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Dear Friends,

If you’re a fan of fall, you’re certainly not alone. Something about the cooler temperatures and the changing season just puts many of us in a reflective mood. This, in turn, makes autumn a perfect time to hear what God is saying amidst the sound of fires crackling and the scent of pumpkin floating through the air.

As we begin to experience the majesty that fall beholds, may we be intentional in listening for His voice, reflecting on His goodness and the depth of His love for us. Below are a few scriptures that can help us get started:

1. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” —Psalm 19:1
The sky on a clear fall day can be the most incredible shade of blue—especially against the background of changing leaves. One glance gives us a clue that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. Take some time to enjoy the wonder of His work.

2. “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1
Whether it’s leaves changing in your backyard or you changing your clock for Daylight Saving Time, autumn reminds us that nothing stays the same forever. Change is one of the few constants in life, but that’s okay--God has perfect timing, and He has a purpose that stretches into eternity.

3. “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you.” —Psalm 31:19
God doesn’t just give us a few blessings. He pours out an abundance of good things on our lives. Fall offers the perfect time to reflect on His goodness toward us. His blessings really are new each day (Lamentations 3:22-23).

4. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 
Fall is a season of harvest, so it’s good to remember that we always reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). Sometimes, we get discouraged and wonder if the seeds we plant will ever sprout. Fall assures us that harvest day is coming, so we have to stick with the work.

5. “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.” —James 5:7
Patience may be a virtue, but it’s never easy. This agricultural illustration with a fall flavor reminds us that we have to develop patience. God will work out His plan in His timing. We can trust His work, even when He’s not working on our timetable.

6. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” —Isaiah 40:8 (NAS)
Dried leaves crunch beneath your feet, and the grass is a sad shade of brown. The air turns crisp—maybe even cold. It’s the annual transition from the life of spring and summer to the hibernation of fall and winter. But while seasons shift, we serve a God who never fails. He stands forever—and new pages on the calendar can’t change that.

7. “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” —Psalm 9:1 (NIV)
In 1789, George Washington made November 26 a day of thanksgiving. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise.” In 1941, Congress made the fourth Thursday of November an official Thanksgiving holiday. But believers know that Thanksgiving shouldn’t just be a holiday. It should be a way of life—and something we share with others.

We pray that you experience Him this fall like never before!

Blessings!

The Smith Clinic Family
October is National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM)
October is finally here, bringing with it the first signs of Fall, pumpkin flavored treats, and most importantly: National Physical Therapy Month. Since its inauguration by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in 1981, National PT Month has been a great opportunity to celebrate all PT professionals as well as recognize the transformative power of physical therapy. PTs and PTAs help restore and improve motion in many people’s lives. This year,  APTA  hopes to raise awareness about the risk of opioids and all the ways physical therapy can help with pain management. 

The theme for this year’s PT Month is #ChoosePT. This campaign hopes to let people know about the dangers of opioid use and promote PT as a safe alternative. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in in favor of safer options, like physical therapy. Some of the potential side effects to opioid use are depression, overdose, and addiction. There are also possible withdrawal symptoms when stopping use. Because of these risks the CDC guidelines state, experts agreed that opioids should not be considered first-line or routine therapy for chronic pain

How is The Smith Clinic is Celebrating Physical Therapy Month?
The Smith Clinic is celebrating PT Month by periodically featuring our amazing PTs and their teams. We will also be doing service projects and fun giveaways, so be sure check out our social media so you can participate!
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Health Feature: Breast Cancer
As most of you know, October is great cancer awareness month. B reast cancer is the most common cancer among women, second to skin cancer, with one in eight women in the United States (roughly 12%) developing breast cancer in her lifetime. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.

Encouragingly, the death rate from breast cancer has declined a bit in recent years, perhaps due to greater awareness and screening for this type of cancer, as well as better treatments. How can you lower your risk for breast cancer? Knowledge is the first step in learning about prevention and lowering your risk.

We have compiled a list below of 10 important facts about breast cancer to help educate and build awareness.

  1. CANCER IS NOT ONLY HEREDITARY. In fact, only 5-10% is hereditary, so just because you don’t have any immediate family members with breast cancer, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take measures to lower your risk for disease.
  2. MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO. Although it is more likely to occur among women, men have breast tissue and can also develop breast cancer. About 2,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer happen each year.
  3. DON’T SMOKE! Women who smoke or inhale passive smoke may increase their risk of breast cancer by as much as 60 percent.
  4. EAT RIGHT. Women who eat the most red meat have an 88 to 330 percent higher risk of breast cancer. Keep to a high fiber, low-fat diet, and eat less red meat.
  5. BREASTFEED IF POSSIBLE. Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (combined for all children) lowers the risk of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for the child.
  6. GET PHYSICAL! Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-5 times a week can lower your risk of breast cancer by 30 to 50 percent.
  7. PESTICIDES ARE TOXIC. Did you know pesticides can get in your DNA and mess with you on a cellular level? Check the sticker on your fruits and opt for the ones that are pesticide free.
  8. JUST CHILL.  Stressed Out? Did you know that stress suppresses the immune system and is a major cause of disease? Do your best to eliminate stress and find time to relax.
  9. SIZE MATTERS. While breast size does not impact your risk for cancer, obesity does. The higher risk of breast cancer for women who gain weight is likely due to higher levels of estrogen, since fat tissue is a large source of estrogen among women.
  10. CHECK YOUR SELF! 1 in 8 women today will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Many of these women will find their own lumps before a doctor does. Set up a a monthly text reminder. You will thank us later.

While no one can tell you how to prevent breast cancer with any sort of guarantee, there’s evidence to suggest that certain healthy lifestyle changes can lower your breast cancer risk. Additionally, breast cancer awareness leads to earlier detection and better outcomes. If you’d like additional information about breast cancer and prevention, we suggest visiting the following reputable sites to learn more about all aspects of the disease:

Staff Spotlight:
Candice Lancaster

 Please let us introduce you to: Candice Lancaster! A newly licensed PT, Candace is on of our newest additions to the clinic! 
When asked why she chose a career in PT, Candice explained saying, "I was choosing my major at a time of transition for PT’s and wasn’t able to go the long haul to earn my Doctorate. At that time, I knew I liked helping people and was torn between PT and Psychology. Psych won by default. As a special education teacher, my students received PT, and I realized that’s what I really wanted to be doing. I’m proof that it’s never too late to continue your education and pursue you dreams!"

Candice was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and has lived in Utah, California, Arizona, Texas, Mississippi & Tennessee. She was raised in Memphis, however, so she is technically a “Memphian”. When asked about her favorite thing about Memphis, Candice stated, "...our beautiful parks and trails! I love to take my fitness family outdoors for PiYo at the park and our bike trails are amazing both paved and off road." 

Before PT school, Candice was a middle school special education teacher for the self-contained classroom, in addition to being a fitness instructor at the YMCA for 5 years. When she is not at work, she still enjoys photography, writing poetry, drawing & painting. When her father was alive, Candice and he would mail each other letters containing poetry and art.

Upon asking about her experience working at The Smith Clinic thus far, Candice stated, "I tell everyone that I am spoiled working here. The atmosphere is one that I’ve not experienced in another clinic. Their values align with mine and I’ve always felt like an asset instead of a minion, so to speak."

You are a wonderful addition to our staff, Candice, and we are so grateful to have you!!