Close

Our Blog

by

The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day Four

On the fourth day of inspiration, my OT gave to me…

A viral video showing a different kind of spirit this Halloween – the spirit of kindness.  This Halloween an 8-year-old boy noticed an empty candy bowl a neighbour left out while trick-or-treating, and instead of simply walking away, he decided to use his own candy to refill the bowl for others.  See the video below care of Upworthy and be amazed at the generosity of young Jackson.

Upworthy:  Kid boosts faith in humanity by filling an empty candy bowl from his own Halloween stash

by

The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day Three

On the third day of inspiration, my OT gave to me…

A wonderful story of youth innovation.  14-year-old Alaina Gassler recently received an award for her invention which uses technology to eliminate blind spots in vehicles – an invention that has the potential to make the roads safer for everyone.  Learn more about Alaina and this potentially life-saving technology in the following care of The Good News Network.

 The Good News Network:  14-Year-old Awarded $25,000 For Her Invention That Totally Eliminates Blind Spots in Your Car Using a Projector

 

by

The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day Two

On the second day of inspiration, my OT gave to me…

The uplifting story of how a hockey team stepped up to celebrate one of its fans. After hearing that Kade, an 11-year old fan, had a Maple Leaf themed Birthday party that no one came to, the Toronto Maple Leaf’s stepped in to give Kade a Birthday he would never forget.  Learn more in the following from CBC News.

CBC News:  Corner Brook boy meets Maple Leafs in Toronto after disappointing birthday party
 

by

The 12 Days of Inspiration: Day One

On the first day of inspiration, my OT gave to me…

The story of a 2019 CNN Hero who is helping older adults complete their bucket lists. From skydiving to driving NASCAR Webb Weiman’s organization, My Jump!, has helped over 50 seniors fulfill their wildest dreams.  Learn more about this amazing story in the following care of CNN.

CNN Heroes:  He helps seniors skydive, parasail and cross off other bucket list adventures

 

by

Weekly Mind Bender

Payton and Jack each have kittens.  Jack says to Payton : “If you give me one of your kittens, I will have double of what you will have remaining”.
Payton replies :”If you give me one of your kittens, we will have exactly the same number of kittens”.

How many kittens do they have?

Answer

They have 5 and 7 kittens.

by

Redefining “Disability”

Julie Entwistle, MBA, BHSc (OT), BSc (Health / Gerontology)

I love the saying that we are all “temporarily able-bodied”.  How true.  Each one of us, at any time, is one situation, condition, virus, bacteria, accident, or even random event away from becoming disabled physically, emotionally, behaviorally or cognitively.  Or, really, many of us are already disabled – visibly or invisibly, and I truly believe the saying: “be kind to all you meet as everyone is fighting a hard battle” – Plato.

This definition of disability from Wikipedia speaks to how all-encompassing the word really is:

Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth, or occur during a person’s lifetime.

Disabilities is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. An impairment is a problem in body function or structure; an activity limitation is a difficulty encountered by an individual in executing a task or action; while a participation restriction is a problem experienced by an individual in involvement in life situations. Thus, disability is a complex phenomenon, reflecting an interaction between features of a person’s body and features of the society in which he or she lives.

The last sentence is especially true.  A disability is an interaction of the person and their environment.  This is why I love being an Occupational Therapist.  While I do enjoy helping people to function better through therapy that improves physical, cognitive, behavioral or emotional abilities, I also take pride in tackling the environmental aspects of functional problems.  If we can’t change the person, we can try to change the environment in which they live, and the spaces in which they need to function.  This “holistic” view of disability is, in my opinion, one of the key facets of Occupational Therapy.

I wanted to celebrate this important day by listing some of my most favorite quotes about disability:

“The only disability in life is a bad attitude” – Scott Hamilton

“I choose to not place “DIS” in my ability” – Robert M. Hensel

“Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision” – Stevie Wonder

“One’s dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but cannot be taken away unless surrendered” – Michael J Fox

“We know that equality of individual ability never has existed and never will, but we do insist that equality of opportunity still must be sought” – Franklin D Roosevelt

“I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do” – Helen Keller

So, consider that we are all vulnerable and only temporarily able-bodied.  We need to celebrate humanity – in all its forms, including the form that is “disability”.

by

Top 10 Ways to Survive the Stress of 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. 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 house cleaning service as a treat.
  8. 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…
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

 

Previously posted December 2014

 

by

Fall Prevention O-Tip of the Week: Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach

Our O-Tip of the week series we will be providing valuable “OT-Approved Life Hacks” to provide you with simple and helpful solutions for living. 

For the month of November, Fall Prevention Month, our O-Tip series will provide helpful ways to prevent falls at home and in the community.

Keep frequently used items in easy to reach locations to reduce the need for using a chair or ladder to reach items in high cupboards or the top shelf of the closet.  If these items are required, ask a family member or neighbor to help you reach them instead of attempting to do so yourself.