RSCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

This is well worth reading if your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. My niece was diagnosed with Wilm,s Tumor at the age of 2. My family and I had so many questions....this would have been beneficial to all of us. My niece has been cancer free for 10 years now

Some things to remember about OT's involvement in return to work. This is from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Although this powerpoint presentation was made about the UK, alot of the information is relevant to this country as well.

This article explains the services provided by work hardening programs.

This recreation therapist describes the work hardening program that she has devised.

Good information relating to OT and work

A variety of stress management techniques are available that involve learning how to control your body's responses to stress or anxiety. These techniques involve learning to consciously relax your body through a variety of techniques, such as meditation or guided imagery.

This website offers information on various stress management techniques such as meditation, biofeedback, yoga, guided imagery and deep breathing. In addition, there are links within each section that gives more information for that particular stress-management strategy. For example, you can click on a link under guided imagery that will give more information on techniques that someone can use. This website also explains how these stress management techniques will help improve physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

Why invest in expensive electrical air purifiers when you could purchase a few types of houseplants to clean and filter the air naturally and inexpensively? Photo Credit Much of the research on these beneficial houseplants has been done by NASA scientists researching ways to create suitable space station habitats.

Findings are showing that even so-called mild concussion has long-lasting effects, including anxiety, personality changes and even Parkinson-like symptoms in older adults.

The Wii isn't just fun and games. It has serious health benefits according to a new study. Published in the journal Radiology, researchers showed that the Wii Balance Board helped patients with multiple sclerosis, or MS, reduce their risk of accidental falls. The study followed 27 participants as they used the balance board for 12 weeks.

Health and Wellness

I found this webpage concerning caregiver stress and burnout. It is an informative article regarding how to recognize stress leading to burnout. When I saw this, it reminded me of our class today and it lists tips on how to deal with our stress. Even if it's not caregiver stress, this could relate to anyone who is dealing with a lot of pressure.

Would you prioritize sleep if you knew it kept your immune system strong? That's the question the American Academy of Sleep Medicine wants you to ponder this week. Lost in the hoopla surrounding Independence day was the publication of some eye-opening (or eye-shutting) research by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine showing that the immune system responds sharply to sleep loss.

This article emphasizes the correlation between stress and sleep. No matter our age, everyone needs plenty of sleep to properly function. Sleep is a time for our bodies to "reboot". Just like stress, lack of sleep is harmful to one's overall well being. The article lists similar physiological effects that are caused from lack of sleep that our text book has listed for chronic stress. High stress levels and an inefficient amount of sleep wreak havoc on a persons immune system. It is always easier said than done, but we all could improve our health by finding ways to reduce stress and sleep more.