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October 26 physical therapy works!When tasked with promoting health and fitness, physiotherapists can certainly help! Just ask this guy in the picture! October 22 rejoice!!! :DI have just found out that our Tuesday test is going to be all multiple choice!!! Woohoo!!!
I need to get out more...  October 20 doin' the VO2...I had my VO2 max tested today on a bicycle: it looks like I'm above average for my age! But Lance Armstrong has a VO2 max of 85. I got a lot of work to do. sleeping heart rateEver wanted to know what the heart does while one is asleep? Well, I did, so I wore my heart rate monitor last night. There certainly is something going on there... October 19 more psychological ranting...Ever wanted an insight into what makes an alcoholic (or any addict) tick? No? Read this anyway, because I wrote it.
 (It's answering questions based on an AA presentation. No I'm not in AA.)
The most significant impact on me from this presentation was using the first-hand experiences to deduce the underlying psychological motives behind alcoholism. Based on the four accounts, it was easy to see that the acquisition of certain fundamental needs - the need for acceptance, the need for status - was a large motivating factor. The need for acceptance manifests itself when one tries to conform to social pressures, as by drinking with the crowd and giving into peer pressure. The need for status manifests when one tries to impress upon others with lavish possessions such as fancy clothes and expensive cars, as Robert related to the class. The likelihood of satisfying these and other fundamental psychological needs can be increased by low self-esteem (which can come from a history of family conflict, which a number of the speakers related) since someone with high self-esteem would be more comfortable with who they already are; that is, there is less discrepancy between the actual and the idealized self. Thus, the individual learns (often unknowingly) to associate alcohol with fulfilling certain psychological needs, as well as with immediate gratification which can eventually develop into an addiction. One of my beliefs about alcoholism that was challenged by the presentation was the belief that alcoholics generally do not care for their health enough to want to get better. It is simply too easy to dismiss an alcoholic as an unmotivated and underachieving drunk who does not care to confront the addiction. After all, if he or she is addicted, then why would he or she want to stop? The fact that four individuals with an alcoholic history have taken the initiative to overcome their addictions says to me that I should not be so quick to stereotypically judge an alcoholic. Additionally, there are those out there who may be addicted, yet may also truly desire to get better, even if they do not overtly convey that message. Perhaps an offending emotional outburst by an alcoholic may be a covert cry for help. Given an alcoholic patient as a physiotherapist, it would help to understand that the patient may clandestinely desire assistance, yet may be ashamed in actually requesting for such help. Some people equate getting help with being incompetent and incapable of self-efficacy. Denying offers of assistance can translate into denying an alcohol problem exists. When someone manifests obvious denial as a defense mechanism, it can be a strong indicator of underlying anxiety, often due to personal problems such as alcoholism and depression. Professionalism stipulates that, as physiotherapists, we respect each patient's dignity; therefore, rather than overtly confronting the sensitive topic of alcoholism, one may be wise to simply leave the patient with educational materials on how to attain assistance in dealing with the addiction. October 16 some rules to live by...Although written up just recently for PTs, this list seems good enough to apply to other aspects of life in general. Enjoy!
Code of Conduct - Class of 2009 1. Maturity and Respect We recognize that maturity encompasses organization, confidentiality, preparedness, confidence, and respect. Through conducting ourselves in a mature fashion now and in our future career path, we are demonstrating a respect for ourselves, for our patients and their families, and other health care professionals. Respect for others dictates that we will not judge others based on their ethnicity, religion, culture, or sexual orientation. 2. Confidentiality We shall maintain confidentiality of all private matters pertaining to our patients and their families, classmates and/or colleagues. 3. Team Player We acknowledge that a good health care team necessitates good team players. Effective collaboration includes interactions with our patients, teachers, physiotherapy colleagues, as well as other health care professionals. 4. Passion We acknowledge that to be effective physical therapists we must have the ability to motivate ourselves and others. This will require a certain degree of passion, or enthusiasm. 5. Empathy We shall conduct ourselves with empathy and compassion in all of our encounters with patients/clients and their families, our colleagues and our fellow classmates. 6. Personable We feel that an effective physical therapist is one who is personable. This characteristic is defined by active listening and good communication skills. 7. Knowledge We believe that life-long learning is important to the safety and efficacy of our interventions. Evidence-based practice founded on scientific rigor will serve to advance our profession, as well as protect the public. 8. Wholistic Approach We are committed to a client-centred approach of physical therapy, one which balances the spiritual, mental, and physical well-being of an individual. 9. Professional Image We acknowledge that our professional image may be recognized as a measure of our respect for ourselves, our patients and their families, our colleagues and our profession. 10. Integrity We are committed to conducting ourselves with honesty and integrity, as student physical therapists as well as future practitioners. We believe that open, equal and honest communication is the foundation of effective and trusting relationships. October 09 they don't call it thanksgiving for nothing...Check out the stash of junk food I got from thanksgiving. If one of my physio profs were to see this...
oh man...
 Good thing I got a Y membership today... October 05 it's only 26.2 miles!Today in class, my professor commented on how she hates it when people say that they're going to run the June full marathon and start training in April.
BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Training?
Stranger things have happened... |
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