Teighlor Chaney

Something to Honk About

May 10, 2022
As many of our patients know, the Pinnacle Physical Therapy office sits beside a pond. This lovely pond is home to the resident Canada geese. During April we had a few new additions added to the goosey crew! On my first day at the office, I was so excited to see some adorable baby geese (goslings) waddling after their parents right outside our window. What a great first impression of my new journey with PPT!

Now I know, I know – not everyone likes geese. My husband is particularly averse to them and mentions it every time I talk about the geese hanging around our office. I’m finding out he has a pretty common story. That is, he a goose attacked him as a child! While at the zoo with family, a pair of geese approached. His mother and grandmother surrounded him to keep him safe, but the geese were too fast for them.

Side-stepping the adults, they bit my husband, and he’s had a distaste for waterfowl ever since. I was fortunate that I never had that goose-related experience, so it’s hard for me to relate. I think they’re so cute! I would also love to have one but have gotten a resounding “no” in response to that request.

I’ll have to be satisfied with the geese here at our office. We’ve been watching our goose family here at PPT grow every day, and their transformation has been amazing to witness. Very soon, they will be adults and flying on their own. In fact goslings can fly 2-3 months after hatching! Speaking of goose facts, did you know:
- Nesting season: Mid-March to mid-May
- The mother goose waits until all eggs are laid before she begins to sit on the nest to incubate eggs.
- All geese eggs in a single clutch hatch on approximately the same day.
- The Canada geese population grows about 19.5% each year.
You can check out some more goose facts HERE. Maybe learning a few facts about them can help alleviate the suffering geese have caused some people – but I doubt it.

When you come to our office be on the lookout for these little guys, and feel free to go behind the building to see the pond. It’s very peaceful watching the birds on the water taking life at a leisurely pace.

I think we could all learn a little from geese. Take things slow, don’t back down, and make an impression wherever you go – even if it’s in someone’s way, such as in front of my car when I try to leave in the evenings.

Do you think we should name them?
Natural Pest Control

May 3, 2022

With the changing season, many of us have begun gardens. Growing your food produces fresh, healthy fruits and veggies to fuel your body, and gardening gives you a good workout!

One of the issues I face is pest control, and using harmful pesticides is not an option for me. Because of this, I’ve researched alternative ways to repel pests and better the health of my plants overall. One of the fascinating things I’ve learned about is plant compatibility.

Certain plants help with soil nutrition when grown near each other. Clover, rye, and oats, for example, can be used as cover crops, fixing helpful things like nitrogen in the soil promoting plant growth. They also smother weeds keeping down the growth of these competitor plants. Many plants can help repel pests, attract vital pollinators, and increase growth. Some combos include:

Lettuce and calendula. Calendula attracts slugs, so they feed on them and not the lettuce.

Tomato and basil. Not just a great combo on pizza, basil repels insects, improves growth, and enhances the flavor of tomatoes.

Cucumbers and radishes. Radishes help deter cucumber beetles, acting as a trap crop for flea beetles and other insects.

These are just some of the many combinations in the gardening world! Companion planting is a great way to get the best bang for your buck this summer and increase your garden’s output.

Enjoy Spring with Some Tasty Floral Jellies

April 28, 2022

April showers bring May flowers, and it is finally time for all the blooms! Everywhere you look are peonies, lavender, wisteria – and the air is so fragrant you can almost taste their sweetness. But did you know we can capture a bit of that floral essence? By first making a tea from the petals of certain flowers, you can create colorful jellies and syrups with unique floral flavors. That means the taste of Spring all year! Some species of flowers should be avoided, such as toxic lilies. However, the list of flowers and fragrant leaves that are often used for making jelly are numerous and include the following:

Dandelion
Wisteria
Wild Violet
Lavendar
Nasturtium
Bee Balm
Johnny Jump Up
Clover
Hibiscus

Daylily
Peony
Lilac
Lemon Balm
Elderflower
Rose
Marigold
Chrysanthemum
Honeysuckle

Teas from these flowers contain antioxidants, and those same benefits exist in the jelly. There are also ways to process your jellies and jams using less sugar making them a healthier alternative to store bought jellies. Plus, you can’t get much fresher than flowers from your own backyard!

Making the tea:

To begin, rinse your flowers and make sure they’re clear of dirt or insects. Remove any stems and leaves.
Measure 1:1 cups of water to however many cups of flowers. Bring that water to between 203-212 degrees Fahrenheit
Remove water from heat and then add flowers. Let the pot cool to room temperature then cover it and put it in your refrigerator fo 24 hrs.

Making the jelly:

Disinfect jars and lid by boiling them in a canning pot or using your dishwasher to clean them (remember to have the heat setting turned on).
Strain the flowers from the tea and add in 2 tbsp of lemon juice per 4 cups of liquid.
Bring your tea to a boil, then add one package of pectin (per 4 cups of liquid). Let this cook for 1-2 minute. You may use no sugar needed pectin to have more versatility with your sugar levels or sugar-free options.
Add 1:1 ratio of sugar to your tea, then cook this for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Take your clean jars and fill them with the liquid leaving at least 1/4 in of space at the top of the jar before adding the lid.
Place jars in the canning pot for a 10-minute bath, then after removing them, let the jars sit undisturbed for 24 hrs. to create a nice seal. Any can that does not seal (the top lid does not “pop” and invert) needs to be refrigerated.

Now you have delicious Springtime jelly to enjoy all year long! I have personally made jellies from clover, daylilies, and wisteria. I think clover is my favorite because it tastes like honey. Daylily jelly is also very good, and I found that it tastes a lot like plum jam.

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

April 2, 2021
April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, a campaign started by the ASPCA in 2006 to celebrate protecting our animals from harm.

During this month we need to learn how we as human beings can prevent cruelty and take action against it. Sometimes the laws are unclear and different between counties and cities, but there are Arkansas laws that encompass the entire state. You must learn your local and state laws regarding domestic animals and livestock so that you can know the steps to take to stop the abuse.

In Arkansas the following laws apply statewide:

(1) Cruelty to animals ARK. CODE ANN. § 5-62-103

(2) Aggravated cruelty to dogs, cats, horses ARK. CODE. ANN. § 5-62-104

Aggravated cruelty is the physical abuse or overworking of an animal – a malicious act that causes harm or unnecessary suffering. However, what is the definition of “cruelty” when it comes to the law? These are the following categories of cruelty to animals.

– Neglect – not providing proper food, water, or shelter.

– Abandonment – such as dumping of animals or leaving them behind after moving.

– Leaving Pets in Hot or Cold Cars

– Dogfighting

– Animal Hoarding (certain cities have pet limits in place to prevent this)

There are also city-specific laws, for example, the City of Little Rock prohibits keeping your dog chained for extended periods.

So, what do you need to do if you witness animal cruelty?

If you see a dog locked in a hot car or witness a person inflicting pain on an animal, you should call 9-1-1 so they can advise you, but other situations are less clear-cut.
1. Assess the situation and try to gather evidence such as photographs and videos. DON’T trespass or try to take animals from the property as this is illegal and could land you in trouble, but the evidence is crucial to investigations.
2. Contact your local animal control. If you’re unable to find information for your area, contact the police. They will be able to direct you to who you need to contact. Local rescues may also be able to help by providing info and resources.
3. Help investigators, but don’t interfere. Though you can report cruelty anonymously, being willing to give testimony can help a cruelty case exponentially.
If you witness cruelty report it and follow up if you don’t see results. Research your local laws and stand up for the creatures that don’t have voices.

Here are some resources to research your local laws:

Animal Law Resource Center

Animal Legal and Historical Center

Arkansas State Animal Control Association

Municode, Pulaski Co.

City of Little Rock Animal Services

If you are unsuccessful with your local organizations below are links you can also use to report animal cruelty and find more info about the steps you can take to stop it:

HSUS – Report Animal Cruelty

Animal Humane Society – Report Animal Cruelty

5 Important Steps To Take When You Witness Animal Cruelty

Please share any info you feel will help people learn their local laws. Do your city laws differ from others? The more we learn, the more we can do.
Pizza Stones for Home Baking

March 9, 2021
Is there anything more delicious than fresh out of the oven pizzas? Sure there are tons of pizza shops out there to choose from, but there is nothing quite like the taste of homemade pizzas. The reason we often choose restaurants over home baking is because it’s hard to replicate the crisp crust in your oven at home. That’s where pizza stones come in! Using pizza stones allows you to get the crunchy exterior crust, with the soft bready center that usually can’t be achieved with homemade pizzas.

There are actually several kinds of pizza stones available for purchase. It’s important to consider the types of pizzas you’d like to make, this will help you decide which pizza stones are right for you.

Ceramic Pizza Stones

Ceramic is a great beginner’s pizza stone. They’re easy to care for and only require simple cleaning methods to maintain them. They’re usually pretty affordable as well and readily available at most department stores. These stones are also lightweight. The downside to ceramic is it does crack easily.

Cordierite Pizza Stones

These types of pizza stones are often used because they distribute heat evenly lessening the likelihood your pizzas will burn. Though these pizza stones fall under the ceramic category they’re more durable. Its ability to handle extreme temperatures means it’s less likely to break. Cordierite is also lead-free and non-absorbent.

Clay Pizza Stones

If you want a crispy texture you really can’t beat a classic clay pizza stone. This type of stone gives you the same quality crust as a brick over pizza. Because of this it’s the most popular type of pizza stone out there. A con to a clay stone is that it takes a long time to preheat and is difficult to clean. Because clay can be brittle it has to be treated gently or it could break.

Cast Iron Pizza Stones

Cast iron is often a staple in the kitchen, but how does it do as a pizza stone? Its ability to heat quickly and its flexibility as a griddle or grill make cast iron pizza stone very popular. What’s more you won’t have to worry about cracking or breaking a cast iron stone! The downside is that cast iron doesn’t heat as high as clay or ceramic, which can affect the crispness of your pizzas.

Steel Pizza Stones

Finally we have steel pizza stones. A fairly new addition to the pizza stone family, steel has a bad reputation for burning. This is because it heats so quickly you actually don’t have to cook your pizza at the higher temperatures required with other stones. Steel is also durable like cast iron – though it does tend to be heavier and more expensive.

Before Buying Your Pizza Stone Consider This
- Your Oven Size
Pizza stones come in a variety of sizes, 14-16 inches being the largest. Make sure you

pick a stone that fits your oven.
- Electric Or Gas Oven?
You may need more space in a gas oven to make air circulation easier.
- How Do Your Dough Cooked?
A thicker stone is going to absorb more heat and more moisture. Thinner stones are better if you don’t want the crust as crispy, but they also tend to break more easily. It’ll benefit you to learn why a thick pizza stone makes a better pizza.

To learn about more types of pizza stones take a look here: 15 Best Pizza Stones of 2020
Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Enjoy Free Online Courses at CALS

February 4, 2021
There is nothing quite like a library. When you walk through the door you’re greeted by the smell of books and people writing or studying in the quiet. On the shelves sits a plethora of knowledge and stories, all free for you to peruse and borrow. But did you know that books aren’t the only source of knowledge at your local library? Often libraries offer free online courses. The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is no different and offers a varied online curriculum courtesy of Universal Class. Many of the classes offer opportunities to earn certificates and Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Whether you’re just looking to expand your mind or working towards giving your resume a boost, CALS offers a variety of classes. There truly is something for everyone on Universal Class.

The Online Curriculum
- Writing Courses
Are you looking to improve your writing skills? Universal Class offers courses in basic writing structures and over 55 different CEUs courses. Whether you’re looking to write effective emails at work or that novel you’ve planned for years, you can find classes suited for you in the Universal Class online curriculum. These courses help your resume stand out, especially since resume writing is one of the online courses you’ll find on the site as well.
- Business and Entrepreneurship
Some of the most beneficial CEUs in Universal Class’s online curriculum are those pertaining to business practices. With over 100 classes, you can learn about common business practices as well as proper social interactions amongst coworkers and employees. If you’re looking to start your own business there are many classes focused on becoming a successful entrepreneur as well. These classes can help you create structure in your new business.
- Computer Training and Web Development
Every job description changes with new advancements in today’s technology. Keeping up with those changes will give you an edge in a competitive job market. With over 80 classes at your disposal, you can gain new skills and expand your knowledge base. Skills utilizing computer programs for web development and social media are in high demand in this day and age. Staying on the cutting edge and keeping up with technology trends can give you a leg up during your job search.

Universal Class provides so many online courses it’s difficult to list them all in one article! You truly can find almost anything, even classes about caring for your pet! It is a wonderful service that allows people from all walks of life access to formal education for free. All you have to do is get a library card! To do that just visit the Central Arkansas Library System’s website by clicking here.
Tree Trimming in Style

January 23, 2021

Christmas has a ton of traditions, more so than most other holidays. These traditions grow and change, but ultimately remain rooted in popular practices. Ornaments, presents, stockings, and family gathering together are just some of those traditions that people hold dear. Of all these practices, tree trimming is one of the most iconic. However, many are moving away from the classic style of round red ornaments. From country chic trees trimmed in burlap to pink trees with flamingo ornaments, people are putting their stamp on their trees.

Red and green are the traditional colors of Christmas, but many have decided to step away from this tree trimming style. Red looks lovely on a fresh evergreen tree (or a plastic one, no judgment), and those shiny round red ornaments stand out against the branches. That is because red and green are complementary colors. This means they’re situated opposite on the color wheel. When complementary colors are mixed they make our eyes dance. They dazzle us with their stark contrast. But what are some of the other Christmas colors? What are some historical traditions people can look to for inspiration? How can we combine them to make our holidays even brighter?

Tree Trimming, Forest Style

Christmas trees have been around long before Christianity put its stamp on any of our holidays (look at Easter’s history, you’ll be shocked). Evergreens were special to people because they were a sign of health and vitality during the difficult months of winter. Boughs of fir, spruce, and pine were hung around doorways to ward off illness and evil spirits. It’s only natural then that a lot of people are opting to go more natural. Pine cones, wood garlands, and ornaments made of real wood are increasingly popular. Many are forgoing ornaments altogether to enjoy the natural beauty of a bare tree.

Tree Trimming with Icy Blue

Winter is cold, at least for most of us (looking at you Hawaii). It makes us think of ice and snow. Building snowmen and cuddling by the fire. Many are taking inspiration from this season and bringing the chill indoors – in a good way! Blue looks stunning on a tree of any color and conjures feelings of winter’s chilly winds that perhaps the promise of a white Christmas and holidays spent playing in the snow.

Tree Trimming the White Tree

Speaking of a white Christmas, it doesn’t get much whiter than a white tree! White is a canvas. It allows any colored decoration to stand out. This means you can have a different color theme every year and know it’ll look beautiful for the holidays.

A Themed Tree Trimming

We have many holidays besides Christmas and for many a decorating aficionado, taking down their beautiful tree is a drag. So why not make a tree for every holiday? Or even to showcase your love for cats, or gardening, or anything. Giving your tree a new look when the mood strikes give you an excuse to never stop the tree trimming tradition!

Can’t do a tree because of cats? Find out some cat safe tree ideas here.
Hot Yoga to Increase Fitness

January 22, 2021
For years Yoga has been a popular form of exercise around the world. In fact, most people don’t realize yoga has existed for 5000 years. The renowned Yogic scriptures are the Bhagavad-Gîtâ, composed around 500 B.C.E (Burgin). So what is yoga? It’s a series of flows, which help to build strength and promote fitness. Yoga is loved by its community because it can be gentle or more challenging, allowing for anyone of any shape or size to build strength and flexibility. It is a great way to increase calorie burn, and build strength at your own pace.

But what is “Hot Yoga”? It’s just standard yoga, with the heat turned up. But why is that beneficial? Well, working at a heightened temperature can encourage more calorie burn than the typical practice. That is not the only benefit, however. There are many science-backed reasons to try hot yoga.

The Benefits of Hot Yoga

Calorie Burn

As mentioned above, hot yoga can help you burn more calories. Simply put, your body has to work harder in the heat! This means you can do less strenuous flows, but burn as many calories as more difficult ones done in a cooler environment.

Flexibility

Anyone who’s had to partake in Physical Education in High School knows it is important to warm up your muscles before starting exercise. The same is true with Yoga. Hot Yoga makes stretching safer because it keeps your muscles warm, allowing for deeper stretches and more ease in assuming the poses.

Builds Bone Density

Especially important for women who more commonly suffer from osteoporosis. Hot yoga can help those over 50s maintain their bone density and stay healthier longer. It is a great preventative measure.

Boosts Cardiovascular Health

Hot yoga leads to more calorie burn, which is due in part to the work out it gives your heart and lungs, so it’s only natural that it’s a great form of cardio. It can also improve your respiration and metabolism as well.

Improves Skin

Sweating. It’s gross, but natural and it helps bring nutrient-rich blood to your skin cells. If there is one truth about Hot Yoga, you’re going to sweat – a LOT. The more you sweat, the more circulation happens in your largest organ – your skin.

Reduces Stress and Eases Depression

Hot Yoga isn’t just wonderful for your physical well-being, it can improve your mental well-being as well. Fitness routines of any kind can help you feel more in control of your life. They can also help you feel better about yourself. When your body feels good, you feel good.

A Final Thought on Safety

As with any exercise the most important thing is not to push your body beyond your limits. It’s important to ask your doctor about taking part in hot yoga if you are experiencing any of the below:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- Pregnancy
- If you have low blood pressure or low blood sugar.
- If you’ve had heat intolerance issues
Remember to always stay hydrated and wear light breathable clothing. Most of all, have fun!

Burgin – History of Yoga
Cat Scratch Fever

September 23, 2018

Like a lot of cat owners my furniture aesthetic ranges from moderately maimed to utter annihilation. There is just something about a couch that gets a cat’s claws itching for destruction.

Here are some methods I’ve used in my attempts to keep the demolition at bay.

Step 1

The first step is to trim your cat’s nails. It’s not a fun task, but dull claws mean less damage to your home.

Step 2

The most important step in correcting this behavior it providing scratching surfaces for your cat. This allows them to scratch that natural itch to use their claws.

So how do you get them to use a scratching post?

Cricket found the cat nip enticing – Teighlor C.

Place the scratching post in a prominent location. Though tempting to put the post where we like it best, cats use scent and scratch marks to communicate and they like their messages to be loud and proud.

Use catnip to lure your kitty over to where you’d like them to scratch. When your cat uses the surface reward them with play and treats!

That all being said my six cats have two scratching posts and a $200 cat tree and still attack my couch at every opportunity. So how do you deter them from your furniture and carpet while you train them to use a scratching post? Here are some methods I’ve tried with mixed success.

Deterrent Sprays

Not to be confused with squirting a cat with water, which doesn’t do anything but make your cat upset and your furniture wet. Deterrent Sprays come in many shapes and forms, from using scents cats find unpleasant to sprays specifically designed to train your cat. While having to reapply daily is a downside and the odors can be quite strong, sprays are affordable and can be found at most pet supply stores. (I can try to get an image of the spray mist, but worried about showing labels).

Feliway or other Synthetic Cat Hormones

As a standalone Feliway is not a solution, but I included this one in the list because it has been successful in helping with various behavioral problems amongst my six. Synthetic hormones help to promote a calm environment making anxious cats feel more secure, which leads to less territorial marking in general.

Tape

A lot of professional behaviorists recommend this method and there are two kinds of tape suggested. Double-sided tape, which creates an unpleasant sticky surface that cats hate, and a thick tape like SmartyKat Scratch Not Tape. The problem with double-sided tape is that it’s unpleasantly sticky for everyone, not just the cats, and getting your arm hair or clothing caught in it is not pleasant – trust me. It’s also easy for cats to find cracks in your defenses and before you know you’ve covered your couch in so much tape it looks like it has a plastic slipcover from the 1950s. However, it was the most successful method for me. The one-sided tape only needs to be replaced every few months and the cats left the couch alone where it was taped.

Check out the links below for more information to help curb the clawing habit:

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-grooming-care-trimming-nails-claws-ask-a-vet

https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-behavior-stop-scratching-furniture

https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=666

https://www.purrfectpost.com/train-your-cat-to-stop-scratching-your-couch-in-7-days-or-less/

https://www.purrfectpost.com/how-to-train-your-cat-or-kitten-to-use-a-scratching-post/
Urine Trouble Kitty

August 10, 2018
Many people will agree that there is nothing harder than getting the smell of cat urine out of carpet and furniture! Even a normally fastidious feline can suddenly start peeing outside of the box, or spraying the walls. Urine marking is one of the top reasons cats are abandoned and surrendered to shelters. People don’t understand the root cause and give up on the problem before ever attempting to resolve it. Remember it is always important to check with your vet when unusual behavior pops up. There are many reasons why your cat could be suddenly urine marking.

AGE

When a kitty becomes a senior they can suffer from arthritis pain. This pain can discourage the use of litter boxes. You should consult your vet to check your cat to see if pain management is an option. Purchasing a low-sided pan with no cover can also be helpful as it is easier to access.

PAIN

As with aging joints, other pain can cause the kitty to associate using the litter tray with discomfort. This can range from urinary tract infections to impacted bowels. Each can be life-threatening for a cat! It’s important to have your vet check them for a UTI infection and alert them if your cat strains during a bowel movement or if there is blood in their stool.

TERRITORIAL MARKING

If you have multiple cats inside your household or stray cats that roam around outside it can make your kitty feel insecure in his or her environment. This is also one of the more difficult behaviors to correct in felines. For this, there are multiple solutions depending on the situation.
- Spay and neuter as early as possible. This goes especially for males as once a tom begins to spray this behavior can remain even after the procedure.
- Drive off strays or feed them further from your home. Another option is to have them fixed as well. This will also help with cat overpopulation so you’ll be doing a good deed. For information on how to get started with Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) for feral cats please contact Ally Cat Allies.
- Finally, remember the golden rule: one litter box for each cat in your home plus one extra. Territorial cats can resource guard and having less to fight over can make them happier in their environment.
CHANGES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

One common cause of sudden urine marking is a change in the cat’s normal routine. This can be anything from a new baby in the home to a new litter in the box. Cats can be very sensitive to these changes and many will react by – you guessed it – pee around the house. If you’ve tried changing the litter, go back to the old kind and slowly transition to the new by mixing. If you’ve got a new addition to the home remember this is a huge change for your cat and can cause a great deal of stress. Before the baby, put up the new nursery furniture as soon as possible. Play sounds of babies crying. The cat will need time to adjust. When the baby is home, introduce the two slowly in a quiet environment with lots of treats. Products like Feliway can help ease them into this transition.

Never thrust sudden changes on a cat and expect them to adjust immediately. If you do then you’re failing your feline when you blame them for their stress reaction.

If all else fails, seeking a cat behaviorist can help give you further insight into causes and solutions for your cat’s naughty habits!