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The Inspiring Journey of Lisa: Breaking Barriers and Embodying Compassion in Physical Therapy


Over the 16 years of her career, Lisa has grown to appreciate the hidden blessings in life’s quieter moments. She cherishes the joy in the journey, teaching her patients to do the same. Lisa’s professional growth is intertwined with her personal evolution. She has come to value the power of mindfulness and strives to impart this wisdom to her patients, helping them understand that contentment can be found in the here and now, not just in some distant future. 


https://theknowwomen.com/life-story-the-inspiring-journey-of-lisa-breaking-barriers-and-embodying-compassion-in-physical-therapy/

The 10 Best Ergonomic Office Chairs to Support Good Posture

Ergonomic chairs are so effective because they can be adjusted to align with your individual anatomy, Dr. Lisa Nichole Folden, Licensed Physical Therapist, NASM Certified Behavior Change Specialist, and founder of Healthy PhiT, explains.

https://www.health.com/home/most-comfortable-office-chairs

What to Do When You’re Bummed That You Can’t Work Out for a While

Paradoxically, the first thing to do is accept the emotional roller coaster that comes with injuries and other interruptions. “We want the net result of any situation to be positive, right? So that’s the goal,” Lisa Folden, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and wellness coach at Healthy Phit in Concord, North Carolina, tells SELF.

https://www.self.com/story/how-to-stay-postive-when-you-cant-work-out

Meet Dr. Lisa Folden

Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

As a healthcare professional, I always subscribed to a very typical understanding of health & wellness. But in my late thirties, everything I thought I ever knew about health came crashing down…in a good way.

https://canvasrebel.com/meet-dr-lisa-folden/

Commenting on Appearance May Perpetuate Diet Culture, Here's What to Do Instead


While a person might initially think that commenting on appearance can be harmless, or even beneficial, this is almost always untrue. In fact, when someone makes a comment about another person’s body, it often suggests to that person that their body is supposed to look a certain way or be a certain size, explains Lisa N. Folden.

https://www.verywellfit.com/weight-loss-comments-6567972

Body Image: What It Is and How to Improve It


“When you have a positive body image, you are more likely to have confidence and be willing to try new things and take risks because the thought of your body standing in the way of your dreams is much less of a concern,” says Lisa N. Folden.

https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-body-image-6455442

Cultivating Connections: Networking Necessities

Honestly, my phone. I have a digital business card that I use and which allows me to collect contact info from others. I like to be as hands-free as possible, so just having my phone is perfect. Other than that, I also make a point to never leave without a positive attitude.

– Dr. Lisa Folden,  Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants

https://theknowwomen.com/cultivating-connections-networking-necessities/

Cultivating Connections: How to Leverage 

I like to leverage my connections by considering what I have to offer others and identifying what they may be able to offer me. I love bartering services with other professionals or scheduling time for business brainstorming.

-Dr. Lisa Folden, Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants

https://theknowwomen.com/cultivating-connections-how-to-leverage/

How To Get Rid Of A Charley Horse

 Usually, the reason behind a charley horse is an overused muscle, so that when you go to use the affected muscle, "it kind of gets angry, if you will, and the muscle fibers sort of attach to one another and won't release without a little bit of force," says Lisa Nichole Folden, a licensed physical therapist and owner of Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants

https://www.insider.com/guides/health/how-to-get-rid-of-a-charley-horse

Dismantling Snapback Culture in Motherhood

 Women, though complex and full of great gifts and accomplishments, are often reduced down to one thing…their looks. Their value is derived from or at least heavily impacted by the way they look. If their look is pleasing (in general terms) to the majority of (male) society, then they are considered more valuable. If not, they are considered less.

https://herhealthcollective.com/snapback-culture/

16 Lower Back Pain Treatments Experts Swear By

 According to Dr. Lisa N. Folden, another common cause of lower back pain is poor posture. “Over time, our back muscles are simply unable to continue supporting the entire trunk alone and as a result, they become strained and achy,” she tells Bustle.

https://www.bustle.com/wellness/lower-back-pain-treatments

Women to KNOW in North Carolina Volume One | 2022 Collection

"Women to KNOW in North Carolina is about the woman herself. Not about her brand or her company's accolades. It is about HER. She is a Woman to KNOW." 

https://issuu.com/knowpublications/docs/nc_2022

Internalized Fat Phobia

Larger bodied people are discriminated against in the workplace, educational environments and even in the medical setting. So, it makes sense that the vast majority of us see fatness (or the appearance thereof) as something to be avoided at all costs. By maintaining these internalized feelings, we are perpetuating the harm done to people in larger bodies and ultimately, to everyone.

https://herhealthcollective.com/internalized-fat-phobia/ 

Losing My Dad Has Been Tough. This Advice Helped.

"I felt overwhelmed with grief when I lost my dad. So I asked readers for their hard-earned advice."

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-best-advice-for-dealing-with-grief-11644925046 

7 Black Owned Businesses to Know

At KNOW we are proud of and support our Black powerhouse women that are dominating in their industries. Their proven resiliency and determination has led to their success. This month we are shining light on Black women-owned businesses in KNOW to support now and always.

https://theknowwomen.com/7-black-women-owned-businesses-to-know/

Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Lisa Folden of Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants 

"Alright, so lets dig a little deeper into the story-"

http://voyageatl.com/interview/hidden-gems-meet-dr-lisa-folden-of-healthy-phit-physical-therapy-wellness-consultants/ 

What is the Most Important Factor Behind Your Success? 

"Success is a nuanced topic for me."

https://shoutoutla.com/meet-dr-lisa-folden-licensed-physical-therapist-health-coach/ 

15 Benefits of Walking That Will Make You Want to Lace Up

The benefits of walking for your body and mind are numerous.

https://www.self.com/story/benefits-of-walking 

Top Benefits of Shorter Workouts 

It is the new year and we all know that means making plans to get and stay healthy.  In this article, Lisa Folden shares with us why shorter workouts are beneficial for us busy working female professionals.

https://theknowwomen.com/top-benefits-to-shorter-workouts/

Exercises You Should Never Skip After 60, Say Experts

Do these moves weekly for a longer, healthier, more active, and more flexible life.

https://www.eatthis.com/exercises-you-should-never-skip-after-60-say-experts/

6 Great Push Up Alternatives to Try

Dr. Lisa Nichole Folden, DPT, owner of Healthy Phit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants, advises the chest fly as a push-up option.

https://healthylivingremedy.com/2021/08/02/6-great-push-up-alternatives-to-try/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=6-great-push-up-alternatives-to-try

Why You Make Grunting Noises Every Time You Sit, Stand And Bend

Here's a crash course on the random sound effects you make every time you switch positions.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/grunting-sit-stand-bend_l_60d61188e4b06c8105d5b231

BeachBody Blog: 6 Benefits of Stretching

Don't forget to stretch...oh and here's why!

https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/benefits-of-stretching

BeachBody Blog: How To Foster Body Positivity & Why It Matters

Let's talk about what body positivity is and why it matters so much!

https://www.beachbodyondemand.com/blog/body-positivity 

MapMyRun Blog: "6 Tips for Smarter Fall Runs" 

"Experts chime in on strategies to run smarter in the fall."

Abbate E. 6 Tips For Smarter Fall Runs: MapMyRun 2019; Available from: https://blog.mapmyrun.com/6-tips-for-smarter-fall-runs/ 

Wellness Versus Diet Culture: How Do I Know What's What? 

Diet culture has long ruled over the fitness and health industry. So, how do you know which companies care about self-love, body positivity and acceptance and which ones are just trying to profit by making you feel unhealthy? Look for these telltale signs to determine if a company embraces wellness or if it's rooted in diet culture. 

https://herhealthcollective.com/wellness-versus-diet-culture-how-do-i-know-whats-what/ 

Charlotte Women's Magazine: Meet Dr. Lisa Folden

Wellness Expert, Author of “Healthy Made Easy: The Ultimate Wellness Guide for Busy Moms,” Speaker & Physical Therapist, Meet Dr Lisa Nichole Folden. Available from: https://charlottewomenmag.com/news/view/12751/Wellness_Expert_Author_of_Healthy_Made_Easy_The_Ultimate_Wellness_Guide_for_Busy_Moms_Speaker_-_Physical_Therapist__Meet_Dr._Lisa_Nichole_Folden

Eating Well Blog: "5 Surprising Signs You're Not Moving Enough During the Day"

"If you aren't getting enough exercise, your body will let you know."

Sweitzer-Lammé M. 5 Surprising Signs You're Not Moving Enough During the Day. EatingWell 2021; Available from: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7886602/signs-youre-not-moving-enough-during-the-day/ 

Gossip Cop Feature: Morning Versus Evening Workouts 

Which is better...morning or evening workouts? Find out now!

https://www.gossipcop.com/experts-say-this-is-the-best-time-to-workout/200058/ 

Oprah Magazine: "25 Self-Care Tips to Help Boost your Mental Health"

"Because just this once, everyone else can wait."

Earley B. These Healthy Self-Care Tips Will Help You Be the Best Version of You. Oprah Magazine 2020; Available from: https://www.oprahmag.com/life/health/g25939272/self-care-tips/ 

The Healthy: Got a Tight Neck?

Here's how to do a levator scapulae stretch...

https://www.thehealthy.com/exercise/levator-scapulae-stretch/ 

Berxi, Risk Management in Physical Therapy: "9 Ways to Minimize Risk in your Practice"

"Learn the most common risks PTs face on the job -- and how to protect your patients and yourself from these potential hazards. "

Chenoweth BH. Risk Management in Physical Therapy: 9 Ways to Minimize Risk in Your Practice [Internet]. Risk Management in Physical Therapy: 9 Ways to Minimize Risk in your Practice 2020; [cited 2021 Mar 1 ] Available from: https://www.berxi.com/resources/articles/risk-management-in-physical-therapy-practices/ 

Vital Proteins Blog: "5 Weightlifting You Might Be Making" 

"Navigating your way around the gym can be intimidating. Once you figure out what equipment you want to use, it might be even more difficult to figure out how to properly use it."

Young M. 5 Weightlifting Mistakes You Might Be Making. Vital Proteins 2020; Available from: https://www.vitalproteins.com/blogs/fitness/weightlifting-mistakes 

Bicycling Blog: "7 Balance Exercises That Also Seriously Strengthen Your Core"

"These moves help you maintain better control of your body position on the bike so you can ride without pain, falls, or injuries."

Mateo A. 7 Exercises Build Better Balance and Serious Core Strength. Bicycling 2020; Available from: https://www.bicycling.com/training/a20041566/balance-exercises/ 

Vital Proteins Blog: "The Do's and Don'ts of Foam Rolling"

"Foam rollers are similar to deep tissue massages in that they provide pressure to sore muscles. They are portable and a must-have for any home gym, so there's really no excuse not to use them."

Young M. The Do's & Don'ts Of Using Foam Rollers. Vital Proteins 2019; Available from: https://www.vitalproteins.com/blogs/wellness/benefits-of-foam-rolling 

Bustle Blog: "13 Little Things You Can Do Everyday to Improve Your Brain Health"

"There are so many little things you can do every day to not only to feel better mentally, but to also give your brain what it needs to function at its best. And this can include stuff, like drinking more water, exercising, meditating — and even doing nothing."

Steber C. 13 Little Things You Can Do Every Day To Improve Your Brain Health. Bustle 2019; Available from: https://www.bustle.com/p/13-little-things-you-can-do-every-day-to-improve-your-brain-health-17869138 

Fatherly Blog: "Charley Horses During Sex: Why Missionary-Style Pain Hits Older Men"

"As men get older and last a little longer, they find themselves cramping up."

Vinopal L. Got a Charley Horse During Sex? You're Doing It Right. Fatherly 2019; Available from: https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/why-men-get-charley-horse-during-missionary-style-sex/ 

"2019 March/April "Women's" Issue" Pride Magazine: Local Authors Shine

2019 March/April "Women's" Issue. Issuu 2019; pg. 14-15 Available from: https://issuu.com/watchdog-ent./docs/pm_0319_book_issuu/15 

Thrive Global Interview with Bianca Rodriguez

"Learn to Finally Love Yourself." 

Rodriguez BL. "Somewhere Along Our Lives, We Were Brainwashed Into Believing That What We ARE, Is Not Enough." With Bianca L. Rodriguez And Dr. Lisa Folden. Thrive Global 2019; Available from: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/somewhere-along-our-lives-we-were-brainwashed-into-believing-that-what-we-are-is-not-enough-with-bianca-l-rodriguez-and-dr-lisa-folden/ 

Livestrong.com: "10 Reasons to Ditch the Gym for At-home Workouts"

"Exercising at home often gets a bad rap. But when you consider that half of the battle of working out is just getting to the gym, sweating it out at home starts to sound pretty appealing..."

Lindberg S. 10 Reasons to Ditch the Gym for At-Home Workouts. LIVE STRONG 2019; Available from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/13716927-gym-vs-at-home-workouts/ 

Shape Magazine: "How to Use Resistance Bands" 

"These new bendy bands are going to become your workout BFF."

Kassel G. How to Use Resistance Bands-Because You Know You Don't *Really* Know. Shape Magazine 2019; Available from: https://www.shape.com/fitness/tips/how-use-resistance-bands 

Bustle Blog: "6 Trends That Can Surprisingly Do More Harm than Good to Your Health"

"... It's important to keep in mind that many health trends do more harm than good, while others aren't all they crack up to be."

Steber C. 6 Trends That Can Surprisingly Do More Harm Than Good To Your Health. Bustle 2019; Available from: https://www.bustle.com/p/6-trends-that-can-surprisingly-do-more-harm-than-good-to-your-health-17903011 

Apartment Therapy: "8 Ways to Maximize Your After-Work Time"

"How many of us have, in an effort to shake off the stress of the workday, ended up in a daze on the couch? Whether you spend your evenings bingeing on Netflix or mindlessly scrolling social media, the post-work lull can compromise productivity and, in the end, keep you from truly relaxing."

Abramson A. 8 Ways to Maximize Your After-Work Time. Apartment Therapy 2019; Available from: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/relax-after-work-266843?amp=1 

UpJourney Blog: "Death to Superwomen" 

"I do not have this thing figured out, and THAT'S OKAY."

Folden L. Death to Superwomen. UpJourney 2019; Available from: https://upjourney.com/death-to-superwoman 

SheKnows.com: "7 Clothing Items That Are Low-Key Bad for Your Health"

"From something as basic as a bra to a more stylish halter top, your fashion choices might be causing some health problems."

Hogan B. 7 Clothing Items That Are Low-Key Bad for Your Health. SheKnows 2019; Available from: https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/2005472/clothing-items-bad-for-health/ 

UpJourney Blog: "How Do You Prep Meals for a Week? 5 Tips to Make it Easy." 

"Preparing for the week with perfectly portioned containers and neat little condiment cups can be pretty exhilarating when you consider how much time you are freeing up and how smoothly your week will run as a result."

Folden L. How Do You Prep Meals for a Week (5 Tips to Make It Quick and Easy) UpJourney 2019. Available from: https://upjourney.com/how-do-you-prep-meals-for-a-week 

Aaptiv Blog: "How to Deal with a Pulled Muscle During Pregnancy"

"If you accidentally strained a muscle during pregnancy, here's why it happens."

Dellitt J. How to Deal With a Pulled Muscle During Pregnancy. Aaptiv 2019; Available from: https://aaptiv.com/magazine/pulled-muscle-during-pregnancy 

Greatest Blog: "Tips for Avoiding the Nightmare that is Shin Splints" 

“When it comes to shin splints, what’s actually happening is micro-tearing of the tibialis anterior muscle from overuse in activity such as running,”

Benton E. Tips for Avoiding the Nightmare That Is Shin Splints. Greatist 2019; Available from: https://greatist.com/fitness/shin-splints-prevention#2 

UpJourney Blog: "40 Best Self-Help Books for Women (To Read in 2021)"

Self-help books give you the opportunity to learn from those who were in a challenging situation and made it out stronger and wiser.

Jacob C. 40 Best Self-Help Books for Women (To Read in 2021). UpJourney 2021. Available from: https://upjourney.com/best-self-help-books-for-women 

Weight Watchers Canada: "Mindful New Year's Resolution"

"Making mindset a priority for the new year."

Munn S. Mindful New Year's resolutions. WW Canada 2020; Available from: https://www.weightwatchers.com/ca/en/article/mindful-new-years-resolutions 

Aaptiv Blog: "Here's How Balance Affects Strength Training"

"Build up that balance and feel stronger each day."

Chertoff J. Here's How Balance Impacts Strength Training. Aaptiv 2019; Available from: https://aaptiv.com/magazine/improving-balance-strength-training 

Creaky Joints Blog: "Tips for Making Life with Arthritis Alittle Easier"

OTs can help you live with less pain and disruption to your daily routine. Here are their tips for living better with arthritis.

Andersen CH. 22 Things Occupational Therapists Wish Arthritis Patients Knew [Internet]. CreakyJoints 2019; [cited 2021 Mar 2 ] Available from: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/occupational-therapist-tips-for-arthritis/ 

Right Fit Personal Training Blog: "Strategies for Staying Healthy During the Holidays" 

"STEAL away and have some quiet time."

Strategies to Stay Healthy Over the Holidays. RightFit Personal Training, LLC 2019; Available from: https://www.rightfitpersonaltraining.com/strategies-to-stay-healthy-over-the-holidays/ 

Insider Blog: "10 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Trip to the Grocery Store"

"DO NOT go to the store hungry!"

Kravitz M. Tips for making grocery shopping easier [Internet]. Insider 2018; [cited 2021 Mar 2 ] Available from: https://www.insider.com/tips-for-making-grocery-shopping-easier-2018-12?amp 

Spine Nation: "5 Best Christmas Gifts for Chronic Back Pain Suffers"

"Since sitting and sleeping are two of the most common positions people find themselves in, it’s easy for pain to become isolated in the lower back. The Original McKenzie Lumbar Rolls and Supports correct posture whether sitting or sleeping to keep your spine and back healthy day and night."

Spinenation Electoral Staff. 5 Best Christmas Gifts for Chronic Back Pain. Spinenation 2018. Available from: https://spinenation.com/wellness/quality-of-life/5-best-christmas-gifts-for-chronic-back-pain 

UpJourney: "29 Lifestyle Experts, Authors, and Blogs to Follow in 2019"

Jacob C. 29 Lifestyle Experts, Authors, and Blogs to Follow in 2019. UpJourney Updated 2021. Available from: https://upjourney.com/lifestyle-experts-authors-and-blogs-to-follow-in-2019 

HealthiNation: "3 Harmful Wellness Goals That Nobody Should Even Try"

"These goals are *NOT* sustainable" 

Smith L. 3 Harmful Wellness Goals That Nobody Should Even Try. HealthiNation 2018. Available from: https://www.healthination.com/health/harmful-wellness-goals/ 

Elite Daily Blog: "6 Cardio Workouts that Make you Sweat Without Having to Step Foot on a Treadmill"

"Treadmill running and jogging definitely have their place in a well-rounded fitness routine, but frankly, sometimes they suck and you just don't want to do them."

Berbari G. 6 cardio workouts that make you sweat without stepping foot on a treadmill. Elite Daily 2018. Available from: https://www.elitedaily.com/p/6-cardio-workouts-that-make-you-sweat-without-having-to-step-foot-on-a-treadmill-13250197 

aSweatLife Blog: "4 New Healthy Holiday Traditions to Try This Year"

"When it comes to the holiday time, health pretty much goes out the window."

Baum I. 4 New Healthy Holiday Traditions to Try This Year. aSweatLife 2018. Available from: https://asweatlife.com/2018/12/4-new-healthy-holiday-traditions-to-try-this-year/ 

Love Lives On: "Give Me My Flowers"

"What if we memorialized people while they were living in the same manner that we do when they are dead?"

Folden L. Give Me My Flowers. Love Lives On. Available from: https://www.loveliveson.com/give-me-my-flowers/ 

Sleep: Dr. Lisa Folden On Why You Should Make Getting A Good Night’s Sleep a Major Priority In Life and How You Can Make That Happen

"The bottom line is this: Sleep is RESTORATIVE. When we have it, we are operating from a place of plenty..."

Gallagher, T. Sleep: Dr. Lisa Folden On Why You Should Make Getting a Good Night's Sleep a Major Priority In Life and How You Can Make That Happen. 2021.

Available from: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/sleep-dr-lisa-folden-of-healthy-phit-physical-therapy-and-wellness-consultants-on-why-you-should-c62f9ad7eeea