Liberty Rehabilitation Specialists - April 2021

Liberty Rehabilitation Specialists - April 2021

APRIL 2021

LIBERTY NEWS REAL CARE. REAL RESULTS. FOR REAL LIFE

NORTH CENTRAL 415 Embassy Oaks Dr. #202, San Antonio, TX 78216 210.490.4738

NORTHEAST 2130 NE Loop 410, Ste #212, San Antonio, TX 78217 210.656.5848

SOUTHSIDE 3138 SE Military Dr., Ste #113F, San Antonio, TX 78223 210.922.6292

THE HANDS-ON APPROACH HAPPY NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH

difficult test at the end, and to even be considered in the first place, you must have practiced as an OT for at least three years! Between all the hard work they do on a daily basis, and the can-do attitude it takes to chase down further certifications, OTs deserve at least one month of recognition, and I’m glad that they get it in April.

One of the great things about these national celebrations is that, even though some are intentionally silly, they can really draw attention to important issues and people — or, in the case of April being National Occupational Therapy Month, an important profession as a whole. Although today’s model

Andrew Cavazos, COTA

Lori Welter, OT

of occupational therapy is relatively modern, there’s nothing new about the practice itself. We know that both the Greeks and Romans practiced forms of occupational therapy, and although the practice appeared to have died out for a while in the Middle Ages, I have trouble believing that those knights never stretched before a joust — or required hand therapy after falling from a horse! Throughout history, occupational therapists have been there on the sidelines, waiting to help people of all shapes and sizes recover from the injuries that affect them, and that is the case to this day. We certainly wouldn’t be able to have a clinic without our own OTs. The hard work of Jessica Morales and Lori Welter does not go unnoticed, and the same goes for OT assistant Andrew Cavazos. And we can’t forget Amanda Munoz, a doctor of Occupational Therapy who sometimes works out of our clinic.

After all, we already get recognition for their work. Liberty Rehabilitation Specialists has a good reputation with local physicians, especially hand doctors. That’s the result of having great OTs in the past who really took time to understand what was going on with each patient and then took the best care of them possible. Our occupational therapists are continuing that tradition, and they’re the ones who drive Liberty Rehab forward. From post-operative work to treating hand and finger fractures, wrist fractures, and even osteoarthritis, this team is as capable as ever, and that’s something I was not sure would be possible, considering how good our OTs have been in the past. Not everyone can do tricky work like, say, custom bracing — but these occupational therapists don’t make it look tricky at all. That’s why I’m glad that the American Occupational Therapists Association declared April National Occupational Therapy Month. It’s well-earned, and few professions are more deserving of recognition. It’s a time to reflect and to plan for the future (good luck with the CHT, Jessica!), and perhaps celebrate a little bit, as well. If you see one of our OTs this month, be sure to wish them a happy one — after all, your gratitude is a big part of why we do this work!

You might not be aware, but becoming a licensed occupational therapist takes a lot of work and study. Lori has gone above and beyond and become a certified hand therapist — a certification that Jessica is currently training for herself. It requires thousands of hours of study and practice, work that takes place under a mentor. There’s also a

P.S. Stay tuned for “PT Month” in October!

Jessica Morales, OT

–Dr. Mary Lou Lugo

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As people grow older, they’re more likely to find themselves at home with less company. If your family members live far away or you have physical limitations that make it difficult to leave the house, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing loneliness. This is why adopting an animal can be so helpful. Pets offer comfort and love, and many encourage physical activity. Integrating a pet into your life as you grow older can be just what you need to lift your spirit and keep you healthy. The Benefits of Pet Ownership A lack of purpose can take a significant toll, but the sense of duty pet owners have around caring for their animals helps them avoid this. The daily tasks of feeding, playing with, and walking your animal can help provide structure and bring meaning to your life. They also give you something to look forward to each day. What’s better than waking up or coming home to a wagging tail or loud meow? This is how pets help improve their owners’ mental and physical health. Studies also show that those who care for pets have less stress and lower blood pressure and cholesterol than their petless counterparts. You’re also more likely to maintain a daily exercise routine. FELINE FRIENDS OR CANINE COMRADES HOW PETS IMPROVE OUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Humans have an innate need to be social, and without someone to talk to regularly, our mental well-being can start to deteriorate. Pets may not be the best conversation partners, but they may increase your social activity. Walking a dog to a local park every day, for example, can provide an opportunity for you to interact with other people. If you live alone, this simple activity can increase your social circle and improve your mental health. Find the Right Pet Before taking advantage of the many benefits pets offer, it’s crucial to consider which pet is right for you. Doing research can help answer important questions about which animals might be a good fit for you and your lifestyle and which aren’t. Finding a perfect match may take some time, but once that connection is made, there is nothing that will bring more joy into both of your lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect pet. Take a look at CDC.gov/healthypets .

DON’T SLEEP ON THESE TRACKING DEVICES WANT A BETTER NIGHT’S REST?

table. Many track your heartbeat and movement. It’s important to keep in mind that while sleep trackers can provide valuable insights, the >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

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