July 2019 Newsletter
Optimizing the Digestive System
A proper functioning digestive system acts as a good barrier to undigested food particles, bacteria, mold, and yeast. Additionally, it allows for optimal nutrient absorption. If our digestive system is not functioning properly, one could experience digestive complaints such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea and/or constipation. Additionally, one may experience symptoms of food sensitivities including eczema, headaches, sinus infection, difficulty with weight loss or weight gain, allergies, and asthma.
There are a variety of reasons our digestive system may not be functioning at an optimal level. The good news is there are certain lifestyle modifications one can begin to make in order to improve the function. Below are 3 suggestions you can begin to incorporate into your life to optimize digestion.
There are a variety of reasons our digestive system may not be functioning at an optimal level. The good news is there are certain lifestyle modifications one can begin to make in order to improve the function. Below are 3 suggestions you can begin to incorporate into your life to optimize digestion.
- Our brain and gut work together, therefore, the sight of food alone can trigger thoughts in the brain that trigger a stress response. When eating under a stressful environment, our body does not produce the digestive juices, saliva, and digestive enzymes necessary to help digest and absorb food. On the other hand, when we eat in a relaxed environment and feel pleasure with eating, these responses do occur. Due to this, it is important to eat in an environment that is calm and relaxing and to prepare our foods in a way that appeal to us – this includes the look, smell, and taste of our foods.
- Adequate chewing is necessary to ensure our food is broken down into small enough pieces for our body to absorb. Smaller particles are absorbed into our system at a faster rate than larger particles. Additionally, larger particles may get eliminated before they are absorbed. This means one could be eating nutrient rich foods, but not receive the benefits of those nutrients if they are eliminated prior to absorption. Research shows chewing each bite of food 40 times is optimal, especially for harder foods like nuts.
- General stress management is important for many aspects of our lives. As far as digestion goes, general stress can interfere with our ability to produce enough stomach acid, which helps us to properly absorb and digest various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, stress management is key for proper digestive functioning. Incorporating simple stress management strategies, such as meditation and deep breathing, can be very helpful to ensure optimal digestion.
SPT Spotlight
Danielle Aguirre
Patient Care Coordinator
Patient Care Coordinator
Danielle Aguirre was born and raised in Normangee, TX. Danielle is a current student at Western Governors University majoring in Healthcare Management. She has five years experience working in healthcare. She has lived in the Austin area now for 1 year and is have a great time exploring what Austin has to offer.
Danielle loves spending time with her family and her two dogs Zoey and Heidi. She loves traveling, hiking, skydiving and exploring different cultures. Her favorite place that she has traveled so far in New York.
Danielle is excited to be working for Sullivan Physical Therapy and growing her knowledge within healthcare.
Danielle loves spending time with her family and her two dogs Zoey and Heidi. She loves traveling, hiking, skydiving and exploring different cultures. Her favorite place that she has traveled so far in New York.
Danielle is excited to be working for Sullivan Physical Therapy and growing her knowledge within healthcare.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Jamille Niewiara, PT, DPT, WCS and Jessica Chastka, PT, DPT, WCS! They recently passed an exam to become board certified in Women's Health Physical Therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. They have been working on this board certification for over a year and have demonstrated knowledge, skill, and experience exceeding that of the physical therapist at entry to the profession and unique to the area of women's health practice.
We are very proud of them and lucky to have them as part of Sullivan Physical Therapy.
We are very proud of them and lucky to have them as part of Sullivan Physical Therapy.
If you would like to congratulation Jessica and Jamille:
Jessica@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com and Jamille@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
Jessica@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com and Jamille@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
New Medical Billing and Insurance Coordinator
We are sad to say goodbye to Holly Stallins who has been with Sullivan Physical Therapy for three years and worked as our Medical Billing and Insurance Coordinator. Her last day with us was on June 25, 2019. We wish her the best of luck. We have hired a new Medical Billing and Insurance Coordinator. Her name is Rupa Kern and she joined us on June 24. Rupa has been working with billing and patient accounts for over 14 years. We are excited to have Rupa join our team.
If you have any billing or insurance questions, please contact Rupa at
Rupa@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
Rupa@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com
Updates from the Physical Therapy Team
On June 2, Christina McGee trained Barre3 Teachers on topics related to pregnancy/postpartum musculoskeletal considerations in exercise. Christina led an instructional workshop for Barre3 teachers at the Circle C location, focusing on common pelvic floor issues, especially those frequently experienced in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Recommendations for exercise modifications for clients with these conditions were discussed
On June 11, the physical therapist had their "All Therapist Treat" inservice where they learned about pelvic pain caused by hip labral tears and also treating urinary incontinence with patient who are cognitively impaired. This inservice is conducted quarterly by the physical therapists where they teach each other what the have learned in classes and doing research.
Christina McGee participated in the qualitative phase of a research study on LGBTQIA+ related cultural competence of physical therapy clinicians, educators, and students. She was included in a virtual focus group with other clinicians around the country.
On June 11, the physical therapist had their "All Therapist Treat" inservice where they learned about pelvic pain caused by hip labral tears and also treating urinary incontinence with patient who are cognitively impaired. This inservice is conducted quarterly by the physical therapists where they teach each other what the have learned in classes and doing research.
Christina McGee participated in the qualitative phase of a research study on LGBTQIA+ related cultural competence of physical therapy clinicians, educators, and students. She was included in a virtual focus group with other clinicians around the country.
Upcoming Dates
July 2
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
July 4
Sullivan Physical Therapy will be closed in observance of America's Birthday
July 13
Pelvic Pain Support Group 10 to 11:15 am 4131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite M-1 Austin, Texas 78759
RSVP prior to joining the group: brittanyneece@gmail.com or 512-814-6027
July 18
Rachel Madera will be presenting at GALS monthly meeting at 7:30 pm
July 31
Angela Dobinsky and Rachel Madera will be volunteering at the Austin Milk Bank to meet the clinic's community service goal.
UsToo Prostate Support Group: Mike Jones Memorial Chapter will be
at 7pm to 8:30 pm at St.David's South Austin Medical Center.
July 4
Sullivan Physical Therapy will be closed in observance of America's Birthday
July 13
Pelvic Pain Support Group 10 to 11:15 am 4131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite M-1 Austin, Texas 78759
RSVP prior to joining the group: brittanyneece@gmail.com or 512-814-6027
July 18
Rachel Madera will be presenting at GALS monthly meeting at 7:30 pm
July 31
Angela Dobinsky and Rachel Madera will be volunteering at the Austin Milk Bank to meet the clinic's community service goal.
PT Below the Waist
Jamille Niewiara and Jessica Chastka are co-hosts of Sullivan Physical Therapy's podcast called "PT: Below the Waist", a patient oriented podcast discussing topics related to pelvic floor physical therapy and how it addresses bladder, bowel, and sexual function issues. The podcast features two pelvic floor physical therapists casually conversing about their experiences and thoughts towards pelvic floor related issues.
Every few weeks, they will be posting podcasts about different diagnoses, tips/recommendations to address symptoms, and interviews with medical professionals. Subscribe to their podcast on iTunes, follow them on Twitter @PTBelowTheWaist, and like them on FaceBook. Leave comments and questions on their email: PTBelowTheWaist@gmail.com.
Sullivan Physical Therapy encourages you to listen to their podcasts and get enlightened about "Better Pee, Better Poo, Better Sex".
To listen to our latest podcast please click here.
Every few weeks, they will be posting podcasts about different diagnoses, tips/recommendations to address symptoms, and interviews with medical professionals. Subscribe to their podcast on iTunes, follow them on Twitter @PTBelowTheWaist, and like them on FaceBook. Leave comments and questions on their email: PTBelowTheWaist@gmail.com.
Sullivan Physical Therapy encourages you to listen to their podcasts and get enlightened about "Better Pee, Better Poo, Better Sex".
To listen to our latest podcast please click here.
Sullivan Physical Therapy & Austin Area Birthing Center
Postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy is standard in some other countries, with health systems recognizing that preventative care during the crucial healing period following delivery can save women from future suffering and save the system hundreds of thousands of dollars in medications and surgeries farther down the line. Problems such as incontinence, prolapse, scar pain, diastasis recti, back or hip pain, and pain with intercourse can be addressed and eliminated or even prevented all together with a post partum evaluation and recommendations or exercises from a pelvic floor physical therapist trained in postpartum health. To this point, these services are rarely offered in the United States.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is excited to partner with Austin Area Birthing Center in creating this type of whole- person care for clients. Christina McGee PT, DPT, will be on site at Austin Area Birthing Center South Thursdays to provide physical therapy evaluations and treatments to pregnant and postpartum AABC clients to maximize health and healing and allow patients to get back to activities safely following delivery. At this time, the only insurance accepted at AABC is Blue Cross Blue Shield, however we will give you a receipt for you to submit to your insurance companies.
Please contact Sullivan Physical Therapy to learn more about this service and schedule an appointment or email christina@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
Sullivan Physical Therapy is excited to partner with Austin Area Birthing Center in creating this type of whole- person care for clients. Christina McGee PT, DPT, will be on site at Austin Area Birthing Center South Thursdays to provide physical therapy evaluations and treatments to pregnant and postpartum AABC clients to maximize health and healing and allow patients to get back to activities safely following delivery. At this time, the only insurance accepted at AABC is Blue Cross Blue Shield, however we will give you a receipt for you to submit to your insurance companies.
Please contact Sullivan Physical Therapy to learn more about this service and schedule an appointment or email christina@sullivanphysicaltherapy.com.
