July 2006 Page 2     Update from the MCMC Rehabilitation Center Many former patients gathered at the MCMC Rehabilitation Center on Friday, June 23 to be honored at its 13th annual Rehab Tea party. The individuals who attended had a chance to share stories of how they have returned to their lives ready to manage recovery to their fullest potential, and to discuss their accomplishments through the therapy they received at the Medical Center. The group joined together to celebrate their victories over stroke, burns, arthritis, fractures, surgical healing, and severe traumatic injuries. There were a lot of smiles and hugs, and an abundance of inspiring conversations! Patients caught up with nurses and therapists who guided them through some real challenges. There was also an opportunity for patients to reconnect with other patients they met during their stay. Rehabilitation Manager, Paul Heinzmann, Medical Director, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, and the entire Rehab team were very pleased to see how well the patients are doing. Staff members on duty and off duty attended to congratulate them for reaching higher levels of independence. The Inpatient Rehabilitation Center holds strongly to MCMC's mission of providing quality care and individualized patient and family education with a personal touch by returning patients to their highest level of functioning. Often this results in long-term friendships that are rekindled each year at the Rehab Tea. If you would like any additional information about MCMC's Inpatient Rehabilitation Center, please contact Paul Heinzmann at (231) 592-4454. July is Recreational Therapy Month Kathy Thering, RT, Recreational Therapist at MCMC uses a wide range of techniques and activities to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure needs of her patients. A recreational therapist works with the patient and family members to help improve their health conditioning by assisting in skill development, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and community involvement. Recreational Therapy really helps patients regain coordination and fine motor skills along with other therapy. It helps to promote wellness and:   Manage stress, Alleviate pain   Express feelings   Enhance memory   Improve communication   Promote physical rehabilitation Some recreational activities that patients may be involved in at the In-Patient Physical Rehabilitation Center at Mecosta County Medical Center are: Recreational Fishing Different public trips made during the recreational therapy program help patients transition back into the community a little easier. Some patients enjoy re-entry trips such as shopping and out to restaurants, while other physical rehab patients show interest in fishing as part of rehab. Animal Therapy Local Canine Therapy groups come to visit Rehab patients periodically. The trained dogs have special training so they can provide the unconditional affection that only pets can give. Craft Therapy Patients have the cnance to make different crafts during recreational therapy. The MCMC acute in-patient Rehabilitation staff knows that doing crafts once a week during recreation therapy really helps patients regain coordination and fine motor skills along with other therapy. Kitchen Therapy It is important that patients regain independence so they can return home and continue everyday tasks. Coordination and fine motor skills can be improved in the Inpatient Rehab Unit's kitchen area. Music Therapy Music Therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are ill and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.