What word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?
Noon.
How to Maintain Your Weight This Holiday Season
Holiday dinners, parties and get-togethers full of delicious food, drink and sweets can often call for pants with an adjustable waist band! With a month full of temptations and indulgence it can be difficult to stay on track and many end up gaining weight. We want to help you to put a stop to this and to stay on track with the following article from WebMD that provides 10 tips to avoid holiday weight gain. So please enjoy the holiday season and all it has to offer… but try not to over-indulge.
Workplace Ergonomics: Laws for Work
Humans are not made for immobility. Even if you take a healthy joint and put it in a cast for even a few days, when you remove this the movement of the joint will be decreased, pain will appear, and muscles that surround the joint will have started to atrophy. So, how does this translate to jobs that require us to sit all day, being immobile at a computer, in a car, or at a desk?
In the world of rehabilitation we find that insurers assume that “sedentary jobs” are “easy” on people because of the low physical demands required of these positions. While sometimes this can be true, research is starting to highlight that “sedentary” is still not “healthy”. In fact, while it may seem harmless to complete your job duties in a sitting position for 8 hours or more per day, this can actually set the stage for injuries to develop slowly over time. Some of the most common work related factors that lead to the development of injuries include fixed and constrained postures that are awkward and maintained for too long, repetitive movements, and a high pace of work.
So what can be done? One of the most effective way to address injuries in the workplace is to employ workplace ergonomics. While a popular buzzword in the fields of health and safety, it begs the question, what really is ergonomics?
The term ergonomics is derived from the Greek word ergos, meaning “work” and nomos, meaning “laws”- hence the Laws for Work. The idea behind ergonomics is that each worker brings a unique set of skills, patterns of performing the job, and individual factors to the workplace. Many times offices and work environments are designed with space, budgets and esthetics in mind, but less so for the people who will actually be using the work setting to be productive. This often leads to injury, higher employment costs, and inefficiency.
Ergonomics addresses well-being and performance in relation to one’s job, equipment, tools and environment, with an overall goal to improve health, safety and efficiency of the worker and workplace.
The principles of ergonomics help address a variety of work-related issues. Common issues include workplace and work process design, work-related stress, disabled and aging workforces, tool and equipment design, architectural design and accessibility. The great thing about ergonomic intervention is that it can be applied proactively, preventing problems before they occur, or reactively, adjusting the worker-job-context “fit” when problems do occur. Employing ergonomics involves finding a way to match individual employees’ strengths and limitations with the context of activity demands to improve both worker safety and workplace productivity.
Occupational therapist’s holistic vision and training in finding “fit” between people, environments and “occupations” makes us optimal professionals to assess and treat ergonomic issues. An occupational therapist can help minimize risk and maximize worker safety, productivity and efficiency.
We invite you to download our free E-book: “Cost Effective Ergonomics Solutions” to learn more.
Stay tuned to our Workplace Wednesday blog series for some great tips and strategies to address common workplace complaints using principles of ergonomics and our unique viewpoint on occupation.
Resources
Haruko Ha, D., Page, J.J., Wietlisbach, C.M. (2013) Work Evaluations and Work Programs, in Pedretti’s Occupational Therapy Practice Skills for Physical Dysfunction
Canada’s National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/office/risk_factors.html
Forget Black Friday and Cyber Monday… Today is Giving Tuesday
What do you buy for that person on your list who has everything? Why not the gift of hope for someone who has nothing at all. Consider making a donation to an organization dear to your heart or purchase a charitable gift. Charitable gifts are available through many organizations such as World Vision and Unicef, Today is “Giving Tuesday” and what better day than today to start to think about those less fortunate than yourself. After the spending sprees of “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” this event comes as a welcome change. “Giving Tuesday” is a day for all to step back, forget about the current stresses of holiday prep and shopping lists and think about those across the globe who are sick, hungry, cold and living without the basic necessities we sometimes take for granted. Many non-profit organizations and registered charities across the world are asking you to take part today on “Giving Tuesday” by giving of yourself resources, money, or time to help someone in need.
For more information on “Giving Tuesday” and how you can give to those in need, please visit www.givingtuesday.ca in Canada or www.givingtuesday.org in the United States.
HIV/AIDS and OT
Guest Blogger: Samantha Langan, Occupational Therapist
Today people around the world will be wearing red ribbons to support World AIDS Day. This day of recognition started in 1988 to provide people with an opportunity to unite in the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), show support for those who are living with HIV and to also commemorate those who have died. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 34 million people were living with HIV worldwide in 2011. In 2012, The Public Health Agency of Canada reported 2062 new cases of HIV, but it is expected that others are also living with the condition, not yet knowing they have been infected. There continues to be many myths and stereotypes around how HIV is transmitted and stigma remains for those living with HIV. Unfortunately, there isn’t yet a cure for this, but the disease is preventable.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks our body’s immune system, and over time, weakens our immune system to the point where it can no longer fight off bacteria, viruses, parasites, and even cancers. These diseases, known as opportunistic infections, can progress in the body of a person living with HIV and become what is known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. While those living with HIV do experience difficulties, HIV is now considered a long-term chronic illness that can be treated to help prolong and improve quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.
HIV is known to health professionals as an “episodic disability”, which means that for people living with the virus, symptoms can fluctuate unpredictably. Some common symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, changes in sensation in the hands and feet, decreased concentration and thinking, digestive problems, chronic pain as well as depression or anxiety. As symptoms can vary, people with HIV / AIDS can experience difficulty carrying out everyday activities like taking care of themselves, managing at home and attending work.
Occupational therapists support and empower people with all forms of disabilities and can assist people living with HIV to better manage in their desired activities despite unpredictable and on-going symptoms. In fact, occupational therapists work with those living with HIV by helping them to: manage their energy despite pain and fluctuating symptoms, find ways to adapt to tasks to make them more manageable, obtain devices that can improve safely and independence when completing daily tasks. Occupational therapists can also help people manage the emotional consequences associated with the condition, and can develop strategies to assist with cognitive changes should these exist. Another great way occupational therapists are helping those with HIV is through education and by providing strategies for them to be able to self-manage their disease. This is essential since HIV is a long-term illness. For more information about HIV/AIDS, check out the links below, or talk to an Occupational Therapist about how we help.
Resources
http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-world-aids-day.php
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/publication/survreport/2012/dec/index-eng.php
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/hiv-vih-eng.php
Weekly Mind Bender
What has a foot on each side and one in the middle?
A yardstick.
The Occupation of Sexuality…
Recently on our blog we discussed the important occupation of sexuality in our post: “Occupation Is: Sexuality.” As issues of sexual dysfunction, or impaired intimacy, can be common for people with disabilities, we wanted to share a valuable resource that addresses just that: The Rose Centre. “The Rose Centre is a charitable organization that focuses on positive representations of love sex and disability. We recognize the multiple barriers to participation in love sex and relationships for disabled people and the lack of positive discussion around disability and sexuality. We also believe that sex and relationships can be fun and enjoyable for anyone. The organization provides programming and events which support this mission and that are open and welcoming to everyone.”
We encourage you to check out their programming and use this resource if and when you need it.
Office Parties 101
The Holiday season is upon us and calendars are quickly filling up with invitations for parties and get-togethers. Many workplaces use the holidays as a way to gather for team-building, networking and celebrating the season. Although office parties take place outside of the regular 9-5 and include great foods and drinks, these aren’t the types of parties where you want to let your hair down and overindulge. The following from the Huffington Post discusses ways to survive your office holiday party and to have fun, while maintaining a professional reputation.
The Huffington Post: Business Etiquette: Surviving the Holiday Office Party
Spread Some Holiday Cheer With Homemade Gifts
The Holiday Season is quickly approaching and it’s time to get serious about your gift planning. Nothing makes a more thoughtful gift than something you’ve made yourself! The following from Eating Well provides over 40 delicious and delightful homemade gift ideas complete with recipes. Check them out and create something special for someone on your list today.
Top 10 Ways to Survive Dread-cember
Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)
It was an effective exercise in venting and I feel much better. I wrote my blog on “Dread-cember” listing all the reasons I strongly dislike this month and the holiday season in general. Then, I read it over, accepted my grievances, realized I was being grumpy (albeit honest) and admitted that I don’t want to bring other people down who legitimately love this season.
However, I will equate my problems this month with one word – STRESS. In one week it all begins… December is, legitimately, the most stressful month of the year. Shopping and presents, food preparation, cards, socializing, crowds, different schedules and routines, decorations, spending, pressure to buy the right thing for the right person – and not forgetting anyone.
Instead of harping on all the reasons I struggle this time of year, I am going to be productive and offer some practical suggestions for people that also have issues getting through to January. Here are Julie’s TOP 10 TIPS based on my own experiences as a busy mom, but also as an occupational therapist who often helps people to break down tasks into more manageable, and less stressful chunks:
PLANNING – this is everything. Often the stress of shopping is not the shopping per se, but rather the planning beforehand. Who do I need to buy for? What will I get them? When do I need to deliver it or mail it so it is received on time? Spending endless hours in the mall looking for the “right gift” works for some, but for others some planning ahead of time can really reduce the stress of the season.
ORGANIZATION – plan it, buy it, store it, and then cross it off your list. Make separate lists – cards to send, presents to buy, food to coordinate, functions to attend, decorating to do – then set it and forget it. Pull out one list a week, tackle it, and then discard. Repeat.
START EARLY – don’t be a dude (sorry boys) and end up in the mall on the 24th. If you do, say hi to my husband. Seriously though, starting early can really reduce the pressure to get it all done in time. Personally, last year I was done my shopping September 9, and this year I bought my first present in February and was done in August. Soon, I will use Boxing Day to shop for the next Christmas. But being done early lets me focus on other things in December, and allows me to avoid the crowds and chaos on the roads and in the malls.
GIVE BACK – nothing says Christmas more than charity. Think of those less fortunate, donate your time, no-longer used items, or money to those that are less fortunate. Get your kids involved with this by sponsoring a family, sorting through toys they no longer need, or having them come with you when you drop off donations. Have a social gathering and in lieu of a hostess gift, ask for items for the local food bank.
GET OUTSIDE – I agree with this completely. Cold schmold. Put on some layers and get some fresh air. Snow is beautiful, the air is crisp, and getting outside will really assist with de-stressing and avoiding seasonal affective disorders. If it is windy, hit the trails to escape the wind chill. If you are alone, listen to some tunes. Last winter I would always hike with my snow pants on so that if the mood struck, I was freely able to stop for some snow angels (which I do).
MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT – this world of abundance does not mean we need to live that way. What can you afford? Make a list within your budget, total it, and stick to it. Financial strain is stressful anyway, let alone this time of year when there are high expectations to buy the right gift, that “wow” item, and to think of so many people. Simplify – draw names, play a gift giving game, or just consider “togetherness” and a pleasant meal as your gift to each other. Consider giving people photos you have taken in the year that you can print in larger sizes for minimal cost, or do what we do and make a DVD of the kids from the year set to their favorite music for the grandparents. This year, we realized we have a bunch of Visa points and will be clearing these off to save our bank account.
MAKE IT PRACTICAL – Sometimes the practical gifts are the best. Kid’s activities are expensive and some money towards the hockey skates, dance outfit, or Karate uniform would be appreciated by most parents. Or, everyone needs haircuts, and Mom’s love Starbucks or Tim’s, getting their nails done, a massage, or maybe even a housecleaning service as a treat.
LAUGH – Never underestimate the value of a good laugh. Time with friends, or a good movie can do wonders for the psyche during this hectic time. My favorite holiday movies are Christmas Vacation and Elf, and of course the timeless A Christmas Story. Grab some eggnog or a warm tea, curl up with a blanket and laugh for a while…
SIMPLIFY – try buying things online. They come to your door! Shopping online provides a practical way to compare prices, avoid the crowds, save some travel and search time, and to look around without being bothered. Toys, books, games – these are all great online gifts.
DELEGATE – can anyone help you? Perhaps provide a list of items to your spouse that they can grab on their lunch break maybe for the teachers, bus driver, or the table gifts or stocking stuffers. Do you have a parent that can hit the mall with a list for you? Can the kids help you with stuff envelopes and mailing these? You don’t need to tackle the stress of Christmas alone.
But the biggest thing I think we need to realize is that not everyone enjoys this time of year. For some, it will bring terrible or sad memories, guilt, pressure, stress, financial hardship, anxiety, and loneliness. Respect that not everyone can manage this season as they would like, and if that means you are missing a card, an email, present or phone call from someone you expected to hear from, let it go. We all have different capacities to manage stress, and the holiday season is no exception.