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Chronic Disease Self-Management for Diabetes

With November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, the timing seems appropriate to talk about Washington University Occupational Therapy and how our chronic disease self-management services provide strategies, behaviors, and principles to help patients who are experiencing life with diabetes both Type 1 or Type 2. Occupational therapy services are valuable in the management of many different chronic conditions, Diabetes being one of those.

Research tells us that 90% of the management of a chronic condition must be performed not by health care providers, but by the person who has the condition. (California Healthcare Foundation, 2008) As a result, it becomes imperative for people to know how to best take care of their Diabetes at home, in the community and where they want and need to participate in productive life activities. Regardless of what disability or chronic condition may be working as a barrier to your overall health and wellness, our team is here to help.

Our self-management service visits typically include the following:

  • We will meet with you to evaluate your specific needs, environment, support system and objectives.
  • Share recommendations and strategies for your disease management and living situation.
  • Discuss ways to best manage Acitivities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs).

Whether you’re looking for answers after being newly-diagnosed, or have been managing a chronic condition for many years, our clinicians can help.

Learn more abour our Chronic Disease Self-Management Services...

 


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Hand Safety During Thanksgiving Meal Prep

Content provided by Kelly Santel, MOT, OTR/L, CHT

As October turns to November and our focus shifts from pumpkin carving to Thanksgiving turkey cooking. This cherished American tradition is all about gathering with loved ones and sharing gratitude. Unfortunately, this day of eating is primetime for some common holiday injuries and turkey troubles. Throughout the year 1 in 10 ER visits are related to hand injuries. On Thanksgiving, knife-related injuries and burns are even more common. In addition, the Fire Departments respond to more than 1000 fires related to deep fryers every year.

How to prevent cuts and burns:

  • Eliminate distraction while handling knives.
  • Make sure the knife is sharp. A dull knife requires more pressure to cut.
  • Curl your fingers in and cut away from your body when trimming or deboning.
  • When carrying a knife, keep it to your side with the point down and cutting edge away from you.
  • Clean the knife immediately; do not put them in the sink.
  • DO NOT pour water on grease fires; this just causes the grease to spread and splatter.
  • Keep young kids out of the kitchen if possible, but if not; use the back burners, turn all pot handles inward, push hot mugs and anything dangerous away from the edge of the counter.

Turkey deep-fryer precautions:

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a deep-fryer.
  • Use the deep-fryer outdoors on a stable, non-combustible surface.
  • Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and patted dry.
  • Never leave a deep-fryer unattended.
  • Keep the deep-fryer out of reach of children or pets who could accidentally knock it over.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

From the Milliken team, we hope you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! If you do find yourself needing assistance for an injury related to your hands, wrist or upper extremity, Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center is here to help!

Learn more about the Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center...

 


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Pediatric OT Tips For The Holiday Season

Content provided by Karen Balk, MOT, OTR/L

It is known as a time for family and friends gathering, shopping, car trips to see the relatives, the list goes on and on. The holiday season is upon us! Many children and families find this time to be a struggle. For some, it is due to the excitement of the holiday, for others the holidays are overstimulating, and others are stressed by the unknown of the events to come. As we enter this season, Washington University Occupational Therapy Pediatric Services would like to help support pediatric families by offering some tips:

Implement an AM and PM routine during holiday break. Keep bedtimes and wake up times close to the same time as their school day schedule. Structuring the start and end of a child’s day is a way to normalize their day. Children are accustom to structure during their days from attending school. Structure will provide self-regulation and normalcy to their day

Create a visual schedule. Visual schedules help identify what is happening during the day. Children often are not the ones planning the day’s events. The unknown of what is going to happen often dysregulates them as they are used to the structure of their school day. Using a visual list of the day’s events can help the child be aware of what to expect. Lists could be written on a dry erase board, calendar, or index card. If your day’s events are not pre-known, start with just what you’re doing for the next three hours. Then update the plan at that time for the next three hours.

Pack a Travel Bag. Prepare a travel bag to entertain your child during long lines, long dinner meals and visiting with friends and family. Choose activities that promote self-regulation such as small Lego projects, coloring books, beading activities, activity books, reading books, small games, figurines, and snacks.

Bring Sensory Solution Bag. Prepare a bag with things to help your child manage environmental stimuli. Some children are more sensitive to noise and lights, and the business of the holiday season tests their limits. Being aware of what their sensitivities are will help you to prepare for outings, during this time. Children who are auditory sensitive may benefit from earplugs, headphones with calming music, or noise cancellation headphones. Visually sensitive children may benefit from hooded sweatshirts, ball caps, or shopping during times when it’s not so busy. If your child needs a break from the environment, find a quiet space with controlled lighting like a dressing room, bathroom, or car.

We wish you and your family a happy and joyous holiday season.

Washington University Occupational Therapy Pediatric Services offer services daily to children 0-18 yrs of age within our Oakland clinic, home setting (0-3 yrs), and school environments. Contact us today at (314) 286 - 1669 to set up an appointment.

Learn more about our OT Pediatric Services...


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Topics for this month:

  • Chronic Disease Self-Management for Diabetes
  • Hand Safety During Thanksgiving Meal Prep
  • Pediatric OT Tips For The Holiday Season

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  • Please call 314-286-1669 to make an appointment.

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OT's role in Pain Rehabilitation

  • Communication Skills Training: Chronic pain is an invisible disability. Assertive behavior (e.g., saying “no,” explaining needs and desires comfortably) enables patients to manage their disability with less conflict and frustration.
  • Muscle Tension Reduction Training: Pain is a stressor on the body and mind. Learning to relax muscles and calm the mind allows the patient to feel in control of his or her body while reducing pain levels.
  • Neuromuscular Re-education: Over time, persistent pain leads to abnormal movement patterns and postural deviations. Occupational therapists retrain patients to perform tasks with the appropriate muscle groups.
  • Pacing Activities: Many patients with chronic pain have problems in self-regulating their activity levels. This often leads to flare ups whereby they experience higher than baseline levels of pain, for extended periods.
  • Safe Body Mechanics and Ergonomics: Patients often become fearful of pain with movement and subsequently avoid activities. Instruction in safe body mechanics, with opportunities to practice and receive feedback, promotes feelings of self-efficacy.
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Kelly Santel, MOT, OTR/L, CHT

Patients Seen At:

Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center.

Specialty Areas:

Hand therapy, upper extremity rehabilitation.

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Karen Balk, MOT, OTR/L

Patients Seen At:

In the home and in clinic.

Specialty Areas:

Pediatric and Adult Occupational Therapist, Comprehensive Intervention for Tic Disorders (CBIT), Tourette Syndrome, Functional Movement Disorder.

Learn more about Kelly, Karen and our talented team of clinicians.

 

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