Be Inspired

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

I always try to keep an optimistic perspective on life.  It is always so easy to see the dark side of events and people.  When I fall into such a pattern, I become inspired by those who are truly optimistic no matter what challenges they face in life.

This is an article written by Chris Pendergast an 18 year survivor of ALS (Lou Gerhig’s Disease).  The disease has taken away his ability to walk and has made it very difficult to write, breath, and speak.   It has not, though,  shaken his strong will and love of friends, family, and God.  He is an inspiration to me and I am proud to call him my cousin. 

I hope you enjoy.

Dr. D

The News

Once upon a time, I was strolling down a path and God suddenly appeared on the trail.  He raised His hand in openness and smiled.  My fear awe turned to curiosity.  I asked, “God, why are you here?” 

“Well, Chris, I have something to tell you.  Actually it is two things, sort of good news and bad news for you.” 

Being the coward I am, I asked for the bad news first.  I locked my legs preparing for the worst.  He put his hand gently on my shoulder and told me, “The bad news is, you will develop ALS.  The good news,” He went on with a compassionate, loving tone, “is that I will surround you with endless love through family and friends.  The darkness will not surround you, but will give way to many beacons of hope.  Your sadness will be crowded out by rich and unforgettable experiences.  Like everyone,” He continued, “your life will still be filled with hardship and challenge.  But, know Chris, I will give you every tool to rise above each one of them.”

His final comment to me was, “Indeed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  By the same measure, so is suffering and joy.”  He nodded His head as if to reassure me, and then He faded away.

You know what?  He was right.  Here I am, unexpectedly alive after nearly 18 years later!  My life is not picture perfect, but nor is it a horror show.  I am happy with it.

There is a life after diagnosis.  What that life becomes is up to you.

Custom Orthotics Special

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

September Orthotics Special

The temperateture this morning was a balmy 51 degrees!  This is perfect weather for a walk  or to start that running routine.  Don’t let the aches and pains of improper gait stop you.  Remember the foot is the foundation of our bodies.  Support it well.

Our Custom Orthotics Lab, Footlevelers, is offering a “September Special” on custom made orthotics and we are passing the savings along to you.

• Re-Orders for any orthotic $160.00
• New Orders of any orthotics, including in house orthotic scan, an incredible $233.00

These prices include any level of orthotics. (excludes elite energy)  That is a savings of up to $100.00. 

Call 540-665-4444 to place a re-order or simply stop by before the sale ends.

My Neighbors Thought I was Crazy!

Sunday, September 12th, 2010

A few months ago I cancelled my cable subscription. My neighbors thought I was crazy. One even offered money. I blamed the move on the children. “They are watching too much TV and not concentrating on more fulfilling endeavors” I said. “I want them to read and play more”.

The truth is I was watching too much TV myself, all of it bad. Bad news, bad reality shows, even the informational stations were about global warming and the looming depression. Whether we are on the verge of an economic collapse or an ecological disaster I do not know. What I do know is all this negative information is unproductive and in some cases I believe self-perpetuating. So I got rid of cable! I think we could all use a mental cleanse. You may not want to get rid of cable, God knows that is really tough during Football Season! Good thing I have friends to visit on Sundays. But try these few things for 30 days and let me know if you feel better not just mentally, but physically.

The 30 Day Mental Cleanse:
1. No Newspaper
2. No Magazines
3. No Gossip (that means any of those social chatter groups)
4. No TV (Make the exceptions for sports and perhaps a travel channel or classic movie but limit it to 1 game or 1 movie per week)

Instead get outside for a walk, go hiking, visit some tourist sites, read books at night, start a journal or new hobby.  I start this Monday 9/13.  I will let you know how it goes.

These Videos help me relax.

Our Newest Physical Therapist

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

Welcome Dr. Rose Schmieg

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our newest Physical Therapist Rose Schmieg. Rose Schmieg graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education with a concentration in athletic training from West Chester University in 1985. She became an ATC that same year. She received a Master of Science degree in physical therapy in 1987. In 2004, she earned the Doctorate of Health Science Degree (DHSc) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

After five years of employment in a sports medicine facility, Dr. Schmieg obtained her first teaching appointment in 1992 at the Howard University Program in Physical Therapy. In 1995, Dr. Schmieg became an Assistant Professor at Shenandoah University in the Program of Physical Therapy and was the Program’s primary orthopedics instructor until the summer of 2000. In 2001, Dr. Schmieg was appointed as the Program Director of the Division of Athletic Training. In 2005, Dr. Schmieg was appointed the position of Program Director of the Division of Physical Therapy. She is currently directing athletic training program.

Her additional credentials include being a Certified Manual Therapist through the Institute of Physical Therapy, an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) given by the American Board of Physical Therapy, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

With such an accomplished resume we are very excited to have Rose on board. Welcome Rose.

50% off a 1 Hour Massage!

Saturday, September 11th, 2010

Get a Massage Today!

To show our appreciation, we are offering our patients the opportunity to get a 1 hour massage for half off! This offer is limited to the first 100 callers.

You must pre-pay for the massage normally $70 dollars now $35 with coupon. The coupon is good for 3 months although, I’m sure you will use it well before then.

So come visit our new Therapist and our new and improved massage room. Call 540-665-4444 now.