Subject: I have GOOD news and BAD news.

Hi Friend, 

How are you doing two weeks into 2021? Is there anything I can do for you right now?

Just a couple quick, important health reminders.... and then I'll get to the GOOD news and BAD news.

FIRST CRITICAL REMINDER:

If you are working from home, remember to get up and move around at least a few times per hour. Even just walking around the house and gentle stretches are a good place to start. I'm seeing a large uptick in patients with back and neck pain than ever before.

Make sure if you are using a laptop at home, that you raise it up on some books or boxes.... and use a separate keyboard / mouse. I'd say injuries related to working from home are making up greater than 60% of my caseload right now.

If you are having increased pain since working from home or just being home more in general, remember that I can help with this! The longer you wait, the worse these types of injuries tend to get. Don't wait. Reach out.

SECOND CRITICAL REMINDER:

As long as there is no ice obstructing your path, I highly encourage you to spend at least 15 minutes outside per day. I know it's cold. Several studies have shown that time in nature helps reduce stress and improve recovery time of injuries and many chronic illnesses. Obviously, you need to be safe while doing so... but make an effort every day. Start small.... and walk around the block. Gradually build up your endurance.

Also, I know you know this, but remember to shovel snow on BOTH sides of your body, and lift with your legs.

If you are feeling too deconditioned to even do that right now, you might need some Physical Therapy. Give me call, or respond to this email.

On to the good news:  

I had the fortune of connecting with another Physical Therapist who will be joining me in our practice.

Her name is Beth. She is an incredibly skilled and highly personable Physical Therapist. She's the kind of person you sit down with, and POOF, 2 hours are gone. If you've enjoyed our time together, you're REALLY going to be impressed with Beth. Don't worry, I'm not forcing my patients onto her schedule. 

However, consider seeing her for a few appointments while you are here. It's always great to get another set of eyes on your problem. We can learn more about your body as a TEAM.

If you have any friends or family who have been putting off Physical Therapy, please let me know. Beth is accepting new patients within 2-3 weeks. If you have trusted me, you know I'd only hire the best! So you can rest assured that you.( or your family / friends) would received exceptional care from Beth.
..... And the not so great news:

Almost anyone receiving this email knows our "Official Therapy Mascot," Candy. Candy (pictured above) has been with me for nearly 13 years of her life. She's about 15 years old now. She is one of the sweetest, and most gentle dogs I've ever known. (Ok, I'm a biased, doggie dad).

A few weeks ago, Candy woke up with bloody drool. She stopped eating. I knew something was seriously wrong.

I took Candy to the vet. The vet identified a raspberry-sized mass in Candy's mouth, deep below her tongue. 

After careful consideration, we decided to proceed with an operation to remove the lesion. It was sent in for a lab biopsy... The results were not in Candy's favor.

Candy has been diagnosed with an aggressive blood vessel cancer, known as Hemangiosarcoma. Most dogs diagnosed with this type of cancer rarely live longer than a month at time of diagnosis. I'm monitoring Candy for signs of struggle. So far she is doing well, all things considered.

However, I bring this up, because I wanted to offer anyone the chance to say their goodbyes to Candy before she becomes more ill. If you'd like to stop by briefly (masked, of course) and see Candy one last time, let me know, and we can arrange a time.

...But let's end on a message of hope...

I'm optimistic about 2021. I have received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. I am scheduled to receive the second dose next week. 

Everyone will need to make their own personal choice as to whether they will be vaccinated. However, as a healthcare provider, I urge you to strongly consider becoming vaccinated (unless contra-indicated in your case). 

If you are uncertain about anything related to the new vaccines, reach out to me. I'm happy to help clear up any uncertainties.

2021 will bring challenges that we cannot foresee. Take it one day at a time. One step at a time... One BREATH at a time.... And if you feel lost along the way, or your bones are aching, reach out to us. We'll help you get back on track.
Gratefully,
Dr. Chris Sovey, DPT, RN, BSN
Phone: 616-803-9829
Healthy Consumer Physical Therapy, PLLC, 1106 N Cedar St, #300A, Lansing, MI 48906, United States
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