PT Month Showcase

In honor of PT Month, we asked one of our VIVA therapists to share her perspective on Physical Therapy.  Katlyn Berry, PT, DPT is an experienced physical therapist that has worked with VIVA for the past 3 years and has had her career in treating pediatric patients.

1. Why did you decide to become a pediatric physical therapist?

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) theme for this year’s PT Month is “Choose PT” and encourages sharing information about the benefits of physical therapy and the importance of exercise and movement. Physical activity is critically important to one’s health and well-being.  Movement helps decrease pain and stiffness, maintain muscle strength and balance, improve heart and respiratory function, decrease stress, improve cognitive function and improve sleeping patterns.

The death of George Floyd was a terrible tragedy.

It rightfully triggered cries throughout our country and world for justice.

We grieve with our country after his death, as we did with the similar tragic deaths of African Americans before him.

Until our country takes responsibility for the past, and commits to a future with equality and justice, the list of names may never end.

The systemic racism and inequality which has long plagued our country must be stopped.

We see your pain. 

We see your suffering.  

We see your fear. 

MEET MAURA

Where did you grow-up and what is special about your hometown?

Maura grew up in Tucson, Arizona. Her parents are both professors at U of A. Tucson has a small-town feel, even though it is a big city. She grew up with both the desert and the mountains.

As April comes to a close, we wanted to once again thank our fabulous Occupational Therapists who make an impact in our patients' lives every day!

Our very own, Stephanie Hill, OTR has provided us with a very informative article to share!

PROVIDING CARE IN A HOME WHERE SOMEONE IS HAVING SYMPTOMS

- Ensure person with symptoms is self-isolated in the home

- Self-Assess for any symptoms (Temp >99.5, shortness of breath, cough, aches/pain)

If you are having symptoms DO NOT GO TO WORK and NOTIFY VIVA IMMEDIATELY

- Assess patient for symptoms (Temp >99.5, SOB, cough, aches/pain)

If patient is having symptoms notify their physician

- Frequent Handwashing

As healthcare providers it is important for us to stay up to date with ongoing issues that may affect our own health and how we care for our patients. With the news of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak spreading, Viva Pediatrics is committed to ensuring our staff and patients remain safe. Although the way the coronavirus is transmitted has not been confirmed, it is believed to be spread between people who had “close contact” with one another. This could loosely be described as someone being coughed or sneezed upon. Unlike the flu, the coronavirus is a pneumonia-like infection.

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association,Inc, "Occupational therapy practitioners ask, "What matters to you?" not, "What's the matter with you?"In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).

Mark your calendars - Shield HealthCare is hosting a Roundtable Discussion today July 25, 2018, titled "Parenting a Child with Special Needs" Click link for information and to sign up. 

http://www.shieldhealthcare.com/community/grow/2018/06/25/parenting-a-ch...