The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the WILLINGNESS to learn is a choice. #OT365 #OccupationalTherapy #TIITIL

When two disorders or illnesses occur in the same person, simultaneously or sequentially, they are described as comorbid. Comorbidity also implies that the illnesses interact, affecting the course and prognosis of both. This research report provides information on the state of the science in the comorbidity of substance use disorders with mental illness and physical health conditions

Here is some great information from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.  It is a great asset to have on hand when working with children who have experienced traumatic events, disasters, or separation from family.  Included you will find:

1. After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (NCTSN) - Young children know when bad things happen, and they remember what they have been through. After a scary event, we often see changes in their behavior. This tip sheet offers tips for parents to help young children heal after a traumatic event.
2. Psychological First Aid (PFA) - Parent Tips for Helping Infants, Toddlers, and Pre-School Aged Children after Disasters (NCTSN) - PFA is an evidence-informed approach to help families in the immediate aftermath of disaster. This resource offers guidance to support infants and toddlers.

The International Institute of Therapeutic Intervention and Learning is a great resource for those utilizing brain entrainment and neurofeedback. Their soundscapes specifically target areas where a client may be having trouble. For those unfamiliar with Brain Entrainment, it refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of periodic external stimuli, most commonly auditory, visual, or tactile. The external stimuli elicit the brain’s ‘frequency following response’, encouraging the brainwaves to align to the frequency of a given medium. FFR can be useful because brainwaves are very much related to mental state. For example, a 10 Hz brainwave is associated with relaxation, so a 10 Hz sound pattern would help reproduce the relaxed state in your brain. I have successfully used it with varying conditions including; ADHD, ASD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Sensory Integration. However, one does not have to have a diagnosis to utilize brain entrainment. Positive research on brain entrainment continues to grow and expand.

As an Occupational Therapist, I have learned that your most unhappy clients are your greatest source of learning.  This is truly how you better yourself, your methods, your treatment, and yourself as a medical professional. We must strive to always keep learning. 

Obesity has become a significant and wide-ranging health and social epidemic occurring in both developed and developing nations and across all age cohorts. Occupational therapists provide interventions to individuals, groups, and populations in order to effect change, optimize health, and improve quality of life. Accordingly, occupational therapy services are often integral in addressing obesity related illnesses and subsequent limitations while managing weight through attention to lifestyle, and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles. In this study guide you will find:

1.      Graphical Reviews

2.      Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention for Head Start Preschoolers: A Randomized Intervention Study  -  American Journal of Occupational Therapy

3.      The Role of Occupational Therapy in Obesity Management -  UTMJ Medical Education

4.      Physical Activity Patterns and Quality of Life of Overweight Boys: A Preliminary Study – SciVerse ScienceDirect

5.      The experience of participation in everyday occupations for adults with obesity - Revue canadienne d’ergothérapie

6.      Promoting Health, Well-Being, and Quality of Life for Children Who Are Overweight or Obese and Their Families - American Journal of Occupational Therapy

7.      Childhood Obesity – American Occupational Therapy            Association

8.      TREATMENT OF OBESITY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CARE SETTINGS (RECOMMENDATIONS: A SUMMARY FOR PRACTICE)

9.      ADDRESSING CHILDHOOD OBESITY – American Occupational Therapy Association

10.  The effectiveness of occupational therapy in preventing childhood obesity in the school setting – Pacific University Common Knowledge

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The pursuit of excellence in occupational therapy can be lined with financial challenges. However, there are means to support your journey.  SCHOLARSHIPS!!! 

Take a moment and check out this scholarship resource just for occupational therapy professionals!!

 Click here for details:

https://goo.gl/H8Wfwh

As we go through our daily OT routines, diligently serving our clients, at times we can overlook the big picture and some of the things that stabilize the OT profession.  It is important to stay abreast of what is on the forefront of federal affairs.  Here’s a short news break to keep you informed.  It’s a great way to plan ahead for the particular OT path you are on.

Are you extremely afraid of being judged by others? Are you very self-conscious in everyday social situations? Do you avoid meeting new people? If you have been feeling this way for at least six months and these feelings make it hard for you to do everyday tasks—such as talking to people at work or school—you may have a social anxiety disorder.