year, as carolers sing about love, joy, and peace on earth. So, as we celebrate the bonds that connect us to friends and family, let’s remember this shared connection between all of us as we move into the new year. It’s easy to find ways to pass judgment on one another or cast out those who don’t share our way of thinking. But, if we all tried a little harder to break down those walls, imagine all the wonderful we could build instead. The Reason for the Season LOVE AND TOGETHERNESS
Recipe of the Month:
Inspired by “Paleo Happy Hour” by Kelly Milton
BACON-WRAPPED CHESTNUTS
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is an iconic image of Christmas, but we’re willing to bet most people reading this have never eaten a chestnut. Change that this year with this awesome paleo-friendly appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
• •
2 8-oz cans water chestnuts Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), but can substitute with coconut aminos
• •
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 lb sliced bacon, quartered
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat an oven to 400 F. 2. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with parchment and set aside. 3. Drain liquid from canned water chestnuts, add tamari to cover, and let soak for 15 minutes in the cans. 4. Drain tamari, roll each chestnut in coconut sugar, wrap with bacon, and spear on toothpick. 5. Place chestnuts on prepared rack. Bake for 30–35 minutes. 6. Plate and serve.
Happy Holidays!
718.747.2019 ▪ THEPTDOCTOR.COM ▪ 3
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718.747.2019
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Hours of Operation: M, F 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | T, Th 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | W 9 a.m.–3 p.m. theptdoctor.com
INSIDE What Is Multi-Tasking Doing to Memory?
Boost Your Mental Health This Season
What Our Clients Are Saying!
Bacon-Wrapped Chestnuts
Peace, Love, and the Holidays
Your New Favorite Holiday Special
Move Over, Rudolph! The 4 Most Underrated Holiday Specials
When the weather outside is frightful — or your family is on your last nerve — there’s nothing like settling in to watch a classic holiday special. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” hold top spots on the TV guide, but there are plenty of overlooked specials that are sure to delight. Here are a few seasonal suggestions that might become your new family favorites. ‘A MUPPET FAMILY CHRISTMAS’ In this musical masterpiece, Kermit and friends prepare to celebrate the holiday season. What makes this special truly unique are the appearances by characters from “Sesame Street,” “Fraggle Rock,” and “Muppet Babies.” There’s even a cameo from the Muppet creator, Jim Henson, himself. If you can find this holiday special, consider yourself lucky. Complicated copyright laws can make it hard to track the movie down. ‘THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS’ The stop- motion film “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” is one of Rankin/ Bass Production’s lesser-known works. Based on a story by L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” this fantasy epic introduces a new Santa Claus story, one with light elves, wood nymphs, and benevolent immortals. It’s an unusual tale, but the strange elements are what make the story worthwhile.
‘A RUGRATS CHANUKAH’ Praised by critics and audiences alike, “A Rugrats Chanukah” covers the story of Chanukah through the eyes of Nickelodeon’s beloved animated babies. In addition to putting a “Rugrats” spin on the Chanukah story, this special episode also features themes of family and forgiveness. “A Rugrats Chanukah” is a delightful experience for audiences who celebrate Chanukah and those who would like to learn more about the holiday. ‘DOCTOR WHO: A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Here’s one for your nerdy family members. In this episode of the British sci-fi classic, the titular Doctor, an alien who travels through time and space, must save his friends by teaching a bitter old man the true meaning of Christmas. Time travel shenanigans ensue as the Doctor reminds us of the importance of kindness, the value of loss, and the magic of spending the holidays with those we love. This special puts a unique spin on the Christmas Carol formula and is even accessible to audiences who have never seen “Doctor Who” before.
May these specials bring you some much-needed cheer and a moment of relaxation this holiday season.
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