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Archive for category: Solutions For Living

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Proven Ways to Put a Stop to Procrastination

Procrastination is defined as “the action of delaying or postponing something.”  Whether you’re the CEO of a large corporation or a stay at home Mom, we all procrastinate sometimes.  But why?  The following from Forbes Magazine will help you to delve deeper into the reasoning of why we put things off and provide you with tips to put a stop to your procrastination.

Forbes:  The Truth Behind Why We Procrastinate

For more information on how to be more productive, check out our previous post:  “Just Get Er Done.”

 

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Personal Injury Advertising – A Picture is Worth….

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

I was recently at a stoplight in Hamilton, stuck behind three busses spanning three of the four lanes in front of me.  All three were covered in ads for three different law firms, all personal injury.  Drive another block and there are anywhere between four to eight billboards again advertising personal injury services.  Some are soft, subtle and warm.  Others are creative, catchy and cleaver.  Then there are those that are more fear-mongering, “in your face”, and aggressive.  Whatever the style, message or format, clearly these ads represent the culture of the advertising firm, leaving the “buyer” to choose the approach that best might meet their needs.

Now the focus of this blog is to not bash the way lawyer advertising has evolved.  If signs in parking garages, washrooms, bars, hospitals, or on busses, benches and billboards work, go for it.   Lawyers are intelligent people, if the ROI on these investments is not paying off, I assume they would find an alternative.  However, I do know that within their own community, through events I have attended and articles I have read, that many firms are being criticized for the approach they are taking with the more aggressive “you don’t pay until we win” mentality.  Also, the fear-mongering approach directed at a population of vulnerable and often disadvantaged people can be viewed by many as distasteful.  Honestly, I think the public are becoming somewhat desensitized to the vast number of ads marketing the same thing and the more these ads surface, the less impactful they become.  But as a business owner, I can understand the intense competition in the industry and respect any professional who invests in their business, or themselves, to make a buck.

Where I think these ads need to improve, however, is in the representation of people with disabilities.  Some ads get this perfectly.  They show everyday survivors (presumably “real” past clients) doing the things they love, or “living” after their tragedy.  That, to me, hits the nail on the head.  Others though use images that are transparently “fake” and confuse the message.  Taking a photo of a fit, young(ish) person in Lululemon clothing who looks like they are ready for the Paralympics but is sitting in a clunker wheelchair from the 70’s just doesn’t jive.  The image is flawed and the message is lost.

As an advocate for people with disabilities, I would like to see a movement of “real” people with “real” disabilities center-stage for these ads, and in any ad for that matter, that is trying to represent this population.  Why?  Because it is easy for a non-disabled person to sit in a wheelchair for a photo, but the reverse is not true in that a person who actually uses a wheelchair cannot just “stand-up” to pose as a “non-disabled person” for a photo shoot.  So, let’s give the money spent on stock-photos, modeling and the resulting income to the population of people that “live” these problems, not to regular people who don’t truly represent.

And yes, I am guilty of this as well.  In searching for website stock photos we found several where the person in a wheelchair is standing in the next image.  Or, the one where you see the back of my husband sitting in a wheelchair to capture the image of a once real, but now needed-to-be-simulated, client-Julie interaction.

In searching for a way to better support the community of disabled persons, and to ensure the photos we use in our own media align with “real” people, we came across these sites which sell “true” stock images:

Lawyers working in personal injury – I hope you will join the movement to improve the representation of “disabled people” in your ads to, if nothing else, better support that community financially, realistically and appropriately in your advertising.

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Forgot Where You Left Your Keys… Should You Be Concerned?

Do you have trouble remembering where you left your keys?  Is it hard for you to remember the name of the person you were just introduced to?  Many who experience these momentary memory lapses often feel it’s cause for concern, but that’s not always the case.  The following from WebMD discusses a study which looked at memory in young and older adults and explains why these forgetful moments sometimes occur.

If you are concerned about your cognition and memory as you age there are great ways to keep your mind sharp!  Read a book, do a Sudoku or crossword puzzle, learn a language, stay social, or try one of our weekly mind benders.  Frequently using your brain will help to keep you on the ball through the years!

WebMD:  Midlife Memory Lapses May Be Normal Part of Aging

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Trouble Sleeping? We Have Solutions For You!

Do you have trouble sleeping at night?  You’re not alone!  There are many factors that can lead to sleep difficulties including: stress, work, family, lifestyle, diet and medical conditions.   Sleep is vital to our mental and physical health, and lack of sleep negatively affects productivity and function.  Check out our OT-V video “Improving Sleep” for OT recommended tips to achieve a better sleep.

 

 

Learn more helpful solutions for living in our OT-V video series.

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Pokémon Safety– To “GO”, or Not to “GO”

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

While I am not a fan of technology (especially for kids), I do like technology that gets people moving.  Personally, I am the new owner of a FitBit Blaze and have found that my level of physical output has certainly increased since I can now track and monitor my heart rate, sleep and overall level of activity.  I have discovered that my ritual morning dog walk is over 7,500 steps and my preferred bike ride is 30km and keeps my heart rate at an average of 120 beats per minute.  That is all great feedback for someone that likes to keep upping the exercise ante.

So, considering my love of all things that encourages mobility, I would like to embrace Pokémon GO, except for the host of challenges this has created since it started.  Tabloids have reported that Pokémon GO players have been walking into traffic, falling off cliffs, venturing illegally over the border, and trespassing, all in pursuit of Pikachu.  I also know that “text neck” is becoming increasingly problematic the more we are all looking down constantly at a screen and interacting with that instead of the world in front of us.  Toronto is looking to make “texting and walking” illegal due to the inherent risks this causes with people not paying attention, veering into others, and generally being oblivious to their surroundings.  If we need to make laws to stop people from looking down while walking, how can Pokémon GO be a “good thing”?

Yet other data has indicated that people playing walk 30% more than “most people” (not sure how they figure out how much “most people” walk, but regardless…) and in some cases the game can be used as a helpful parenting and family tool to get outside, connect, play a virtual game of “hide and seek” and learn about road safety, property boundaries, and how to respectfully interact with strangers who might also be playing.  I also hear that the game has a way of keeping you playing (like all addictive games) in that the more you walk, the more Pokémon you can locate.  This might be a good addiction (encourages exercise), provided of course, it is safe.  So, I am still unsure whether “to Go, or not to Go”.

As an occupational therapist that helps people who are injured by or in cars, or who break bones falling, I am concerned about the aftermath of obsessive and oblivious Pokémon play if this leads people into unsafe territory.  So, whether I decide to “Go”, or decide to let my children “Go”, I have created this list of safety suggestions to consider:

  1. Always be aware of your surroundings and play in groups.

  2. When watching your screen and walking, try to stop when looking down, see what you need to see, then look up and continue.  If you need to look down and walk, try to look out in front of you, not at your feet.  Look on the horizon like people do when driving.  That way you can reduce the risk of text neck and have a better visual of your path.

  3. Always pay attention to road and traffic signals.

  4. Drivers, be aware that kids may be playing and that kids are carefree, not careless, and that they may wander in front of a moving car if their game is leading them somewhere exciting.  Make eye contact with the player, or slow down the car if eye contact does not occur.

  5. Don’t trespass.  That upsets people and not everyone is going to be thrilled that you are standing on their lawn chasing a virtual gremlin.

  6. Watch for pets and signs that warn of animals that might not be friendly.  Dogs are not going to know what you are doing, and may see anyone on their property as a threat.

  7. Stick to daylight.  It is always safer to walk when others can see you, but if you must be out at night, wear light or reflective clothing and carry or wear a bright light.

  8. Bring water and perhaps a snack.  People can lose serious track of time when gaming is involved.

And remember, that even without a device, you can still “Go” or create outdoor games for you and your children.  All Pokémon GO essentially is, is a virtual Scavenger Hunt.  So, really there is little difference (minus the text neck) between finding Pikachu and friends, and looking for a feather, rock in the shape of an arrow, or an Oak tree.  Keep it simple and remember that you don’t need technology to go for a walk.

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Pokémon GO – Yes or No?

It’s the newest and biggest craze in the digital world—Pokémon GO.  An app that lets you play a video game, but gets you off the couch and out of the house.  While there are health benefits to this new game, as discussed in the following from Forbes Magazine, there are dangers that must be taken into account.  We remind you that distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of automobile accidents and that pedestrian deaths are on the rise in our cities.  We encourage you to get out and reap the health benefits, but be cautious of your surroundings and NEVER play while driving.

Forbes:  Five Ways Pokémon GO Is Actually Good For You

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How Confident Are You?

Self-Confidence is defined as “a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.”  Many equate this confidence to how we look on the outside, but it is only once we move past our outer positives and negatives and look inward that true self-confidence can be achieved.  Take a look at the following from Best Health Magazine that provides great tips on improving your self-confidence and learn more in our previous post “Lessons of Confidence from and Overhand Serve.”

Best Health Magazine:  4 Habits That Will Help You Develop Killer Self-Confidence 

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The Role of Occupational Therapy in Professional-Assisted Death

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

Co-written with Pauline Tran, Student Occupational Therapist

Warning – sensitive topic!  Whether you agree or not with the moral, ethical and even religious implications of professional-assisted dying, the emerging laws about this are here and are a hot topic in health care.

Professional-Assisted Death (PAD) Explained

PAD includes both physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia.

Physician- assisted suicide (PAS) is defined as the process by which a physician (of a sick and/or disabled individual), provides the patient with the medical means or knowledge which directly or indirectly leads to the death of the individual (Radbruch et al., 2015). In this, the authority then lies within the patient who has the choice and ability to either perform the final act themselves, or they can choose to terminate treatments and allow natural disease progression to take its final path.

Euthanasia, on the other hand, is defined as the process of which a medical professional intentionally ends a person’s life through the administration of drugs at the patient’s voluntary and competent request (Radbruch et al., 2015). In this, the authority lies with the medical professional administering the lethal drug.  Euthanasia can only be voluntary as medicalized killing without consent would be considered murder. With voluntary euthanasia, there are 2 types that apply to the involvement of medical professionals and their client(s):

o   Active Euthanasia- refers to when a medical profession or another person engages in an act that causes the patient to die

o   Passive Euthanasia – refers to when a medical professional either withdraws or withholds life- prolonging treatments or medications  leading to the death of the patient

Clearly, with the general healthcare mandate to “do no harm” and to essentially try and preserve life, there are significant ethical, professional and moral considerations and implications for all professionals involved.

The Canadian Government Legalized PAS:  What does this mean?

Bill C-14 (which actually amends the Criminal Code and makes related amendments to other Acts such as medical assistance in dying) was passed by the house of commons of Canada on April 14, 2016. Essentially this Bill legalises physician- assisted death in Canada. However, the following eligibility criteria must be met for those who wish to pursue medical assistance in dying:

a)      Adults must be eligible for health services funded by a government in Canada.

b)     Adults ages 18 years or older who are capable of making decisions in relation to their health.

c)      Have a grievous and irremediable medical condition outlined as:

a.      In the advanced state of a serious incurable disease, illness or disability

b.      Declining in functional capacity

c.      Moving towards end of life

d.      Does not have a specific prognosis or predicted time period for their death

d)     Have made a voluntary request for medical assistance in dying which was not made as a result from external pressure.

e)     They are provided with informed consent to receive medical assistance.

To summarize, Bill C-14 approves the act of medically assisted death for adults who meet the eligibility criteria above.

Motivation behind medical assisted death?

Before being involved in the creation or implementation of an end-of-life plan, it is important that all people understand the purpose behind the person’s desire to contemplate end-of-life options.  As a friend, family member, or healthcare professional, understanding the background and foundation for the person’s desire to die is pivotal to being able to provide helpful support, resources and assistance.

The following are some reasons why patients request help with assisted suicide:

  • Illness- related experiences

o   They suffer from physical, psychological, social or spiritual sufferings.

o   Side effects of medications and treatments

o   Unacceptable and unmanageable symptoms

  • Fear of future

o   Fear of future pain, suffering and pain management

o   Decreased quality of life

  • Sense of self and desire to have control over end of life decisions

o   Loss of control, function, independence

o   Being a burden to family members and others

o   Loss of identity, essence

Understanding the motivation behind requesting or asking about medically assisted death allows for all parties to understand where the patient is coming from and to help identify what they underlying issues the patient may be facing as a result of their illness or disability. This way, the request can be explored further truly client-centered care can be provided.

Occupational Therapy and Assisted Death

As Occupational Therapists (OT), we have a large role in assisting people to obtain a desired quality of life, and to function safely and independently.  However, we are also a client-centered profession that witnesses firsthand the often devastating impact of some illnesses, diseases and disabilities.  As such, we already play an important role in palliative care, and this involvement can extend into end-of-life planning as well.  For example, OT’s can enable people who are dying to engage in meaningful activities, roles, and occupations. OT’s can explore a client’s wish to die, can be part of the team of professionals helping to provide alternatives to end of life decisions, or can move forward with assisting the client to coordinate the process.  Our therapy can involve analyzing, reflecting, and exploring an individual’s life though their past roles and relationships to help bring peace and closure to the dying process.

Occupational Therapists can improve the assisted dying process across Canada as they are equipped agents of change. OT’s contribution to assisted dying care plans include:

o   Assisting with typing up lifetime occupational roles

o   Capacity assessments

o   Exploring alternatives

o   Creating meaningful memories

Through the help of OT, people will be more able to have a meaningful and thoughtful death experience, and can leave a coordinated and chosen legacy following.  OT’s have the skills to offer considerable contribution to end of life care and can help people to create meaningful occupation in death itself.

 

Resources and References

Salubre, J. A. T. (2015). Physician Assisted Suicide.

Pearlman, R. A., Hsu, C., Starks, H., Back, A. L., Gordon, J. R., Bharucha, A. J., … & Battin, M. P. (2005). Motivations for Physician‐assisted Suicide.Journal of general internal medicine, 20(3), 234-239.

assets.documentcloud.org/documents/2803276/C-14-Medical-assistance-in-dying.pdf

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1490083/

www.caot.ca/conference/2015/presentations/t26.pdf

onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libaccess.lib.mcmaster.ca/doi/10.1002/oti.89/pdf

www.osot.on.ca/imis15/TAGGED/News/Ontario_Commits_to_Policy_Design_for_Physician-Assisted_Dying.aspx

www.caot.ca/otnow/sept15/otnow_9_15.pdf

www.caot.ca/conference/2015/presentations/t26.pdf

mediasite.otn.ca/Mediasite/Play/3b224828e91740bbb16b7152138cdd381d?catalog=fd668812d87c47f9b1ba6d979fed9af421

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Paying More For Less

As of June 1, 2016 the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) has changed again.  I say “again” because in my relatively short sixteen-year lifespan working in auto, the industry has gone through some major plastic surgery.  It is becoming less and less recognizable as it is nipped and tucked once more, becoming almost unrecognizable as the mandatory product we all purchase to be covered in the event of an accident.

Learn more about how these changes will negatively impact those who are catastrophically injured in automobile accidents and options to protect yourself in the following from the Globe and Mail.  You can also learn more about the changes in our previous post “The Government Gets it Wrong—Again!”

The Globe and Mail:  Ontario’s benefit cuts profoundly affect car accident victims