The AOTA Recommends Making a New Year's Resolution You Can Keep

Sure we all make New Year's resolutions, but how many of us actually keep them? 

Research suggests that only 1/4 of all resolutions are kept past June. 

The American Occupational Therapy Association says resolutions rooted in research-based occupational therapy practices are the most likely to be successful. 

These resolutions are strategies for daily living which prevent injury, illness and disability. 

The AOTA has identified acheivable New Year's Resolutions by age range:

• Under 20: Get more sleep. Getting enough sleep not only increases alertness but it can also decrease behavioral problems.
• Age 20-40: Organize living spaces. Eliminating clutter reduces dust and mold and lowers the risk of slip and fall injuries.
• Age 40-60: Increase physical activity. 65% of Americans are overweight, increasing physical activity can decrease your risk of obesity related illnesses.
• Age 60-80: Take up gardening. Gardening is America's #1 outdoor leisure activity and can help aging Americans remain active. 
• Over 80: Check your driving. Safe driving over 80 is possible. Limit your trips to daylight hours or residential areas, take a safe driving class or consider public transportation.
  

Musical Injuries and Occupational Therapy

A violinist, an obo player and a pianist...not your usual occupational therapy patients?

For Christine Guptill, an Occupational Therapist, musical injuries are a very real thing and can possibly be treated with OT.

Christine developed carpel tunnel syndrome from playing the obo. This injury inspired her to pursue a PHD in OT, specializing in musical injury treatment.

She has identified four determining factors which contribute to musical injuries:

1. Musical Instrument Played
2. Age of the Musician
3. How Often the Instrument is Played
4. The Style in Which the Instrument is Played