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Tag Archive for: occupational therapy

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The Busy Community OT – Top Healthy and Fast Grab-and-Go Lunches Under 300 Calories

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

As a newer vegetarian, and someone who spends most days on the road, I am always looking for quick, but decent, lunch options.  While in an ideal world I would prepare my lunches and snacks ahead of time (including hand sanitizer!), sometimes life takes over and I am rushing out the door unprepared.  On some days that may result in me being undernourished and not eating again until dinner, on other days it does have me searching for healthy stuff en route.  So here is my list of the healthiest but fast meal options that are under 300 calories but can be grabbed quickly, as listed by restaurant name:

SUBWAY

Veggie Delight (whole wheat bread without cheese or mayonnaise) 230 Calories

MCDONALDS

Side Garden Salad (no dressing) 40 calories

Chipotle Chicken Snack Wrap® with Grilled Chicken 230 calories

Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap® 230 calories

WENDY’S

Full Asian Cashew Chicken Salad (no dressing) 190 calories

Chicken Go Wrap Grilled 260 calories

PITA PIT

Garden Pita (no cheese or condiments, whole wheat pita) 227 calories

Tuna Pita (no cheese or condiments, whole wheat pita) 285 calories

Turkey Breast (no cheese or condiments, whole wheat pita) 286 calories

STARBUCKS

Perfect Oatmeal (plain) 140 calories

Spinach, Roasted Tomato, Feta and Egg White Wrap 280 calories (my personal favorite with the nutrition value quickly wasted by my latte add-on).

TIM HORTONS

Chicken Ranch or Salad Wrap Snacker 190 calories

Chipotle Chicken Wrap Snacker 200 calories

Chili 290 calories

Soups (no bun) 80 – 230 calories

HARVEYS

Warm Grilled Chicken Salad (no dressing) 150 calories

Warm Grilled Chicken BLT Salad (no dressing) 210 calories

Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no cheese or condiments) 280 calories

BURGER KING

Tendergrill Caesar Salad (no dressing) 250 calories

Hamburger (no cheese or condiments) 260 calories

Veggie Burger (no cheese or condiments) 270 calories

QUIZNOS

No under 300 calorie meals.

Of course, calories are not the only consideration when consuming a healthy lunch.  However, this measure can provide an easy metric when looking for something fast while trying to avoid the unnecessary calories found in heavy carbs and bad-fat common to fast food meals.  For drinks, stick to water as not only is this often free (tap water) with your meal, but it provides an opportunity to rehydrate which is also important.

I hope this list helps you to also pick healthier options when on the road.

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OT and Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Canada estimates that one in every 3600 children born in Canada have Cystic Fibrosis (CF).  Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system in children and adults.  Those living with CF and their families face a lifetime of care from physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists, occupational therapists and more.  Learn about how Occupational Therapists help those with Cystic Fibrosis maintain independence, and achieve optimal quality of life in the following from Advance Heathcare Network.

Advance Healthcare Network:  Treating Cystic Fibrosis

Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis by visiting Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

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OT and Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that is most often caused by brain damage which occurs before or during the birth of an infant, or within the first few years of a child’s life.  Cerebral Palsy can affect motor skills, muscles and movement.  Those with Cerebral Palsy are often able to lead a normal and satisfying life, and Occupational Therapists can often help them to achieve this.  The following article from the Cerebral Palsy Foundation discusses some of the key ways Occupational Therapy can assist those living with Cerebral Palsy.

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation:  The Benefits of Occupational Therapy

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Hurting Hands? OT Can Help!

Arthritis is a painful and often debilitating condition that, according to The Arthritis Society, affects over 4.6 million Canadian Adults.  Pain, inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion can affect your ability to function at work, at home and at play.  Occupational Therapy can help with many types of arthritis by providing education, adaptations, exercises, pain management techniques and more.  The following from the Advance Healthcare Network discusses some of the ways OT can help when dealing with arthritis in the hands.

Advance Healthcare Network:  Occupational Therapy for Arthritic Hand Pain

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The Benefits of OT For Parkinson’s Disease

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.  Occupational Therapists help to provide creative and proactive strategies for managing well at home and in the community for a variety of illnesses and disabilities, including Parkinson’s Disease.  The following from The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation discusses some of the many benefits Occupational Therapy provides for those living with Parkinson’s Disease.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:  Occupational Therapy Can Benefit People with Parkinson’s Disease

To learn more about Occupational Thearpy and Parkinson’s Disease check out our blog:  My Grandma Versus Parkinson’s Disease

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Tax Time: Is OT An Eligible Expense?

April means tax time in Canada!  Many, especially those with disability, chronic illness or advancing age, often pay a great deal in out-of-pocket medical expenses each year.  While these expenses can add up, the good news is that many can give you a break on your income tax.  The following from The Globe and Mail provides a list of 10 medical expenses you may not have realized are deductible.  And YES, Occupational Therapy is one of them!  

The Globe and Mail:  These ten medical expenses could give you a tax break

 

For more help with money management check out our recent post:  Money Matters:  Occupational Therapy and Disability Finance

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Occupational Therapy and Cancer Recovery

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

When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was required to have a mastectomy.  Feeling helpless but wanting to support her, I sent her a list of the things we could do together pre-surgery.  This included anything from loading up an iPod with her favorite tunes and stand-up comedic acts, sorting my ridiculous stack of family photos, scrapbooking, and of course some retail and spa therapy.  I figured the less time she spent just waiting for surgery, thinking and processing what was to come, the less this diagnosis would impact her now and into the future.  She responded to my ideas with something along the lines of “you should help people through tough times for a living” and I reminded her that my job as an OT allowed me to do just that.

The yellow daffodils in April signify that this is the month of Cancer Awareness.  Defined, the word “Cancer” is a blanket term used to describe the abnormal growth of cells in any part of the body.  There are more than 100 types of cancer, which may affect specific tissues, organs, blood, or lymphatic systems. Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada, responsible for about 30% of all deaths in our country.  Many of us have been affected by cancer, either personally, through friends or a loved one. My mom is only one example of how cancer has affected my family, and sadly I have countless other stories of friends and colleagues who have also been impacted.

Cancer and cancer treatment can lead to changes in how we do our daily activities due to physical, cognitive or emotional changes resulting from the diagnosis, resulting surgery, medications, chemo and radiation. For a cancer patient sometimes just doing daily activities leaves little energy for leisure, social, or work-related tasks.  Common side effects of cancer or its treatment include fatigue, pain, weakness, cognitive difficulties, anxiety or depression, and changes in self-esteem or self-image. Each person diagnosed with cancer will experience different challenges in his or her participation in various daily activities and life roles over the course of the disease.

Occupational therapists have knowledge and expertise to allow individuals with cancer to do the things they want and need to do to maintain their level of independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy services are helpful for individuals throughout the continuum of cancer care, including those who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, receiving hospice or palliative care, or who are survivors reintegrating into previous roles. Caregivers also benefit from the training and education provided by OT’s as this arms them with the essential tools to offer support and assistance to their loved ones when performing daily, important, and meaningful activities. Some of the things occupational therapists can help with include:

  • Education on management of activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and dressing through adaptations to the activity and environment, and/or the use of assistive devices.
  • Sleep and fatigue management such as education in and demonstration of energy conservation and relaxation management techniques to support health and the ability to participate in purposeful roles.
  • Cognitive strategies to address memory, organizational executive function deficits, and low-energy tasks that focus on restoring engagement in daily occupations such as sitting in the park, reading a newspaper, or conversing with a friend.
  • Therapeutic exercise and positioning to maintain functional range of motion, mobility, and strength such as home exercise programs, splinting, wheelchair fitting, bed positioning, etc. to provide support and comfort.
  • Mental health treatment to encourage the return to life roles that will help increase mood, reduce depression, restore hope, and lessen anxiety.

Other roles for occupational therapy also include return to work involvement post-treatment, education on general health issues, and training on use of a prosthetic if an amputation was required.  Some therapists are also specifically trained to provide lymphatic drainage to reduce the swelling and pain that can result from the disease, its’ surgery or treatment.

So, for the month of April let’s honor those fighting and remember those that fought.  Buy some daffodils, donate, wear a ribbon, or call or visit with someone you know that has been impacted by this prevalent disease.

References

American Association of Occupational Therapists (2011).

Canadian Cancer Society (2013).

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Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness

If you happen to be anywhere near the downtown Toronto area or Niagara Falls on March 26th, you may be seeing the colour purple. That’s because March 26th has been designated Purple Day across the globe in honour of epilepsy awareness. Individuals are encouraged to wear purple clothing, local organizations host events, and this year two of our nation’s biggest landmarks will also be bathed in purple light to increase awareness of the need for research about epilepsy.

One in one hundred Canadians are affected by epilepsy and it is currently estimated that 300,000 Canadians are living with the disorder. The term epilepsy is derived from a Greek term for possession, as the Greeks believed the person affected was being overcome, seized or attacked. It is now understood that epilepsy is a neurological disorder that leads to brief disturbances in the typical electrical functions of the brain. These disturbances are characterized by sudden and brief seizures, which may vary in form or intensity for each person. For example, a seizure may appear as a brief stare, an unusual body movement, altered awareness or a convulsion.

Epilepsy is a chronic medical problem, but for many people it can be successfully treated through medication, a special diet regimen, or surgery. However, treatment is unique for each individual and must be tailored to their needs in order to be effective. Because of the unpredictable nature of epilepsy, it can disrupt a person’s routine and their ability to participate in their desired daily activities. For some, they may experience changes in their thinking, energy levels, coping skills, or feelings of self-esteem and in some cases, postural deformities such as contractures may develop.

Occupational therapists can assist those with epilepsy and their families to improve their independence and enhance their participation in daily tasks. Occupational therapists may provide advice or education in regards to safety such as how to adapt potentially unsafe areas of the home like the kitchen and bathroom or support medication adherence and management. They can also recommend equipment and devices that can be used at home and in the community to enhance safety.  OTs can assist with developing social skills and coping strategies that may be affected as a result of epilepsy and can also help by examining and addressing sensory integration challenges like sensitivity to light or noise. Another common area occupational therapists address involves developing strategies to increase organization and enhance routines to support a person’s performance at home, school or in the community. Using their task analysis skills and their holistic and individualized approach, Occupational Therapists are well suited to help individuals with epilepsy and their families find a variety of options and ways to be able to achieve their goals and fully engage in everyday life.

Resources

www.epilepsyontario.org

www.epilepsy.ca

 

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OT Helps Develop Fine Motor Skills

A common reason that parents seek OT treatment for their child is because their child demonstrates problems with fine motor skills beyond just printing difficulties.

Fine motor skills involve the use of smaller muscles in the hands.  Children with fine motor skill deficits often will have difficulties printing, managing zippers, laces, or buttons, picking up small objects, are messy when eating or coloring, and struggle to use scissors or to manipulate parts of small toys.  It is important that these skills are developed to promote independence and self-esteem in children is as they age.

In the following video from our OT-V series, we discuss some of the ways OT’s help children develop these important fine motor skills.

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Ouch! The Occupational Therapy Role with Chronic Pain

Guest Blogger Jessica VandenBussche, 2015

Pain is a common occurrence following an injury, illness, or traumatic event like a motor vehicle accident. While pain does play an important role in alerting us to potential dangers, injury, or an impending problem, it can also become a significant barrier to function as it can often continue long after the dangerous situation resolves.  Our brain can also change such that the pain message gets so used to being sent, these can start being sent faster and easier, even in non-threatening situations.

Chronic pain is difficult to treat and manage because of all the different factors that contribute to its intensity, frequency, and the many variables that can make it better or worse. Stress, depression, feelings of loss of control, pressures at work or home, and other mental or emotional factors affect pain perception.  Further, currently, there is no objective way for medicine to quantify pain which can make it even more difficult to measure, treat, and to understand the pain experience that varies between people.

The experience of pain then remains subjective.  And as this changes frequently under the presence of other factors such as secondary injury, low mood, stress, and other environmental pressures, pain can still increase even in the face of conservative therapeutic or medical management.  Whether or not tissue damage is found, it is difficult for someone who is experiencing pain to complete activities of daily life and to fulfill the roles that make them who they are (e.g. mother, father, worker, student, athlete).  For any of us that lose the ability to manage in an important life role, this can cause significant mental and emotional losses and anguish.  If the change in roles is sustained for too long without resolution, people can develop an altered sense of self, causing more psychological hardship which can lead to higher perceptions of pain.  Then the cycle continues.  The current best practice for addressing chronic pain is a multi-method approach that addresses mental, physical and emotional issues plus the effect of pain on daily function, roles, and identity.

Occupational Therapists play a pivotal role in the assessment and treatment of physical and psycho-emotional issues including chronic pain. Through our involvement, we analyze function, work to provide solutions and help break the pain-disability cycle.  We connect people to other providers that are necessary and impactful members of the treatment team.  Occupational therapists are also well-versed in strategies to help people sleep better, move differently, and adapt to disability to reduce the limitations that result from any condition, including pain.

In short, any injury, including a car accident, can cause pain. Whether this pain is primarily physical or emotional, visible or invisible, it is important to remember that the pain experience is real and can be debilitating.  Occupational therapists are qualified to identify the psychological, cognitive and physical needs of the individual and to provide treatment to improve function in daily activities. With appropriate treatment, pain and daily function can improve, helping the individual participate in meaningful activities and to regain or maintain their sense of self.

Useful Resources

Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic (Formerly Chedoke Chronic Pain Management Unit), treatment option for multidimensional approach to chronic pain

The American Academy of Pain Medicine, videos to understand pain, its reasons and its effects

Entwistle Power Occupational Therapy:  Chronic Pain a Problem?  Try OT