Beyond the Tissue: How Physical Therapy Supports Your Mental Health – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
As we enter May, Mental Health Awareness Month brings a much-needed focus to the internal battles many of us face. But for the millions of people living with chronic pain1, mental and emotional health are not separate conversations: they are one and the same. When physical pain begins to limit how you show up for those who count on you, the fear of […]
Smoky Valley’s Kaden Bishop – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
It has been about growth, leadership and making the most of every opportunity alongside a close-knit team chasing big goals for Smoky Valley’s Kaden Bishop. “My primary focus for my senior season was improvement and enjoying it,” Bishop said. “With it being my last season, I wanted to continually get better and take in every […]
Abilene’s Nolan Wilkins – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
Abilene junior Nolan Wilkins focused his season on becoming a steady presence his team could count on in every situation, whether at the plate, in the field or in the dugout. “My primary focus this season was being more consistent in every part of my game,” Wilkins said. “I wanted to become someone my team […]
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 […]