RehabCare

May Is The Time To Thank An SLP

May is "Better Hearing and Speech" month!  With that in mind, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is celebrating by organizing events to raise awareness on communication disorders and the professionals who can help.  With this in mind, ASHA has dedicated an entire page on their website where you can go to find Hearing and Speech Resources.

"Whether it's a hearing loss, difficulty with swallowing or balance, a disorder such as stuttering or delayed language, or a voice problem, a person's ability to learn and interact with others can be affected."

"If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing such a problem, consult an audiologist or speech-language pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association."

Benefits To Having A Little Rascal Around

There is  nothing like the unconditional love of an animal.  With just a lick to your face or a plop on your lap, they fill your heart with warmth and love.  So, it is not hard for me to believe that animal assisted therapy (AAT) and animal assisted activities (AAA) are very beneficial to patients in the therapy world. 

New Bills Pass Thanks To AOTA

The AOTA has great reasons to celebrate.  They recently helped get two very important pieces of legislature passed in Congress within the last several weeks.  One is the Safety of Seniors Act and the second is the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

The Safety of Seniors Act, also known as the Keeping Seniors Safe from Falls Act, has been part of AOTA’s legislative agenda for several years and final passage marks a significant legislative victory.

According to the article, over 16,000 Americans die each year from falls and this results in $19.2 billion in health care related costs.  That number is astounding!  The Act would serve to provide research and evaluate programs that would help to reduce the number of fall incidences and public health burdens that arise from them.

What Do You Want To Be?

What do you want to be? That is a question that we all have asked ourselves at one point in our lives. At the young age of 17, I decided I wanted to be a physical therapist. Like many others in the this profession, I  encountered an injury and participated in physical therapy. I thought the world of my physical therapist and never once questioned my decision to become one. As I watch the video "You Can Be Me"  from the APTA, it reminds me of why I became a physical therapist and believe in this profession. As the video states, the physical therapist "teaches....invents...cares...motivates...enables....heals....encourages." Take a moment and watch this video, it may just be what you are looking for in a career. And remember, "You Can Be Me"

AOTA and the California Sun

I am sure you have been wondering what the Campus Relations crew has been up to over the last month.  The answer is a lot! What better a reason to go to Long Beach California than the AOTA National Convention.

Resource for NBCOT Exams

If you are getting ready for the NBCOT Board Exam check out OT-Advantage.com.  They have dedicated a blog line for students to post helpful comments and pose questions to others preparing for the board.  Just another source to aid you in your preparation.  Good luck!

Is That An Appropriate Question?

Many of you will be graduating this summer and have inevitably started your job search.  When searching for a position you inevitably have to go through interview after interview, which can be nerve racking in itself.  Here is a great article from the ADVANCE for Occupational Therapy website that anyone getting ready for an interview should read. 

Need Another Thing To Read?

I remember my college years and the last thing I wanted to do after a day of classes and studying was read another book.  So, I know I am not going to get a great reaction when I say I have a book for all you Physical Therapy students that you might find useful.   Physical Therapy Professional Foundations: Keys to Success in School and Career    "is a comprehensive new text that provides an in-depth guide for physical therapy students from the start of their education to clinical practice" and "is a valuable resource for new graduate physical therapists as they prepare for and begin their careers".

If you can keep your eyes open after you have come home from your classes, clinical or lab, you might want to pick up this little bit of reading material.  After all, it can't be as bad as your textbooks, it is described as "simple and straightforward".  Plus, you might find it to be a great resource in addition to your studies.

Living Life To Its Fullest

As of this month, "Living Life To Its Fullest" is the AOTA's new slogan for the 21st century.  After nearly a year in development the AOTA has released the new slogan in hopes that it will "crystallize what the profession stands for and the positive impact it has on the lives of its patients."  It also looks to differentiate Occupational Therapy from similar disciplines.

"Occupational therapy helps people live life to its fullest. It does this by helping people of all ages who have suffered an illness, injury or some form of debilitation relearn the skills of daily living. By focusing on the physical, psychological and social needs of its patients, OT helps people function at the highest possible level, concentrating on what’s important to them to rebuild their health, independence and self-esteem."

In the past, many in the OT field have felt that the outside world does not completely understand the role of Occupational Therapy in rehabilitation.  With new communications circling around "Living Life To Its Fullest", a better understanding of the true impact of Occupational Therapy will be apparent.  As Penny Moyers, AOTA President, stated at the AOTA's 88th  Annual Conference "Living life and occupational therapy are inextricably intertwined."

Hot Jobs for 2008

Okay, Okay. I know I have posted blogs on this subject previously,  but I couldn't stop myself from bringing another positive article regarding the therapy field to your attention.  The article's title, 2008 Hot Jobs List - The Top 10, says it all.