Empire Health & Wellness Center 
January 2009  Issue 3
Staff photo taken at Open House
Wishing you a New Year of Joy & Wellness
Greetings!
We hope you made it through the December ice storm without too much difficulty and that you had an enjoyable holiday.  It's hard to believe that 2009 is here and that it has been almost two years since we relocated to 8 Century Hill Drive in Latham (on the west side of Route 9 opposite The Century House Restaurant). 
 
The configuration of our private physical therapy rooms and adjoining gym was designed to give patients and gym members the high level of personalized service that distinguishes our practice from some of the larger centers. Our facility is also unique with views of trees and sky surrounding the gym area. We encourage you to try the FREE Day of Fitness to see for yourself.  
 
The entire staff wishes you and your family a year of joy and wellness!
 
Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS & Staff
8 Century Hill Dr  Suite 201
Latham, NY 12110
PH: 518-690-4406
In This Issue
FREE Day of Fitness
Support the Local Team
What is Your #1 Priority?
Most Powerful Food
Prevent Common Injuries
Your Daily Checklist
You Are Invited for a FREE Day of Fitness

Empire Fitness GymWe are offering a FREE DAY OF FITNESS throughout January and February so prospective gym members can tour the facility and experience our professional gym for a day. 
 
Do You Know?
- Your membership allows you unlimited use of our gym facilities.

- Your new member orientation, by one of our certified staff, demonstrates proper use of our equipment and includes a personal consultation to create your customized exercise program. 

 - No annual contract to sign, the monthly membership fees of $30 for individuals or $50 for couples (only $25 each) may be cancelled with 30 days written notice. 
 
- There is a one-time enrollment fee of $75 for individuals or $99 for couples. Existing physical therapy patients are offered a discounted enrollment fee of $30.
 
 - Physical therapists are generally available to answer your questions. Our goal is to help you achieve the greatest benefits from the time you invest. 
 
Call us today at 690-4406 to schedule your tour and FREE DAY OF FITNESS!
GO SAINTS!
 
Siena Saints Basketball
We are sponsoring the Siena Saints post-game basketball show which airs after home games on 590 AM radio and is hosted by Fly 92.3 morning personality Brian Cody. Join us in supporting our local team and cheer them on as they defend their 2008 MAAC Championship. Click here to link to our web site and listen to our three radio spots.
Make Your Health Your #1 Priority
Primarily for Women
"You may delay, but time will not."  This quotation from Benjamin Franklin still rings true.  Please do not delay your regular doctor visits including annual tests such as mammograms, pap smears and prostate exams.  Life keeps us all busy, but nothing should take precedence over your health.
 
Dr. Elizabeth Gath of Primarily for Women, 1375 Washington Avenue in Albany, knows that women are often the main caregivers to their families and sometimes don't put their own needs first. At Primarily for Women, "we encourage women to make their own health a #1 priority - our caring staff has an expertise in women's health and our goal is to promote lifelong well-being."  "We also believe that wellness is a responsibility - proper nutrition, exercise, a positive attitude and working with a healthcare professional aid in maintaining optimal well being." Dr. Gath and Dr. Bleser are accepting new patients; please call 435-1123 to schedule an appointment. 
Why is the Acai Berry One of the Most Powerful Foods in the World?
 
Acai BerriesThe Acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry is originally from the Amazon Region of Brazil and considered to be one of nature's most complete and healthful foods.  The Acai berry is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein.  Some of the health benefits associated with the Acai berry are an increase in sustained energy, help with healthy cholesterol management, improvement in digestive system functioning and strengthening of the immune system, to name a few.  They also have ten times the antioxidant level of grapes and twice that of blueberries plus vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. 
 
You should be aware there are some online scams from companies trying to capitalize on the popularity of Acai. Click here for a link to a recent ABC News story.  Fortunately, you can buy Acai products locally at Paradise Natural Foods in Albany. The store's owner, Marie Creighton, reports "people are seeking out natural foods because they are chemical-free.  Also, lots of people are finding they have a sensitivity to wheat and gluten so we now have more than 400 of these products in stock.  Our store also has a reading room stocked with books where customers are encouraged to learn more about health and wellness."
 
Marie is a nutritionist who can answer questions and offer suggestions based on customers' specific needs.  She and her husband Bill and their staff are especially helpful to people who may be shopping at a natural foods store for the first time. They are conveniently located on Western Ave., 1/2 mile from the Crossgates Mall, and have a large selection of spices, herbs, teas, vitamins, chemical free skin care products and plenty of healthy food including pet foods.  Visit their web site, call 456-0429 or email@paradisenaturalfood.com.
Here's How to Prevent a Common Injury
 
Grandmother and grandkidsAn ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  This adage is something that both doctors and physical therapists cannot emphasize enough. 
 
A recent Yale study found that 3 in 10 adults over the age of 70 will fall each year. The good news is that many of the health problems that increase the chance of falling are treatable.  Your doctor can assess these medical conditions for you (which, for example, might include side effects from medication or blood pressure problems) and a physical therapist can give you some targeted exercises.
 
At our office, we can determine your "biomechanical gate footprint" which is professional terminology for assessment of the shape of your foot, your current footwear, your balance and the manner in which you walk and climb stairs.  Then, our physical therapists can give you specific recommendations to help prevent a potentially dangerous fall.  Ask your doctor for a referral or call us directly at 690-4406 and we will work in tandem with your doctor to establish a fall prevention program designed especially for you.
Improve Your Health with this Daily Checklist

Drink plenty of waterThere are some easy things you can do daily to improve your overall health:
 
- Walk or exercise 30 minutes -- do all at once or three 10 minute sessions.
 
- Floss and brush -- a healthy mouth also keeps your heart healthy. Gum invading bacteria may trigger an immune response that promotes inflammation and arterial hardening throughout your whole body which, in turn, restricts blood flow.
 
- Drink plenty of water and some green tea to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
 
- Meditate for 5 minutes - a period of mental silence is proven to help you recharge and refocus.  Find a quite place to sit, and then clear your mind.  Repeat one word or phrase - it helps keep distracting thoughts from seeping in.
 
- Take any medications, vitamins and supplements as prescribed by your doctor.
 
- Lastly, get 7 - 8 hours of sleep each night.

Free Educational Seminars  
sneakers
Brendan Sullivan, PT, CSCS and William Milhizer, DPT will lead the following seminars  at Fleet Feet Sports on Wolf Rd in Albany. www.fleetfeetalbany.com
 
Strength Training for Runners
January 21st, 6:00-8:00 PM
 
Strength Training for Women
March 18th, 6:00-8:00 PM
 
Strength Training for Children
April 18th, 6:00-8:00 PM