November 2018, Vol 1 Issue 5 In This Issue Thanksgiving Muscle Spotlight Reflexes Sweet Potatoes National Caregiver Month Turning Point Physical Therapy Meet Our Staff Michael Pennington, MSPT Physical Therapist, Owner Charles Chip Layton, PTA Sharon Guest, PTA Leah McGee Patient Services Manager Patient Services Coordinators Jody Beach April Harris Thanksgiving this year falls on Thursday, November 22. Although, historically, the American Thanksgiving is celebrated around a centerpiece of roasted turkey, there is little evidence that our traditional feast mirrors our ancestors. No records were kept, but it is thought that the original Thanksgiving participants probably enjoyed venison, fish, shellfish, geese, swan, nuts, turnips, cabbage, spinach, and beans. Corn was probably available but would have been made into a porridge sweetened with honey. Potatoes, white and sweet, would not have been on the menu, as they would not yet have made their way from South America. Pies, breads, and sweets would not have been enjoyed because butter, sugar, and flour were not yet available. Even though the menus may slightly differ, we still enjoy our Thanksgiving.
Please note, so our staff can enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family, Turning Point will be closed from Wednesday, November 21 until Friday, November 23. We will reopen for patients on Monday, November 26. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. MUSCLE SPOTLIGHT Trapezius The trapezius is split into three sections: Upper, middle, and lower. The upper trapezius lifts the shoulder towards your ear. The middle trapezius squeezes the shoulder blades together. The lower trapezius along with the upper trapezius rotate the shoulder blade up. Think of reaching over your head. The lower trapezius muscle works slightly different than most muscles. As the shoulder blade rotates upward, the muscle gets longer. This is called an eccentric contraction and it takes much more strength than a contraction where the muscle gets shorter which is called a concentric contraction. Keeping your trapezius strong, especially the lower and middle trapezius will help with proper posture. Talk to Mike, Chip, or Sharon to learn how to strengthen your trapezius.
*Names have been changes according to HIPPA policies During his initial evaluation with Mike, Donald showed decreased reflexes in his ankles and knees. During his treatments with Chip and Sharon, he attended all his appointments and completed his home program as directed. After two months of treatment, strength and range of motion increased, pain decreased, and his reflexes began to reemerge. Donald further continued with treatment, with a further increase in all objective and subjective measurements. So, what s with reflexes anyway? Why are they considered to be so important? Why do physical therapists always test reflexes and use them as a determination of therapy? Here s reflexes simplified. When you walk around barefoot, the nerve signal travels all the way up to the brain, and your brains says, Oh, this is my carpet, keep walking. But, when you step on something sharp, that signal does not go all the way up to the brain, it only goes as far the spinal cord, where it goes through what is called a reflex arc, which causes you to move your foot away from the sharp object very quickly. This is a survival reflex. When Mike uses his little hammer to hit your knee or ankle, he is hitting the tendon of certain muscles to activate that reflex arc. He is testing what is called deep tendon reflexes (DTR) and that little jerk that happens signifies the functional health of the neuromuscular system. But reflexes are not only about moving away from potential injury. Those previously mentioned DTR s also make tiny adjustments in your muscles while you are walking or just standing still. So, having a good reflex arc is important for balance and coordination.
November is Sweet Potato Month Sweet Potato Burritos Submitted by Carolyn H. 3 Medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed 8 oz chorizo ½ onion, chopped ¼ cup chopped bell pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 16 oz can pinto beans ½ cup stock or water 1 teaspoon chipotle Dash of Siracha 1 teaspoon chile powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 4 oz cheddar cheese 6 Large tortillas Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Cook the chorizo in a pan over medium-high heat. Remove chorizo and most of the fat. 3. Add the onions, peppers, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally until translucent. 4. Reduce heat to medium-low heat. Add the beans and liquid and seasonings. Slightly mash the beans. Add the reserved chorizo and stir well. 5. Divide the sweet potatoes and the beans among the warmed flour tortillas. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Wrap burrito style. (At this point they may be stored in the freezer) 6. Bake for 10 12 minutes or just until heated through. 7. Serve with cilantro, chopped green onions, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. 8. If heating from freezer, heat covered in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Do you want YOUR recipe featured in the next newsletter? Submit it
Do you want YOUR recipe in the next newsletter issue? Drop off a copy of your favorite recipe at the front desk or send it in an email to receptionist@turningpointpt.com. Maybe your recipe will be featured in the newsletter. November is National Family Caregivers Month It is important for caregivers to take care of themselves FIRST. Remember, you cannot take care of your loved one if you don t take care of yourself. Below are the Commandments for Caregivers, used with permission, from Dr. Pamela Tronetti, DO, a Geriatrician and Medical Director of the Parrish Senior Consultation Center in Titusville, Florida. Thou shalt not set impossible standards for thyself. Thou shalt make thine own health a priority. Thou shalt learn to say, No, I can t fit that into my schedule right now. Thou shalt learn to say, Yes, I could use some help. Thou shalt refuse to feel guilty about not doing enough. Thou shalt see options like day care and paid help as a victory, not a defeat. Thou shalt lie down in bed for eight hours a night. Thou shalt eat healthy meals, exercise and take a break. Thou shalt seek advice from wise counselors and follow their guidance. Thou shalt know that ye are not alone.
Did you win? Visit our Facebook Page to see the winning numbers. You can get tickets for the following: Arrive early for your warm up Book out at least 4 weeks Refer a friend to Turning Point PT Discuss PT with your physician