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 Friday, February 1 is National Wear Red Day. This day draws attention to fighting heart disease in women. Work Systems Rehab & Fitness is celebrating this day by sponsoring a Go Red event.
Join us anytime at our downtown Des Moines clinic on February 1, from 11:30 – 1:30pm for fun, food, information, and prizes!
A free fitness assessment will include:
- Fitness level
- Body fat percent
- Body mass index
- Total body water percent
- Waist circumference
- Resting blood pressure
- Resting heart rate
The menu includes:
- Almond snack mix
- Carrot ginger soup
- Roasted red bell pepper and artichoke tapenade
- Dark chocolate
- Pomegranate tea
- Cherry vanilla tea
Be sure to wear RED!
Please call 515-309-4706 if you have questions about the Go Red event.
Jon Schultz recently joined Work Systems Rehab & Fitness as a Physical Therapist in Des Moines and Marshalltown. He and his family moved to Des Moines from Rochester, Minnesota. We are excited to have Jon as a part of our team and are blessed by his unique skill set.
Why did you choose Physical Therapy as a profession? 
I was injured while serving in the Army, and I worked with a caring, competent, and compassionate Physical Therapist who helped me completely rehabilitate my ankle.
I am a people person and enjoy helping people find ways to overcome obstacles so they can return to doing what brings them joy or happiness. The profession affords the opportunity to work on the mind, body, and spiritual aspects that make all of us unique individuals.
Where did you go to Physical Therapy school?
I attended the US Army Baylor Masters Program in Physical Therapy at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
What area of Physical Therapy have you mainly practiced in?
While serving in the Army, I proudly treated soldiers and their family members. They suffered from many orthopaedic related complaints and I found the work very rewarding. It also provided me a broad experience in treating all types of patients. I have worked with neurologic (stroke, brain injured) patients, post-surgical patients, sports injuries, and chronic pain patients. I am also very interested in the science of posture and how it impacts movement. Therefore, I have taken extensive educational courses from the Postural Restoration Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska to improve my ability to treat patients who have failed conventional physical medicine approaches.
What would you say is your treatment approach?
I am an experienced licensed Physical Therapist who uses current evidence based neuroscience techniques to help treat patients with pain or functional limitations.
My goal is to help the patient discover strategies to best heal themselves by serving as their teacher. I also try to take a whole mind body approach. My goal is to discover the cause of the patient’s pain or limitation in function. I like to take a holistic view of the cause of the complaints and work as a team to improve their alignment and posture. This is unique compared to most standard physical medicine interventions directed toward the painful extremity or region of complaints.
How have you advanced your skills as a Physical Therapist?
To the best of my knowledge, I am only physical therapist in the state of Iowa certified through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in both Orthopaedics and Electrophysiology (EMG/NCS). I am also trained in Postural Restoration Techniques approach to treating patients. I have trained at Mayo Clinic in the treatment of chronic pain patients and Stress Resiliency (helping individuals reduce the deleterious impact of stress on the body).
Share about your family.
I am blessed to be married to Leslie (Marshall) Schultz and we have 2 daughters: Caroline and Meredith. They love to swim and appear to have unlimited energy.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love to stay active by playing with my family and working out by swimming, biking, and running. I really enjoy participating in the Des Moines Hy-Vee Triathlon.
Anything else you would like to add?
You don’t need a referral from your doctor to be evaluated by a Physical Therapist. If you continue to have pain, are limited in doing day to day activities, or sports please contact me so we can set up an appointment to perform a complimentary neuromuscular consultation to see how I could help you.
Jon is accepting new patients and offering Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Care, Industrial Rehab, and Sports Medicine in Des Moines.
To schedule an appointment with Jon, please call Work Systems Rehab & Fitness – Des Moines at 515-309-4706.
 Tim Vander Wilt, PT, ATC, CSCS joined Work System Rehab & Fitness this summer and helped open our new Ames clinic. We are excited for what he brings to our company and to the Ames market. He is a great Physical Therapist and is excited about helping individuals in Ames with their rehab and fitness needs.
Why did you choose Physical Therapy as a profession?
I have always thought the body was fascinating and enjoyed learning about it. I also participated in many sports when I was young. Both seemed to fit into things that I enjoyed, so I decided to become a Physical Therapist.
Where did you go to Physical Therapy school?
I attend Des Moines University for my Physical Therapy degree.
What area of Physical Therapy have you mainly practiced in?
The area I have practiced in for most of my career has been outpatient general orthopedics and sports medicine.
What would you say is your treatment approach?
I prefer to encourage functionally based therapy. The majority of my treatments consist of exercise based therapy along with manual treatments. I like my treatments to “fit” the needs of my patients.
How have you advanced your skills as a Physical Therapist?
I have participated in continuing education courses that challenge my current practices and I feel are quality treatment approaches. One of the courses that had a good impact on me was Gary Gray’s Functional Transformation course. Also the Explain Pain course really helped me understand the biological basis of pain. I have also tried to read literature/research to educate myself regarding the most effective treatment strategies.
Share about your family.
My wife and I have been married for 11 years. We have four children (3 boys and 1 girl) that are 9 and under in age. We have great energetic kids, that keep us quite busy!
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love to play sports, especially golf. I have become a more active runner in the last 5 years. I also enjoy spending time with family, friends, and being active with our church. Watching the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball and football games is another hobby.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am excited about the opportunity to work at Work Systems Rehab & Fitness. I am also excited about being a health coach and helping improve lives by encouraging healthy lifestyles.
Tim is offering Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Care, Industrial Rehab, Sports Medicine, Vestibular Rehab, and Health Coaching in Ames.
To schedule an appointment with Tim, please call Work Systems Rehab & Fitness – Ames at 515-337-1037.
Work Systems Rehab is excited to announce the addition of the Beginner’s Yoga class to our clinic programm ing. The yoga class is a part of the new MOG (Medically Oriented Gym) program that we are starting in September. More information about the MOG will be coming soon.
The Beginner’s Yoga class was the idea of Physical Therapist Kate Cardamon, PT, CMTPT, RYT. Kate has had an interested in fitness related programming for many years. She has attained her registered yoga teacher designation and is excited to share her yoga knowledge with those coming to the class.
Here are some details on the Beginner’s Yoga class.
Where: Work Systems Rehab – Des Moines
When: Tuesdays at 5:15pm, starting on September 11th, 2012
Who: Anyone interested in a yoga class led by a Physcial Therapist who can adapt the activity to their specific need.
The first class on September 11th is FREE. Please bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Contact Work Systems Rehab to sign up.
July 3 has been designated as World RTS Day. Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome is a rare genetic syndrome. It was coined almost 50 years ago by Dr. Rubinstein and Dr. Taybi. Individuals with RTS may have a variety of medical issues and all have developmental delays. Some of the medical issues include heart problems, tethered spinal cord, vertebral abnormalities, feeding problems, and gastroesophageal reflux. A characteristic of those with RTS is broad thumbs and big toes. These may require surgery for improved alignment and function. Those with RTS are usually very happy and social.
My daughter Kate was born with RTS, so learning about this syndrome has been a big part of our lives for the past three and a half years.
To learn more about World RTS Day and RTS in general go to the official World RTS Day website.
The hamstrings are one of the most important muscle groups for runners. Stretching the hamstrings is a common activity for runners. If you have been stretching your hamstrings for quite a while and do not seem to be gaining any mobility, you may need to focus on activating these muscles and building strength instead. Increasing hamstring strength is one way to keep them from feeling tight and strained.
T hree Muscles
There are three hamstring muscles in each leg. They attach at the top end at the ischial tuberosity (sit bone). On the lower end the outer hamstring, biceps femoris, attaches on the femur (thigh bone) and the fibula (outer shin bone). The semitendonosus and semimembranosus, inner hamstrings, attach on the inside of the upper tibia (shin bone). The hamstrings not only bend the knee but also help with extending the hip, rotating the hip, stabilizing the pelvis, and slowing down knee extension.
Warm-up
Focusing on getting the hamstrings warmed up prior to exercise and strengthening them are well worth your time if you have had any knee, hip, hamstring, back or shin pain. Some tips for activating the hamstrings are starting your runs by running uphill, kick-butt running drills, or running at a slight degree of elevation when on the treadmill.
One dynamic warm-up exercise that is good for the hamstrings prior to running is the standing hamstring curl. Stand on one leg and bend your opposite knee, lifting your foot up and down. Your knee should point towards the ground while your calf muscle remains relaxed. Feel your hamstrings doing the work of lifting and lowering your foot. Do this pre-run exercise 15 times with each leg.
Another basic pre-running hamstring exercise is the hamstring set. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Tighten the hamstrings of both legs, slightly lifting your pelvis. Hold for a few counts and repeat 10-15 times. Try this exercise with your feet at varying distances from your buttocks.
Functional Strengthening
A more advanced hamstring exercise is performing a forward lunge and adding a forward reach with both of your hands. Reach towards the floor on either side of your front foot as you lunge forward and return to the starting position. This forward reaching of your upper body pulls in your hamstrings to stabilize your pelvis and trunk. Start by doing 10 repetitions with each leg. It is best to do this exercise after a run and only two times per week initially. Vary the motion by placing your foot in a slightly different spot each time you step forward. If you have knee pain adjust your form or discontinue the exercise.
Activate
Any activities or exercises to warm-up or strengthen the hamstrings are great for runners. Lifting your heels slightly more while running, standing curls with ankle weights, the curl machines at the gym (either standing or sitting), pulling back and up with your foot when bicycling, or even pulling yourself around the house in a wheeled desk chair, are all ways to strengthen this important muscle group.
If you have never focused on hamstring strengthening or specific warm-ups for them, give it a try. You just might be surprised at how your legs feel while running.
 - Kate Cardamon, PT
Kate Cardamon, PT recently joined Work Systems Rehab at our downtown Des Moines clinic, serving our patients and clients there. Here are some answers to questions that we asked Kate to help others get to know her better.
Where did you go to Physical Therapy school?
I graduated from the University of Iowa Master of Physical Therapy Program in 1994. After living in Iowa City for several years, I have recently returned to Des Moines, which is where I grew up.
Where does your family live?
I have three grown children. My oldest son lives here in Des Moines and I have another son back in Iowa City. He celebrated his first wedding anniversary in September of 2011. My youngest, my daughter, lives in California. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2009 and prefers sunny California to Iowa so I don’t see her moving back here much to my chagrin. My parents and four siblings live here in Des Moines.
What area of Physical Therapy have you mainly practiced in?
My focus as a Physical Therapist has been in orthopedics. After graduation, I worked as an inpatient orthopedic therapist in a hospital setting for two years. I have worked in outpatient orthopedics for 15 years and I love it.
What would you say is your treatment approach?
Philosophically, my approach is to help patients get well and to educate them on what they can do in their daily lives to prevent reoccurring musculoskeletal problems. I believe in not just getting a patient well with their problem that brought them to me in the first place, but helping them to become aware of changes they could make that would prevent their problem from returning.
When working with my patients, I try to give them a lot of information on what his/her particular problem is so that they understand what is going on with their body. I make it a point to give patients a chance to express their concerns and ask any questions relevant to their problem that they may have. I believe that understanding the how, why, and what of the diagnosis helps patients to get well and stay that way. I make it a point to look at how the patient has responded on level of function questionnaires, so that I can understand the full scope of their problem and how the patient’s life is affected by it.
How have you advanced your skills as a Physical Therapist?
As a Physical Therapist, I have continued to educate myself and further my skills by pursuing continuing education beyond the hours that are required to renew my license every two years. I have always been a lifelong learner and there is always new information in the health field and different approaches work with different people. By staying aware of Physical Therapy advances I am best able to serve those I treat. My continuing education focus over the last few years has been through the Postural Restoration Institute and International Spine and Pain Institute.
I have also advanced my skills by pursuing training to be able to provide specialized care in the area of women’s health. This involves treating pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act as a sling to support the internal organs. It can be injured in various ways but most often by child birth. However, men can have pelvic floor dysfunction too as it can often be a source of pain that can develop from occupations that require prolonged periods of sitting or trauma such as bike or horseback riding, or even a bladder or urinary tract infection.
Over that past half year I have been pursuing specialized training to be able to dry needle. This is a pain management technique in which a solid filament needle is inserted into the skin and muscle directly at a myofascial trigger point that is causing pain. Dry needling can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems. The treatment of muscles has the greatest effect on reducing pain mechanisms in the nervous system.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Hobbies of mine are reading. Historical fiction is my favorite. Also, I make jewelry. I usually give the jewelry away as gifts rather than wear it. I don’t know why I am interested in it as I never have been much of a jewelry wearer. It is an outlet with which I can create something I suppose. I wouldn’t be successful at it if it was painting! I do play the piano as well but never to entertain anyone but myself. I am not that good.
My most special interest is my oldest son who has autism. He also has physical disabilities from a cerebral hemorrhage he experienced when he was young. He was born prematurely. Because of these problems he is nonverbal and his autism effects his motor capability so he has never been able to use sign language as a mode of communication. We have been pursuing helping him to develop the skills needed to use a keyboard independently. We are having some success with this and it is very exciting to eliminate the communication barrier for him so that he is able to interact with others. It has truly changed his life.
Kate Cardamon, PT is accepting new patients Monday through Friday at Work Systems Rehab’s Physical Therapy clinic, downtown Des Moines.
The Live Healthy Iowa 100 Day Wellness Challenge starts on Monday, January 23. There is still time to sign up for a team. Contact Work Systems Rehab today to join one of our teams. We are coordinating groups in all of our locations.
I hope you had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year!
Now is a great time to reevaluate your health goals for 2012. Are you wanting to lose weight? Get more active? Eat healthier? Sleep an extra hour per night? All of the above? No matter your goals it is important to have a plan and to stick to it, not just for January and February, but for the long term.
Dreams and Aspirations
What are your dreams and aspirations? Dreams can be as broad as traveling in Europe, climbing Mt. Everest, owning your own home, having a family, or retiring early. Fitness oriented dreams may be losing weight, exercising for more than two weeks at the beginning of each year, running a marathon, making the basketball team, or trying to get out on the golf course every week. I am going to use my story about my dream of doing an iron-distance triathlon to talk about turning those dreams reality.
Step One
The first step is to figure out what your dreams are. Write them down as you brainstorm about this issue. When I was in graduate school, I had a classmate who had been a college swimmer, and she had done an Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). I thought if she as a person with only a swimming background could do it, the dream might be possible for me. I defined my dream.
Attainable
From your list of dreams you need to pick which ones are attainable. I once heard that goals are dreams with a deadline. So set a deadline to a few of your dreams and they will become goals for you to reach. This may be picking a day a week to golf or setting aside an hour a week to practice your favorite sport or even making time for a few 30 minute walks with your neighbor. For me it was 10 years ago when I decided that I would sign up to do an iron-distance triathlon in 2002. That put the deadline on the dream, and I started looking for a race. In December 2001 I found about the Ultramax Triathlon in Lake of the Ozarks, MO, which was to be an inaugural event. My deadline was set for September 28, 2002.
Goals
When you have your goals in place, you can start to plan how the details will all work out. If your goal is to work out at the gym three days a week, you need to make a point of what days those will be so that your plan materializes. If your goal is to ride your exercise bike daily you need to make time in each day to get that activity in. My plan was to fit my swim, bike, and run workouts around my busy life of work, church, family, and friends. If you have a plan you will stick with it, and the goal becomes possible.
Reality
The reality of the dream is the capstone of the process. Your planning, hard work, and dedication have been worthwhile. Reality for you may be sticking with your aerobics program for a month, or going for a walk over lunch for the whole summer, or even attending a weekly group bike ride all season. For me it was almost 10 years ago when I crossed the finishline after completing the iron-distance triathlon event. What starts out as a dream becomes a reality. The whole process is important. Enjoy every minute of it.
What’s Next?
After you reach your dreams what do you do? You evaluate them and take that knowledge with you to the next task in life. You dream some more and set new goals for the future.
Some important things to remember are to be flexible and do not get down if things do not go as planned. Find accountability to make the process meaningful. Encourage others along the way. Invite someone to play tennis with you, check out cross-country skiing with a family member, or go walk the mall with some friends. Try planning your dreams into reality.
 Image by angie.doyle via Flikr
I am amazed at this question when eating with friends and family. When there is a table full of food of many varieties there must be a more appropriate question. Especially when thinking of improving your health and eating the right portion of food for your needs, a question about enough should be changed to, did anyone eat too much? A better approach may be to encourage everyone at the beginning of the meal to enjoy the food without over indulging. Please read on for a few specific tips on how to be thankful this Thanksgiving without regretting eating too much after the
big meal.
Eating and Feasting
It is possible to enjoy some holiday food without loading up on the calories and adding on a few pounds. Consider these tips and plan ahead prior to being tempted to make decisions that were not a part of your health goals.
- Eat a healthy breakfast. Start the day by getting your metabolism going. This will help you burn calories most effectively.
- Go for the healthier foods first. Whether this is putting the turkey on your plate, followed by the vegetables and fruits, and then whole grain breads, pick the foods with a higher nutritional value.
- Be easy on the less healthy, creamy and saucy foods. Let these foods fill in the spaces on your plate without heaping on a second layer.
- Watch portions. Overall only take smaller portions of each food. This way you get to enjoy the taste without getting all the calories of a larger portion. Consider not going back for seconds and instead just enjoying firsts. You will be able to try the food again later in the day or the next.
- Drink water before and during the meal to help create a fuller feeling and decrease the total amount of calories consumed.
- Keep your dessert slice small. Ask for a small piece or a half slice so you can enjoy the taste without feeling stuffed from eating too much.
Activity and Exercise
Being active is another important thing to consider to help with burning the extra calories and preventing the holiday food from hanging around. Plan on at least 30 minutes of exercise on Thanksgiving Day. Here are some options.
- Encourage a family walk/hike 2-3 hours after eating.
- Go bowling as a group for a few hours.
- Plan a morning run or look for a Turkey Trot to participate in.
- Bundle up and get the bikes out for a bike trail ride.
Be Thankful
We are very blessed in the United States. There are so many people in this world that do not have enough food to eat and would be amazed at how readily available food is to us. Remember the abundance we have and be responsible for the choice we have regarding how much to eat. Focus on your foundational choice of improving your health and let your day to day choices fall in place. Make sure you are an example for others as someone who had enough, not too much.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Friday, February 1 is National Wear Red Day. This day draws attention to fighting heart disease in women. Work Systems Rehab & Fitness is celebrating this day by sponsoring a Go Red event.
