STAYING ACTIVE Newsletter

January 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM OUR STAFF

Winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest

Nora Reim (bottom left)

Winning Pickle Joke

What is the difference between a pickle and a physical therapist?

If you don't know, you won't be recovering from that injury anytime soon.

IS YOUR BACK PAIN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

Back pain is a top medical complaint. There are many possible causes of low back pain. Usually the cause is mechanical, which means it's caused by trauma from a sudden strain on the spine. But you should be aware that back pain can also signal a more serious condition called ankylosing spondylitis.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Unlike ordinary back pain, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is not caused by physical trauma to the spine. Rather, it is a chronic condition caused by inflammation in the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). AS is a form of spinal arthritis. Although intermittent flare-ups of spinal pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms, the disease can also affect other joints, as well as the eyes and the intestines. In advanced AS, abnormal bone growth in the vertebrae may cause joints to fuse, severely reducing mobility. Patients may also experience vision problems, or inflammation in other joints, such as the knees and ankles.

Who Is the Typical Patient?

AS is more likely to affect young men, but it can strike males or females. Initial symptoms usually appear in the late teen to early adult years. AS can develop at any age, however. The tendency to develop the disease is inherited, but not everyone with these marker genes will develop the disease.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Set your appointment for treatment today.

303-757-1554

CLINIC NEWS

UGLY SWEATER 5K

CONGRATULATIONS to the gang who did the Ugly Sweater Run on December 20th.

Back Row: Bob Letendre, Johanna Cole,

Kristen Lundborg, Hannah Miller

Middle Row: Jessica Mehsikomer, Wendy Hildreth

Front Row: Jenn Berry, Addie Swyden

Weekly Classes For Your Health

Tai Chi Class

Every Monday at 11:00 am at Pearl clinic

Every Tuesday at 12:00 pm at Meridian clinic

Staff Birthdays This Month

Beverly Parrott - January 22

NEED A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION?

It's that time of year again where about 50% of us make New Year's resolutions. Usually they are something large like losing weight, quitting smoking, saving money, etc. The daunting nature of a large resolution can make it difficult to achieve, and then you are left feeling frustrated or mad at yourself for failing.

This year, try something different. Why not try smaller resolutions throughout the year like one a month or even one a week if you are inspired. It could be something as small as eating one vegetarian meal a week, or trying a new healthier version of your favorite food. What about just parking at the end of a parking lot when you go shopping so that you increase your daily steps. Or how about making sure that each week you eat dinner at the table with your whole family. Any move toward better health, emotional or physical, is the right move.

Don't let New Year's resolutions be a burden. Make them a way to free you from your old routines.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Lucky Foods for the New Year

For many, January offers an opportunity to forget the past and make a clean start. But instead of leaving everything up to fate, why not enjoy a meal to increase your good fortune? There are a variety of foods that are believed to be lucky and to improve the odds that next year will be a great one. The six major categories of auspicious foods are grapes, greens, fish, pork, legumes, and cakes.

Grapes

New Year's revelers in Spain consume twelve grapes at midnight-one grape for each stroke of the clock. The goal is to swallow all the grapes before the last stroke of midnight.

Cooked Greens

Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, are consumed for a simple reason - their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune. It's widely believed that the more greens one eats the larger one's fortune next year.

Legumes

Legumes including beans, peas, and lentils are also symbolic of money. Their small, seedlike appearance resembles coins that swell when cooked so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind.

Pork

The custom of eating pork on New Year's is based on the idea that pigs symbolize progress. The animal pushes forward, rooting itself in the ground before moving. Also, thanks to its rich fat content, pork also signifies wealth and prosperity.

Fish

Fish is a very logical choice for the New Year's table. Long before refrigeration and modern transportation, cod could be preserved and transported allowing it to reach the Mediterranean and even as far as North Africa and the Caribbean.

Cakes, Etc.

Cakes and other baked goods are commonly served with a special emphasis placed on round or ring-shaped items.

What Not to Eat

In addition to the aforementioned lucky foods, there are also a few to avoid. Lobster, for instance, is a bad idea because they move backwards and could therefore lead to setbacks. Chicken is also discouraged because the bird scratches backwards, which could cause regret or dwelling on the past. Another theory warns against eating any winged fowl because good luck could fly away.

Just remember to eat healthy and in moderation.

Thank you for your interest in health and wellness. We believe Staying Active is important for WORK.SPORT.LIFE.

From The Entire Staff

Physical Therapy & Injury Specialists

303-757-1554

www.denverptis.com

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