Monthly Archives: December 2015

The AT On My Holiday Wishlist

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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.

A cone shaped desktop aromatherapy diffuser

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.

yogurt maker

What is on your wishlist this holiday season? Any assistive technology?

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All I Want For Christmas is my Two AT (2015)

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By MATP Staff Member Laura Hall

Dear Santa,

I can’t believe a whole year has passed since my last blog “letter”, All I Want For Christmas is My Two AT in 2014.  Thank you so much for the not one, but two Fork with a red checkered grip shown twirling spaghetti noodles. A thumb depresses the button on the side of the forktwirling 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.

Green and blue trub treads shaped as owls with big eyesHaving married this year, my friends and family were extra thoughtful and bought us some wonderful assistive technology as gifts.  Good Grips kitchen utinsels, a crockpot, a shower curtain with pockets, and tub treads were just a few of the wonderful gifts we received.  There are just a few things left on my list that I present for your consideration.

Living in the North Pole, I’m sure you’re used to the early dark nights and cold A woman, eyes closed looking relaxed in front of a round light box with standweather.  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 “The Night are Longer and SAD is Here” will serve as a great resource.

Overhead view of a metallic touchless trash can. The lid has two buttons for opening and closing or two movement sensors.

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Finally, I recently discovered the gloriousness of a touchless garbage can.  I need only to waive my hand over a sensor for it to open and there is no need to touch the “icky” lid or figure out a way to depress a foot petal from a wheelchair.  I am becoming a much better housekeeper and the cat is completely mezmerized, perplexed and entertained all at the same time trying to figure out how it works.  I sure would love another one for other areas of our home, and so would Lucky.

I hope your holiday prep is going well.  Thank you for considering my wishlist, and don’t worry, I won’t forget the cookies!

Laura

 

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