Hey: Everywhere I go, I keep hearing the term, "exercise" as a way to promote health. I really believe that people are often using the term "exercise" when of course they really mean occupation. When someone talks about having an active lifestyle, more time than not, they are talking about having an occupationally full life. In other words, a life that may include exercise, but almost always includes many other forms of non-exercise related activities.
Many people exercise and are still mentally and emotionally unhealthy. Where as, if these people were to engage in occupation that was challenging and successful, they would develop a greater sense of competence and self-worth. Putting a client on stationary bicycle and believing that this is someone going to improve their health is narrow minded. Of course, OT's often define health differently than other health care professions. >From an OT perspective, health is NOT measured in terms of oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood pressure, etc. Health is measured by one's ability to SUCCESSFULLY engage in activity that is personally relevant and meaningful (i.e. occupation). However, being able to engage in occupation is infinitely more complex than simply increasing physiological function. Too many times, exercise is seen as a 'cure all' for our health problems and for some, simple exercise may be a great answer. But for many others, health problems (defined as loss of occupational performance competence) will not be alleviated nor reduced by exercise. Again, occupation is the name of the game. Ron *********��*********** Unsubscribe? Send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the message's *body*, put the following text: unsubscribe OTlist ** List messages are archived at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] *********��***********
