By Aimee Sterk, LMSW, MATP Staff
Hanukkah has already started—last night we lit two candles—so its time to share what’s on my AT wishlist this year.
I love reading, cooking, kayaking, biking, yoga, rainbows, waterfalls, and my family including my husband and our pets, so my wishlist often encompasses these things. This year, I’m wishing for a kitchen item and a self-care item of AT.
Two of my yoga instructors brought in aromatherapy diffusers to the studio over the Thanksgiving holiday and I really liked them. I usually have trouble with strong scents, and really can’t stand incense—it makes me cough—but I found diffuser aromatherapy of essential oils to be calming and uplifting at the same time. According to the Mayo Clinic, research on the effectiveness of aromatherapy/essential oils is limited, but some studies are showing the possibility it helps with anxiety and depression and chronic illness. Other sites point out that anointing with oils and other forms of aromatherapy have been going on for thousands of years, so, I’d like to give a diffuser a try for my PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Having battled MRSA and cdiff, among other infections, keeping up with probiotics is very important for my day-to-day health. I’ve been eating lots of goat milk yogurt smoothies, and now that Trader Joe’s has come to my town, I have an affordable goat yogurt supplier—but it’s on the other side of town. I would like to be able to easily make my own yogurt overnight in a pinch so I’m asking for a yogurt maker.
What is on your wishlist this holiday season? Any assistive technology?
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twirling spaghetti forks I received. It’s been another great year for me and for the Michigan Assistive Technology Program. We have offered many exciting and informative webinars, expanded our device demonstrations, and have several new programs in the works. Our Assistive Technology Team has been hard- working, and of course, is never naughty. Look for their letters coming soon.
Having 
weather. I unfortunately, am not, and seem to be struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I would really like a desktop light box to use during the mornings to boost my mood and energy. This would also help with my vitamin D deficiency. My colleague, Aimee, has done some great research on SAD and broad spectrum lights. If you need any more information or have questions, I’m sure her blog 