NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH

Every March, National Athletic Training Month focuses on the impact Athletic Trainers (ATs) have on the safety and well-being of their clients and patients. All month long, participants celebrate ATs dedication to their profession.

Athletic Trainers offer expert care and are trained, medical professionals. They work in a variety of settings, providing preventative services, rehabilitative, and emergency services.

ATs serve in some of the following settings:

  • clinics/hospitals
  • colleges/universities
  • secondary schools
  • military
  • police force
  • fire departments
  • performing arts

ATs develop programs to prevent injury. They evaluate their patients and ensure they receive necessary screenings. In the event of injury, ATs develop rehabilitation plans designed to return their patient safely to the level of performance before the injury. ATs are also able to asses and refer patients for specialized care.

NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH HISTORY

National Athletic Trainers Association promotes National Athletic Training Month to spread the importance of ATs and the valuable work they do all over the country. In previous years, the organization has sponsored a theme with the promotion. Past themes have included:

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth

Give an athletic trainer you know a shout out. Thank them for their care, professional knowledge, and support. If you’re an athletic trainer, encourage someone interested in the profession. Attend a career fair and share your experience. Thank someone who supported you in your career path. If you’re interested in becoming an athletic trainer, explore career options and education. Learn more about the profession and where to begin.  Use #NationalAlthleticTrainingMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

National Family Caregivers Month in November recognizes the dedication of family members who provide round the clock care to loved ones. When medical conditions demand attention, family step into roles, they are often unprepared to accept. They become caregivers instead of partners or friends. Sometimes this change occurs in an instant.

The month sheds light into their demanding days, but it also identifies their needs. From morning to night, a caregiver balances the needs of the patient and their family. They also see to financial matters and the household necessities.

Caregivers rarely have time for themselves. There’s always another thing to be done. However, a caregiver requires rest, too.

After an aneurysm with complications has left me unable to walk, my family has stepped up.  My husband Scott and my mother help me with daily tasks that allow me to live in our home.  Everything from meals, cleaning, baths and personal care allow me to continue living in a safe environment without the drawbacks of facilities.  I can never express enough gratitude for the care and help I get everyday.  

I get so much better care from one or two people than shifts of 12 to 20 in a facility including hospitals.  Today there are programs that support family Caregivers with resources, supplies and even compensation for the hour devoted to it. 

HISTORY

In 1997, President Clinton proclaimed November to be National Family Caregivers Month for the first time.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

During November, consider providing a respite for someone you know who provides care for a loved one. Offer to spend time with them or to learn to help out. Ask what you can do to make a difference. Visit npaonline.org for more information. Use #FamilyCaregiversMonth to post on social media.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH

National Physical Therapy Month in October recognizes the importance of physical therapy in healthcare. Physical therapy is a medical service provided by trained physical therapists who help patients improve movement, strength and manage pain after an illness or injury.

Nearly every part of the body can benefit from physical therapy, especially if you’ve suffered an injury or illness. Physical therapists assess a patient’s pain levels and abilities and develop a plan of treatment they can track. They may provide exercises to be performed at home and document the progress and any further needs. Some of the benefits of physical therapy include:

  • Reduction or elimination of pain
  • Improved strength and flexibility
  • Maintaining independence
  • Overall improved quality of life

The observance promotes the importance of physical therapy and the role it plays in improving physical activity and quality of life. Inadequate physical activity results in an added $117 billion in health care costs in the United States. It also leads to reduced quality of life for millions of Americans. Physical therapists encourage movement to help people manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injuries and reduce the risk of future injury and chronic disease.

I am personally undergoing another round of Physical Therapy after health issues sidelined me about 2 years ago.  Special shout out to Dave and Ivy!  You guys are beyond awesome.  My goal is to regain the ability to stand.

NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY HISTORY

APTA and participating components began to celebrate Physical Therapy Week in the early 1980s. The week was initially observed in conjunction with APTA’s annual conference in June and was later moved to October. The week evolved, and the first National Physical Therapy Month was celebrated in October 1992.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPTMonth

During National Physical Therapy Month, give a physical therapist you know a shout-out. Other ways to participate include:

  • Learning about the roles of physical therapy.
  • Share your experiences as a physical therapist.
  • Learn about careers in physical therapy.
  • Find out if physical therapy is right for you.

Use #PhysicalTherapyMonth or #ChoosePT to spread the word on social media.