The Magic of Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy comes with a multitude of benefits for individuals with neurological disorders ranging from promoting functional mobility, lumbar stabilization, and balance while allowing participants to gain confidence in a safe environment. What makes aquatic therapy special is that it allows these individuals to perform tasks to improve strength and physical health in the water that they would be unable to perform on land.

Try these yoga exercises from July 21st to 31st to build core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness! Consider adding yoga before or after your challenge to stretch muscles after a workout. All equipment needed is a yoga mat!

Exercise has many health benefits that range from improving brain health to preventing

cardiovascular disease, and even some cancers. Research has also found a strong link between

exercise and the prevention of neurodegenerative symptoms including those from MS and

Alzheimer’s. Because the brain and spinal cord control movement, exercise is strongly linked to

our central nervous system.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a condition of the nervous system that causes people to experience “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. These tics are involuntary and people may not be able to stop the tics. However, the intensity of tics can vary and decrease with calm, focused activities, adequate sleep, and engaging in new activities that are of great interest. Tics are categorized into motor and vocal tics.

Mental health problems affect those of all races, genders, and backgrounds, meaning it is important to know the signs that a child is struggling so they can get the help they need. This year’s National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is observed on May 11. As individuals in the community, we must understand that children's mental health is just as important as physical health issues and must be treated as such.

 The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened children’s mental health by creating social isolation and uncertainty in the lives of many. Anxiety and depression worsen for these individuals as the pandemic changes the daily routines that we are so used to.