REHAB SERVICES Q: A: What is occupational therapy (OT)? I'm retired, so I don't need that! Taylor Lavoi, OTR/L, CBIS The term "occupational" may have misled you. The general purpose of OT is not to get you working in a job again, but to assist those who have had an "incident" (injury or illness) to resume everyday activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, driving, dancing, reading, writing, and even playing music! Whatever makes you "you" is what an occupational therapist (OT) helps you do again. In the process of understanding who someone is, OTs look at the mind, body, and spirit interconnectedness. Everybody's mind operates differently due to various factors in our upbringing, socioeconomic status, genetics, and medical/psychiatric conditions, plus personal experiences that have shaped our perspectives. Such differences in how our minds operate may change how we use our bodies after an incident. Some may experience reduced coordination when feeling overwhelmed, whereas others work with more precision when under stress. OTs enhance mind/body awareness for improved overall safety and independence that you need to live the life you want, while managing your health. Many aspects of life are skills you've learned, and OTs bring together all aspects of learning for general well-being to keep a person ticking. "Occupation" may now have a new meaning for you! For further information, see an occupational therapist at Sanford Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, at the corner of Pine Ridge Ave. and Anne Street, Bemidji. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services D"| 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD TM Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: A: What is occupational therapy (OT)? I'm retired, so I don't need that! Taylor Lavoi, OTR/L, CBIS The term "occupational" may have misled you. The general purpose of OT is not to get you working in a job again, but to assist those who have had an "incident" (injury or illness) to resume everyday activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, driving, dancing, reading, writing, and even playing music! Whatever makes you "you" is what an occupational therapist (OT) helps you do again. In the process of understanding who someone is, OTs look at the mind, body, and spirit interconnectedness. Everybody's mind operates differently due to various factors in our upbringing, socioeconomic status, genetics, and medical/psychiatric conditions, plus personal experiences that have shaped our perspectives. Such differences in how our minds operate may change how we use our bodies after an incident. Some may experience reduced coordination when feeling overwhelmed, whereas others work with more precision when under stress. OTs enhance mind/body awareness for improved overall safety and independence that you need to live the life you want, while managing your health. Many aspects of life are skills you've learned, and OTs bring together all aspects of learning for general well-being to keep a person ticking. "Occupation" may now have a new meaning for you! For further information, see an occupational therapist at Sanford Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center, at the corner of Pine Ridge Ave. and Anne Street, Bemidji. Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services D"| 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org SANFORD TM Bemidji