Your tendons on cake

My friend and colleague James Crownover recently wrote a wonderful blog post about the relationship between glucose metabolism and tendon injury

http://crownmd.net/your-tendons-on-cake/

Upcoming Fall Races: 5K, 10K, marathon, fun run, and more

I remember the first 5K I ever did.  It was the charity walk/run called the Furry 5K in Seward Park that benefited the Seattle Animal Shelter.  As a non-runner, I was hesitant at first to sign up because I imagined all these seasoned athletes sprinting past me while I was left in their dust.  Boy was I ever wrong!  The amazing lessons I learned that day were: A. I could power walk at MY pace and still cross the finish line and B. EVERYONE who signs up for these walking/running events is there to support and cheer one another on. 

Whether you are a competitive runner who is pushing their physical capacity in a timed race or a beginner testing the walking/jogging waters in a fun run, there is ALWAYS a race for you!  I am going to share some upcoming races in the Seattle area that I have researched, but remember, do your own research too!  A great website I utilized is http://www.runguides.com/seattle/runs which lets you filter through the types of runs you are looking for.  So check out some of these runs below and as always, stay active and be the BEST version of yourself!

September:

·         “Walk to Defeat ALS”- September 12, 2015 (our clinic completed).  This is a little less than 5K run/walk around Seward Park.  This event is to raise money for local ALS Association chapters to sustain care services and support research.  I will be doing this walk again this year! http://web.alsa.org/site/TR?fr_id=11078&pg=entry#.VdzAwvlVhBc

·         “End Aids Walk and 5k Run Seattle”- September 26, 2015.  This is a 5K run/walk around Volunteer Park.  The monies raised will go towards support in HIV prevention and care services.  https://give.lifelong.org/seattle/events/the-seattle-aids-walk/e48168

October:

·         “Magnolia 10K & 5K”- October 4, 2015. This is a 5K and 10K run/walk in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.  At the finish line, there is a festival in the Magnolia Village that includes exhibitors, food and a beer garden.  http://www.promotionevents.com/magnolia/Info.htm

·         “Biggest Loser Seattle Half Marathon/5K”- October 25, 2015.  This is a half marathon/5K run/walk at Lake Stevens in Snohomish County.  There will be appearances by former contestants from "The Biggest Loser" as well as the Biggest Loser finisher's medal and awards for the best times.  http://www.biggestloserrunwalk.com/race/2015/seattle-wa-half-marathon-5k

November:

·         “The Ugly Sweater Run Seattle”- November 28, 2015 (our clinic completed).  This is a 5K run/walk around Marymoore Park.  You can expect to see tons of ugly sweaters, holiday cheer and and other goodies at the finish line.  Also, this event raises monies for the non-profit Save the Children. http://theuglysweaterrun.com/locations/seattle-washington/#.VdzipflVhBc

·         “Seattle Marathon and Half-Marathon”- November 29, 2015 (our practice manager Laura completed; she and medical assistant James will be at this year’s race).  These marathons are primarily for runners though the race does offer a smaller walker category.  The routes begin near Seattle Center and head out towards Lake Washington.  The best times from the race can be used as a Boston Marathon qualifier; there will also be other medals and awards.  http://www.seattlemarathon.org/amica-insurance-seattle-marathon

December:

·         “Run 4 Wine”- December 12, 2015.  This is a 5K run/walk around the Warehouse Wineries in Woodinville.  Pair your love of running with your love of wine!  After the race, you can enjoy some of our state’s finest wine tasting.  http://www.active.com/woodinville-wa/running/distance-running-races/run-4k-wine-run-walk-plus-wine-tasting-2015-11462108?cmp=39-34&ltclickid=08_119491134_f37bbe56-b228-4209-8bf8-36b51be4e4de&ltcmp=254301

·    "Jingle Bell Run/Walk Seattle"- December 13, 2015.  This is a run/walk near Westlake Center in the Seattle area.  Spread your holiday cheer while raising monies to benefit research for the Arthritis Foundation.  You will see lots of holiday themed runners, booths and get a free beverage in their beer garden after!  http://www.jbr.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1138396&lis=1&kntae1138396=CB96B4C15EAE467089E85385687EFD27 

Behind the scenes…What goes into my appointment?

If you’ve ever been to a doctor’s office, you may have wondered at some point...What exactly are they doing??   At Lake Washington Sports & Spine, our new patient consultations range from 45-60 minutes while follow up appointments range between 15-30 minutes.  Follow-ups can include imaging/lab reviews, checking your response to a previously done procedure and/or following up after you’ve completed recommendations set forth by the doctor.  A lot of patients do not recognize the time and effort that is put into each appointment from start to finish.  We want to share with you a “look behind the scenes” at what we are doing to ensure YOU have the best experience and care with us!

Front Office…Our front office staff includes the patient care coordinator and billing manager.  They work together to make sure the appointments are scheduled correctly, any necessary insurance authorization or other provider chart notes have been obtained and direct calls to the appropriate staff.  Overall, they make sure that scheduling, check-in and check-out run smoothly. 

The patient care coordinator is the first face you see when you walk in.  They contact patients to make sure they arrive on time for their check-in time and organize patient paperwork all the while answering phones with great customer service.  They explain referrals/orders to patients upon check-out and work with the rest of the staff to make sure the patient has everything they need before they leave.  They work to send your medical records to the appropriate clinics and facilities. The coordinator also schedules your follow-up appointment as you check out, and works with you to find the best day and time available. 

The billing manager checks insurance eligibility for patients and contacts them prior to their appointment with any concerns.  They answer insurance-related questions in real-time that either the patients or doctors may have, as well as discuss balances due with the patients.  They work with the medical assistants and doctors during appointments especially before procedures are done and/or scheduled in order to ensure all aspects of the procedure billing goes well.  They code and bill claims that require immediate payment as you check-out so you leave with a zero balance.

Clinical Staff… Our clinical staff includes the medical assistants to both our fabulous doctors!  They arrive early to prepare the day for the doctors so when patients are ready to be roomed they have the full appointment time booked with the doctor.  That is why it is so important for our patients to arrive at their check-in time versus their appointment start time.

The medical assistants typically review the chart notes for upcoming patients a day or two ahead of time.  If a patient is scheduled for an imaging and/or lab review appointment, they double check with the other facilities to make sure the images and reports are completed.  If the patient has not completed the needed orders, they work with the patient care coordinator to contact the patient in order to reschedule their appointment and/or find out when the orders will be done.  For patients following up for an in-office procedure, the medical assistants set up the equipment needed ahead of time for the doctor and also make sure necessary injectables are ready to be used (like PRP kits, Euflexxa, steroids, ect). 

Throughout the day, the medical assistants are constantly prepping for the next appointment, while also answering and returning patient calls.  They clean and prepare exams rooms before each appointment and work with each other to ensure that each doctor has access to the room/equipment he needs.  The medical assistants also input data from new patient and follow-up paperwork and generate referrals your doctor may recommend.

This is just a small glimpse into the amount of work being done to make sure you have a 5 star experience at Lake Washington Sports & Spine.  Our team is dedicated to keeping you active and we will ALWAYS go above and beyond to ensure that you receive the best musculoskeletal care around!

Happiness Based Musculoskeletal Medicine: The Power of Woo

 Drs. Hyman & Chimes are the pioneers of Happiness-based Musculoskeletal Medicine. Our practice focuses on more than just injury treatment and prevention- we help you optimize your health!
Here's a fun clip to help improve your posture & boost your mood: THE POWER OF WOO!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hgzTI-N--8

Tips for Beating the Heat!

As a relatively recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, I have quickly realized that summer in Seattle is a magical time.  All of a sudden the clouds float away and we are left with an array of outdoor activities at our finger tips.  As our excitement grows, however, it is also important to recognize the dangers of being out in the heat for too long and without the right precautions.  Below are a few tips that will allow you and your family to have the happiest and healthiest of PNW summers!

1.  Get a Big Gulp….of WATER!

                This one may seem obvious but it is absolutely critical that we all remain hydrated during these flaming hot days.  It is important to remember that the time to start drinking is NOT once you feel thirsty; by this point, you are already behind.  Make sure to drink plenty of water before starting your activity and then continue to sip water while exercising.  If you plan to do vigorous exercise, it may be wise to bring along a diluted sports drink to replace electrolytes that our lost when you perspire.  Always remember to drink plenty once you’ve completed the activity too!

2.  Temperature isn’t the only thing that matters!

                Most of us are in the habit of checking just the temperature before we head outside.  Although the temperature is indeed telling of how bearable exercising outside might be, humidity is also a critical factor.  One of the body’s main cooling systems is perspiration (sweating) and the sweat evaporating off of our skin is what cools us down.  Humidity, however, makes it much more difficult for sweat to evaporate and in turn, makes is much more difficult for us to regulate our internal temperature.

3.  Fashion police!

                I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t spend a lot of time choosing the perfect exercise gear.  However, on hot and humid days, the clothing you wear can really play a large role in how well you handle the heat.  Fabrics like cotton, although typically comfortable, are not very breathable and can make a hot, outside workout feel unbearable.  The better choice is to wear breathable, synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon, etc) that will wick away your sweat.  It is also important to wear a hat or visor and, of course, apply plenty of sunscreen before heading outside.  

4. Know your limits        

                If this is your first outdoor workout this summer, try to go in the morning or the evening when temperatures are cooler.  Also, change your workout for different heat levels.  If it’s a scorching hot day, taking a bike ride may be healthier and safer than a long run in the sun.  Most importantly, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.  If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or otherwise not 100%, STOP.  You are not doing yourself or your body any favors by pushing through a workout when you’re feeling sick. 

The main thing to remember during these last days of a beautiful Seattle summer is that there are myriad opportunities to play outside but just be sure to take care of your body so your workouts are both fun AND safe!