Occupational Therapy Month Medical Supply Represented Spotlights Recommended Read The “Long Arm” Educational Opportunities
oc·cu·pa·tion·al ther·a·py (noun)
a form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.
Occupational therapy has been a misunderstood profession for years upon years we explain it over and over again, but words expressed could never do this profession justice
“It’s like physical therapy, but different ”
Yes: OTs work with children on their handwriting. Yes: OTs help improve function for daily tasks. Yes: OTs help build skills to return to work
Occupational therapists are also the ones with their patients in the trenches, addressing some of life’s most intimate daily skills, mental health, and so much more
OTs work with individuals across the lifespan: from birth to end of life care. They work in school systems, hospitals, ergonomics, academia...they may be specialized in driving rehabilitation, swallowing, aquatics, or assistive technology
This author is a proud representative of the Occupational Therapy profession; I encourage you (especially this month) to express extra appreciation for the OTs in your neighborhood rehab spaces
Alice Wong is a disability rights activist and founder of the Disability Visibility Project (DVP) This book is a compellation of first-person stories from individuals with varying disabilities, both visible and invisible. Each author vulnerably shares their unique experience through their words in order to provide insight to readers on their true and lived experiences
*Please note: this book contains detailed stories that may be bothersome for some readers Content notes surrounding each story are provided to prepare readers for potential triggers.
MSAMSpotlight: MattBobak
InterviewwithMatt:
Question: You achieved fast success as a new MSAM, ultimately earning the esteemed Rookie of the Year award To what do you contribute your success?
Answer: I believe my initial success started with leadership and guidance from Leif, and ultimately my experience with patient care (as a COTA) Every person I took care of was getting my best customer service, but also building a relationship with them and their families taught me how to become a professional
Q: What is something about Funcle Bobak that the MSAM team would be surprised to learn?
A: I’m actually a very emotional guy who cries easily.
Q: What was your very first job?
A: When I was 14, I was a runner to keep supplies full for women making pizza and subs for sporting events; 1000 subs and 1000 pizzas, Saturday mornings, 4:30 AM start time!
Q: If you could have dinner with ANY 3 people (dead, alive, alien, etc ), who would they be?
A: Matthew McConaughey, Will Ferrell, and Donald Trump
Q: If you had 24 hours to do anything and everything you wanted (money is no object!), where would you go and what would you do?
A: I would go skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding with my wife and kids in Switzerland or Austria
Q: Favorite quote:
A: "You need people like me so you can point your finger and say ‘that's the bad guy’" ~Tony Montana
Q: Favorite movie:
A: Old School
Q: Favorite pizza topping:
A: Banana peppers
Q: Favorite ice cream flavor:
A: Cookies and cream
Q: Favorite travel location:
A: Rosemary Beach, FL
Q: Guilty pleasure:
A: Gambling on anything
Numotion Medical Supply recently had a presence at the LA Abilities Expo and the International Seating Symposium
Jessica Torres and new team member, Erica Thompson proudly represented Med Supply as they partnered with CRT and exhibited our division of Numotion to customers, both current and potential!
When asked about the experience, Erica stated, “It was amazing to see customers approach the Numotion booth sharing how much they love their chairs and recognizing our brand It was also a great chance to network and educate the community about Numotion’s medical supply side!”
Jessica said, “I really enjoy attending the Abilities Expo; it’s always an impactful learning experience. I had meaningful conversations with attendees who asked insightful questions about Numotion, and who shared details about their day-to-day life, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the work we do I got to spend time with our CRT team, who I genuinely enjoy working with- its always fun and inspiring when we come together It reminded me how important it is to stay curious, listen, and keep building those real connections as we continue to bring important solutions to people’s lives.”
Medical Supply also “drove the continuum of care” at ISS in Pittsburgh Medical Supply Educator, Leah Holderbaum had her bladder management bag of tricks (also known as adaptive equipment), and orange shoes to match! It was a great opportunity to meet with the other Numotion adjacencies and strategize how to grow our business through educational opportunities!
Highlight:Newest
Michelle Fritz
MSAMs
Louis Alhage
The“LongArm”
It’s not a secret that this author has an adoration for Benjamin Franklin, and I was recently gifted a vintage copy of “Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia” In scouring this thoughtfully gifted book for information regarding his flexible catheter, I learned he also invented something called the “Long Arm”
Benny Frank was an avid lover of books; however, he wished there was a simpler way to reach his books on higher shelves He fabricated his “Long Arm” invention from a wooden pole, developed a grasping claw for retrieval, and attached the claw on the end
Why am I sharing this with you, you may wonder...?!?
Being OT Month, this fun fact will make any Occupational Therapist smile; Franklin’s “Long Arm” is what we commonly refer to as a “reacher” or “grabber” and every OT across the world knows, loves, and utilizes this tool on a regular therapeutic basis!
Share this with your OT friends, especially the month of April!
