How is tomorrow the first day of May?! Wasn’t it yesterday we were rejoicing that 2020 was finally over? We are at the point where the slow countdown to 2022 is almost upon us? I hope everyone’s 2021 is as close to normal as possible. I continue to incredibly busy, but I remain grateful that my family friends are healthy. Here are some of the stories that has my week ending on a positive note.
Occupational Therapy
Virtual visits make an impact for patients, occupational therapy students | www.WDIO.com This news report is the personification of getting people back to “living life to the fullest”. Using telehealth, an occupational therapy student helps a client get back to fishing after a stroke.
Many Older Adults Lack Even Simple, Helpful Equipment – The New York Times (nytimes.com) As occupational therapy practitioners, we understand the importance of adaptive equipment. However, it is clear from this story that others do not share our thoughts on the need for all to have access to adaptive equipment. This is an opportunity to use our skills to help others through education and advocacy.
Occupational Therapy Month: How to make a stronger stance to keep from falling (wistv.com) With the negative impact of falls on function, living situation, and mortality, informing others of the role of occupational therapy in fall prevention is pivotal. Erin Jeffords does an excellent job of educating the public in this brief video.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy | OT Canada Another great summary by OT Canada. This page is about Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). The research is clear that CIMT and modified CIMT positively impacts UE function of the affected side post stroke.
Research
The Effect of Sensory Diets on Children’s Classroom Behaviors | American Journal of Occupational Therapy (aota.org) Poster Session. Results showed that sensory diets can be effective in improving children’s sensory processing, psychosocial, and classroom engagement behaviors.
Current Issue | American Journal of Occupational Therapy (aota.org) May/June Issue of AJOT!
On my TBR pile:
Handwriting Readiness among Digital Native Kindergarten Students: Physical & Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics: Vol 0, No 0 (tandfonline.com) Results: motor proficiency on the BOT-2 for the sample was lower than published normative data. Also, more than 60% of the sample used a static pencil grasp. This article supports the importance of providing opportunities for physical play to support motor development.
Education Research Report: Effects of Educational Apps on Preschool to Grade 3 Children’s Literacy and Math Skills Are apps beneficial on education outcomes? The results are mixed.
How to Apply for a Federal Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov – Grants.gov Community Blog Government funds are readily available. The first step is to register.
Potpourri
The gut-brain connection – Harvard Health Diet has been found to impact brain function. What is the extent of that connection and what can you optimize your diet for optimal brain function.
Want to improve your memory? Get a good night’s sleep! – Harvard Health Blog – Harvard Health Publishing I have put sleep at the top of my list again because the research is clear that sleep positively impacts all we do.
Brisk Walking Keeps People With Osteoarthritis Mobile, Independent | Everyday Health 10 minutes day!
No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bites | Minimalist Baker Recipes 7 easy, healthy ingredients and no baking needed!
OT Research Corner 