May/June 2026 North Central Kansas Magazine
Benefits of Walking With a Weighted Vest – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Walking is one of the most accessible and sustainable forms of exercise. It supports cardiovascular health, improves blood sugar control, helps manage body weight, and is generally easy on the joints. For many people, especially as they age, walking becomes the foundation of staying active because it feels safe, predictable, and repeatable. The challenge is […]
Canton-Galva’s John Erskin – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning John Erskin has spent this track and field season focused on refinement, resilience and running faster in the sprint events for Canton-Galva. This season, he has recorded a 12.32 in the 100-meter dash and a 24.67 in the 200-meter dash while anchoring the 4×100 relay. His personal bests from the 2024 season […]
Abilene’s Kit Barbieri – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning Abilene’s Kit Barbieri is a three-event runner for the Cowboys, and her focus throughout the offseason has been improving in the 300-meter hurdles so she can be a valuable contributor to the 4×1 and 4×4 relay teams. “I’m working on my speed and endurance to contribute to every race I’m in,” Barbieri […]
Ell-Saline’s Landon May – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Track season is underway for senior Landon May of Ell-Saline High School. May covers the distance events, competing in the 800m, the mile, or the 400m as well as the 4×800 relay, and is looking forward to seeing time improvement throughout the season. “I’m most excited to see how much I can […]
The Science of Sleep: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to the Best Sleeping Positions – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
We spend roughly 2,500 hours a year asleep. While we often focus on the quantity of sleep, physical therapists focus on the mechanics. Research published in The Journal of Physical Therapy Science suggests that poor sleep posture is a leading contributor to “waking spinal symptoms”—the stiffness and aches you feel the moment you move in […]
Salina South’s Marin Morris – Soccer Poll Winner – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning Salina South’s Marin Morris has high expectations for the Cougars soccer team this season, and from the very first game she wants the team to play aggressively. “I’m most excited to see how far we can go as a team and how connected we can be in the attack,” Morris said. “I […]
Inman’s Marlee Ballard – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Matt Browning Inman’s Marlee Ballard had to utilize Advanced Physical Therapy after injuring her shoulder while playing summer softball. “This injury occurred when I was playing at a softball tournament in Kansas City when I was playing shortstop,” Ballard said. “I threw the ball to first base and I felt a super sharp pain […]
Salina Central’s Tommy Payne – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Tommy Payne, a 12th-grade student at Salina Central High School, is entering his final golf season with a strong sense of determination and excitement. As a senior leader on the team, Payne is especially focused on the collective success of the squad. With a solid varsity lineup this year, he is eager […]
McPherson’s Jayren Stutzman – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Senior Jayren Stutzman of McPherson High School is preparing for an exciting final track and field season as he looks to make an impact across multiple events. A versatile athlete, Stutzman competes in the 100 meters, the 4×100 relay, the 4×400 relay, as well as the long jump and high jump. As […]