Hi and Happy New Year: I graduated from an OTA program in FL in 2001 and worked in FL for several years. That is how I got on your otlist. I had to move north and now reside outside Detroit, Michigan. I have been working as a COTA/L in a SNF and enjoy my work here since.
I wanted to share this front page article in the "LIFE" section that I read in the Detroit Free Press this past Friday. I felt the AOTA should have been offering this advice...NOT the APTA !! Sincerely and a concerned COTA, B Sullivan ____________________________________________________________________________ Detroit Free Press Friday, December 29, 2006 Features Dept/ LIFE C section WHATS GOING ON Play video games safely For those children who got new video games and systems this Christmas, parents need to make sure their youngsters dont suffer hand and thumb injuries caused by overuse of those games, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) says. Constant stress on tendons, nerves and ligaments in childrens hands and arms can cause long-term problems such as tendonitis, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, says Cindy Miles, owner of a pediatrics physical therapy practice in Whitehall, PA. Symptoms of repetitive stress injuries caused by overuse of video games include fatigue, loss of strength, burning and tingling. The APTA offers the following advice: Keep wrists straight. Dont let them bend downward when holding a game controller. Practice good posture while playing. Sit in a chair that provides solid back support and keep your feet comfortably on the floor. Stretch and move. Get up and stretch about every 20 minutes to give your head, neck and shoulder muscles a break. Watch for warning signs such as headaches, muscle pain or cramping. If you notice these signs, take a break. -HealthDay -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/otlist@otnow.com ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************