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Archive for category: Solutions For Living

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Ask yourself: Does this achieve my goals?

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

What if I told you that there was one easy way to achieve the goals you have set for yourself?  Could it be that simple?  People are complicated creatures, true.  But if you have taken the time to set goals, are you measuring these and achieving them?  Are you working on your goals every day?

Here is the secret sauce…with every fork in the road, and there are tons of them, ask yourself: which decision aligns with my goals?

Let’s take health as an example.  Your goal is to lose weight, be more active, or be less breathless at the top of the stairs.  So you get to work and the first decision is: should I take the elevator or the stairs?  Then it is lunch and you have the option to work at your desk, or go out for a short walk.  Or you don’t bring a lunch and need to decide if you should buy pop or water.  The salad or burger.  With each of these examples one decision aligns with your goals and one does not. Yet if you continuously choose the option that aligns with your goals, results will follow.  This is true even if you make a small decision in the right direction – like taking the stairs for one flight then catching the elevator for the rest of the ride.  Or instead of ordering the salad, you just choose to not order the fries.

Using my life as an example, I have five key goal areas:  health, family, career, finances and personal growth.  Every evening I have the option of bringing my computer home to continue working into the night.  To do so may align with a financial goal of earning a suitable income, and a career goal to run a successful business, but it negates two other important goals of health (working means I will not exercise), and family (working means I won’t be spending time with my children).  So, I have a conundrum.  But in these cases the reality is that my day at work has already been spent on my career and financial goals, while my other goals have taken a backburner to work time.  So, considering this, aligning my evening time with two different goals helps me to make the important decision to leave the computer at the office, minus the guilt that comes from leaving some work unfinished.

Yes, achieving goals takes discipline, but it is far easier to make small consistent choices, then to make a drastic change that might not be sustainable.  So, on the path to awesomeness that involves you setting goals and blowing these out of the water, just ask yourself daily, as you need to make decisions around your behavior and time, “which option here will help me to achieve my goal(s)?”  Then, as you align your decisions with your top priorities, results will follow.

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Handwriting Help

One of the main reasons that parents seek Occupational Therapy services for their children arises from problems with printing and writing.  Many of the solutions we provide focus on the task of handwriting itself, however, the appropriate environment and posture of the child can make a big difference.

The following article by Katherine Collmer of Handwriting with Katherine discusses seating and posture tips to help your child excel at handwriting.

Handwriting with Katherine:  5 Reasons Why Handwriting Needs a Good Seat

We also invite you to view our Occupational Therapy Video (OT-V) episode: Solutions For Printing Success for more handwriting strategies.

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Are you Complaining or Solving your Problem?

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

I am not one for complainers.  Those people that take time to vent about the wrongdoings in their life without putting that energy into solutions.  Every problem has a solution.  In fact, most problems have multiple solutions.  And many people often forget that “do nothing” is always an option.

Since my kids were little I have not tolerated complaining.  I feel that it just creates negative energy and serves no good purpose.  How will being good at complaining serve them as students, adults, in life?  I don’t feel it will, and as the mom in the very important role of being their “adults-in-training coach” I ask them when they are venting “are you complaining or solving your problem?”  I am all about solutions and engage them in solution-focused communication related to the challenges they face.

I see this at work all too often.  For example, the other day I had a complainer in my office.  This person spent 30 minutes venting about a situation about which they actually had full control to solve.  Yes, there were solutions in their rant, but these were extreme and unnecessary and in the end they told me how they expected me to solve the problem – without trying a solution themselves.  Not productive, adult-like, or mature.

I guess problem solving for me is an occupational hazard.  As an occupational therapist, I consider my role to ultimately be “options therapy”.  In that, we take any given problem related to function, analyze it, break it down into component parts, and help people to understand all the possible solutions.  Some solutions are easier, shorter and cheaper than others, and some can be elaborate and involved.  Either way, we are not in the business of “control therapy” and need to essentially just empower people to make solid decisions around suitable alternatives and to implement these with or without our support.

So when faced with a complainer, boldly ask them if they are complaining or solving their problem.  Help them to generate a list of possible solutions, including the pros and cons of each.  In the end you will be showing them that not only is complaining unproductive, but there are calm and thoughtful ways to work through problems that will bring clarity, reduce stress, and ultimately lead to resolve.

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Toronto International: Accessible Travel Information

Are you heading away this March Break?  Leaving from Toronto Airport?  Do you have a disability or need special assistance?  Consider the following helpful tips and contact information to make sure your adventure goes smoothly:

Planning Ahead

Plan your trip in advance with these helpful travel links:

Travel countdown

Travel checklist

Parking

  • Terminal 1 is equipped with a total of 83 designated disabled parking spaces on all levels, except on level 8.
  • Terminal 3 is equipped with a total of 39 designated disabled parking spaces located near the elevator lobbies or hotel entrance on all levels.
  • Long-term parking reduced rate lot, which is located across from Terminal 3, on Airport Road, provides 39 designated disabled parking spaces near the exit booth and Automated People Mover (APM) tower/station.
  • Passengers departing or transferring between Terminal 1, 3 or Long Term parking lot will be required to take the APM to the appropriate terminal.  The APM is fully accessible and operates 24/7.

From the Car to the Plane

Airport Customer Assistance Program (ACAP) @ Toronto Pearson:

  • Provides point-to-point transportation and assistance for persons with disabilities as well as for others who require assistance.
  • Terminal 1 is equipped with information/courtesy phones, available 24 hours a day. These are Identified with the international accessibility pictogram and a white “I” on an orange background (used at Pearson to denote customer service points), which are clearly visible throughout the departures level inner curb, as well as with intercoms throughout the parking garage vestibules.

Services:

  • Terminal 3: services consist of wheelchair and attendant assistance throughout Terminal 3 from the garage or the curb to the seat of the aircraft.
  • Terminal 1: services are offered from the garage or curb to the airline counter or to the seat of the aircraft depending on the airline.
  • This service can be pre-arranged by calling (416) 776-ACAP (2227), by emailing acap@gtaa.com or completing the request for assistance form under the Special Assurance link.

Storage of Mobility Device While Boarding:

  • West Jet: 1-800-538-5696
  • Air Canada: 1-888-247-2262

Need More Information? 

Airport accessibility

Toronto Pearson Airport

Or call:

  • Terminal 1: Terminal Information Services at (416) 247-7678
  • Terminal 3: Terminal Information Services at (416) 776-5100

For more travel tips and information please refer to our Travelling with a Disability post for more on accessible travel.

Have a wonderful vacation!

 

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From A to ZZZ: Achieve Better Sleep

It’s National Sleep Awareness Week across the US and, with the disrupting time change ahead, what better time to discuss the importance of sleep.  “The Power of Sleep” from Time Magazine discusses the value of sleep for your body and mind, and most importantly your brain.

According to a 2002 survey by Statistics Canada approximately 3.5 million Canadians struggle with sleep.  If you or someone you love has trouble falling or staying asleep check out the latest in our OT-V series:  Improving Sleep and get a good night’s rest.

 

 

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Travelling with a Disability

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

I am fortunate in my life to have vacationed to some pretty great spots.  But my favorite remains our trip to Alaska in 1999.  We travelled in August when the Ontario summers were hot and humid, and the air in Alaska was 16-18 degrees (Celsius) – clean, crisp, and fresh.  Alaska is beautiful.  It has mountains, oceans, wildlife, great people, and you can’t help but feel small when watching a glacier, three miles high, calving off chunks larger than your cruise ship.  We hiked, biked, toured the local shops, and took the White Pass and Yukon Railroad along the gold rush trail back into Northern Canada.  We walked a glacier and flew in a seaplane along the fiords.  Incredible.

But my favorite part of all?  We travelled with my grandparents, both disabled and in need of our help to fully enjoy the experience.

My grandfather was diagnosed with polio in 1946.  He spent three years in hospital and rehabilitation, and was discharged with “Canadian crutches” having no muscle in his legs or buttocks.  His bones were essentially stilts, with some active tendons that would let him swing his legs through and lock his knees so he could mobilize.  He had lots of falls walking this way, most resulting in a broken something.  My grandmother was physically healthy, minus some arthritis, but suffered from hearing loss.  My grandparents had always talked about going to Alaska and thanks to my parents, who included us in the experience, we were able to make that happen.

Travelling with a disability is not easy.  It requires planning, a supportive attendant, and an open mind.  Our cruise ship was “accessible” which turned out to be a blanket term for “we try”.  After all, nothing can be fully “accessible” as each disability is different, requiring varying levels of accommodation.  Because my grandfather could transfer to standing, and was tall, he needed things higher – toilets, chairs, beds.  Well, when they make things “accessible” they often lower them – to accommodate a wheelchair user who does not stand to transfer.  Walking around a cruise ship deck (slippery from damp sea air) was not safe for my grandfather, so he would use his scooter most of the time.  But the best was the gangways.  We would dock in the morning, and the gangway was nothing more than a simple bridge.  Easy for a scooter to manage.  Well, six hours later, the tide comes in and the gangway becomes a steep incline, completely unmanageable by scooter.  We didn’t realize that until we were at the bottom looking up.  We had packed a manual wheelchair as well, so we were able to move my grandfather into that, some burly men essentially carried him up the steep incline (not safe, but the boat was leaving regardless), and another group of men carried the scooter.  We managed, but we had help and a cruise line that was interested in providing some customer service.

March break is approaching and for months my clients have been asking me about travelling with a disability.  I enjoy these discussions because I do believe that anything is possible – but here are some pointers:

1.    Book the trip with a travel agent who specializes in disability, either by interest or circumstance (some have disabilities themselves), if you can.  These agents understand that “accessibility” is not an inclusive term, and with personal experience, or feedback from other patrons, they can customize the trip to meet the needs of your unique situation.  Check out www.accessholidays.ca as an example.

2.    Planning goes a long way.  Send pictures of your equipment, measurements, and get pictures and measurements in return.  Disclose the nature of your disability if you are comfortable with that, and be clear about what you can and cannot do.

3.    Travel with an attendant.  On our Alaskan trip there was a man from our town also on the boat who had a mobility impairment.  He did not have an attendant with him and was constantly asking other patrons to help him.  They were willing to comply, but at times his needs were not met, and it would have been best for him and the other travellers if he had someone with him who understood these and was trained to assist him with the same.

4.    Look at all your equipment options.  Can you rent something smaller or lighter that might be easier to lift, will fit into narrower places, or can you rent devices when you arrive?  I just provided a client with photos of devices, different from the ones he uses daily, that he could consider renting to facilitate his upcoming overnight to a waterpark with his children.

5.    Become informed.  Check out the government resources. Did you know that in Canada, if you have a disability and are flying domestically, you may be eligible for extra seating, support, or your attendant can fly for free? Learn more from Westjet.  Or that Easter Seals offers a Disability Travel Card for buses and trains?  Also, if you have a disability and require someone to assist you through an airport to the gate, or at the gate through security and customs, there are special passes that can be obtained for this.  In Florida there is a rehabilitation program for people with spinal cord injuries that includes “project airport” and this takes wheelchair uses through an airport, onto a plane, and helps them understand how they can successfully manage this despite a physical impairment.  Many magazines (Abilities www.abilities.ca for one) often has articles on accessible travel and these highlight many different places that are great to visit, and some of the things to think about before you leave or when you arrive.

6.    Talk to an Occupational Therapist.  Occupational therapists have a wealth of knowledge about how people with different conditions can adapt their environment or equipment to manage.  Consider seeking our expertise if you are embarking on a journey outside of your typical space.  Together we can discuss strategies and solutions that can help ensure your vacation is successful.

I miss my grandfather dearly but am blessed to still have my grandmother in my life.  Our trip to Alaska served many purposes – we were able to see a beautiful part of the world, my grandparents got to fulfill a travel dream, and I made memories with them that span far deeper than any photograph.

Safe travels!

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Never Stop Learning

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

Over the holidays we were prepping for a family ski trip.  Our children are not yet skiers, and were asking us questions about our upcoming adventure.  My oldest daughter asked my husband “Daddy, have you ever fallen when you ski”?  His response was “Of course…that is why I am a good skier – if you are not falling you are not learning anything”.  So true.

His comment got me thinking about fear, risk and how people learn.  We need to fall to know how to get back up.  We need to fail to know how to succeed.  We need to make bad decisions to know how to do it right the next time.  We need to lose money to know how to keep it.

Humans seem especially good at falling, failing and learning as children, teens and young adults – provided the people in their environment provide them with these valuable opportunities.  As adults we tend to fall and fail in our early careers, social and personal lives while we learn how to behave as an adult and to manage our growing responsibilities like work, families, homes, etc.  Then we seem to reach an age where we become teachers, leading the younger generations to grow as we have.  We still need to gain knowledge during this time, but ultimately we might be revered as wise for all we already know.  But then do we stop learning?  Or stop having the will to learn?  Do we reach a point of “knowing it all”?

I will use another example to explain why I ask these important questions.  I have a close friend whose elderly grandparents are struggling to manage in their home.  They both have health issues and struggle to mobilize, access their upper level, get into the community, and cannot care for their home as they need to.  Family is providing a significant amount of support while living in a state of constant worry.  Really, the couple are one fall or new health problem away from losing their home and being institutionalized.  My friend mentioned to the daughter of this couple that an Occupational Therapist could provide valuable insight into how they might be able to manage more safely and independently so they can stay at home.  The daughter replied “Oh, they would never go for that”.  How sad.  This couple are unwilling to learn.

With a background in Gerontology (the study of aging), I understand fully the challenges most of us will face as we age.  And as an Occupational Therapist (the study of human function) I also understand the difficulties of living with a physical, cognitive, emotional or behavioral disability – age related or not.  But the big difference I see between my younger and older clients is their willingness to learn.  My younger clients seem to want to learn what I know, they appreciate how I can help, and engage in the process of working with me to make things better.  Yet my older clients are historically much less open to suggestions.  It is more difficult to get them to consider alternative ways to manage, devices that might help, or to accept assistance to do activities that are now unsafe for them to do on their own.  My funniest example of this was a 96 year old client that told me “scooters are for old people”.

I consider myself a life-long learner.  I recently finished my MBA, am constantly reading books about business, health and wellness, I take great interest in the stories and experiences of other people, take courses, attend conferences.  I just hope that when I reach that wonderful age of ultimate maturity I will continue to appreciate the value that other people can bring to my life and situation.  And hopefully I will accept suggestions, input and ideas proactively.  Because while falling is one way to learn – like when skiing – the older we are the harder it is to get back up again.

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Shovelling Safety

There are many wonderful things to enjoy in the winter, however, shovelling is not often one of them.  Shovelling can be a daunting (and sometimes never ending) task that when done properly can provide an opportunity for fresh air and exercise, however, when done incorrectly can do a host of damage to your muscles, your back and even your heart.  Follow these great tips from Sunnybrook health and ensure you shovel safely for the remainder of the winter.

Sunnybrook Your Health Matters:  5 Tips for Safer Snow Shovelling