APRIL 2022
THE NEXT CHAPTER...
manner. He is a straight-shooter in the very best sense of the phrase.
I’m doing my best to honor Travis Lytle’s request. March 31st was Travis’ last day as a partner with PTSMC and with me. He’s been very clear for To give you a little more insight into months that he “doesn’t want a party” and “doesn’t want to make this a who Travis is, I will share this: when he made the decision to close this big deal.” chapter in his life and explore the As I consider all his accomplishments and successes, I’m finding it a next one, he came to me well in challenge not to have a big celebration. There is no way for me to advance. His goal, above all else, was adequately express my respect and admiration for Travis in a few to make sure that his “Avon Team” would be in the best place possible paragraphs, however I need to give it a shot. personally and professionally during One of my fondest memories of our time together goes back to the very and after this transition. earliest days of PTSMC. Travis had agreed to join as a partner and his energy and enthusiasm were palpable. We found a small office (a closet Over the last six months he has spent time teaching, encouraging and really) in his hometown of Avon and he couldn’t wait to open. He mentoring Matt Baronowski and Tom Kirsch, who will become mentioned to me that he was going to spend some time there on the “co-directors” of the Avon office on April 1st. He has spent time meeting with his staff individually and as a team to make they are “okay.” coming weekend. I stopped at the location on Saturday morning to find Travis – and his parents – fully engaged in a deep clean and complete repainting of the space. Tarps, ladders, drop cloths, vacuum cleaners, and cleaning supplies surrounded Travis and his family as he dug in to make his dream come to life.
Clinician’s Corner by Mike McGowan, Windsor Physical Therapist Advances in Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Doc Talk with Dr. Belniak, Starling Physicians MD HR Buzz
Changing Federal and State Deductions Memorial Day Holiday Reminder
Wellness Program LifeBeat - Spring Cleaning #GetMoving Champions Challenge Resources to Practice Mindfulness Techy Tips Technology Reminders
I could go on and on with great stories and fond memories of times we Employee Spotlight have spent together. Some of the trips we shared to the Annual Private Drew Gallagher, Southbury PT for Life Partner & Director Practice Section Meeting will make me laugh for the rest of my days.
StriveHub Fab 5
There are still full bottles of wine, un-played golf courses and interesting chocolate bars to be explored. As Travis closes this chapter in our partnership, I hope there are some blank pages for us, in both of our “Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers in New Milford really helped me with my shoulder books. rotator cuff tear. I learned alot of great exercises In the meantime, I want to wish Travis the best of luck, and I want to and my pain and range of motion in my shoulder really improved. I would highly recommend thank him for always being "all in!” them to anyone.” - New Milford
I didn’t know it at the time, however that weekend would exemplify Travis’ approach to the next fifteen years! Anyone who knows Travis knows that he doesn’t do things halfway. When it came to his team, his office, his community, and PTMSC he was “all in.” Some days being “all in” meant cleaning the office himself to save some money. Some days “all in” meant going above and beyond to support his team and the patients they serve. Some days “all in” meant inspiring and mentoring With gratitude! several of his team to follow their dreams to become partners at PTSMC. Thanks, His charismatic personality and reputation as a thoughtful problem solver quickly established Travis as a go-to resource for other partners, admin leadership, and for me. Whenever you seek his advice or opinion, you can be confident that it will be provided in an honest and direct Alan
New Milford renovations
IN THIS ISSUE
Congratulations to Partner & Director Bryan O’Neill and his team at PTSMC New Milford for recent renovations to expand their space - check out photos of the new space below!
“I'm very impressed with the care I have been given. The therapists here are very caring and compassionate. I have only been coming here for three visits and will continue as long as I can. Very impressed with Sharon (Hallahan).” - Essex
Patient Trends
“I felt the professionals at the Avon location were sincere in their desire to help me with my issue. They worked hard explaining what they were doing, and why, to help me understand how to help myself. If, in occasional moments, my therapist was occupied, another therapist was quick to help.” - Avon “Upon my first phone call to set up an appointment, the receptionist was very pleasant and very accommodating to meet my request for a late appointment. My therapist, Meghan (Blanusa) seems knowledgeable, patient, gentle and understanding. They make you feel very comfortable. The location is very easy to get to, great parking.” - Naugatuck “I am so impressed with all of the people at this facility. To the ones who keep things clean to the physical therapists who take care to listen to you and then proceed to help to get you stronger. My regards and thanks to you all.” - Westbrook
CLINICIAN’S CORNER Advances in Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Doc Talk with Dr. Robert Belniak, MD of Starling Physicians By: Mike McGowan, PT, DPT, CMTPT, Windsor PT
Click here to watch Dr. Belniak’s presentation. On March 8th, clinicians at Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Robert Belniak, who has been serving our surrounding communities forthe past 32 years, most recently with Starling Physicians. Specifically, he shared his expertise as one of the few providers specializing and focused on treating patients requiring Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) or Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA). Did you know that the first joint ever documented to be replaced was indeed the shoulder? Back in 1892, Dr. Paen out of France, created a prosthesis to replace the shoulder of a patient suffering for two years of deterioration from an infiltration of tuberculosis. Thankfully, we do not have to worry about this as much nowadays - we have the benefit of 120 years of medical advances which often allow us to see patients restore full joint function. Dr. Belniak attested to the history of the replacement and how it has progressed to where it is today. What began as predominantly an “anatomical shoulder replacement” saw its advantages and disadvantages, and by 1985, the reverse total shoulder was created - again, in France, this time by Dr. Gremont. It took about 20 years for the United States to take to the idea, but since it came stateside in 2004 the reverse total shoulder has become a major component to joint replacement in the upper extremity in modern medicine. Furthermore, with the advances in technology and surgical procedures, we now hear a lot about robotic surgery, especially for Total Knee Arthroplasty. Although this is not currently available, Dr. Belniak sees this as a possibility within the next year for shoulder replacements. An exciting new frontier!
From a rehabilitation standpoint, Dr. Belniak spoke about the differences between TSA and RTSA, with RTSA having less overall precautions and a fairly liberal approach in treating. Surgeons generally look for reasons NOT to perform a RTSA; these include the unknowingness behind the replacement’s longevity as well as its unpredictability for true success. In addition, there is no “reversing a reverse,” so beginning with the anatomical approach is sometimes the “safer” option. Other top reasons to avoid RTSA include the patient being younger than 65 years old, the rotator cuff being fully intact (including the subscapularis) and no signs of any posterior subluxation of humeral head on glenoid - which poses a giant risk for success in rehabilitation given the anatomical replacement. The subscapularis muscle acts as a major internal rotator and cuff stabilizer and is vital to rehabilitation success. Especially within the anatomical replacement, the subscapularis - although intact - is removed from within insertional point on the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. Given the “injury” now to the subscapularis, within the rehabilitation process, it is crucial to avoid excessive passive ER and extension, as this leaves the shoulder and procedure success most vulnerable. It was refreshing and informative to be able to learn through Dr. Belniak about the shoulder replacement’s extensive history and clinical pearls coming from such an experienced surgeon. These talks continue to guide us in our approach and continue to develop a deeper and more connected relationship with the physicians in our community.
Congratulations to our new Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists! PTSMC & PT For Life clinicians attended Myopain Seminars Dry Needling 3: Advanced course, March 18-20. PTSMC hosted the course in Quinnipiac University's lab space on the North Haven Campus. This is the final course in Myopain's Dry Needling Certification program and everyone passed their final exam, making them officially CMTPTs (Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapists). Congrats to the following clinicians!
Back Row (starting second in): Mike McGowan, Windsor Laura Nicklis, Avon Matt Baronowski, Avon Tom Kirsch, Avon Erik Olsen, Southbury Mario Paredes, Orange Justin Santamaria, Westbrook Nic Sauerbrunn, Windsor
Front Row: Christina Mogelnicki, Newington Danielle Butsch, Lock Street
Not PTSMC
Not PTSMC
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE Upcoming Courses INTERNAL COURSES
SPONSORED COURSES
Lumbar June 4, 2022 8:30 am - 3:30 pm PTSMC Glastonbury Instructors: Brian Greer & Melissa Boutagy DOCS Requirement
Pelvic Health & More: Assessment and Treatment Strategies For Pelvic Pain April 30 - May 1, 2022 PTSMC Wallingford Instructors: Michelle Nesin PT, OCS, FCFMT, FAAOMPT, and Julie Sarton PT, DPT, WCS
Email Mallory Mason at ConEd@ptsmc.com for all sign ups or questions.
UPCOMING JOURNAL CLUB AND CASE DICUSSION DATES
Case Discussion (DOCS Requirement) 4/5/22 Spine focus 5/3/22 Spine focus Journal Club (open to all clinicians) 4/19/22 Spine focus 5/17/22 Spine focus
All meetings are 12:00- 1:00 pm on TEAMS.
DOCS Program Graduates! The Clinical Excellence team would like to recognize and give sincere congratulations to the most recent graduates of the Developmental of Clinical Success Program:
Amber Manville, PT, DPT PT for Life Southbury
Amy Demers, PT, DPT Branford
Tyler Naef, PT, DPT East Hampton
Amber, Amy and Tyler were asked to share the most influential part of the DOCS Program and what they are hoping to pursue next in their continuing education: Amber: The most influential part for me was the mentoring, having another therapist there with you with your patients. They were there to help you become a better PT and to problem solve with someone more experienced. This one-on-one was the best part that I honestly would not mind more of some days! My plan is to continue taking courses in manual, exercise, and courses to improve my diagnostics and build my confidence. I have taken a Maitland so far and have another coming up but have no plans to limit myself at this time. Amy: My favorite part of the DOCS program was learning from my amazing mentors. I'm excited to take the Lumbar McKenzie course next to further continue my education. Tyler: The most influential piece of the DOCS program was the internal coursework. I was able to review skills learned in school and refine them more as well as learn new skills to apply in the clinical setting. Moving forward, I am going to take continuing education courses through Evidence in Motion to further develop my clinical skills and be more specialized in the orthopedic setting.
Email Danielle.Dunn@ptsmc.com to be added to the meeting group.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE This month, PTSMC welcomes Quinnipiac University DPT student Jake Scalfano. He’ll be working with Sam McMullen in Southington. Student placements are at an all time high thanks to the hard work and commitment of our awesome CIs. This summer we’ll be bringing back our 2nd annual Superstar CI awards with prize recognition for 1st time CIs as well as those who have hosted their 5th, 10th and 15th students. Stay tuned!
2022 Continuing education opportunities list https://ptsmc.egnyte.com/dl/RCnzB8GqVU/Clinical_Excellence_List _of_Courses.xlsx_
Use the link above for a list of PTSMC Internal, PTSMC Sponsored, and External course opportunities. Please reach out to Mallory Mason via coned@ptsmc.com if you have any questions.
APTA & CTAPTA courses have been added!
HUMAN RESOURCES
Do you need to make changes to your Federal and State deductions in ADP?
Check out the great discounts offered to ADP users! • Click on Myself tab • Click on Benefits • Click on Employee Discounts - LifeMart
Changes to Federal and State W4 can be easily made through ADP. Changes can be done at any time and as many times needed throughout the year. Once a change is made, it will be effective with the next payroll period. Follow instructions below: • Click on Myself tab • Click on Pay • Click on Tax Withholdings
• First, click Start on Federal and follow steps • Note: Federal deductions must be completed/verified before changing State
Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 30th
Reminder: for employees working other than a traditional 8 hour day schedule during the Memorial Holiday week May 30th – June 3rd , employees are expected to adjust their schedule and use holiday time. Examples for adjusting work schedule: • An employee works a 4 ten hour day schedule: in this situation, the employee should adjust their schedule to work 4 eight hour days and use 8 hours of holiday time on the holiday. • An employee works a 3 long day and 2 short day schedule. Adjustments may include: work 4 eight hour days that week or shift days and use 8 hours of holiday time based upon director discretion. • A part time eligible employee, who is scheduled to work 20 hours per week, should adjust their schedule to work 16 hours and use 4 hours of holiday time.
CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the following PT Aides who have completed the SIPTA (Skills Introduction for PT Aides) Program: Brianna Annunziato, Branford Daniel Blais, Middletown Tyler Carmen, Wallingford Collin Casey, Wallingford Mikele Cokani, Waterbury Cara DiMercurio , Windsor Adam Duren, Lock Street Brianna Glenn, Southington
Rebecca Infosino, Wallingford Skyler Marini, New Haven Karolina Ozga, Fairfield Andrea Petramale, Newington Robyn Vuilleumier, Westbrook
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES
Ephraim Butson, East Hampton PT Aide
Garret Ludden, Plainville Patient Care Coordinator
Dominic Paul, Branford PT Aide
Megan Cafferty, Essex PT Aide
Heather Marosz, Middletown PTA
Chris Patrick, Shelton Physical Therapist
Renee Carsilla, Danbury PSC
Mike Cutrali, Southbury PT Aide
Emma McMillan, Danielson/Putnam PT Aide
Gea Mitas, New Haven Physical Therapist
Natalie Pedane, Southbury PT Aide
Bryan Ramos Martinez, New London PT Aide
NOT PICTURED Victoria Krzysztopik, Shelton PT Aide Jake Siedel, Middletown PT Aide Beverly Roche, Southbury PSC
Noah Straub, Essex Patient Care Coordinator
Employee
Spot light Drew Gallagher PT for Life Southbury Partner & Director
Where did Drew come from?
Drew Gallagher is a born and raised Watertown boy; fourth generation to be exact! His family is a long line of firemen and he happened to break the chain when he decided on the PT career path. He has always wanted to help people, and that comes from his firemen family roots, and at the heart of what he does today. It all began when Drew got injured in high school and went for PT in the same location that is today PTSMC Watertown. At the time Pete Catuccio (Watertown Partner & Director) was Drew’s high school Athletic Trainer! A little fun fact to make the world even smaller here - by chance, Drew’s brother is married to Pete’s sister! Drew began to stick around the clinic, and in true Gallagher nature would volunteer at the clinic, fold towels, clean machines and ask questions. The director of that clinic ended up gifting Drew a small scholarship as he went off to PT school at Northeastern University in Boston. As Drew says, he was the “last of the bachelors,” meaning a bachelor’s degree in PT.
PT For Life, The Southbury Story:
In 2012 Alan tasked Partners with using their connections to find the next PTSMC partnership. Pete Catuccio called Drew, and it took Drew “three tenths of a second to say yes!” The location was still to be determined. In May of 2014 there was still no perfect location, but Drew was ready to make moves in his career. So, he quit his job and said to Alan, “if it works out great... if not I’m a big boy.” He took a leap of faith and come September 2014 the Southbury location opened. From May to September, Drew worked for PTSMC and floated to various clinics for the summer. When the opportunity in Southbury presented itself there was one issue... the name “Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers of Southbury” already existed, owned by a completely separate PT group. Still, Southbury was the right place - there had to be a solution. Drew remembers meeting in Admin and trying to figure out the right name. At the time, the “PT For Life” culture had been developed by PTSMC, and the marketing materials for this philosophy, a "new way to approach PT," were lying out on the table. Why not call it PT For Life?! Hearing through the grapevine that Drew was going to open a clinic in Southbury, previous coworker Mickie Picheco picked up the phone and dialed Drew - he'd planned on reaching out to her, but she beat him to the punch, asking, “Why didn’t you call me!?” Mickie has been manning the front desk ever since. After PT For Life had officially opened there was on opportunity for Drew to change the name to PTSMC of Southbury. He decided he did not want to make that change. PT For Life had already developed its identity in the town and it was meant to stay.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS Christina Capito Mary Pacini Justine Boulanger Rebecca Tantorski Liz Veilleux Stefanie Cagno Ephraim Butson Lauren Zimmerman Debra Philcox Erik Lanese Dylan Carneiro Jackie Gargano Keely Yarish Erin Walsh Kristin Gilbey Rick Purdy Cody Morrissey Brianna Annunziato Jack Kuzoian Daniel Silva Raymond Ezirike Samantha Knight Carol Corbo Brittany Anderson Ashlee Peloquin Emma Graham Miranda Morel Jim Hungerford
1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 11 12 13 13 16 16 17 18 19 20 20 20 21 22 26 27 27 28 28
Fairfield Danbury Watertown Orange West Hartford Admin East Hampton Fairfield Naugatuck Waterbury Admin Branford Avon Waterbury Avon New Haven East Hampton Branford Newington Waterbury Windsor Lock Street Waterbury Glastonbury Putnam Westbrook Wallingford Admin
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES
Brianne Dwyer Michael Castleberry Jacob Wall Kendra Lennon
Physical Therapist PT Aide PT Aide Physical Therapist
Southington Orange West Hartford Waterbury
Ben Romann
Massage Therapist
Plainville
Partner
Guilford & Wallingford
More about Drew:
Now, Drew and his wife Wendy, have a 21-year-old daughter Megan, and 18-year-old son Owen. Megan is off at Eastern University and Owen is becoming a tool maker. Drew’s big vice is hockey! He has been playing since he was 5-year-old and continues to play in a league in Shelton all year-round. He also coaches a girls u16 and boys u14 team in the winter. The Gallaghers are very family oriented, both their immediate and external family. Everyone is pretty much around the corner or five minutes away. They like being outside for movies or dinner where they can have good quality family time. This year Drew and his family are heading to the Outer Banks with Drew with Drew's college friends and their families. He considers himself more of a mountain guy, but this works, and they will have a blast!
20 years
Steve Platt
TECHY TIPS Computer Reminders
UPCOMING END OF MONTH
By Dave Lawrence, Information Systems Coordinator No More Sleeping Desktops
Applicable to all PTSMC-owned computers: when work on a desktop is completed for the day, please ONLY "SIGN OUT." This allows the technology department to perform much needed repairs and services to the machine in off-hours. Putting the computer to sleep prevents this ability. Please use “Sign Out” instead. Set Laptop Wifi to Connect Automatically The Wifi "connect automatically" feature helps to ensure a consistent and stable Wifi connection to the Internet. For all PTSMC laptops this is very important to have turned on because during maintenance time it reduces the chance of maintenance failing. Laptops are rebooted several times during maintenance, so ensuring that this box is checked will reduce the time it takes to perform maintenance.
MARCH END OF MONTH Timeframe Documentation FD Balancing 3/1 - 3/31 4/5 at 6:00 am 4/6 at 7:00 pm Timeframe 4/1 - 4/14
APRIL MID MONTH Documentation FD Balancing 4/20 at 6:00 am 4/21 at 3:00 pm
APRIL END OF MONTH Timeframe Documentation FD Balancing 4/1 - 4/30 5/4 at 6:00 am 5/5 at 7:00 pm
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES Physical Therapist Fairfield (per diem) Groton Lock Street New Haven New London Newington
Orange Waterbury Watertown West Hartford (per diem) Westbrook
Patient Services Coordinator Guilford Naugatuck (part-time) Plainville (part-time) Putnam (part-time or full-time) Watertown (part-time) Westbrook Wethersfield
Authorization Representative Admin Customer Service Representative Lock Street
HR Coordinator Admin
PT Aide Danbury Danielson Fairfield Groton Guilford Middletown
New Haven Newington Putnam Shelton Watertown Westbrook
Athletic Trainer Westbrook
Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in a position.
Do you have a coworker that goes above and beyond? Who is 110% engaged in PT for Life? Each year PTSMC asks you to take a moment and think about your fellow staff members who are the answer to those two questions. To BRAG about him or her on how their PT for Life actions are making a difference in someone’s lives. Please take an opportunity to “boast” about a coworker of yours that goes ABOVE & BEYOND their job for patients and fellow staff members. Submit a “BRAG” in recognition, by April 15th. Employees will receive a written recognition and gift card mailed to them. The “bragger” can choose to have their name stated or remain anonymous. Recognitions will be displayed in a special addition of the May PULSE! Click HERE to submit. Reminder that supervisors cannot be a bragger for the employees they supervise.
PTSMC Happenings!
Congratulations to Steve de Castro, Partner, and Karin Larsen, PSC (and former patient), of PTSMC Groton for running the United NYC Half Marathon!
Bryan O’Neill, New Milford Partner (left) is pictured here with a patient on his graduation day.
New Haven celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a delicious Irish-inspired meal together.
Brianne Dwyer, Southington PT, works with the AMA Dance Theatre to keep dancers safe.
Sara Gareiss (Practice Liaison), Pete Catuccio (Watertown Partner), Janet Tarasuk (Practice Liaison), Erin Walsh (Waterbury Partner) and Drew Gallagher (Southbury Partner) got together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Cody Morrissey, East Hampton PT, is pictured here with a patient who wrote him a glowing review.
SoCIAl Media Sensation PTSMC’s Athletic Trainers!
The Avon staff donated gift items/gift cards to create Holiday Cheer Bags for families in need.
Ashlee Peloquin, Putnam PTA, welcomed Kinsley Grace on March 24th. Rebecca Tantorski, Orange PSC, welcomed Quinn Cecelia on February 6th. Sam McMullen, Southington PT, welcomed twins Madelaine Agnes and Benjamin Jacob.
Thank you to the Athletic Trainers for sending the marketing team content for National Athletic Training Month. They’re pictured here at a recent course, Advanced Manual Techniques for the Lower Extremity. Check out the content on our social media accounts @ptsmc.
Engagement & Wellness Calendar April
#GetMoving Champions Challenge April 10 – May 19
It’s time to #GetMoving with a twist on a PTSMC favorite to get up and get active. Between now and April 10th, gather a team of 4 to compete with other teams of 4 in the #GetMoving Champions Challenge. Teammates can be any PTSMC/PT for Life employee, from any location! The Challenge: For every day a team member gets active for 30+ minutes, your team earns points. A running total will be kept throughout the 40 days. The top three teams with the highest scores will be rewarded. Furthermore, if you personally #getmoving for 35 or more of the 40 days you will also be rewarded. How To Participate: The challenge is run though Slack. It is a platform/app where participants post their activities, support each other, and collaborate over the 40 days. Each DAY you #GetMoving and post your activity in the group, you will earn a point towards your personal and team’s running total. Your post can include a picture of your activity, you, your watch, your view, your dog, or you can just send a description, no picture required. Other participants will be able to see your post, like the post and support you. No one outside of the group will see the messages. The Slack group will also be where you get the latest challenge information, updates, and fun activities. To Sign Up: Email wellness@ptsmc.com the names of your team members by April 10th. Don’t have a team but want to join? Email wellness and we will find your match! Mallory Mason will be managing the Slack group and reach out to all participants before April 10th with Slack instructions.
Resources to practice mindfulness Continue strengthening your “mindfulness muscle” with these FREE resources from health & wellness expert Cheryl Jones. This practice is proven to help stress management, improve your wellbeing, and keep you thriving forward! CLICK HERE to access Cheryl’s free mindfulness practices and other helpful resources. Join LIVE practice Mondays, 12:00-12:15pm EST via Zoom (use same link above to the freebies page) Session 1 - Mindfulness with Cheryl Jones | PTSMC Recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/o14X9GdiVo52PbPo5KRGKEQfcy3L7sndIeZMITRVBPJil 4KuLJbuycLWFEt4nOw9.hRp9opXHA3HT4zD3 Session 2 - Mindfulness with Cheryl Jones | PTSMC Recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/v6ttUWnQ8qTmTTwuBfjJ7L6SNar3_Va7a7b6igagXeS2 eF0e3xwOFtRF_hR3Iwhg.6QqHB77uvLSE6q5s Session 3 - Mindfulness with Cheryl Jones | PTSMC Recording: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Nzd3wx0yrPf8FDYNxHdFyJV0pwFeXXWK3an4UjrfNv0 XuO64i-ZNewxQnjQiGcAo.mGLN74gg6RQkv4OD
Access code for all 3 sessions: MINDFUL22!
Gear Order Begins to Ship
April 8th
#GetMoving Challenge
April 10th - May 19th
BRAGs Submission Deadline
April 15th
BRAGs shared in PULSE
April 29th
May Gear Order Payroll Deductions
May 18th
#GetMoving Challenge Ends
May 19th
Life Beat
Spring Cleaning
Spring is here, and what a wonderful time to shake off the dust of winter! Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our spaces and get a head start on the busier seasons of late spring and summer. As much as it’s important to do this work in our homes, it is equally important to take time to revamp our desk space, work environment, and devices. 1. Freshen Up Your Desk Area: If you have a desk or workspace, take the time to clear the clutter. A cluttered space will often lead to a cluttered mind. Besides removing clutter try adding storage solutions and décor that make your space feel serene (fake plants, photos of loved ones, motivational sayings are a few examples). Tip: If the clutter is overwhelming take some time to create piles – Trash, things to store, Needs Attention are a few examples. Work on one pile at a time. Focus on small moments when it comes to cleaning, not the whole project. 2. Digital Clean Up: We often forget to clean the tools we use frequently at work and in our personal lives: our electronics! Emails, folders, schedules – it can all become overwhelming and cause issues with productivity and organization. Tip: Look at your digital world. Where can you use some organization? If it’s emails, take time to organize your emails. Create an easy folder system to get emails out of your main inbox. For example, you can use a folder called “DONE” for all emails that no longer need your attention or better yet DELETE! 3. Create an Impeccable Work Environment: Here at PTSMC we have the Impeccable Exam. It’s an opportunity to walk through the clinic and see where there are areas of opportunity to clean and fix up areas that have been neglected to make sure we are always putting our best foot forward. The Impeccable Exam allows you to break down cleaning and organizing into small steps as well as review best practices to maintain quality cleanliness. Tip: Many times, clutter and mess accumulate because of lack of storage and everything having a space. While walking through the impeccable exam take note of areas that may need a new storage solution. Make sure once you create a space for an item everyone on the team knows that is its spot. This will make clean up a breeze and saves time on not having to find things. Cleaning can often be put on the bottom of our already long to-dos but it is worth it when it helps create a space where you can think clearly and do your job seamlessly.