This post is dedicated to the beautiful Ari Hallmark, a survivor of the April 27th tornado in Ruth. Both her parents, grandparents and a cousin were killed in the tornado, and they found Ari 200 yard from where she was before the storm. She has written a book about her experience called, “ To Heaven After the Storm“. Tomorrow, Ari will be riding in the Bo Bikes Bama, on the bike Bo Jackson gave her. We support team Ari!!
Encore Rehab.
ATC Tip of the week: Hydrogen peroxide vs Alcohol
“Hydrogen peroxide should be used to debride a cut or scratch as soon as the injury occurs, and never again. Alcohol can be used to clean the wound the days following injury.
Hydrogen peroxide eats away cells and tissue to debride the injury. If used continuously it slows down healing time due to the damage it does to the new tissue being made to heal the wound.”
– Robert Milam M.Ed., A.T.C./L, Spanish Fort High School.
Cullman Encore Athlete of the Month, Isaac Hardin
Congratulations to Isaac Hardin for being chosen as the Cullman Encore Athlete of the Month! Isaac is a Junior and plays baseball and football for Hanceville High School. He is the catcher and pitcher for the varsity baseball team, and plays center and middle linebacker for the varsity football team. Isaac has had a good baseball career with batting average of .352, 4 home runs, and 38RBIs. He would like to attend UAB after high school and play for the college baseball team. Good Luck Isaac!
Athens Clinic Athlete of the Month, Witt Black.
“Witt Black is a senior at East Limestone High School and a 3 sport varsity starter in football, basketball, and baseball. His class rank is 4/179 with a GPA of 4.36. He is a member of the First National Bank Student Advisory Board, Boys State Delegate, Wendy’s Heisman, Bryant-Jordan Nominee, Limestone County Spirit Award Representative, Senior Beta Club, Science Club, Spanish Club, Support Our Soldiers, FFA, and First Presbyterian Youth Group. Witt will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall, majoring in athletic training.”
It’s Athletic Trainer Tip Tuesday!
This tip is from Eric Oehms, ATC.
“One tip that I tell my athletes when needing to elevate a lower extremity during sleep to decrease swelling. Instead of using pillows that get matted down or end up on the floor, elevate the mattress at the foot of the bed. My suggestion is to use a dresser drawer and place it between the mattress and box spring at the foot of the bed. Your leg will stay elevated the entire night.”
April Celebrations
A Special Thank You Letter
“I am a 67 year old grandmother and have had my fair share of orthopedic rehab. I have never, throughout all my injuries, experienced anything to touch the care of Encore Rehab in Spanish Fort, AL. My two therapists, Rachel Hartman and Jessica Jones, are the best you can get! Peggy Alexander, the receptionist, facilitates everything so quickly that you are immediately cared for the minute you walk in the door. These three women are an asset to Encore’s company and are responsible for the incredible recovery of my new knee. With their help, I am now in my 5th week of therapy and can say they have given me exactly what I want, a wonderful new knee with full range of motion. It can be done at Encore with Rachel and Jessica.”
– Susan Dube, Daphne, AL.
Six Foods that Fight Depression
by Michelle Blessing “Special Needs Mommy” | January 7, 2014
Many women suffer from seasonal disorders, depression, or anxiety. Seasonal Affective Disorders (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs around the same time every year, and for most, it is around the fall and winter months. SAD saps your energy, causes mood swings and diminishes levels of excitement, happiness and overall motivation. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering what you can do to help the problem without relying solely on medication. Truth be told, diet can be a powerful tool in changing your mood and overall mental health. Here are 6 feel better foods to help you fight that seasonal slump.
1. Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid: Although not foods, per say, vitamin B-12 and folic acid are essential vitamins in fighting depression symptoms. Studies have shown that foods or meals high in these two compounds prevent central nervous system disorders and mood problems. Folic acid can be found in leafy greens and beans; vitamin B-12 in meats, fish and dairy products. Eggs, spinach, and salmon are all great sources of folic acid and vitamin B-12.
2. Selenium: Selenium is a mineral with antioxidant-type properties. Research has shown that 200 micrograms of selenium per day can decrease symptoms of depression. Selenium is found naturally in whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice. You can also find selenium in Brazil nuts and seafood, such as clams and oysters.
3. Fish: We’ve heard it for years, but recent studies have further shown the effect of omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of depression. This is especially true of women suffering from postpartum depression. Some excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon,tuna, and herring.
4. Fruits and Vegetables: Depression can be linked to damage in the brain caused by free radicals. Beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E can all combat damage done by free radicals. Fruit such as strawberries and blueberries are excellent sources of vitamin C, and carrots are a great way to get beta-carotene. Nuts, seeds and wheat germ are sources of vitamin E. One way to pack a punch is to whip up a fruit and veggie smoothie with some added wheat germ for breakfast – a great start for a happy day.
5. Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been directly linked to depression, so getting adequate amounts of this nutrient is essential. The most obvious source of vitamin D is the sun, but many women worry about sun protection, and therefore cover up, leading to vitamin D deficiencies. Some other sources of vitamin D include cheese and egg yolks, so make yourself a yummy cheese omelet for breakfast and get your daily dose of this necessary nutrient.
6. Chocolate: Of course we saved the best for last – chocolate! Dark chocolate affects your body’s endorphins, releasing feel-good chemicals within your brain. A small piece of chocolate can be mood boosting and it has been shown to lower blood pressure. So, go ahead and splurge with a bit of dark chocolate for dessert!
Source: http://www.skinnymom.com/2014/01/07/6-feel-better-foods-to-help-combat-seasonal-disorders/




