Spring Fling 2013

         

Written by Bret K.

The Spring Fling is an annual get together for all Special Tree clients and alumni.  It is a time where clients get to meet, have conversations, and enjoy each others company. This year’s dinner dance was held this past Friday evening, April 19, 2013. Clients from all over southeast Michigan traveled to Roma’s Banquet Hall in Garden City for the event. We were all very excited to see old friends as well as make new ones.

          The dance began at 6:00pm with a hearty dinner. Everyone enjoyed pork chops, stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes, mostaccioli, salad and dinner rolls. For clients requiring food consistency changes, there were stations set up with blenders, food processors, and food thickener. In my opinion, the food was astounding and I am looking forward to next years festivities already. Dessert came at the end of the night. It consisted of delicious cannolis for everyone to enjoy. Sugar free cookies and cakes were provided for any diabetic clients in attendance.

          After dinner the band was able to get down and get nearly everyone out on the dance floor for some amazing dance moves.  Remedy, the name of the band, was able to make their 3^rd appearance at a Special Tree function. All in attendance couldn’t have been more elated. They covered a variety of classic rock jams that everyone knew, including Aerosmith and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Clients and staff alike were able to get their groove on throughout the dance!

          Towards the end of the night, there was a slight break in the dancing to hand out some amazing prizes. Names of all clients present were placed into a medium sized pale and drawn by chance to win a variety of prizes. Approximately a dozen gifts were handed out to the clients that had their names drawn. Winners from both Oakland and Wayne counties were overjoyed upon hearing their name called for a prize.  I was one of the lucky winners and got to roll away with a brand new Detroit Tiger’s windbreaker jacket. This will come in handy for me, since I am going to be attending a Tiger’s home game this week.

          The Wayne Day Treatment Services staff was there as usual to take photos of each client that attended. Photos were taken in a “prom” style around a spring themed backdrop, consisting of beautiful flowers and twinkling lights. They were printed out and placed in a special card and given to the clients to take home as their souvenir from the event.  One staff from the Riverview house was able to take candid photos of everyone enjoying themselves as well. Hopefully we will be seeing these photos soon.

          All in all this party was pretty fun for all involved.  We all got to eat a wonderful dinner, dance to some classic music, win prizes, and take a photo home to remember the evening. Who wouldn’t have had a blast participating? I’m already looking forward to the Fall Bash in a few months to be able to see old and new friends again.

Something New!

   written by Bret K. 
    Prior to my auto accident I loved going on long bicycle rides with my friends and family. We would go to local parks with bicycle trails as well as ride around the neighborhood. We would have so much fun together, racing, taking in the nature, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company. After my brain injury riding a bicycle quickly became a distant dream.

    But that is all about to change. This week I was able to receive a custom made tricycle, and I am very excited to open this new chapter of my life. The tricycle was custom built with foot sized pedals that are able to be strapped to my feet prior to riding. The gear shifter was moved to the left side of the tricycle so that I can shift gears with the push of a button. The seat position was custom to fit my body proportions perfectly. The brakes of the bike are usable on both handle bars, however I will only be able to access the left one.

     I got the tricycle not only for personal gains, but for gains with family and friends as well. Although in the begining I only wanted a bike for personal pleasure reasons, I will be able to utilize multiple therapeutic outlets as well. Not only will I be able to get out and enjoy a past time that I loved so much I will be able to work on increasing my endurance level, range of motion, and build lower extremity strength. It will take me a few months in therapy to master my ride, but I am determined to be out on the trails by the end of this summer!

    I have big plans for when I am able to ride out in the community. I am planning on riding my bike at some State Parks. My favorite ones are Sterling State Park in southeast Michigan and Maumee Bay State Park in Ohio. I am very excited to carry out these big plans with my family and friends.

April is National Stress Awareness Month

     written by Bret K

           Did you know that April is National Stress Awareness Month?  I was unaware that such a holiday existed until recently.  In light of attempting to manage my own daily stressors, I am going to inform you of some possible ways to assist in relieving stress.

            Not all stress can affect you in a negative way. There are some great outcomes from stress when it is handled appropriately.  Stress can lead to personal creativity, learning, and is essential for survival. So how can something that is supposed to help you end up hurting you in the process? The negative effects of stress can be seen almost everywhere today. It can become harmful to the individual when it interrupts the healthy state of equilibrium of a normal healthy body.  When a person is overwhelmed, this is becoming increasingly common; they are unable to face any stressors and can become depressed or anxious. Upon becoming overwhelmed with daily stressors, the body is flooded with chemicals to prepare you for “fight or flight”.  This natural instinct can be very helpful in emergency situations; however it can wear down the body when it is constantly activated by daily stressors. 

            There are multiple techniques used for relaxation. However, lying on the couch or sleeping is not a proper way to relieve stress.  The relaxation response in the body is a mentally active process that leaves the body feeling relaxed, calm, and focused.  Some ways to reach this state of relaxation would be to utilize deep breathing techniques, visualization, meditation, yoga, or rhythmic exercises.  You should try to set aside 10-20 minutes a day for proper relaxation. These exercises can give you an energy boost and improve your mood. 

            There are some important ways to choosing a proper relaxation technique for yourself. Be sure to consider your specific needs, preferences, fitness level, and the way that you tend to react to stress.  Make sure that your relaxation technique fits your lifestyle and you are able to focus your mind.  Consider alternating or combining different techniques for the best personal outcome. This may lead to provide the best results and to keep you motivated.

            Well I sure hope that I was able to give you some helpful hints to managing daily stressors. Remember to stay calm, even in most impossible situations and all will eventually work itself out.  If you have any stress relieving tips or comments please leave them below. Thank you for your participation. Have a happy day