RSCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

This site gives a general overview of infection control. It does not go into specifics but I liked it because it shares many links about many different aspects of infection control. I like that I can go to this page, get a general understanding and then have so many more links in one place for my access.

I really liked this article because it goes into detail about several different PAMs. But it also goes on to explain in more detail how it should be used as a preparatory activity, and also has different principles to follow when administering or when giving certain tasks to others. I think this is definitely a very good article to have access to that talks about all aspects of using PAMs in therapy.

So this is a more broad link but I love it! It shows multiple jokes about stress that should actually make you laugh! It is the middle of the semester now and I feel like we could all use a good laugh and some stress relief! So why not both at the same time?? Just take a look!

Immobilizing your hand at night can be very crucial for some patients. I thought this website on how to make a homemade splint was very interesting and quite simple to make. I would recommend asking the doctor or therapist before using it, But some people prefer to do for themselves and this could be a good thing for that. Also you could incorporate the splint making in an actual therapeutic activity.

This video is a little long but it is very descriptive and shows exactly how the instructions are supposed to be told to the pt. Watching other people helps me remember better, maybe it will help you also!

This is a news video about a fitness instructor diagnosed (finally) with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She was in her forties and doctors didn't get the right diagnosis for awhile. This is her story on how to live with the disease.

This isn't a long article but I thought it ties into our evidence based papers that we have done for school. This guy thinks in the future that Occupational Therapists AND Occupational Therapy Assistants will have to use evidence-based research to justify interventions. (In other words, it's not stopping once we graduate)! "Michael Graham expects the next five years to bring an even greater focus on evidence-based care. The 14-year OTR believes there will be greater expectations for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants more quickly implement evidence-based approaches into their practice."

I heard this on the radio today and had to share after I investigated ...this should bring up a video... with all the talk about the movie Back to the Future officially being in the past after tomorrow, nike plans to unveil self-tying shoe laces like the ones Marty had in the movie! The first thought in my head was how many people that could actually benefit from this if it works. I just kept picturing the COTA I was with during level 1 FW putting the elastic laces in several patients shoes. I hope this becomes a reality for people who need it, not lazy people who just want cool shoes that CAN and are ABLE to tie their shoes!

Here is an example of an OT using the transfer technique I was educated on by the PTA during the mock clinicals. It states in the video that this was her first time getting up since her surgery. I wonder if having the patients on their side right after surgery in frowned upon. I am going to look for more resources about this. From everything I have found, this is the best way to go if they are able to use their upper body.

Edema control for the hands were discussed in lab, but I was not quit sure if there was anything else that could help. So this video discusses about messaging techniques for the hand and forearm that can help reduce edema. Also, she talks about specific wraps for different sections of the arm. This video is not long, but this video helped me see how an OTA would educated a patient on this process for self independence.

The world of prosthesis is constantly growing in technology and this video shows just how far technology has come. The bionics are controlled by neural commands rather than nerve impulses, which allows for a more accurate ambulation. In this video Hugh Herr describes how the bionics are made and what the measuring process is for the patient. I think this will help reinforce what we learned this past Friday about amputated limbs. Also, there is a lot of information as to whom these bionics would be good for and how one may get one.

This is a more detailed story of what we talked about today in class. It includes the list of pros and cons, so I thought it might be useful for people to have access to.

If you are a visual person like I am sometimes you just need something simple to look at to reduce your stress. A reminder that it is going to be okay, or just a reminder of something that helps you relieve stress. That is why I love this wordle, I look at it and it instantly helps me to calm down. Try it sometime when you are stressed out!

This is a very detailed article addressing edema reduction. I found it helpful because it did not just state ways to reduce edema but it always described the etymology of it as well. I found it helpful to read the etymology and get a good understanding of it because it helped me to better understand why these named techniques helped, instead of just taking someones word for it. Its not too long but contains very good information!

Yet another benefit of taking fish oil. It tends to help with RA and has added health benefits from way back in the olden days. Even at my age I am taking my fish oil daily! Last semester we learned it helped ward off effects of dementia also.

Just read lastnight that birth control pills can helpf RA. If so, that is another addes benefit other than birth control!

When I saw that we would be talking about RA in class I started looking into it more. My sister who is only 20, was told by her doctor that she may have RA and they are currently doing further testing. At first I thought "there's no way" shes only 20! But then I did some research and found this article. RA is actually fairly common in young adults, especially women. More specifically, there is a 1 in 714 chance for a woman in her 20s to develop RA. This article goes into more detail about these statistics and the cause.

I read in a Health magazine just last night that taking or if you have taken birth control pills, it helps guard against RA.

I'm sure most of us animal lovers in the program have seen this picture and heard the story, it is a couple of years old. But in my research with aquatic therapy for our papers it made me think about it and I wanted to post it on here for those who haven't seen/read about it. It is about a man who helps his very arthritic dog by taking him into Lake Superior when the water is at a warm temp.

Oh this was too sweet! We all have our lows and this was a simple way of showing someone that there are simple reasons all around us to keep pressing on and continuing in our daily occupations. Love being one of them. :)

This is a short video with an OTR/CHT demonstrating how to wrap a finger. Uses for Coban wrap include reducing edema, support and protection for wounds (it can be applied directly, but doesn't stick to weeping tissue), light support for joint positioning, and early AROM.

Oh a short helpful video! Thank you Beth! The little trick at the end of folding the edge is a nice touch. Helpful tips!

Being able to motivate a client will be an important skill for us to learn and strengthen. This article discusses some great tips to use. Undoubtedly, we will need them one day! ;)

No doubt this will be needed! Motivating a client is another vurtue we will have to master. Maybe our southern charm will help? :)