Fire Up the Grill. Just Watch Your Feet.
Summer is in full swing.
Let's make it a healthy one.
Your monthly health letter from Dr. Brinsky
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Happy July! I hope you're soaking up the season — whether that means grilling in the backyard, hiking in sandals, or just enjoying the long evenings. This month I'm sharing some tips on grilling smarter, keeping your feet happy all summer long, and a deep dive into what's really going on when your foot or ankle acts up.
Grilling Season Done Right
The backyard grill is one of the best tools you have for eating well in the summer. High heat, simple ingredients, minimal added fat — it's genuinely one of the healthiest ways to cook. Here's how to make the most of it.
How to make it:
1. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes (prevents burning and creates that signature smoke).
2. Preheat grill to medium-high. Spray the plank with oil.
3. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Top each fillet with a rosemary sprig and 2–3 lemon slices.
4. Place plank on grill, close the lid, and cook for 13 minutes without peeking.
5. Target internal temp: 125–130°F for medium, 145°F for fully cooked. Rest 2 minutes, then serve right off the plank.
Pro tip: Use a grill pan or grill basket so smaller pieces don't fall through the grates — you can load it up and toss everything together without losing half your dinner to the coals.
Summer and Your Feet: What's Really Going On
Flip flops, hiking trails, bare feet on hot pavement — summer is hard on your feet and ankles, and I see a surge of foot complaints every July. Here's what to know, what to do at home, and when osteopathic care can help.
Dr. Brinsky's sandal picks for actual support: Naot, Vivaia, and Vionic are brands I recommend to patients — all offer built-in arch support and contoured footbeds so you're not sacrificing your feet for summer style.
My picks: Protalus and Powerstep — both available online for around $25 and make a noticeable difference in how your whole lower body feels.
| Stretch | How To | Sets × Hold |
|---|---|---|
| 🦵 Calf Stretch Gastrocnemius |
Hands on a wall, back leg straight, heel flat on the ground. | 3 × 30 sec |
| 🦵 Calf Stretch Soleus (Deeper) |
Same position, but bend the back knee slightly. Targets the deeper calf muscle. | 3 × 30 sec |
| 🦶 Plantar Fascia Stretch | Seated, cross ankle over opposite knee. Pull toes back toward your shin until you feel a stretch in the arch. Best done before your first steps in the morning. | 3 × 20–30 sec |
A targeted manipulation to restore normal talus position can resolve this quickly and dramatically improve ankle mobility. Results are often immediate — patients feel the difference within minutes.
OMM techniques to release fascial tension around the fibular head can be remarkably effective when this is the true source of symptoms.
Foot and ankle pain that lingers more than a week or two, or that's affecting how you walk, is worth getting evaluated. Osteopathic care can address not just the foot itself but how the hip, pelvis, and spine are contributing to the problem.
📱 Watch me demonstrate these stretches and OMM techniques on Instagram
@kelleybrinskydo →Move With Us This July
We have two great classes coming up this month — all levels welcome, just bring a yoga mat!
Stretch & Mobility Class
Pilates Class
Ready to feel your best this summer?
Whether it's foot pain, a persistent ache, or just a tune-up — DPC means you can reach out without worrying about copays or wait times. I'm here for you.
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