OCS Physical Therapy Newsletter
April 2021
April Brings Hope!
As we all hold our breath waiting for COVID to pass like a bad winter and return to a semblance of normalcy, spring is bringing us hope with some great weather and great COVID safe opportunities to get outside once again and adventure! We can all feel less isolated and be physically active again!
- Bike Rides
- Camping
- Evening walks
- Fishing
- Boating and Kayaking
- Running
- Beach days
- Flying Kites
- There is so much waiting outside this spring
Spread Some Hope Along the Way!
Physical activity boosts our release of endorphins and enkephalins, two neurotransmitters that help us feel good and improve mood regulation. It can help us feel more hopeful and have an overall more positive outlook on life. Take some time to share that positive mood with others and take time to show someone you care.
- Help with some lawn work
- Drop off a care package
- Leave a note or card on their porch
- It's fun and rewarding (for you) to find ways to unexpectedly show someone else you care for them, and it means so much (to them) to know that you care.
Onslow County Parks & Recreation
Autism Awareness
April is Autism awareness month and April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day
Autism is not uncommon in our schools. Our friends that are diagnosed with Autism and Autism spectrum disorder are amazing individuals with varied and unique level of ability.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability. It results in social, communication, and behavior challenges. ASD is a "spectrum" disorder because symptoms can vary from mild symptoms to more severe symptoms. Gross motor skills can be impacted in a child with ASD. Some gross motor deficits seen in children with ASD can include the following: delays in functional mobility such as walking, decreased coordination, decreased balance, motor planning deficits, deficits with postural control, and toe walking. Physical therapists can help improve these gross motor deficits in children with ASD to help the child be able to improve access to his or her school environment. If you have any movement concerns with a child with ASD then contact the PT at your school.
It's Occupational Therapy Month!
The AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) website has a great description of OT:
"Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team."
Recipe
Physical Therapist Andrea is sharing a family favorite with a bright and spring-like flavor!
Andrea notes that her family likes to vary the recipe by adding apple in place of the parmesan and mint.
Physical Therapists...
- Pursue best practices to ensure students receive highly effective care specific to their needs,
- Endeavor to see students become as independent as possible by maximizing their abilities and strengths,
- Empower students in seeking ways to participate in lifelong education, vocation, and community activities to the best of the student's abilities.
OCS Phyical Therapy
Email: roger.hammel@onslow.k12.nc.us
Website: https://www.onslow.k12.nc.us/Page/40842
Phone: 910-787-1544