Christmas Gifts

It is that time of year again where we start searching for the perfect Christmas gift for our loved ones. Our therapists have put together lists of gifts that they recommend for children that will help them to grow through play. Most of these gifts you can find at area stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.

OT Fine Motor Gifts

• Coloring Books and Crafts
• Cootie Game
• Hi-Ho Cherrio
• Lacing Cards
• Mancala
• Pick-Up Sticks

Speech Gifts

• Barnyard Bingo
• Candyland - The shapes, colors and matching all provide talking points for your child to interact with.
• Guess Who?
• HeadBandz
• Rory's Story Cubes - www.storycubes.com
• Uno Moo
• Zingo

PT Gross Motor Gifts

• Animal Scramble
• Balance Board
• Hopscotch - mats or draw outside
• Hula Hoop
• Jump Rope
• Twister

These are just a few ideas on what you could get your child for Christmas. For an extended list visit our Fargo office where you can pick up a sheet or two and take them home with you. We also have lists that are broken into age groups as well. If you have any questions on gift ideas or would like an electronic list, our therapists will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!

Traditions

The holidays bring along with them the time of year where families come together and participate in traditions. These traditions help to define the memories that a child has throughout the years. From a meal that is prepared for the holidays to an activity that we participate in, when it comes to the holidays, these traditions are important. Especially to a child with special needs that struggles with change.

There are different traditions that you can put into place to help your child feel at ease during the holiday season. Here are some things that you can try to help your child recognize each holiday as they come and go every year.

• Give your child a section of your Christmas tree to decorate or ask them which ornaments are their favorites and place those on the front of the tree so your child can enjoy them.

• Find alternative decorations that your child can use to decorate their room or a space in your house. One option for alternative decorations is the holiday themed ones that are intended for bulletin boards. These can be attached to a wall and your child might have fun designing and decorating their own space.

• Include your child in the planning of events that are going to happen. By explaining what will happen will help them to understand what is going on at the event and will help keep them from being overwhelmed.

• Create a “safe space” room for your child with special needs where nothing in the room has changed. Explain to your child that if they need to get away for a break they can go to the room for one.

• Have a holiday calendar. The calendar outlines the events for the holidays and you and your child can decorate the calendar. By having the calendar handy, your child will have a better understanding of what will be different from their normal routine throughout the holidays.

By implementing traditions into your holiday routine that will help your child be at ease throughout everything going on, not only will they become great memories for you and your family, but they will help the entire holiday season go smoothly.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Pediatric Therapy Partners!

Sheknows.com
FriendshipCircle.org
Care.com
Psychcentral.com

Bismarck Office Coming Soon

As residents of the Fargo-Moorhead area have seen, our Fargo facility is currently undergoing a major expansion.  This project should be completed in late fall and will better allow us to serve clients with expanded treatment areas.  Our sister company, Early Intervention Partners, will be moved on site as well. 

Along with the changes in Fargo, we are also excited to announce that we will be opening a facility in Bismarck in August, 2013.  Pediatric Therapy Partners will be located at 4501 Coleman Street North - Suite #103 Bismarck, North Dakota 58503.  The telephone number for this location is 701-751-6336. Our facility will provide Occupational, Physical, and Speech-Language Therapy for the pediatric population.  Services will be provided in our facility, home environments and daycares.  Therapy offered outside of a clinical setting is something that will be new to the Bismarck-Mandan area and we hope this will make therapy decisions much easier for families. 

Pediatric Therapy Partners has over 30 therapists in physical, occupational and speech therapy who work with infants and children through adolescents. We provide therapy services both in the home and in our pediatric therapy clinic located in south Fargo. Our therapists have experience in numerous areas of pediatric care, including inpatient/outpatient care, PICU, NICU, Early Intervention, and school settings.  Our therapists believe in providing services in the child’s most natural environment whenever possible.

Pediatric Therapy Partners was founded in 2005 to fill a need in the community for quality, coordinated, home-based therapy services for special needs children in the Fargo-Moorhead area. While keeping an emphasis on high quality care, Pediatric Therapy Partners has grown to become the largest provider of pediatric therapy services in the region. As well as providing outpatient therapy services, other programming is available to meet more specific needs that your child may have.

With these expansions, Pediatric Therapy Partners continues to reach further to help your child laugh, love, and live life to its fullest!

Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month

Join others this July in spreading the word about National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month.

 Children born with cleft lip, cleft palate or craniofacial disorders encounter health conditions that affect both structure and function of a their head and face (CDC). Each year, numerous infants are born with a cleft lip.  Many are born with a cleft palate as well. 

 According to the Cleft Palate Foundation, a cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of a lip, whereas a cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which two sides did not fuse during development. These congenital defects occur very early in pregnancy, often due to genetics and environmental factors.

Treatments vary depending on the severity of the defect. Frequently, a team of medical, surgical, dental and other health professionals work to ensure all developmental and medical needs are met. Additional support services such as speech therapy may be beneficial.  Speech therapists at Pediatric Therapy Partners, for example, may practice oral-motor skills, feeding, language skills, and other rehabilitation services that can help support a child’s plan for short-term or long-term goals.  

 Janette Venaas-Gilbraith, Speech Coordinator and owner at Pediatric Therapy Partners, explains how therapy can improve skills throughout a child’s life.

 “It is essential for children with repaired clefts to initiate direct speech and language services to increase the child's sensation where the clefts have been repaired to increase blood flow, feeling, and movement. The earlier the child initiates therapy for the repaired cleft areas and for craniofacial anomalies the better the outcomes for the child has to improve his speech, language, and feeding skills,” Janette said.

The Speech-Language staff at Pediatric Therapy Partners has been trained in specific strategies to better the child's outcomes with clefts and craniofacial anomalies.  If you have concerns about your child, please call or visit our website at www.pediatrictherapypartners.com for more information.

RESOURCES:

http://www.acpa-cpf.org/

http://www.nccapm.org

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/features/craniofacialdefects.html

 

 

 

Aquatic Therapy

Hoping to take the family to the lake or pool this summer?  Water can be a great medium for therapy.

Aquatic or Pool Therapy can be a great alternative for children to perform activities that they may not be able to on land.  When the correct combination of land and water therapy is used, it can be incorporated into all therapy disciplines, including Occupational, Physical, and Speech-Language Therapy.  We are proud to offer an Aquatic Therapy Program here at PTP, led by Shannon Buckmier, PT.  According to Shannon, the potential benefits of aquatic therapy are many.

“Aquatic Therapy provides great sensory input as the water provides gentle movement and pressure.  It can provide a great supplement to traditional “land based” therapies.” Shannon also states that “children can gain strength and range of motion as children may be able to move in the pool in ways they could not on land.”  

The pool is a great place to work on language skills, social skills, behavior issues, play skills and cognitive skills.  Working in the water helps to improve endurance and respiratory function.  Plus it is just plain fun!

Children that have gross motor delays, Autism Spectrum Disorders, sensory processing disorders, Down Syndrome, Celebral Palsy, and any other phsyical, sensory, or developmental delays are great candidates for Aquatic Therapy.  Aquatic Therapy also provides a great environment for post-surgical rehabilitation as it can help increase range of motion and decrease pain associated with movement after surgical events.

If you feel Aquatic Therapy is right for your child, or if you have more questions, please visit our website or call today to set up an evaluation.  

RESOURCES:
http://angelfishtherapy.com/aquatic-therapy 
http://www.aquatictherapyinfo.com/
http://www.aquaticnet.com/index.htm
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org

National Safety Month

It may not feel like it but summer is here!

June is a great month to enjoy the outdoors and is a good time to encourage safe behaviors during National Safety Month.  Whether planning a vacation or playing in the front yard, it is important to stay safe. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) provides some valuable safety measures families can take to prevent injuries. 

If siblings or neighborhood kids are running around the house or in the yard, help prevent tripping or falling by moving obstacles or securing rugs. In the home, find storage for the hazardous materials and locate all danger zones to avoid poisoning, burns, and choking. Help encourage your family, friends and neighbors to get involved by setting examples in their own home.

Going for a dip in the swimming pool or spending a day at the lake? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some tips on how to keep your family safe near water. To prevent sunburn, have lightweight pants & shirts as well as hats within reach to provide shade. Sunscreen should be applied throughout the day if exposed to the sun for long periods of time and reapplied if swimming. Avoid overexposure to the sun during the peak hours, approximately 10am-4pm.

Whether it’s swimming at a pool or in open water, always have an adult nearby.  Inform your family of water safety, including knowing where to find rescue equipment and practicing the buddy system. Taking the family boating? Test life jackets for the proper fit, based on the child’s weight.

Jumping on the trampoline? Although this can be a fun activity for the neighborhood, the AAP states that there is a great risk of head and neck injuries, sprains or strains, fractures, scrapes and bruises. To help ensure safety, designate an adult to supervise at all times. Check equipment often and repair or replace as needed.

If your child is exercising or spending long hours outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps and know where to seek medical attention. These symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering.

With these resources in mind, you can keep your kids safe while still enjoying the summer.

 

 

RESOURCES:

http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Pages/HomeandRecreationalSafety.aspx
http://www.healthychildren.org

Mental Health

There are many things we try to do to lead long, healthy lives but often times addressing mental health wellness is not one of them.

The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Month to help raise awareness of mental health issues and continue to help individuals live healthy lifestyles. Although it can be more difficult to recognize signs of poor mental health, it is just as significant and important as physical health. 

According to the American Psychological Association, biology, genetics, and other factors can lead to different levels of risk for developing a mental health disorder. Poor mental health can often times become a hindrance in a child’s development. For example, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and stress can become roadblocks in daily activities and make it very difficult to learn new skills and participate in age appropriate activities.

Signs of poor mental health can include behavior issues at school or home; change in appetite; difference in sleep pattern; withdrawal; signs of sadness or self-destructive behavior.  If your child is showing any of these signs, there are options that you can take including talking about it with health care professionals. 

At Pediatric Therapy Partners, we have a team of Occupational Therapists that can help treat such concerns.  In addition to the typical mental health training that Occupational Therapists receive, our staff has additional training and certifications that help us better serve children with mental health concerns.

If you have any concerns regarding the mental health of your child please call or visit our website to schedule a free screening.  Don’t wait and see.  Find out and know.

RESOURCES:

http://www.apa.org/pi/families/children-mental-health.aspx  

http://www.kidsmentalhealth.org/behavioral-therapy-for-children-with-emotional-disorders/

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

Help us celebrate with the Speech-Language Pathologists at PTP during Better Hearing and Speech Month!

Pediatric Therapy Partners’ Speech-Language Pathologists enjoy working with children and their families to help improve their child’s skills in the areas of communication, feeding, articulation, social, cognitive, and voice that are needed for a child to participate in everyday activities.

Speech-Language Pathologists help children with both verbal and non-verbal means of communication, both receptively (what they hear) and expressively (what they say). They also teach others language skills which include what words mean, how to make new words, and how to put words together to put into sentences. They show how speech sounds are made and demonstrate the use of voice and breathe to produce different sounds. The therapists provide interventions for phonological disorders, oral motor skills, swallowing and feeding disorders, clarity of speech, fluency, hearing and language disorders, cognitive and voice deficits, auditory processing disorders, reading delays, and autism spectrum disorders.

At Pediatric Therapy Partners there are several speech-language therapists who have received certification and extensive training in the Fast ForWord Programs, Beckman Massage, Talk Tools Oral Motor Program, Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) Approach to feeding, intervention and strategies for children with autism and/or on the spectrum and cochlear implants.   To better the services at Pediatric Therapy Partners, the Speech–Language Pathologists have developed “Teams” to provide education and support to their colleagues and families that they serve.  Such teams include: Hearing Impaired, Autism/Children on the Spectrum, Feeding, and Assistive Technology.  

Speech therapists use a variety of treatment techniques to achieve predetermined goals and outcomes.  Speech-Language Pathologist, Tiffany Voigt, shares with us that the best activities for speech are games and tasks that children do every day.  She explained how they can work on direction following, making requests, labeling objects/toys, and answering questions during daily routines. 

“Now that it is warming up outside, you can have kids sequence what they need to do before going outside and what they are going to do when they get outside or on the playground,” she said.

Thank your Speech-Language therapists today for playing such an important part in helping children communicate every day!

Pediatric Therapy Partners offers a free screening that reviews overall developmental as well as specific concerns including speech and hearing. If you have concerns about your child, please call or visit our website at www.pediatrictherapypartners.com for more information.

 

RESOURCES:

http://www.asha.org/bhsm/

http://www.speakingofspeech.com/

April is OT Month

Help us celebrate OT Month!

April Honors Occupational Therapists.  Here at Pediatric Therapy Partners, we have an amazing group of OTs that work to improve a child's physical development, social and emotional development, cognition, and sensory processing skills to assist the child to maximize their functional potential in all areas of daily living.

Our therapist have certifications or extensive training in many different areas including Sequential Oral Sensory Approach to feeding (SOS Program); Torticollis; Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT); Handwriting Without Tears; Beckman Massage for oral motor deficits and feeding issues; and assistive technology/adaptive equipment.

Are meal times frustrating? OTs can introduce feeding therapy to help identify specific concerns and improve feeding skills.

Is your child oversensitive to sound or often bumping into objects or other people? Do they have a hard time “keeping still”?  Sensory Integration therapy can address these areas and concerns and at PTP we have one of the regions only SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Test) certified therapists.  Therapeutic Listening is another treatment tool we can use to address concerns in these areas.

If your child is struggling with day-to-day interactions and overall social skills, Social Group can be a great way to address some of these issues. Turn taking, self-awareness, communication, safety, following directions, boundaries, and expressions of wants and needs are some the things we address in this group.

The OTs at PTP play a vital role in the treatment of many different conditions and do so in many different ways.  If you would like more information on occupational therapy, please visit our website at www.pediatrictherapypartners.com.

RESOURCES:

http://www.aota.org/otmonth

http://www.pediatrictherapypartners.com/

Autism Awareness Month

A time to celebrate, a time to educate, and a time to make a difference: April is Autism Awareness Month. Help raise awareness by sharing knowledge and showing support.  

About 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Caused by an abnormality in the brain, this term helped describe the withdrawal behavior in young children. Autism derives from the Greek word “autos”, or self.

Some signs to look for, according to the Autism Society, include lack of or delay in speech, repetitive language or actions, little or no eye contact, lack of interest or distance in relationships, lack of spontaneity, and fixation on objects.

Recognizing these signs can open doors for early intervention services, where children can be diagnosed at an early age. Doctors, therapists, teachers and other professionals can team together to help the child learn to communicate better and reach new milestones.

Pediatric Therapy Partners is thrilled to have an Autism Team with therapists who have received their Autism Certification. After course work, case studies, and required projects, this certification allows the therapists to share their knowledge with families and better treat their patients by having a greater understanding of the diagnosis.

All of our therapists at PTP work with children with autism spectrum disorders in some way. With new treatment strategies, compassion, and access to community resources, therapists at PTP can help educate the public while serving children on the autism spectrum.

***

On a local level, there are several opportunities to learn more and raise awareness about autism spectrum disorders.
FM Autism Support Group meets every 2^nd Friday of the month September-May from 7:00-9:00pm at Pediatric Therapy Partners. It is a parent-led and parent-directed forum to share and exchange ideas, barriers and triumphs! Childcare is provided. Check out the Facebook page for more information on the FM Autism Support Group. 

“3^rd Annual Faces of Autism” takes place April 15-25, sponsored by the FM Autism Support Group. This event is an exhibit in the West Acres Mall Herberger’s Wing that is designed to increase awareness and showcase our wonderful community members with an autism spectrum disorder.  It is open to anyone who would like to share a picture of their loved one.  You are responsible for putting up and taking down your photo.  Come check it out, as it is always a moving exhibit.

Pediatric Therapy Partners has recognized a need for ongoing autism communication and education and has developed a free, three-part seminar offered by the PTP Autism Team to educate parents and the community.

All sessions will be held from 6:30-8:00pm at the Ramada Plaza & Suites, 1635 42^nd St. S, Fargo, ND.

Part 1: Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Does It Mean for Your Child? Explaining the Diagnosis: Thursday, April 11, 2013.

Part 2: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Treatments and Resources to Help Your Child Succeed: Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Part 3: Autism Spectrum Disorders: Tips and Ideas That Work for Home and Community Life: Thursday, June 13, 2013.

Space is limited to the first 100 people for each of the three parts. Please call (701) 232-2340 or email info@pediatrictherapypartners.com today to RSVP!

If you have concerns about your child, please call or visit our website at www.pediatrictherapypartners.com

 

RESOURCES:

http://www.autism-society.org/

http://www.autismspeaks.org

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/history-of-autism

March for Babies

There’s a renewed sense of hope to so many newborns. Together, communities walk to raise awareness about nurturing healthy babies through the March of Dimes March for Babies. This is a special year, marking 75 years of family and friends gathering across borders.

Each walk raises awareness for babies born too soon each year.  The March of Dimes North Dakota Chapter funds local programs that help lead moms to healthy pregnancies:

• “39 Week Toolkit” helps hospitals increase education and improve policies.
• “Coming of the Blessing” provides prenatal education, training and resources to help encourage women during pregnancy.
• “Healthy Babies Healthy Business” links employees to health information directly from the employer.
• “NICU Family Support Program” offers direct support to families when their baby is admitted to the NICU at Essentia Health in Fargo.

In the effort to help support babies on a local level, Pediatric Therapy Partners has created a team to participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies in Fargo. Jodi (PT) and Tiffany (SLP) will lead the team on the morning of April 13, 2013 at the Scheels Arena.  This year’s team has a goal of raising at least $1,000 for the March of Dimes. Every dollar goes towards increasing research and programs that help babies have healthy lives. To view the March for Babies PTP team online, click on “Join a Team”, type in Pediatric Therapy Partners, and click on our team name. You can sign up and help us reach our goal!

If you want to find a walk in your community, create your own team, or provide funds towards research and local chapters, visit http://www.marchforbabies.org/.

RESOURCES:

March of Dimes: http://www.marchforbabies.org/why.aspx

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Did you know March 25^th is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day? Let’s take this time as an opportunity to raise awareness about a motor disability that affects so many.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 1 in 303 children in the U.S. have cerebral palsy, a loss or impairment of motor function.  Cerebral palsy may also occur during early infancy as a result of abnormalities or injury of the brain, infections during pregnancy and premature birth.  Often, the brain damage occurred before, during or immediately after birth.

                                                                                                        

Cerebral palsy can be diagnosed at an early age. Some challenges may lie ahead, including ability to move, maintaining balance, or reaching milestones in motor and growth.  Focusing on early intervention is the key.  Recognizing early signs and seeking services will help both families and providers develop treatment plans that may improve development.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, along with adaptive equipment, are common routes for children with cerebral palsy.  Therapists at PTP utilize a variety of strategies in treating cerebral palsy. Some of the most common therapy options include aquatic therapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy, behavioral or recreation therapy, conductive education, sensory integration, hippotherapy, social therapy, massage therapy, nutritional/dietary therapy, vocational counseling, and play therapy.

Laura shared her long journey at PTP, as her daughter, Catlyn, age 7, has been seen at PTP since she was a baby.  One highlight was when her PT and OT suggested an adaptive bike, seeing how far she’s come and how much she loves riding it in the summer or with friends.

Laura appreciates having all three services within reach and how they cross over to work towards many of the same goals.

“It has been absolutely wonderful to have everything, OT, PT, and Speech therapists from the same organization, talking to each other to figure out a joint game plan. It still goes on today where they work together in building a formula for Catlyn,” Laura explained.

Laura is also grateful that PTP offers services in the home.

“To be able to have therapists work around our schedule for home visits is amazing,” she said, stressing that taking take time off multiple times a week for office visits would be difficult.

The therapists are there from the time Catlyn gets ready for school to the time she comes home from daycare. Right now, Catlyn is working on strength and stamina so she can ditch the wheelchair and walk in a walker.

Used within a coordinated, complete treatment plan, therapy can play a vital role in reaching developmental milestones.  Because there is no cure, the goal of treatment is to help the individual gain independence. Organizations and advocates continue to work together to raise awareness and to advance research efforts. Therapy combined with a team of professionals and additional resources can help provide the best possible quality-of-life.

If you have concerns for your child and want to reach out to a therapist at PTP, please call or visit our website.

RESOURCES:

MyChild at CerebralPalsy.org: http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CerebralPalsyStory/

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/cerebral_palsy.html

Children's Dental Health Month

In February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month.  Throughout this month, the ADA emphasizes the importance of developing good habits at an early age.  The organization aims to promote and spread the awareness of the benefits in maintaining good oral health.

Good habits can include scheduling regular visits, forming good brushing routines, and getting a good start at an early age on striving for healthy teeth and gums.  The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) remind us that a nutritional regimen, like adding calcium to a diet, is also an essential part of healthy teeth and bones.  Healthy Children recommends that parents also work with their pediatrician to establish good oral health, as a healthy mouth is an important piece of a child’s wellness.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, as stated by the CDC.  Untreated, the pain and infections from tooth decay may later lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing and learning. 

Therapists at PTP can help a children improve these skills that may have been comprised from tooth decay. Therapy not only accelerates development, but it can also compliment or create healthy habits. Occupational therapists work to improve a child’s physical development, social and emotional development, cognition, and fine motor skills.  They assist the child in all undertakings of daily living.  Occupational therapists can help the child with brushing and oral care routines.  Therapists then work with the families to help carry out these habits at home so the child progresses towards completing the task on their own.

Alyssa, an occupational therapist at PTP, explains, “Occupational therapy can work on decreasing oral defensiveness to help kids tolerate the toothbrush and toothpaste in their mouths to increase their self-care skills and independence.”

Each year, health care providers and other professionals continually work together to promote the importance of good oral health to children and families.

RESOURCES:

American Dental Association (ADA): http://www.ada.org/5578.aspx

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/topics/child.htm

Healthy Children: http://www.healthychildren.org/english/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/default.aspx

NICHD: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/resources/spotlight/Pages/022213-dental-health-month.aspx

American Heart Month

Do you have hearts on the mind as Valentine’s Day approaches?

What about your own heart?

If you ever wonder why the doctor’s office inquires our family history, it’s important to ask those questions like what health conditions and diseases we may find within our family tree.  During American Heart Month, let’s take a closer look at our hearts.

According to the American Heart Association, having a blood relative with health conditions like heart disease can increase our own risk; however, making lifestyle choices can help decrease chances of having some health conditions. As a family, you can take preventative measures to ensure health habits become a lifelong goal.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.  Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels are good measures to take in preventing heart disease, whether it’s at a doctor’s office or at home.

The CDC also helps remind us to not become overwhelmed while taking steps towards health; don’t go the journey alone when changing our habits, don’t get discouraged, and reward ourselves.

Kids Health has great tips on how to “keep your heart happy.” Healthy habits such as being active every day can be as simple as jumping rope, dancing, or playing a game with friends. We have to remember that our heart is just as vital as any other muscle in our body.  A good diet includes paying attention to both healthy and unhealthy foods. Eating a variety of healthy foods, like the appropriate servings of fruits and vegetables, are just as important as avoiding unhealthy items like foods high in fats or sodium or drinks high in sugar. Learn to compare labels on processed foods and don’t be afraid to explore the produce aisle.

Another aspect of heart health is established at birth. About 40,000 infants are born with heart defects each year.  The CDC states that congenital heart defects are present at birth and affect how a baby’s heart is made and how it works.  Although the cause of most is unknown, actions during pregnancy may reduce the risk of having a baby with heart defects.

To help a child reach full function and highest level of independence, therapist at Pediatric Therapy Partners will help improve motor skills, muscular strength, and overall endurance following heart procedures.  Therapy can assist in healing and increase performance during play and activities of daily living.

If preventative tips and behaviors are learned at a young age, families can help their kids continue to take steps throughout childhood towards a heart healthy lifestyle.

RESOURCES:

American Heart Association: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/heart.html#

Feeding Therapy

Does your child have difficult eating solid foods or drinking from a cup? Are meal times frustrating?

If your child has difficulty with transitions during feeding, there is a way to help your child interact with food in a more playful but effective way.

Feeding therapy is designed to help children improve their acceptance of new or undesired foods and improve their sensory and oral motor feeding skills. Occupational and Speech Therapists can evaluate a child’s feeding skills and implement a plan that is both fun and functional for the child and their families.

There are also specific methods used to treat feeding therapy. Sequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach is a developmental feeding therapy that helps the child explore the color, shape, texture, smell, taste and consistency of different foods (Courage Center).

Oral-motor therapy could include addressing weak musculature in and around your child’s mouth. It could also involve behavioral feeding with no oral-motor, or a combination of the two (Isa Marrs Speech Language Pathology).

Therapists at Pediatric Therapy Partners can provide information about when to be concerned with feeding skills and identify red flags. The PTP Feeding Team recognized that there are a variety of sensory, oral motor and behavior factors that impact a child’s ability to meet their nutritional needs.  The team will present a seminar that will provide information about when to be concerned with feeding skills and identify red flags.

The Feeding Team describes the seminar as an opportunity to provide developmental information for oral motor skills and when textures or foods are age-appropriate for all children. 

“It will provide food play ideas and how to encourage children to try and eat new foods,” explained the team.

Each course is designed to identify feeding disorders and how to improve children’s eating skills. The first course explains the definition, red flags, 10 common myths about feeding, normal oral motor and feeding development, and causes of feeding disorders. The team will also explain feeding techniques to assist children in increasing volume and variety of foods.

The second course will be a review of what feeding disorders are and will focus on how to present new foods along with preferred foods to increase attempts at eating.  The tea will also provide a hands-on creative play and interactive course with varieties of food to encourage children with feeding deficits to explore, play and eat new foods.

Feeding Disorders are often confused with children being labeled as “picky eaters.”

The Pediatric Therapy Partners Feeding Team recognizes

that there are a variety of sensory, oral motor, and behavior factors that impact a child’s ability to meet their nutritional needs. This seminar is split into two nights and will help identify feeding difficulties and supply strategies to help children improve their eating skills.

Attendance to both seminars is required to receive CEU credit.

Both sessions will be held from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

at Pediatric Therapy Partners, 3060 Frontier Way S., Fargo, ND.

PART 1: Feeding Disorders 1: Identifying Red Flags and Understanding Feeding Disorders in Children: Thursday, January 31, 2013

PART 2: Feeding Disorders 2: Hands-On and Interactive Feeding Strategies for Home and the Community: Thursday, February 28, 2013

Please call or email today to RSVP as spots are limited at 701-232-2340 or info@pediatrictherapypartners.com

RESOURCES:

Toomey, Kay PhD (2002). Picky Eaters vs. Problem Feeders: The SOS Approach to Feeding: Education Resources, Inc.

Rosenfeld-Johnson, Sara. (2001). Oral-Motor Exercises for Speech Clarity: Talk Tools, USA.

Rosenfeld-Johnson, Sara. (2000). Assessment and Treatment of the Jaw: Putting it all together: Sensory, Feeding and Speech. Talk Tools, USA.

Zimmerman, Ben. (2001). Pediatric Feeding Seminar: A Behavioral Approach (Intermediate). Los Altos Feeding Clinic, Los Altos, CA.

http://www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/sos-feeding.aspx

http://www.speechlanguagefeeding.com/feeding-therapy-westchester/

PTP Feeding Team:

·        Tiffany Voigt, SLP

·        Rachel Olson, SLP

·        Sharon Drewlo, OT