I thanked strangers who kindly encouraged me and voiced their support or offered me help. Eating lobsters seemed daunting until the cooks cracked the shells. Usually, I impressed folks with my high-tech motorized chair. I met a fellow with a Jazzy chair in P’town, we cruised the pier together. I received a post card from the Post Office Cafe to see the all male review and drag queen show. Lady Gaga, Beonce and Janet Jackson were the highlights of the evening. Sher and Liza Minelli are out of fashion.

Cape Cod lacks cabins that are accessible but, I had fun irregardless. I realize the the most accessible place for a vacation is my own back yard that is totally accessible with gardens, screened in porches and woodlands out back. The next best place is New York City. Museums, Broadway shows, Restaurants and sports venues are easily enjoyed by wheelchair users. Curb cuts are on every corner. In conclusion, leisure continues if one is ready to overcome a number of unforseen obstacles.

Anyone who’s ever had a pet or worked with animals knows that they can add to a happy, healthy life by being great companions and sources of hours of fun and enjoyment. Those with debilitating mental and physical conditions can get a lot out of working with animals as well, from playing fetch with a dog to spending time in the ocean with dolphins. But how does this process work? In what ways to animals help those who most need it to feel better? Here are a few of the many:

1. They reduce stress. Living or working with animals can provide a great way to reduce stress and to relax the mind. Stroking their fur, playing with them and enjoying their reactions to things around them can offer a kind of release that many other things simply cannot. Studies have found that animals can make a big difference in lowering blood pressure and reducing the effects of depression, making them ideal partners in therapy for those who cannot have their own.
2. They provide unconditional love. For people who are struggling with feelings of worthlessness, depression, and anxiety, the love and affection of animals can be a welcome respite from the fears caused by human interaction. They can offer a kind of reassurance and comfort that others may not be able to, and foster a trust that can later be translated into other situations. Even better, animals will give anyone who is kind the same opportunities, no matter what differences or disabilities they may have.
3. They break down obstacles. There are many ways in which animals can help their human counterparts overcome obstacles in their lives. Those who are incredibly introverted can use the animal as a talking point and a way to ease uncomfortable social situations. Additionally, many patients who do not believe they can accomplish things, both physically and mentally, can do so with the help of an animal—a huge confidence booster.
4. They provide a focal point. Those who have trouble focusing, suffer from depression or even who just can’t seem to sit still can benefit from interactions with animals. Most animals require a good deal of care and attention, and this provides a valuable and enjoyable focus that can calm and center patients. Larger animals like horses require a lot of work and dedication, a price many are willing to pay to be close to them, and one they might not seek out in other activities.
5. They connect us with nature. In today’s world it can become easy to feel disconnected from the natural world and our more primal beginnings. Animals help restore that balance, reminding us what a big role animals have played in our survival for thousands of years. Patients of all kinds will feel an instant draw and appreciation of animals as they are a source of curiosity and reverence alike.

This post was contributed by Tara Miller, who writes about the pharmacy schools. She welcomes your feedback at TaraMillerr00 at yahoo.com

Thanks,

CH

But what I really wanted to talk about is the lack of appreciation shown by many young people.  As owner of the Therapeutic Recreation Directory I get a lot of emails directed towards me.  Some of the emails include items such as “tell me eveything about recreation therapy!!!”  Or I get a document with 50 questions asking me about recreation therapy for their school assignment.  I get questions about how to get a job, what its like to be a rec therapist, etc.  I get asked a lot of advise…. mostly from college students as part of their assignment or from high school students looking for a career.

I have never deleted these emails.  I have diligently responded to each question… except for the ones that ask me to tell them everything I know about rec therapy… for those I refer them to read a book!!!

Sadly, I would have to say that over 90% of those individuals that I took time to respond never wrote back to say “thank you.”  Am I personally offended?  Not at all.  I’m not that upset even whem my neices and nephews fail to express their appeciation for their birthday gifts and Christmas gifts.   But I can tell you this – when you don’t express gratitude, it reflects poorly upon you as an individual and as a future therapist.

Spend a few moments emailing or sending a thank you card.  The small amount of time that you take to express your appreciation will go a long way.  The recipient of your message will appreciate it and think highly of you.  You will help make this word a more civil place.

Here are some words of advice – after you complete your job interview be sure to follow up with a letter of appreciation.  When you complete your college degree be sure to let your professors and advisor know that you appreciated their energy and effort to help you succeed.  Let your parents know how much you appreciated the money and support they provided to you.  And so on so on…. don’t be a part of the NO “thank you” generation.

Charlie Dixon

One recreation therapist asked me as we were discussing the implications of being an MS patient, if I preferred the terminology physically challenged rather than disabled. To me, the words physically challenged have a negative connotation. Yet, the word disabled is not much better than the word handicapped. Both terms describe conditions that limit “normal” functioning. As a person with multiple sclerosis, I feel uncomfortable with of these terms.

Labels such as physically challenged, cognitively challenged, impaired mobility, hard-of-hearing, disabled and sad affect all seem to point to the preponderance of labeling. Professional therapists assess, categorize, classify and label the various limitations of specific individuals. Labeling helps the therapist plan and implement a specific protocol for treatment. Ultimately, there is not a nice way to say one has disabilities. Until one is faced with such a condition, the ramifications of labeling are difficult to understand.

Life continues to present challenges for everybody who has any kind of condition or disability. Being a diagnosed MS patient presents the professional recreation therapist in me with a chance to better understand what clients, program participants and others go through everyday. Maintaining my leisure repertoire is a daunting prospect. I hope to achieve continued success professionally and personally for as long as possible. I used to want to retire early, now I retired due to my overwhelming condition. I do not want to be limited by disabilities.
Regardless, I am often in a quandry when faced with outside forces that limit my ability to go out to dinner or take in a show.

A Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) provides leisure activities to individuals who present with a combination of physical, social, affective or cognitive deficits. These limitations, caused by a variety of disabling conditions, from Alzheimer’s disease to stroke, typify individuals that the CTRS works with. The CTRS chooses activities that ameliorate symptoms, teach adaptive technique and foster community reintegration.

A CTRS draws on experience, empathy and common sense when providing various Therapeutic Recreation (TR) interventions. The CTRS observes, assesses and develops a TR plan for each individual. The CTRS who presents with disabilities of a personal nature learns to consider his or her own challenges. My tenure prepared me for challenges and realities that impede leisure. Overcoming obstacles is my professional mantra. Bring the program to the individual. Break down barriers, provide comfort & individualism. I am the patient, a TR professional who benefits from TR…

Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive disease that attacks the central nervous system. There are approximately 450,000 persons in the United States with MS. Multiple Sclerosis. MS is the most common neurological disease diagnosed in young adults (ages 20 to 50) . For every person with muscular dystrophy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, there are more than ten people with multiple sclerosis. MS is more common among Caucasians than in other racial populations. Approximately two-thirds 2/3 of those diagnosed with MS are women. MS is devastating, progressive, disables people in the prime of their lives and is incurable. Recreation therapy professionals see very few cases where the MS actually patient improves. This presents challenges: goals written to maintain functional ability, maintain range of motion and socialization; goals modified continually as the disease progresses; objectives dynamic. Healing is paramount. Adaptive equipment, universal design, supports and attitude makes life bearable.

Multiple Sclerosis patients incur huge costs for care. Costs in excess of about $50,000.00 annually are not uncommon. Medicare and Medicaid rules constantly change making services for the MS patient difficult to access and subject to the political climate in Washington.
Although there is no cure for MS , the medication and treatments for it have grown substantially over the past ten years. Interferon drugs, chemo therapy, physical and occupational therapy are to treat disease progression. Other medications, including anti-depressants and anti-spasm drugs treat symptoms that interfere with activities of daily living. Magnetic Resonating Imaging and other tests used for diagnostic tools, lead to further treatments. Rehabilitation and education contribute to wellness.

Multiple Sclerosis is not a fatal disease but, is severely debilitating. Patients meet lifetime averages but with challenges that make life difficult and taxing at best. Caregivers face many challenges in preparing the patient for daily life. Whether it is activities of daily living, providing emotional support or paying bills, caregivers find themselves in the role of parent, spouse and helper. This leads to strained relationships in any family. Indeed, children in the family compete for attention from the primary caregiver who tends to the MS patient’s needs.

MS Society 2005
MS Foundation 2005

MSQR 9/2005

Leisure pursuits go hand in hand with leisure assessments. If I were to assess myself, as a professional therapist, I would see an individual who pursued a full leisure lifestyle. I have always been into gardening and I have many fond memories of my gardening experiences. I grew up as a cyclist who could ride a bicycle over one hundred miles a day. I rode my bicycle around the Finger-lakes, the Catskills, Adirondacks, Green Mountains, Cape Cod and Maine. Often I carried camping equipment on my bike and thought that bicycle camping in various mountain areas was the road to nirvana. I have hiked, cross-country skied, and gone caving. During the past, I have paddled numerous lakes, rivers and ponds in my canoe. I listen and look for birds, plants and other wildlife from the deck of my boat. At home I read, draw and listen to music. I like to cook and I like to eat. I like to socialize and maintain many friendships going back to my youth.

Part of the assessment process includes writing goals and measurable objectives. These are based on both subjective and objective data. If interviewed during a TR assessment my subjective response or comments would reflect the sentiments below: “I want to continue my lifestyle. I want to go for long walks, canoe trips and live life to the fullest. I realize that walking is not so easy anymore, yet I feel that I can do almost everything else.”

The (SOAP) assessment process that compiles subjective and objective data to form a recreation plan seems to personally work for me. I am able to establish my own goals TR goals. I seek to address my physical, social, affective and cognitive functioning in the following ways:

Goal 1: To maintain or improve my current leisure lifestyle.

Goal 2: To maintain my current level of socialization activities.

Goal 3: To develop skills that promote physical functioning, balance, and range of motion.

Goal 4: To study, learn and write about Multiple Sclerosis, recreation, nature and adoptive children.

Objective 1: Given the proper equipment, resources and opportunities, I will continue to engage in activities such as gardening, paddling, cooking and camping 2-3 times per week for the next year.

Objective 2: During the course of each day, I will engage in socialization activities such as interactive conversation, with friends and colleagues for up to 60 minutes daily.

Objective 3: Following physical therapy and instruction, I will independently engage in 30 minutes stretching exercises two times daily.

Objective 4: Given the appropriate resources and materials, I will demonstrate learning through writing activities and public presentations related to MS, therapeutic recreation, adoption and nature.

Plan: I will encourage myself to engage in activities of interest. I will adapt specific activities such as canoeing as needed for safety and success. I will follow the prescribed medical plan as directed.

My, it was easy to dream. Now I am using a wheelchair that has lateral supports to hold me up. My goals and objectives are more in keeping with the most basic things like using scoop spoons and plates, sleeping on a hospital bed that turns me, preventing pressur sores, and managing my bodily needs. I find leisure in the small things, like waiting for a para-transit bus or counting lady bugs on the wall.