By Madison Gray Jensen, PT, DPT, PN1
Intentions, when paired with action, become powerful catalysts for lasting change. Without action, intentions remain wishful thinking. Without sustainability, even the best plans can fizzle out.
This year, why not set health and wellness goals that truly align with your needs and aspirations? Why not choose something that nurtures both your body and mind—something sustainable that will benefit you long-term?
Why Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a proactive and empowering way to honor your body’s needs.
As we welcome 2025, many of us are setting intentions for the year ahead. The excitement of fresh starts, new goals, and the promise of transformation is invigorating, but if we truly want this year to be different—if we genuinely want to seek improvements in health and wellness—we need intention, action, and sustainable habits. After all, the best healthy changes are the ones you will stick with! See STRONG, continued inside
It helps build strength, resilience, and mobility—qualities that enhance not only your physical health, but also your overall well-being. While PT is often associated with injury recovery, it also plays a crucial role in preventing injuries, improving movement patterns, and promoting healthy aging.
Let’s explore why incorporating physical therapy into your 2025 health and wellness plan can be a game-changer!
Healing and Growth: A Mindful Approach to Physical Therapy
Healing and growth go hand in hand, and
when approached mindfully, physical therapy becomes much more than a recovery tool—it becomes a practice of self-care and resilience. A mindful approach to PT encourages you to tune into your body with awareness and patience, fostering an understanding of the deep connection between physical movement and mental well-being.
Throughout life, our bodies face various challenges—from postural imbalances and muscle stiffness to injury and the natural aging process. By setting clear intentions, committing to small, consistent actions, and embracing sustainable habits, you create a
pathway that not only addresses pain, but also promotes long-term strength and vitality. This shift in mindset transforms PT from a temporary solution into an empowering journey of lifelong wellness.
PT: More Than Just Recovery
While physical therapy is often associated with rehabilitation, it is just as valuable for prevention and long-term health. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to stay active, PT can enhance mobility, flexibility,
Spending time outside isn’t just about adventure, it's the key to a healthier, happier life. The benefits of outdoor time extend beyond fresh air; they directly impact physical and mental well-being. In a world where screens dominate our days and stress levels run high, embracing the outdoors is one of the simplest, most effective ways to enhance quality of life.
Numerous studies confirm that spending time outside contributes significantly to both physical and mental health. Outdoor activities encourage movement, whether it’s hiking, biking, or simply taking a walk around the neighborhood. Increased physical activity strengthens the heart, muscles, and immune system. Exposure to natural sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function.
Nature has a remarkable ability to reduce stress and improve mood. Time spent outdoors has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, decreased anxiety, and improved focus. A simple walk in a park can elevate mood and help clear the mind. Spending
time outside also fosters connections with both people and nature, creating a sense of belonging and overall well-being. Being in green spaces has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, providing a calming effect that helps clear the mind.
Incorporating more outdoor time into daily life doesn’t have to be complicated. Taking meetings outside, eating meals outdoors, or choosing to walk or bike instead of driving, even for short distances, provides a refreshing break from routine. Starting the day with a few minutes outside helps regulate the internal clock and can improve sleep patterns.
Engaging in outdoor hobbies such as gardening, birdwatching, or fishing allows for relaxation while connecting with nature. Planning outings to local parks, trails, or natural areas, even for a short visit, offers the benefits of fresh air and movement.
Nature is all around us, sometimes a reminder is all that’s needed to step outside and enjoy it. Taking a deep breath, stepping out the door, and embracing the great outdoors can make a difference in both body and mind. The next time there’s a chance to enjoy the outdoors, take it.
STRONG —
Continued from the Front strength, and overall physical function. Physical therapists are experts in body mechanics and movement. They help identify weaknesses, imbalances, or inefficient movement patterns, then develop personalized plans to restore optimal function and prevent future issues. Regular PT sessions can also teach you proper movement mechanics, ensuring that you perform daily activities and exercise
routines safely and effectively. It’s not just about “fixing” injuries—it’s about building a body that can handle life’s demands with strength and confidence.
PT: A Commitment to Your Body
Physical therapy is an opportunity to take a proactive approach to your health. When you set the intention to focus on your body’s mobility and strength, you’re not just setting a short-term goal— you’re making an investment
in your long-term well-being. This year, commit to honoring your body’s needs. Whether through targeted rehabilitation, injury prevention, or movement optimization, physical therapy can help you move better, feel stronger, and live more fully.
Choose to invest in yourself! Your body will thank you every step of the way!
By Gini Cunningham
Alzheimer’s Awareness and Age and Dementia Friendly Winnemucca is a group that was formed to provide support, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia in rural Nevada. Through initiatives like caregiver respite programs, monthly meetings, and the Brain Health Summit, the group fosters a compassionate and informed community that prioritizes the well-being of both caregivers and their loved ones.
18 years ago as I retired from education, I began looking for other venues to occupy my time. Taking a “What Are You Going to Do Next?” course from Dr. Meggin McIntosh, I focused on writing – books as well as for the Great Basin Sun. At the same time, I offered to facilitate the Winnemucca Alzheimer’s Support Group and volunteered with Humboldt Volunteer Hospice.
Having lost my mom and my sister to Alzheimer’s, the support group proved perfect for sharing my story and for learning the stories of attendees. Alzheimer’s produces good times as well as sorrow; joys as well as broken hearts; changes in perspective while gaining humility. Serving on the Nevada Task Force for Alzheimer’s I realized the myths and fallacies about Alzheimer’s and other dementia plus the need for resources, especially in rural Nevada. Thus, examining dementia and driving, our community launched Age Friendly Winnemucca and Humboldt County through AARP.
Our group studied what we have, what we need, and then how do we get the job done. While there are many goals and accomplishments, some of the best include offering free
A group of global experts is proposing a new way to define and diagnose obesity, reducing the emphasis on the controversial body mass index and hoping to better identify people who need treatment for the disease caused by excess body fat.
Under recommendations released Tuesday night, obesity would no longer be defined solely by BMI, a calculation of height and weight, but combined with other measurements, such as waist circumference, plus evidence of health problems tied to extra pounds.
Obesity is estimated to affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. In the U.S., about 40% of adults have obesity, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report introduces two new diagnostic categories: clinical obesity and pre-clinical obesity.
People with clinical obesity meet BMI and other markers of obesity and have evidence of organ, tissue or other problems caused by excess weight. That could include heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease or chronic severe knee or hip pain. These people would be eligible for treatments, including diet and exercise interventions and obesity medications.
People with pre-clinical obesity are at risk for those conditions, but have no ongoing illness, the report says.
BMI has long been considered a flawed measure that can over-diagnose or underdiagnose obesity, which is currently defined as a BMI of 30 or more. But people with excess body fat do not always have a BMI above 30, the report notes. And people with high muscle mass — football players or other athletes — may have a high BMI despite normal fat mass.
Under the new criteria, about 20% of people who used to be classified as obese would no longer meet the definition, preliminary analysis suggests. And about 20% of people with serious health effects but lower BMI would now be considered clinically obese, experts said.
The new definitions have been endorsed by more than 75 medical organizations around the world, but it's not clear how widely or quickly they could be adopted in practice. The report acknowledges that implementation of the recommendations “will carry significant costs and workforce implications.”
There are practical issues to consider, said Dr. Katherine Saunders, an obesity expert at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of the obesity treatment company FlyteHealth. Measuring waist circumference sounds simple, but protocols differ, many doctors aren't trained accurately and standard medical tape measures aren't big enough for many people with obesity.
respite for caregivers so that they get much needed breaks to attend to daily life knowing that their loved one is in safe hands at Pleasant Senior Center. Lunch, games, crafts, singing, and conversation fill the time, rewarding all with fulfillment.
We also emphasize education. The more we know and implement ideas for staying strong and healthy, the better our hearts and brains operate. We have our monthly meetings, presentations, guest presenters, a book club, and of course, the Brain Health Summit to interact, connect, and increase knowledge. Everything is paid for through our many activities plus the generosity of benefactors, AARP grants, and Dementia Friendly Nevada. We exist because of you and for you and happily repay through help, caring, and overarching support.
Family-Centered Care
Our approach is family-centered. Your partner or support person is included in your birthing experience and can stay at your side throughout the process. We prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment for your growing family.
Our Highly Trained Maternity Team
Our pregnancy and delivery team includes board-certified OB-GYNs and family medicine obstetrics doctors. Additionally, our nurses are certified in obstetrics or maternal and newborn care. They are passionate about helping new parents learn about their baby and will answer all your questions to ensure you feel prepared to bring your baby home.
Birthing Suites and Amenities
The obstetrics department at HGH features four spacious birthing suites, each thoughtfully designed for comfort and care. These rooms include:
• A birthing bed.
• Large showers with comfortable seating.
• An infant warmer and baby bassinet.
• Sleeping accommodations for your support person.
• Stunning mountain views.
To enhance your labor and delivery experience, we offer:
• Labor tubs (in two of our suites).
• Birthing balls and peanut laboring balls.
• Heating pads.
• Intravenous (IV) pain medicines.
• Epidural blocks (regional anesthetics).
• State-of-the-art, portable fetal heart-rate monitoring equipment, allowing you to walk during labor.
Advanced Care When You Need It
At HGH, we are committed to providing high-quality maternity care throughout your birth experience. A certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is available 24 hours a day to administer epidurals. Should you require a C-section, the operating room is conveniently located next door, with surgeons and a care team ready to assist in the safe delivery of your baby.
Postpartum Support and Bonding
After your baby’s birth, you and your newborn can recover and bond in the same room. Your partner or support person can stay with you, ensuring a comfortable and supportive environment. Lactation support is also available to help you get started with breastfeeding if you choose to do so.
Nursery and Higher-Level Care
While most babies are born healthy and full-term, HGH has a Level 1 nursery to provide essential care. If your baby requires a higher level of medical attention, we coordinate transport to the region’s finest medical centers.
Visitation Hours
To allow you time to rest and bond with your newborn, OB visitation hours are from 9 am to 11 am and 6 pm to 8 pm daily.
Childbirth Education and Classes
HGH offers classes to help expectant parents prepare for labor and beyond. These include childbirth education, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes. To register, please call 775.455.5138.
Tina Carbone: 30+ years in healthcare, 4 years in Med Spa
• ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing) from TMCC
• Dual Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Nursing from University of Phoenix
• APRN from Bradley University
Katie Garijo: 12 years nursing experience
• ADN from GBC
• Bachelor’s in Nursing from Western Governors University
• Tina’s Rejuvenation provides Med Spa services that promote healthy lifestyles. Located in Allure Salon, 1180 E Wmca Blvd. Services include:
• Full-service spa facials
• Full body waxing
• Lash extensions
• Weight loss injections
• Vitamin injections
• Amino injections
• NAD injections
• IV infusions
Address: 1180 E Winnemucca Blvd Winnemucca, NV 89445
Contact: 775-750-1085
tinasrejuvenation@gmail.com
https://www.tinasrejuvenation.com/
• Botox, and Juvéderm filler for lips, cheeks, chin, jaw, and temple.
The mobile unit offers IV infusions, vitamin injections, and weight loss injections. We operate with a dedicated team of three Registered Nurses (RNs), each contributing to our mission of delivering exceptional patient care. Two RNs are stationed at our brick-and-mortar facility, providing consistent and reliable services to our local community. As the mobile RN, I bring our services directly to patients, offering the convenience and personalized care that sets us apart in the market.
