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Thought this might be helpful this next week in studying for the test. This topic alarms me in a way, because it is so important we are competent in this area. We need to research as much as we can about it. This article goes into detail the characteristics of dysphagia and how to approach treatment. One interesting fact in the article is that polypharmacy is related to it.

In class we have been discussing the wellness wheel and holistic health. This article about wheelchair tennis is inspiring and encouraging for persons living with disabilities. As practitioners, we should be aware of a variety of resources that could help our clients live full lives. "Wheelchair Revolution" relates the history of wheelchair tennis through the lives of Brad Parks and Jeff Minnebraker, both paraplegics. The two fatefully met at the Ranchos Los Amigos rehab center (remember the levels of consciousness scale by the same name?) in the 1970s. Minnebraker was a pioneer of lightweight, maneuverable w/c's, while Parks was experimenting with w/c tennis. The article also describes the game's popularity, attractive prize money, international tour, and sizable fan base. More info on wheelchair tennis can be found at http://www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/Wheelchair-Tennis/Wheelchair/.

Here are some FREE resources that are dedicated to promoting movement in the classroom, therapy and at home! This website has everything from free handouts to implement in the classroom or with the parents. It also has check lists to use with the child while assessing different things. Really neat website!

There has been a technology boom in wearable fitness trackers lately and I was curious to see if there was anything available to individuals who use a wheelchair as their main mode of transportation, whether due to LE amputations, spinal injury, etc. I came across this company who has created a fitness tracker specially designed for those who use a wheelchair. It not only maps incline, speed, heart rate and distance, but also aggregates data used for terrain mapping. This info can be used to give options for routes based on ease of maneuverability and safety.

Universal Design E-World provides web based tools to support the "community of practice" in universal design. This is a great resource to learn all about visitability. The website details the requirements of visitability in the home and how universal housing design benefits everyone, not just the disabled population. No step entrances and wide hallways make it easier for strollers, moving furniture in and out, etc. There are several PDF reports containing more information on topics relating to visitabiltiy that can be downloaded by the user. These include design approach, increasing home access and universal design in housing. I think that universal design is much more feasible and aesthetically pleasing than renovations to make a home more accessible.

The following is a question and answer based article geared towards understanding the many different types of thermoplastic materials available for orthotic fabrication. It is important to understand the ways in which thermoplastic materials behave when activated in order to make them work properly and effectively for each and every orthotic design.

I hope I'm not the only one freaking out about job hunting in the future. I found this article that will help prepare us for job interviews with some sample questions. It is always good to be prepared.

This post comes from the same OT based blog from my last diigo posting, but with all of this resume/cover letter/job talk and coming up in the very near future, I wanted to share this post as well! It is very helpful. It goes into types of questions we may encounter in a job interview and how you should go about answering them! Very helpful info to add to our portfolio of info!

A Taiwanese designer named Sha Yao began her project in creating tableware for Alzheimer's patients due to her grandmothers deteriorating condition. She based her designs and color usage due to a study finding that the use of bright colors increased the amount of food and liquid consumed by patients. Every piece of the tableware is designed with dementia patients in mind. Some of the adaptive silverware and plates with lips should look familiar from our pediatrics class!

This is an evidence based report on how therapeutic occupations and activities within a CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy) approach were used with a 52-yr-old woman 4 years after having a ischemic stroke to enable her to return to her occupational role of skilled violinist.

Standard Precautions represent the minimum infection prevention measures that apply to all patient care. These evidence-based practices are designed to both protect healthcare personnel and prevent the spread of infections among patients. Ambulatory care facilities need to develop specific strategies to control the spread of transmissible diseases specific to their setting. This includes early detection and management of potentially infectious patients.