Ladies it is time to talk about you. This is not something to brush away. This is about you and your future. Your heart health is something to take on a serious note. Ladies, you do not have typical chest pain majority of the time when it comes to heart distress. The woman in this video is experiencing typical chest pain associated with a myocardial infarction, otherwise known as heart attack.

This video is seen to be what some people go through for a typical heart attack. They get sweaty, have some fullness in their arms, pain in their chest and jaw, as well as some indigestion. When a person has a heart attack, the arteries on the muscle spasm and cause decrease blood flow to the cells of the heart, causing cell death. After a cardiac cell has died, it will not be replaced. The quicker to go into the hospital to be treated the better(Samoraphop Banharak, Zahrli, T., & Hisako Matsuo, 2018). This next video is educational. It explains what are possible signs and symptoms of a typical heart attack.

When someone says chest pain, we think something is wrong with the heart. However, in some instances, chest pain is only felt in about 75 to 80% of the patients having a heart attack. Some have flu-like symptoms, such as physical discomfort, nausea, vomiting, fever, malaise, lethargy, weakness, and fatigue. Then there are some symptoms that are not typical like altered level of consciousness, inability to sleep, and sexual disfunction (Soares Passinho, Garcia Romero Sipolatti, Fioresi, & Caniçali Primo, 2018). This next video is about the silent heart attacks. This is what most women and diabetics tend to experience when experiencing a heart attack.

Because of the silent heart attacks that women experience, they do not seek help afterwards because they were unaware the event was related to their heart. Women are also less likely to care for themselves if they have a family. They have a partner to take care of, be it husband or boyfriend, wife or girlfriend, their children. They also care for the household chores, make dinner at night, ensure their children are bathed daily. Women do not feel they have enough time for themselves (Gyberg, Björck, Nielsen, Määttä, & Falk, 2016).

NEWS FLASH WOMEN–you need to take care of yourself and your heart health so you can take care of your family and your house.

Thank you.

References

Gyberg, A., Björck, L., Nielsen, S., Määttä, S., & Falk, K. (2016). Women’s help-seeking behaviour during a first acute myocardial infarction. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 30(4), 670–677.

Samoraphop Banharak, Zahrli, T., & Hisako Matsuo. (2018). Public knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and first decision-making in response to symptoms of heart attack among lay people. Pacific Rim International Journal of Nursing Research, 22(1), 18–29.

Soares Passinho, R., Garcia Romero Sipolatti, W., Fioresi, M., & Caniçali Primo, C. (2018). Signs, symptoms and complications of acute myocardial infarction. Journal of Nursing UFPE / Revista de Enfermagem UFPE, 12(1), 247–264.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. (Autism Speaks, 2018)

What is Sensory Integration?
organizing, and interpreting sensations to optimize occupational
performance and participation (AOTA,2015)
<a
Senses:
1.Vestibular-providing us with information about the position of our heads and bodies in space- spatial awareness
2.Proproceptive- Provides a sense of what our bodies are doing and where our body parts are in relation to the environment.
3.Tectile- Touch
4.Auditory- Sound
5.Visual- Sight
6.Gustatory- Taste
7.Olfactory- Smell

How do I know if my child with ASD has difficulty processing his/her sensory input? See the link below !

Sensory-Processing-Disorder-Checklist

The media clip below was based out of a school in Hanover Elementary School. The school had made a clip explaining the benefits of using the sensory room to help children diagnosed with ASD focus and learn. Take a look !

According the the article Sensory-Based Approaches in Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Influences on Occupational Therapists’ Recommendations and Perceived Benefits, Occupational Therapist used an online survey addressing their work experience, training, use of sensory-based approaches, and beliefs and perceptions about the effects of the approaches. The results showed that Most respondents (98%) used sensory-based approaches for children with ASD and would recommend the approaches for 57% of the children they treat.

This clip is an information video from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The video explains providing structured sensory experiences help organize a child’s body to increase learning. Take a look!

According to the article: Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration, the results showed positive outcomes for improving individually generated goals of functioning and participation as measured by goal attainment scaling for children with autism.

The media clip below comes from the Medical Minute. This news clip talked about a child diagnosed with ASD using sensory integration therapy during Occupational Therapy to improve independence. The OT explained the child’s difficulty with processing sensory information. The OT explains strategies provided in the treatments. Mom reports since participating in these treatments, her child is functioning much better in his environment. Take a look !

According the the article: A Retrospective Pre-Post Treatment Study of Occupational therapy Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Challenges, the results showed Improvements in adaptive behavior, problem behaviors, sensory-related functions, and measures of motor function.

References
Schaaf, R. C., Dumont, R. L., Arbesman, M., & May-Benson, T. A. (2018). Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(1), 1–10. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.5014/ajot.2018.028431

Schoen, S. A., & Miller, L. J. (2018). A Retrospective Pre-Post Treatment Study of Occupational Therapy Intervention for Children with Sensory Processing Challenges. Open Journal of Occupational
Therapy(OJOT), 6(1), 1–14. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.15453/2168-6408.1367

Thompson-Hodgetts, S., & Magill-Evans, J. (2018). Sensory-Based Approaches in Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Influences on Occupational Therapists’ Recommendations and Perceived Benefits. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72(3), 1–8. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.5014/ajot.2018.024729

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago . (2015, 6 9). Sensory Processing Disorder: Occupational Therapy Demonstration . Retrieved from Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUdsgQGHSR8&t=36s

Edutopia. (2017, 4 2). The Sensory Room: Helping Students With Autism Focus & Learn. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9j6rQ4rtQY&t=39s

Minute, M. (2017, 9 14). Sensory integration therapy helping children with autism. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8rBHeubDNs&t=28s

Phd, T. B. (n.d.). Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist: Signs And Symptoms Of Dysfunction. Retrieved from http://www.tbaileyphd.com/resources/Sensory-Processing-Disorder-Checklist.pdf

AOTA . (2015). Addressing Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing Disorders Across the Lifespan: The Role of Occupational Therapy. Retrieved from AOTA : https://www.aota.org/-/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/CY/Fact-Sheets/FactSheet_SensoryIntegration.ashx

The truth about Zumba you’ve been dying to find out!I am here to enlighten you on the effects that Zumba has on our mind and body. Through research and personal experience, I am eager to share with you the world of Zumba fitness.Zumba is a highly talked about exercise program that combines dancing, Latin music and exercise. Various media reports support this progressing style of exercise that has tons of benefits, however, there are a few sources that report on the risks it might have.

“When I saw Zumba for the first time, the thing that struck me the most was that everybody was smiling. Happiness seemed to be the objective of the workout, with fitness as the result.” -Zumba CEO Alberto Perlman

Here are just a handful of key benefits of Zumba:

• Weight loss, keeps you active and moving
• Burn 600-1,000 calories in 1 hour
• Tones your body, build endurance & strength
• Improves heart health
• Helps you de-stress
• Improves coordination
• Anyone can do it –
• Proven to reduce negative symptoms of anxiety and depression
• It’s fun! You can meet new friends

Personally, I have been doing Zumba for about 6 years now and I love it. The best part about it is that it doesn’t feel like you are working out. Having a gym partner is also very helpful for motivation in getting to the gym. Mine happens to be my mom! We are each others biggest supporters and we have so much fun together.

Check out this inspiring story who express how Zumba changed their lives! When doing my research, I found it hard to come across any stories or articles that did not support Zumba fitness being  valid method of weight loss and improving one’s quality of life.

Although there are many comments about how great Zumba is, ABC13 News Channel reports that Zumba is a fitness class where injuries and incidents can happen. It is important to engage in this exercise with proper shoes, attire and in a safe environment. Stretching after any workout is very important for muscle recovery. Most importantly, listen to your body!

The Zumba craze! There are a variety of speakers that state how much Zumba has changed their lives for the better.  Some members husbands have jumped on board and state that it is better than a Friday outing. Some members say they don’t want the class to end. It is very culturally diverse and for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being.

This new clip talks about Zumba after the holidays for people looking to lose weight. Members of the Zumba classes speak on behalf of the fitness style, stating that it is way better than the typical exercise machines. Zumba is a high energy party that incorporates dancing, however, that should not intimidate you. It can be completed by all different types of people at different levels of fitness. Man, woman, young or old, it is a great way to burn calories while having fun.

Comparing what I have found in the news and through thorough research, it is safe to say that Zumba is definitely a powerful fitness program that can help you lose weight, get in shape and improve your mind and body. There are injuries that can happen, which is why it is very important to wear proper shoes and read up on anything else you might have questions about. It is helpful to consult with other people who are experienced in Zumba fitness.References:

VLATCH, S. (2017). STRONG Group Ex: Kick Up the Intensity: ZUMBA’S NEW FULL-BODY HIIT FORMAT CREATES INTRIGUING POSSIBILITIES FOR STUDIOS AND INSTRUCTORS. American Fitness, 35(4), 52–55. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=hxh&AN=125748749&site=ehost-live

Krishnan, S., Tokar, T. N., Boylan, M. M., Griffin, K., Du Feng, Mcmurry, L., … Cooper, J. A. (2015). Zumba® Dance Improves Health in Overweight/Obese or Type 2 Diabetic Women. American Journal of Health Behavior, 39(1), 109–120. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.5993/AJHB.39.1.12

PR Newswire. (2018, October 10). Zumba Teams Up with Celebrity Photographer to Redefine the Fitness Industry’s “Before and After” Photos in Honor of World Mental Health Day. PR Newswire US. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=201810100900PR.NEWS.USPR.FL34016&site=ehost-live

Let’s dance! How rhythmic motion can improve your health. (2016). Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 23(10), 1–7. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=115391633&site=ehost-live

          After you have a total hip replacement, your doctor usually recommends certain hip precautions to prevent dislocation of the new hip. Rehabilitation after hip surgery focuses on reducing pain, increasing the range of motion, strengthening exercises, and regaining mobility to improve the quality of life. Moreover, utilizing assistive devices in self-care tasks is helpful to maintain hip precautions and avoid some common complications such as dislocation.

                                                  By: Franciscan Health

What is total hip replacement (THR)?

• Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that removes the painful hip joint and replaces it with man-made components. It produces better pain relief, functional recovery, and substantial quality of life improvement (Spalević, Milenković, & Kocić, 2018).

What are the reasons for hip surgery?

• Has chronic hip pain, stiffness, and limited mobility caused by osteoarthritis, femoral neck fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

What is the hip precautions?

–   Do not bend  over at the waist !

–   Do not cross your legs when sitting !

–   Do not turn your operated leg inward !

**   Adhering to hip precautions helps to prevent post hip surgery dislocations.

What activities cause post THR dislocations?

According to the article by Smith, Davies, Ingham, & Mann, these following activities relate to total hip replacement dislocations:

• Getting into or out of bed
• Twisting or turning in bed
• Putting socks and shoes
• Getting onto or up from a toilet
• Picking up objects from floor

How assistive devices relate to hip precautions?

• Advantages of adaptive devices

–  Prevent post hip surgery dislocation

–  Increase independence in daily activities

–  Improve quality of life

• Adaptive devices include: Reacher, dressing stick, shoe horn, sock aid, raised toilet seat, shower bench. These assistive devices are used to prevent clients with post hip surgery from bending over at wait and to improve their independence in everyday activities (Bozorgi, Ghamkhar, Kahlaee, & Sabouri, 2016)

–  Long handle reacher: picking up items off the floor.

–  Dressing stick: pulling up or pushing off the socks or pants.

–  Shoe horn: putting the shoes on, or taking them off.

–  Sock aid: putting on the socks or stockings.

–  Raised toilet seat: increasing the height of toilet.

–  Abduction pillow: placing this pillow between legs to prevent your hip from turning in or away from your body.

References

Spalević M, Milenković S, Kocić M, et al. Total Hip Replacement Rehabilitation: Results and Dilemmas. Acta Medica Medianae. 2018;57(1):48-53. doi:10.5633/amm.2018.0108.

Toby Smity, Leigh Davies, Christopher Ingham & Charles Mann. What activities cause hip dislocation? A review of 100 total hip replacement dislocations. Advances in Physiotherapy. 2012; 14:2, 55-60.

Jame Bozorgi AA, Ghamkhar L, Kahlaee AH, Sabouri H. The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Supervised Usage of Adaptive Devices on Functional Outcomes and Independence after Total Hip Replacement in Iranian Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Occupational Therapy International. 2016;23(2):143-153. doi:10.1002/oti.1419.

Movie Clip 1

This movie clip shows a guy with low vision driving a car. He shows demonstrates good driving skills for someone with low vision. However, this is not safe and would not happen in real life. Living with low vision does not mean you have to stop driving. There are different visual glasses and contacts that can help increase vision.

Movie clip 2

Working is an important milestone in peoples lives. Having low vision should not impact this. There are jobs and companies looking to hire people with low vision. You can work with a job coach, occupational therapy or caseworkers to help find the right job. Modifications and adaptions can increase your independence in completing job tasks.

Movie Clip 3

People with low vision use their other senses to get around and adapt to their environment. This media clips show that people change how they feel when they meet someone with low vision. We feel bad for them when they just want to be treated fairly. Having low vision is not a noticeable disability, you might not even know that someone has low vision. Not everyone uses a walking cane, as the man did in this movie clip.

Movie clip 2 was the only reputable source and accurate information. Movie clip 1 and 3 were from movies and are staged. I think most of us can relate to the movie clip 3. We tend to change our feels and feel bad or sympathize when someone doesn’t appear to be “normal”.

Should the Flu Vaccine be mandatory for healthcare workers?

What exactly is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is recommended annually (each year) for persons at high risk for serious complications from influenza virus infection.

Forty two percent of people worry about getting the flu each year. The majority of people get sick, and automatically think they have the flu virus. The video below describes the symptoms that come with the flu, and what symptoms are usually just a common cold.

What are the stats?

• The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conduct studies annually has found immunization reduces the risk of flu illness by 40 percent to 60 percent.
• Older people with weaker immune systems often have a lower protective immune response after flu vaccination compared to younger, healthier people.
• In 2015-2016 the vaccine prevented 52.4% of flu cases
• In 2016-2017 the vaccine prevented 39.8% of flu cases
• The numbers are significantly down in long term facilities with elderly patients being affected by influenza.
• Flu vaccines have been given for more than 50 years, and have a safe track record.
• Every year an estimated 36,00 Americans die due to the flu virus.

Fiction about the flu vaccine

• Flu shot will cause the flu
• Never having the flu shot will make you less likely to get the flu
• The flu shot does not work
• Healthy people do not get the flu
• You cant spread the flu if you’re feeling well
• Enough people get the flu shot so I do not have too

Benefits and facts of the flu vaccine

Receiving the vaccine helps stop the spread of the influenza virus, and this is extremely important with the elderly, children, pregnant woman, and people with medical conditions. The flu virus is contagious two days before having any symptoms which gives two days for the virus to be spread without knowing. Even if the vaccine doesn’t completely prevent the flu, it may lessen the severity of your illness and the risk of serious complications.

References

Nichol KL, Lind A, Margolis KL, Murdoch M, McFadden R, Hauge M, … Drake M. (1995). The effectiveness of vaccination against influenza in healthy, working adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 1995(14), 889–893. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=cgh&AN=CN-00117971&site=ehost-live

Jefferson, T., Rivetti, D., Rivetti, A., Rudin, M., Di Pietrantonj, C., & Demicheli, V. (2005). Efficacy and effectiveness of influenza vaccines in elderly people: a systematic review. Lancet, 366(9492), 1165–1174. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67339-4

VENSEL, M. (2018). Flu vaccine programs for providers: Making it legal, effective, and mandatory. Patient Safety Monitor Journal, 19(9), 7–9. Retrieved fromhttp://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=131246409&site=ehost-live

Yes, Stress!
You’re trying to diet and live an active lifestyle, but the scale just won’t budge. It could be stress. Yes, stress can make you gain weight. In today’s hustle and bustle world we are busier and under more psychological stress than ever before. The average adult stressors may include financial obligations, relationship issues, relocation, marriage or divorce, being a caretaker, and of course job stress.  According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder in 2016, fewer than half of workers with extremely low-stress levels (41 percent) feel they are overweight compared to 77 percent of workers with extremely high-stress levels. So, it is your boss’s fault your overweight! Not quite.

Stress, Emotions, and Obesity
Stress and emotional brain networks can lead to obesity. An evidence-based article, Stress-induced Obesity and the Emotional Nervous System, explains the complicated connection between stressors, the body,  the brain, and food intake. The cycle begins with a stressor triggering an emotional and physical response.  In response to this stress, the body releases hormones called glucocorticoids and insulin. These hormones promote hunger and increased food intake.  As a person eats the pleasure center of the brain is activated. This relieves the stress and reinforces the habit. This is why many people will indulge in fattening foods after a hard day at work or a stressful situation. So all you have to do is avoid all stress and the pounds will fall off! Not really.

Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep can cause bags under your eyes and extra pounds on your waistline. Not a good look for anyone. Evidence suggests a link between poor quality sleep or lack of sleep with obesity.  Experts at the Department of Medicine, University of Chicago point out the obesity epidemic parallels reduction in the amount of sleep in today’s society. Sleep directly affects the metabolic and endocrine processes within the body.  Lack of sleep can cause several imbalances within the metabolic system and hormones such as insulin, cortisol, ghrelin and leptin levels. (Insulin, cortisol, ghrelin, and leptin are hormones that control hunger, feelings of being full,  and regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.) All of these imbalances play a role in weight gain and obesity when you have poor quality or too little sleep. So, you can blame it on lack of sleep and just dream away the pounds! Not exactly.  

What about the Children?   
Ah ha! It has to be your kids’ fault. They cause stress and make you buy all those fattening snacks. It definitely has to be the kids’ fault!  No, it’s not the kid’s fault. However, your stress could contribute to your child’s risk of obesity. A study published by the Pediatric Journal of Medicine identified stressors including serious life events, parenting stress, lack of social support, and parental worries. The study then calculated the odds for childhood obesity in the presences of family stress. The results noted that children from families with increased stress factors had two times the obesity rate than that of their peers.

So,  who or what is causing you to be overweight or obese? According to the experts, obesity and weight gain can be caused by many factors but rarely caused by only one factor. Remember the next time your trying to lose but the scale just won’t budge. Don’t just diet and exercise, but also be sure to get enough rest and try to decrease stress. Eat nutritious foods, be active, sleep, and relax to maintain a healthy weight for yourself and your family.

For further reading on the subject:

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Obesity-and-stress.aspx

http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?sd=4%2F7%2F2016&id=pr942&ed=12%2F31%2F2016

Resources:
Beccuti, G., & Pannain, S. (2011). Sleep and obesity. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care, 14(4), 402.

Dallman, M. F. (2010). Stress-induced obesity and the emotional nervous system. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 21(3), 159-165.

Koch, F. S., Sepa, A., & Ludvigsson, J. (2008). Psychological stress and obesity. The Journal of pediatrics, 153(6), 839-844.

One of the newest health trends evolving in the media is float therapy. Lets take a peak at how the media describes float therapy to be beneficial and if medical research supports why people are raving about it!

First, lets look at the media:

Media Clip 1:

-Removes distractions from the environment
-Increases mental focus
-Deprives you from receiving sensory input
-Allows your mental and physical body to de-connect from the environment
-Utilized to reduce tension
-May be effective for those with anxiety or post traumatic stress disorder

Media Clip 2:

-Feel weightless in space
-Remove sensory input through vision, hearing, and feeling
-Increases relaxation
-regulates body temperature, blood oxygen, PH levels and blood glucose
-Reduces stress levels
-Regulates your body’s nervous systems
-Provides your body with a “balanced” state
-Increases mindfulness
-Boosts mental function
-Reduces chronic pain and anxiety
-Decreases chronic pain
-Give your body a break from the world

Media Clip 3:

-Reduces “everyday” stress
-Increases muscle recovery after heavy weight training, sports, running, etc.
-Restricts your sight, sound, taste,and touch while in the tank
-Reboots your nervous system
-Beneficial for muscle tissue recovery
-Increases visualization and focus
-Beneficial for neck, back, and spine injuries
-Improves body awareness
-Improve mental awareness
-Eliminates your body and brain having to work against gravity
-Overall physical and mental recuperation

Now, lets look at the medical research:

Article 1: “Can Float Therapy Really Treat Stress?”

Reference: Oaklander, M. (2015). Can Float Therapy Really Treat Stress? Time, 186(4), 26. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=108405882&site=ehost-live

-According to the article listed above. There is research evidence that supports the use of float therapy to manage anxiety and stress. The article shares a story about a women who utilizes a float tank once a week for 90 minutes in order to escape the stress and anxiety of daily life. The literature also reports there is currently research underway to determine the benefits of using the tank to improve symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. According to this piece of literature, the media is presenting facts regarding the use of float therapy to improve mental health and reduce stress and anxiety.

Article 2: “In The Tank”

Reference: JAHROMI, N. (2013). In the Tank. (Cover story). Nation, 297(15), 27–32. Retrieved from http://library.neit.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=90460187&site=ehost-live

-The above listed article is a MUST READ for everyone! It talks about a gentlemen who has difficulty sleeping to begin with and often will sleep in his bathtub. Once he discovered float therapy, he began utilizing the 90 minute sessions religiously every week. He then decided to spend 24 hours in the float tank to observe the physical and mental effects it had on him. So, the gentlemen began his 24-hour float tank experience after he had walked on foot for four days straight. When he appeared at the float facility his feet were very swollen to the point of bursting out of his sandals. After his 24-hour float experience he describes how being in the tank physically heels your body, loosens up your muscles and tissues, and mentally clears your mind. According to this literature,research evidence supports the use of float therapy to improve physical body function and muscle recovery. The media has gotten the facts straight about the physical benefits float therapy!

Article 3: “Examining The Short-term Anxiolytic and Antidepressant fEfect of Floatation-REST”

Reference: Feinstein, J. S., Khalsa, S. S., Yeh, H., Wohlrab, C., Simmons, W. K., Stein, M. B., & Paulus, M. P. (2018). Examining the short-term anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Floatation-REST. PLoS ONE, 13(2), 1–24. https://library.neit.edu:2404/10.1371/journal.pone.0190292

-This research article is a medical based article that really goes into detail on the therapeutic aspect of float therapy and the overall theory of Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy (REST). This piece of literature provides the perspective of a medical professional to support the use of float therapy to improve a person’s overall well-being both physically and mentally and the benefits of this therapy to reduce depression. This research supports the information that has been discussed in the above media clips. I would recommend everyone to read this article in order to grasp a good understanding of how float therapy effects your body from a medical stand point.

Overall, The media pieces did an excellent job of providing their viewers with FACTS about float therapy and the health benefits. I would encourage everyone to read each article and view each clip as each piece provides a different perspective, insight, and understanding on float therapy!

How essential are essential oils?

If you have gone into any type of retailer in the pass couple of years, or perused social media, you have seen an influx of the trending essential oils.  They are stocked on shelves in groceries stores beside holistic shampoo, or in the candle aisle at your local Bed, Bath, and Beyond with a variety of diffusers.  It also has hit the masses as the go-to pyramid scheme for stay-at-home moms and health bloggers alike.  But these oils have been around for years, so why the sudden interest and hype around them you may ask?

Well, I started getting curious of these natural miracle workers when one of my close friends became a representative for one of the “all natural” high priced companies.  She swore up and down of the amazing healing properties of these vials, and how they were curing her of anything from a headache to a hang nail (okay, a little exaggeration here).  As an Occupational Therapy practitioner these oils are frequently used in therapy by my colleagues, so I began thinking, what have I been missing?  This is where my research began….

I am going to go through three general media sources that claim to have the know-all on the topic of essential oils.  For each video I will summarize their claims then follow up with what evidence based research actually says.

Media talks: The basics

Claims made in this video:

• Information provided by Dr. Axe, a doctor of natural medicine and holistic healing, and Jordan Rubin whose professional qualifications are not specified.
• Use essential oils as medicine NOT instead of medicine. (FACT)
• Inhaling, consuming, and topically applying these oils can heal a number of ailments. (FALSE/MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED)
• Essential oils (vetiver, and cedar wood) used in ADHD/Autism treatment can counteract hyperactivity components. (FALSE/MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED)

Media talks: How to guide

Claims made in this video:

• Information provided by a self-proclaimed yoga enthusiast and representative of Miracle essential oil company.
• Essential oils are derived from natural sources (plants, roots, flower) by extracting or distilling. (FACT)
• Dilute a potent essential oil with a “carrier” oil such as coconut oil or avocado oil to apply topically. (FACT)

Media talks: Beginner do’s and don’ts

Claims made in this video:

• Information provided by “The Essential Oil Gangsta”, a yoga teacher, artist, Mom, and wife.
• To be FDA approved, only one drop in an essential oil bottle needs to be 100% that essential oil, and the remaining can be a carrier oil. (FALSE/MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED)
• When essential oils come in contact with plastic (by means of bottles or straws) they release “safe” estrogen into your body. (FALSE/MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED)

What does the research say:

Professional Source 1-Oils in Treating ADHD

Wells, D. (2018, June 13). How to treat ADHD with essential oils-10 ideas. Healthline media.  Reviewed on November 13, 2018 from https://www.healthline.com/health/essential-oils-for-adhd

• Information written by Wells but medically reviewed by D. R. Wilson, PhD.
• There is NOT enough research to claim that essential oils assist in counteracting ADHD symptoms.  But a number of personal claims will attest to their positive outcomes.
• Sensitivity to oils may be heightened in children so extreme caution should be used.

Professional Source 2-Oils Effect on Cognitive Performance

Moss, M. & Oliver, L. (2012). Plasma 1, 8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 2(3), 103-113.

• Written by a two doctors and university professors, and was published in a peer reviewed journal.
• Found that inhaling a rosemary aroma improved cognitive tasks.  The higher amount of rosemary a subject was exposed to showed to improve their score and accuracy on the cognitive test even more.
• However, the relationship between mood and the amount of rosemary was not as pronounced.
• These results suggest that there is a neurochemical connection between the essential oil aroma and brain activity.

Professional Source 3- Oils effect on the fight or flight response

 Does this make “scents”?

Personally, I think there is something to be said for the number of personal claims being made on the benefits of essential oils.  There is very little research available that will indefinitely conclude whether or not there are positive benefits to using essential oils.  The little research that is available is pretty much split 50/50 on the matter.  However, I would prefer to try anything holistic before popping a pill so I will certainly be using these oils more.  But certainly talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new healthcare regimen.

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