Jacksonville Jaguars Community Report 2016-2017 | Page 36

Being that I was very shy growing up, it was
hard for me to be myself for many years. I
always kept to myself while I watched everyone
around me enjoy the company of others. If it
wasn’t for dance and my coaches encouraging
me to work with others and to break out of my
shell, I might still be that same shy girl that I
once was who would have missed out on being
awarded top solos in several ballets that I was
awarded in my dance career.

My dance career was off to great heights until I injured my ankle and it took me out for two months. All
of the work I had put into perfecting my technique
and physique was put on pause. It was a large setback
for me, but through difficulty I believe always comes
opportunity. That’s exactly what ended up happening
as I began physical therapy. I had a wonderful physical
therapist who taught me everything I needed to know
about my body and recovery. It was so fascinating to
understand the science behind how our muscles and
tissues work together to rebuild. I found myself wanting
to learn more. So much that I went back to school and
received my PT license. I loved how much effort my PT
put into helping me return to what I love most and I
wanted to do the same for others.
Today, as a physical therapist at Brooks Rehab, I work
with patients of all ages in helping them to progress
and recover from injuries. One thing I discovered is
how much nutrition affects the progress of my patient’s
healing process. For example, smoking can decrease the
healing of tissues causing the recovery period to be
extended. Nutrition is one of the major reasons patients
run into difficulties. I try and educate them on the benefits of a well-balanced diet for recovery and to reduce
the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other
health related issues.

Not everyone had influencers at a young age to teach
healthy habits, but I stress to parents today the importance of early childhood nutrition so that their children
are raised with it already engrained in them. Encouraging children to be active, through sports, dance, or any
outdoor activities is beneficial to their social, mental
and physical health.