Physical Therapy

Last year, I hurt my shoulder, and when I finally told the doctor in October, she recommended physical therapy. I knew that we were leaving for FL, so I said that I would wait until next April to start physical therapy.

In December, the pain was making me so miserable that my husband suggested that I see a specialist in FL, and so I did some research. I found a doctor in my “network” and had a good reputation. The reviews about him were good, and I saw that he was a consultant for the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. I was surprised how quickly I was able to get an appointment with him. After examining me, he told me that I had rotator cuff tendonitis and I needed physical therapy. He also gave me a script for an MRI if the physical therapy didn’t help me. Then he gave me a list of recommended physical therapy centers.

I chose First Rehab, which is not too far from us. It had excellent reviews, and I liked the receptionist when I went in to ask questions. Again, I was able to get an appointment the next day. John was the person who evaluated me (he does this once a week) and came up with a treatment plan, but then Chris was the person who mainly worked on my shoulder. Chris had aides who assisted him, and sometimes there were four or five of us working out at the same time.

I feel like my shoulder has been healing. I’ve learned a lot about posture and how I should be walking and sitting. I have been trying to replicate some of the exercises at home when I can. It has been a slow process, and at times I feel impatient. I worry that it will ever feel normal again, and then remind myself how much better it is than it was in November.

Patience may be the key.

Photo by Yulissa Tagle on Unsplash

2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts

The 2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts stamp was made by the United States Postal Service and first sold on January 14, 2004. The stamp shows two colorful candy hearts that spell out “I love you.” It was designed by Michael Osborne and printed by Avery Dennison using a process called gravure. The stamp was part of the popular Love Series, which has been used for Valentine’s Day and other sweet messages. Over 750 million of these stamps were made to help people send love through the mail.

Candy hearts — the little pastel sweets with messages like “Be Mine” or “Kiss Me” — have been around for a very long time. A candy maker named Oliver R. Chase invented a machine in the 1860s that helped make candy easier and faster. His brother Daniel Chase later figured out how to print short sayings directly on the candies, which became known as “candy hearts” or “conversation hearts.” The heart shape became popular around 1901, and the sweets have been associated with Valentine’s Day ever since.

Decorating with Candy Day is a fun celebration that happens every February 1. On this day, people are encouraged to use candy to decorate food, pictures, tables, or even rooms to make things bright and tasty. It comes between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, when candy is already a big part of holiday fun. I like to make Valentine cards and glue the candy with the words that replace my writing. Whether you add candy sprinkles to cookies or make candy pictures, this day is all about enjoying sweets and being creative with them!

References:

• Stamp from the author’s collection
• Mystic Stamp Company, “2004 37¢ Love Series: Candy Hearts,” MysticStamp.com. mysticstamp.com
• Smithsonian National Postal Museum, “37c Candy Hearts single,” postalmuseum.si.edu. National Postal Museum
• Wikipedia, “Sweethearts (candy).” Wikipedia
• Remind Magazine, “The Strange History of Valentine’s Day Conversation Candy Hearts.” Remind
• National Today, “Decorating with Candy Day – February 1.” National TodayDays of the Year, “Decorating With Candy Day (February 1st).” Days Of The Year