Educational Toys Holiday Ideas

Educational toys are entertaining, but toys are also instruments that help a child learn about themselves and the world around them. Play is important to the healthy growth and development of children. As children play, they learn to solve problems, to get along with others, and to develop the fine and gross motor skills needed to enhance and master living skills.

Through educational toys, children discover about themselves, their environment and about social cues. Toys aid in
developing the child’s creativity and builds leadership skills and healthy personalities. Play increases skills children need
to learn to read and write. Playing with educational toys in early childhood is the best foundation for success in school.
Educational toys help a child achieve the following:

•        Development of physical skills. . Physical and gross motor skills are developed as a child learns to reach,
grasp, crawl, run, climb, and balance. Fine motor skills are developed as children handle small toys. Dexterity develops
as the child holds toys or other items.

•        Development of cognitive thinking. Children learn to solve problems (cause and effect), through play.
Children also learn colors, numbers, size, and shapes. They have the ability to enhance their memory skills as well as
their attention span. Children move on to higher levels of thought as they play with educational toys.

•        Development of language skills. Language develops as a child plays and interacts with others. This begins
with babies playing cooing games and advances to useful language skills such as story telling and jokes. Learning to
cooperate, negotiate, take turns and play by the rules are important life skills for interacting and communicating.
•        Development of emotional well-being. Through play a child can accomplish his/her wishes and can conquer
fears and bad experiences. Play helps the child master the environment and promotes awareness of their surroundings.
When children at play feel safe, successful and confident, they gain important principles of positive emotional health.
Playing with educational toys also can create strong bonds between parent and child.

•        Development of social skills. Learning to share are important social skills children learn through educational
toys. These skills include daily interaction skills such as sharing, taking turns, and allowing others to talk without
interrupting. Social skills grow as the child plays. Children learn to imitate desirable responses such as turn taking with
board games, cards, or other activities that require a child to wait for others. As a result, children learn the roles and
rules of society.
Selecting educational toys for your child
Educational toys should challenge a child's interests and abilities and match closely his/her skills and maturity level.
Both solitary and social play is necessary for a child's development. A child can play with a building toy by themselves
and, in the process, develop independence, self-sufficiency and persistence. Playing with the same toy with others,
he/she acquires social skills such as sharing, understanding and cooperation.

Parents also have an important role in choosing good quality educational toys. Below are some suggestions for
appropriate toys for children of various ages. Be aware of your child's interests and abilities. Not all children enjoy the
same kinds of play.
Birth to 1 year old
A baby learns about his environment by using all 5 senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch). A child this age is
also learning cause and effect. Toys he/she may enjoy include:

• Mobiles and safety mirrors
• Rattles
• Stacking toys
• Pop up toys
• Picture books
• Musical toys, squeeze toys
• Infant swings
• Teething toys
1 to 3 years old
A toddler moves around his environment a great deal (walking, climbing, pushing, and riding). A strong curiosity in
manipulating and problem solving with objects begins during this stage and can be encouraged with:

• Push-pull and ride-on toys
• Small tricycles and wagons
• Simple puzzles, shape sorters, peg boards
• Movement games
• Large lacing beads
• Blocks, stacking rings
• Picture and coloring books
• Crayons, markers, and clay
3 to 5 years old
Preschool children enjoy playing with others the same age. At this age they take pleasure in sharing activities, including:

• Dress-up with accessories
• Puppets
• Large bead threading and lace sets
• Storybooks
• Simple board games (Candyland ,Whac-A-Mole, or Chutes and Ladders)
• Puzzles (no more than 24 pieces)
6 to 9 years old
A school-age child looks for new information, experiences, and challenges in play. A child in this age group is
influenced by peers and is extremely social. He/she may favor group activity items such as:

• Sports equipment
• Bicycle and helmet
• Roller skates with protective gear
• Books
• Simple model and craft kits
• Board games (Sorry, Trouble, and Checkers)
• Coordination or memory games (Uno, Guess Who or Perfection)
• Building and construction sets
9 to 12 years oldA pre-teen is independent, yet thrives on play with other children. A child this age knows how to play fair using
advanced social skills. He will be able to manage:

• Books
• Card and board games (Monopoly, Clue, and Life)
• Sports equipment
• Art supplies
• Model kits/science kits
• Jigsaw puzzles
Tips on selecting educational toysBefore choosing a toy parents should keep the following in mind:
• Toys should be appropriate to the child's age, skills, and abilities.

• Toys that will it hold the child's interests, are well designed, and durable.

•        Toys which stimulate creativity. Toys such as arts, crafts, hobbies, language, reading, music, movement, and
drama can help to expand a child's imagination.

•        Toys which teach communication skills.

•        Toys that encourage eye-hand coordination or fine and large motor skills.

•        Toys which offer the opportunity to think, learn, and help practice cognitive thinking.

•        Toys should be beneficial to the child not difficult to use.

•        Toys that the child can use on their own. It will help gain independent skills.

•        Toys that help the child express emotions and learn social interaction.

•        Toys should be fun. It important the child enjoy using the toy.

•        Read toy or packaging labels for age ranges and safety warnings.

•        Choose a safe storage place for toys.

•        Check toys at least every three months to determine their safety. Make any repairs immediately or throw away
damaged toys.

Source

AlterG – The New Standard of Care in Rehab and Conditioning

How the AlterG Benefits a Senior Rehabilitation Patient

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support allows for increased confidence and safe progression of activities to improve neuromuscular
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We Decrease overall cost of care: Easy to use and
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We Create facility revenue: Mobilizing patients
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AlterG – The New Standard of Care in Rehab and Conditioning

How the AlterG Benefits a Senior Rehabilitation Patient

Motor Smart Toys and Tips

Building Toys

Building toys are great for hand-eye coordination, imagination, visual motor skills, perceptual skills, grasping strength, manipulating shape orientation, sorting colors/shapes and gross motor movements to name a few.

You can scatter the pieces around the room so your child has to move around for them. If they are walking they can practice squatting to pick up pieces or moving from crawling to standing to reach up high. If you are using legos they can work on stabilizing themselves in space (balance) while having to pull apart the pieces (upper extremity strength). Also, they can work on their body awareness because if they bump into their masterpiece it could topple over and then you have to start all over again.

To encourage standing for a child who is not yet confident in their standing skills you can build the structure on your coffee table so they have to pull to stand for each piece. To increase waking you can have the other pieces on a couch a little bit away from the coffee table so they have to transition between the two support surfaces to get new pieces.

There are a ton of great building toys out there. I will do my best to name the ones that I can think of but feel free to add other ones that you know about.

Wooden Building Blocks

Bumpity Blocks

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Our New Improvements!

Benefits of Different Exercise Types for Resolving Low Back Pain

There are many causes of low back pain; it can be the result of a range of conditions that affect the muscles, joints, ligaments, discs or nerves. Regardless of cause, back pain has a negative effect on the muscles which support and stabilize the lumbar spine (these muscles are collectively known as ‘the core’). This phenomenon is known as pain inhibition.

Counteracting the negative effects of pain inhibition by strengthening the core is essential to overcome chronic low back pain and return to normal function. Core exercise progression, balance activities and dynamic movement exercises all contribute to this cause.

The ‘core’ is a group of muscles which include the Transversus Abdominis, Multifidus, Internal Oblique, Paraspinal, and pelvic floor. Initially it is a big enough challenge to learn how to activate the ‘core’ muscles when lying down still! But for maximum effect therapeutic exercises must go beyond this and the muscles have to be taught how to control the position of the lower back during dynamic, everyday, movements.
It is not just the ability of these muscles to contract that is important, but also the way in which they contract; the order in which they ‘fire’. Transversus Abdominis and Multifidus in particular are what are known as pre anticipatory muscles; this means that their job is to switch on just prior to dynamic movement in order to stabilize the spine in preparation for movement.

Core Exercise Progression
Like any training programme, core training needs to be within the capabilities of the individual becoming more challenging in line with improvements. Initially volitional activation of the core muscles should be practised; this is normally done in lying encouraging the Transversus and Multifidus to return to its role of stabilization prior to movement .
Once the muscles are ‘awakened’ this should be transferred to more functional positions. Functional progression is vital, there is no blue print of exercises; a ‘one size fits all’ prescription is useless. Exercises need to be individualized to meet the needs of the individual. All programmes should incorporate exercises in sitting, standing and walking (1).

Balance Activities
Training using an unstable surface has been shown to increase core muscle activation (2). Examples of such unstable surfaces that are commonly used in recreation and rehabilitation are: physio balls, BOSU’s, foam rollers and wobble boards.

Dynamic Movement Exercise
Everyday activities involve movements which are side to side, front to back and up and down. To complete a rehabilitation programme, the core needs to be challenged in all these planes and at different speeds. Faster movements change the centre of gravity relative to base of support. This means that the muscles are required to make quicker adjustments in order to maintain stability and control of the spine.
By mastering the ability to control the lumbar spine through the application of a progressive and individually tailored exercise programme, full resolution of back pain can be achieved. The negative effects of pain inhibition can be countered and future episodes of back pain can be minimised or even eliminated.

Source
References
1. Core Strengthening. Akuthota, V and Nadler, SF. 2004, Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Vol. 85, pp. S86-92.
2. What I always wanted to know about instability training. Fowles, JR. 2010, Applied physiology nutrition and metabolism, Vol. 35, pp. 89-90.

Taking Advantage of A Cooler Run

For runners, one of the best things about a change of season is how it affects your run. Running in near perfect weather that Florida is known for this time of year gives us quite an advantage than our neighbors in the north. Take heed that comes with excessive running or jogging including shin splints. Read below steps how to avoid this injury.

The Best Rehabilitation Approaches for Overcoming Shin Splints.

Posted by Stephen Messineo on Fri, Jun 04, 2010 @ 09:16 AM

During this time of year when people are running more outdoors for exericse, shin splints are an extremely common problem. Anyone who has ever suffered from shin splints will tell you how frustrating and painful it can be.

Shin splints are a general term used to describe pain at the front of the lower leg. There are a number of different causes of shin pain, the most common of which is due to irritation of the lower leg muscles, (particularly Tibialis Posterior and Soleus) at the point where they join onto the shin bone

(1). This type of problem is sometimes also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) and should be differentiated from other causes of pain which may be due to stress fractures of the tibia or neural/vascular problems.

Symptoms should be checked by an appropriately qualified health professional for clarification of diagnosis. The evidence to support or contest the recommended treatments for shin splints is poor. A recent critical review of the available literature concluded that rest was as effective as any other treatment tested

(2) . It could be argued however that this conclusion is more a reflection of the quality and range of studies undertaken as opposed to the actual value of treatments.

Physical Therapists offer number of treatment options to patients in an effort to cure shin splints which include:

Massage
Ice
Orthotics/Insoles
Strengthening
Calf Stretching
Surgery (via referral to orthopedic surgeon)
Rest

The primary aim of treatment is to relieve the inflammatory changes that have occurred at the muscular attachment of the lower leg muscles. Massage, ice and rest are all used to help achieve this goal. Stretching and the use of insoles/orthotics aim to decrease the load placed on the muscles and thus reduce the traction forces at their point of attachment onto the shin.

Strengthening can be used to increase the body's ability to cope with the stresses placed upon it. Strengthening should focus not only on those muscles local to the area, but also on those further up the leg and the ‘core'.

In extreme cases surgery can be useful to reduce the pain associated with shin splints. This however is not an option to be considered lightly full uninhibited return to sport is not always achieved (3).

Prevention is better than cure (and often is the cure!)

Whichever treatments are utilized the recurrence rate of shin splints is high. Unfortunately too many people stop running and enjoying the exhilaration of exercise because of their shin pain, this is often an outcome of poor advice and a failure to completely rehabilitate their initial injury. There is no ‘blueprint' for exercises to correct the causes of shin splints; an individualized programme is required. Positive results have been demonstrated in the use of custom made orthotics (2) (4).

Despite mixed reports in the literature regarding the ‘best' interventions for the treatment of shin splints, what does seem to be clear is that a multi-faceted approach should be taken (5). Not only should the treating clinician aim to reverse the inflammatory changes causing symptoms, it is also important to identify and correct the causative factors to prevent recurrence and increase recovery time.

With a methodical and graduated approach which includes structured training plans, education and advice regarding appropriate selection of footwear and training surface alongside manual therapy, it is possible to cure shin splints and prevent recurrence.

References

1. Bradshaw, C, Hislop, M and Hutchinson, M. Shin Pain. [ed.] P Brukner and K Khan. Clinical Sports Medicine. 3rd Edition. Sydney : McGraw Hill Medical, 2006.

2. Medial Tibial Stress Syndromme - A critical review. Moen, M H, et al. 7, 2009, Vol. 39, pp. 523-546.

3. Outcome of surgical treatment of medial tibial stress syndromme. Yates, B, Allen, MJ and Barnes, MR. 10, 2003, Journal of bone and joint surgery - American Volume, Vol. 85, pp. 1974-1980.

4. Medial Tibial Stress Syndromme - Evidence based prevention. Craig, D I. 3, 2008, Journal of athletic training, Vol. 43.

5. Comprehensive management of medial tibial stress syndromme. Knenner, B J. 3, 2002, Journal of chiropractic medicine, Vol. 1.

BACK PAIN RELIEF: STAY ON THE BALL!

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Posted by Stephen Messineo on Fri, Oct 29, 2010 @ 11:30 AM

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The cause of back pain and the potential treatments for back injury are diverse. A staple piece of equipment for any health professional when rehabilitating a back injury is the physio ball; but what makes this exercise method so suitable for back pain sufferers?

Back pain can be the result of a range of conditions that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, nerves, other soft tissues or joints. There is still a lot that can be learnt about the causes and treatment of back pain. Most back pain does not have one simple cause, but may be due to

a range of factors, such as poor posture, repetitive activity or trauma.

No matter what the particular cause of back injury, it is well documented that the resulting low back pain inhibits the deep abdominal muscles whose job it is to support the spine. A vicious downward spiral is created where injury causes back pain, which causes the muscles that support the spine to weaken which in turn leaves that back more vulnerable to further injury! It is possible to break free from this cycle and specific lower abdominal stabilization training is a key component to winning the battle. This is where the physio ball comes in; the physio ball is a fairly common place piece of equipment in many gyms, studios and clinics. It may also be referred to as an exercise ball, gym ball, stability ball or therapy ball. It is effective in rehabilitation of the back because it helps strengthen and develop the core body muscles that help to stabilize the spine⁽¹⁾.

It has been shown that the muscle activity required to perform a simple curl-up exercise is almost doubled when using a physio ball compared to the same exercise on a stable surface ⁽²⁾. Using equipment like the physio ball to perform abdominal exercises changes both the level of muscle activity and the way the muscles work together to stabilize the spine and whole body, this effect is exactly that which is required to counteract the negative effects that back pain has on the muscles.

The physio ball does not simply provide a method to restore the spinal stability that is lost in an episode of back pain. The range of exercises that can be performed when using it allows for expansive programme progression, making it suitable for use in very early remedial exercises to end stage functional rehabilitation. It is also possible to perform a range of mobility exercises to promote increased range of motion about the spine as well as improve stability.

To claim that one type of exercise approach is the panacea to all ills would be misleading; the evidence supporting the use of physio balls can be conflicting. Some exercise specialists and health professionals may question it’s suitability for functional rehabilitation. This negativity is likely to be the product of lack of understanding surrounding the use of the physio ball and inappropriate exercise selection. You cannot simply take any exercise and perform it on a physio ball to make it more effective. Whether using the physio ball for rehabilitation or general exercise, the choice of movement and the technique of how it is performed are paramount to achieving the desired result.

The use of a physio ball is an excellent conservative back exercise treatment option for back pain sufferers. It is a readily available, inexpensive and versatile piece of equipment that can be used under the supervision of a health professional and/or as part of an independent management plan for back pain. Not only will its use help to resolve the presenting complaint, it will also help prevent further episodes of low back pain when used as part of a rehabilitation program.

References

1. Exercises on a "swiss ball" for chronic low back pain. Stankovic, A, Lazovic, M and Kocic, M. 2008, Proceedings of the 7th Mediterranean congress of physical an rehabilitation medicine, pp. 58-60.

2. Abdominal muscle response during curl-ups on both stable and labile surfaces. Garcia-Vera, FJ, Grenier, SG and McGill, SM. 6, 2000, Physical Therapy, Vol. 80, pp. 564-569.

Introducing the Alter G

Barr and Associates are proud to introduce the Alter G.

For your post-operative and post-injury patients, AlterG’s unique unweighting treadmill provides the opportunity to include closed kinetic chain functional rehabilitation earlier than ever before. AlterG is FDA cleared to safely provide a functional rehabilitation tool for any of your lower extremity patients who are:

Approved by their treating physician for at least 25% partial weight bearing
Allowed to flex and extend their hip, knee, and ankle through a limited range of motion

This revolutionary rehabilitation equipment also provides “prehab” conditioning with significantly reduced pain. Patients who try the AlterG treadmill overwhelmingly prefer it and 100% of those surveyed say they like it.

ORTHOPEDIC FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION

Enables pre-surgery conditioning with significantly reduced pain (prehab)
Expands the concept “Weight Bearing As Tolerated” from 20% of body weight to 100% in 1% increments, so patients can specify exactly where exercise becomes pain free and progress can be easily tracked and charted.
Provides precise early partial weight-bearing following injury or surgery to restore natural gait, range of motion and improved patient outcomes
Prosthetic training with improved balance and confidence
Neuromuscular and proprioceptive re-training

Open House Celebrates National Physical Therapy Month

BARR AND ASSOCIATES PHYSICAL THERAPY CELEBRATES

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH WITH EXPANSION

ORMOND BEACH FL: October is National Physical Therapy Month, and according to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), this year’s theme is the importance of daily physical activity to prevent and combat overweight and obesity for people of all ages and abilities. Barr and Associates Physical Therapy welcomes the public to celebrate National Physical Therapy Month with an invitation to their Open House October 25-29 7:00a-7:00p. Barr and Associates have recently expanded to better serve the community needs with more space and new state of the art equipment. Barr and Associates Physical Therapy is located at 1425 Hand Ave, Suite H in Ormond Beach., 386-673-3535 and online at www.barrandassociatesphysicaltherapy.com.

For more information contact Jacob Barr, PT, DPT,MTC 386-673-3535

Pages

How the AlterG Benefits a Senior Rehabilitation Patient

How the AlterG Benefits a Senior Rehabilitation Patient

The Best Rehabilitation Approaches for Overcoming Shin Splints.

Physical Therapy Blog