Ease Cushion Podcast

In today's podcast, Jim is joined by Ellie Skromme, a spinal cord injury survivor. In 2017, Ellie was in a traumatic car accident resulting in her being paralyzed from the waist down. She is now working towards her goal to gain her ability to walk again. Jim and Ellie discuss her accident, her road to recovery, and her current and future goals. Where to find Ellie Ellie's blog: https://mywalkforfaith.com Ellie's Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook: @mywalkforfaith

In today's podcast, Jim is joined by Lynn Seeloff, a CTRS and the camp director of The Fowler Center, a year-round camping experience for children and adults with developmental disabilities and special needs. Jim and Lynn discuss the camp and accessible camp activities they provide. This includes waterfront activities, sports & recreation, creative arts, challenge courses, horseback riding, picnics and more! Learn more about The Fowler Center: http://thefowlercenter.snappages.com/home.htm For information on staff recruitment & training, camper eligibility, licensing, ACA accreditation, CMH Contracts, or to schedule a tour email lseeloff@mchsmi.org

In today's podcast, Jim is joined by Anna Kilbourn PT, DPT, OCS. Anna is a Physical Therapist and an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Jim and Anna discuss sciatica, what it is, how it differs from other leg and lower back pain, and what steps to take when you notice pain that might need medical attention. MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider; never attempt to self-diagnose or rehab an injury. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have learned through this podcast.

Jim Baxter MS, OTR/L is joined by Kelly Machowicz CTRS, CBIS, CDSS in today's podcast. Kelly has experience working with a variety of populations including: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health. She serves on the summer board for the Michigan Adaptive sports organization and coordinates events such as adaptive kayaking and water skiing. Kelly assists clients in reaching their goals and living their lives to the fullest. Home & Community Recreation Therapy: https://www.hcrt.net

Jim Baxter MS, OTR/L is joined by Erik Johnson MSOT, CMO at Warfighter Engaged, in today's podcast. Erik currently serves as a professor for the Occupational Therapy Graduate Program at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. He also serves as the Chief Medical Officer for Warfighter Engaged and is instrumental in the reintroduction of independence for Warfighters who have suffered devastating injuries resulting in a compromised ability to engage in gaming as they once did. Erik also consults with individuals and organizations on accessibility and adaptive gaming as well as hosts gaming clinics for different organizations around the world. Learn more about Warfighter Engaged here: https://warfighterengaged.org/ Erik's Twitter: https://twitter.com/OTunleashed Erik's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otunleashed/ Warfighter Engaged Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warfighter_engaged/

Jim Baxter, MS, OTR/L is joined by Ellen Herlache-Pretzer, Ed.D., MA, OTR/L, CPDT-KA in today's podcast. Ellen is a Registered Occupational Therapist, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, and a Field Representative for Paws With a Cause, an organization that trains assistance dogs that enable people with physical disabilities to lead more independent lives. Jim and Ellen discuss the roles and differences of service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs. For more information on Service Dogs: •Assistance Dogs International: https://assistancedogsinternational.org/ •Assistance Dog Rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf •Paws With A Cause: www.pawswithacause.org

Jim Baxter, MS, OTR/L is joined by Jennifer Colwell, MEdT, MS, OTRL, CHT in today's podcast. Jennifer Colwell is an Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist, and Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint. Jim and Jennifer discuss repetitive stress disorders, such as carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and texting thumb. MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider; never attempt to self-diagnose or rehab an injury. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have learned through this podcast.

Jim Baxter, MS, OTR/L is joined by Cindy Zielinski, MS, OTR/L in today's podcast. Cindy Zielinski is an occupational therapy supervisor and lead for the MHealthy Ergonomics Awareness Program at the University of Michigan. Jim and Cindy discuss the principles of ergonomics and how to determine if your current workspace is the best fit for you and, if not, how to improve it. Self-help tools are available in the links below to improve your comfort and productivity at work. https://hr.umich.edu/sites/default/files/ergo-10-tips.pdf https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/health-well-being/mhealthy/faculty-staff-well-being/ergonomics-awareness/ergonomics-self-help/u-m-material-handling-ergonomics-tutorial https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/health-well-being/mhealthy/faculty-staff-well-being/ergonomics-awareness/ergonomics-posters-tips MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider; never attempt to self-diagnose or rehab an injury. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have learned through this podcast.

Jim Baxter, MS, OTR/L is joined by Libby Yost, OTD, OTR/L in today's podcast. Libby Yost is an Occupational Therapist and Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences, The University of Michigan-Flint. They discuss pressure injuries, how to prevent them, and how to help relieve them. References Bashar, J. & Hughes, C.A. (2018). Spinal cord injury. From H.M. Pendleton Craig Hospital (2015). Craig (2021). https://craighospital.org/uploads/Edu... Dinsmoor, R.S. (2006, May 19). Pressure sore: Definition and overview. Diabetes Self-Management. https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.co... Healthwise Staff. (2020, March, 4). Pressure injuries: Stages. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-lib... National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Resource website: https://npiap.com/page/Resources National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (n.d.). NPIAP pressure injury stages. https://cdn.ymaws.com/npiap.com/resou... NPIAP Resources: Free instructional video (best suited for healthcare providers): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYwFb3Dgcjk&t=0s --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn More: https://www.easeseatingsystems.com/blog

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