As I am about to finish my schooling I didn't think that any changes made to OSAP would affect me in the least but..... low and behold, there is always something new and sometimes improved to the rules and amounts given out and expected to be returned! I have listed a few of the changes below and have listed a few links for you to look into for yourself!
Career college graduates will have a six month, interest-free grace period on their Ontario student loan repayments beginning August 1. The new, no-interest period for up to six months after graduation was one of the changes to OSAP announced by the provincial government on March 29. The improvements also allow students to keep more of the income they earn while in school without it affecting their OSAP funding by doubling the exemption on in-study income from $50 to just over $100 per week.
Other changes include a new grant for part-time students and additional support for married students and those with children. Starting this year, the government will increase the book, supply and equipment allowance annually for inflation. Students will also have access to more financial aid—the government is boosting weekly loan maximums to $150 per week for single students. The changes, which provide details of an $81-million plan promised in the fall economic statement, will improve assistance for about 188,000 students.
Enjoy!
For more updates and information check out some of the sites I have listed below.
1.https://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/OSAPStarttoFinish/FullTimeStudents/Step12Aftergraduation/index.htm
2.http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/gradosap.html
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Day to Day... the last 2 years
Time for a personal note.....
I knew that taking the leap to going back to school (and the schedule it entailed) would be a struggle. I will be the first to admit that I not only learned alot in the last two years about our bodies and muscles and techniques that will enable me to become a great therapist but I learned alot about myself. There are so many people that I wanted to thank for being there for me. I am thankful that I have had some amazing friends who forced me to go out sometimes when I needed a break, some friends that helped me finally understand concepts that seemed so foreign to me, to some of the friends who opened my world up to both friendship and love, my mother who made sure that my daughter and I both had breaks from each other to eliminate stress and tension that may have been building( there were lots of those!) My father for just understanding and letting me be me. (both for just loving me!) My extended family... who inspired me to become someone- for myself!
I cant tell you how many times I wanted to just break down and contemplated just what it was that I was doing... if I could do it?
I can not tell you how proud I am to have made it! Knowing the end is in sight, knowing that I will be able to know that I now have the tools to make or break a great life for myself and Emily makes my heart feel light and happy!
Emily..... my beautiful, precious, wonderful little girl.... I have made alot of mistakes, I have underestimated both her and I sometimes, but with the help of so many great people in my life I know that we are on a great path together!
I did this for Her AND I! With love and determination.... I dedicate all this work to her! I knew we could do it! (with only a few bumps and bruises !)
xoxo
I knew that taking the leap to going back to school (and the schedule it entailed) would be a struggle. I will be the first to admit that I not only learned alot in the last two years about our bodies and muscles and techniques that will enable me to become a great therapist but I learned alot about myself. There are so many people that I wanted to thank for being there for me. I am thankful that I have had some amazing friends who forced me to go out sometimes when I needed a break, some friends that helped me finally understand concepts that seemed so foreign to me, to some of the friends who opened my world up to both friendship and love, my mother who made sure that my daughter and I both had breaks from each other to eliminate stress and tension that may have been building( there were lots of those!) My father for just understanding and letting me be me. (both for just loving me!) My extended family... who inspired me to become someone- for myself!
I cant tell you how many times I wanted to just break down and contemplated just what it was that I was doing... if I could do it?
I can not tell you how proud I am to have made it! Knowing the end is in sight, knowing that I will be able to know that I now have the tools to make or break a great life for myself and Emily makes my heart feel light and happy!
Emily..... my beautiful, precious, wonderful little girl.... I have made alot of mistakes, I have underestimated both her and I sometimes, but with the help of so many great people in my life I know that we are on a great path together!
I did this for Her AND I! With love and determination.... I dedicate all this work to her! I knew we could do it! (with only a few bumps and bruises !)
xoxo
Massage Modalities- More than you thought!
Most people when hearing the words Massage Therapy just think of someone putting their hands on you and gently making your muscles feel better and for some RMT's that is all they do. BUT there is another whole rehelm of massage that the average person does not realize that an RMT may be specialized in. These are called Modalities. For example almost all my classmates have a modality or two that they would like to acquire the skills for immediately after completing school. Some examples of this are that Rachel plans on using her skills as a Reiki Master to add energy to her massage. Monica plans on Indian Head Massage ( so many people do not know the benefits of just having your head massaged) Brian plans on taking more in depth studies into ART (Active Release Techniques) which is used a great deal in conjunction with other health care practitioner's. Andrea plans on adding Hotstone massage, which has become very popular in both spas and clinics. Those are just a few examples that each student plans on incorporating into their profession as an RMT.
Myself? I have so many that I want to add and over my lifetime as an RMT plan to make it a goal to add at least one or two a year. Some of them will be Reflexology and Hotstone massage.
For an RMT... Learning is a never ending lesson!
I have attached a link for you to take a look at and to help you understand some of the modalities that are out there for you to see if a specific RMT will suit your needs/wants!
Enjoy!
http://www.findmassageonline.com/therapy_info.php
Myself? I have so many that I want to add and over my lifetime as an RMT plan to make it a goal to add at least one or two a year. Some of them will be Reflexology and Hotstone massage.
For an RMT... Learning is a never ending lesson!
I have attached a link for you to take a look at and to help you understand some of the modalities that are out there for you to see if a specific RMT will suit your needs/wants!
Enjoy!
http://www.findmassageonline.com/therapy_info.php
Friday, August 27, 2010
Infant massage!
So, its been 40 weeks of carrying this wonderful new life and he or she is finally in your arms! BUT! He/she isn't happy, not sleeping, not eating, and crying all the time which in turn is making you more and more stressed and only adding to the new responsibilities of being a parent. WHAT TO DO???!!!!! It's massage time again!
Yes, there are some fantastic techniques that an RMT can show you how to use on your new baby that can ease some of the symptoms that your baby may be experiencing. You might actually get a good nights rest again or just have the relief of knowing that your baby is finally able to eat/drink normally to grow!
There are some RMT's that specialize in infant massage and are more than happy to help you through this time! But remember just because your baby isn't complaining doesn't mean that massage is not good for you baby... remember one of the greatest things massage can help with is improving circulation and increasing the amount of motion that your little one is learning that they have!
Let an RMT help you and your baby!
Being a mother of two children, one of which I have had since becoming an RMT, I know how much the soothing touch of my hands and dad's, can help transition baby from cranky and uncomfortable to happy and enjoyable!
I have listed a few links here for you to do a little more investigation for yourself but I highly recommend booking an appointment and letting an RMT guide you along your way!
Enjoy!
1. http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/article.jsp?content=855805
2. http://www.google.ca/images?q=Infant+massage&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&oe=utf8&rlz=1I7DBCA_en-GB&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=0RF4TPyMF9OInQfF8sz3AQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDwQsAQwAw
Yes, there are some fantastic techniques that an RMT can show you how to use on your new baby that can ease some of the symptoms that your baby may be experiencing. You might actually get a good nights rest again or just have the relief of knowing that your baby is finally able to eat/drink normally to grow!
There are some RMT's that specialize in infant massage and are more than happy to help you through this time! But remember just because your baby isn't complaining doesn't mean that massage is not good for you baby... remember one of the greatest things massage can help with is improving circulation and increasing the amount of motion that your little one is learning that they have!
Let an RMT help you and your baby!
Being a mother of two children, one of which I have had since becoming an RMT, I know how much the soothing touch of my hands and dad's, can help transition baby from cranky and uncomfortable to happy and enjoyable!
I have listed a few links here for you to do a little more investigation for yourself but I highly recommend booking an appointment and letting an RMT guide you along your way!
Enjoy!
1. http://www.todaysparent.com/baby/article.jsp?content=855805
2. http://www.google.ca/images?q=Infant+massage&rls=com.microsoft:en-US&oe=utf8&rlz=1I7DBCA_en-GB&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=0RF4TPyMF9OInQfF8sz3AQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDwQsAQwAw
Pregnancy and Massage!
Most new mothers are so overwhelmed with just the idea of being pregnant that massage is the last thing they are thinking about with everything else going on during the day... but at the end of the day are wishing someone would just make the new aches and pains disappear or at least give some sense of relief!
There are some types of massage or techniques rather that can not be done at different stages of a pregnancy but overall there are alot of the same ones that gave relief that can still be done! Don't forget that an RMT can not only massage you but show you some great ways that you can help yourself stretch or build up strength in muscles that can help ease the 'not so enjoyable' moments being pregnant!
I decided to let you do a little more reading for yourself! I hope this helps and you enjoy!
All RMT's are capable of giving you a massage but some are much more skilled than others. I personally offer massage to any pregnant clients but also have a great referal to a fellow RMT who has taken extended classes on pregnancy massage! Nicole Shantz RMT( located in Burlington, Ontario), she also has the ever so popular pregnancy table available for your ever expanding belly!
Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy...it's only 40 weeks and if you need help... from an RMT or anyone else... ask! Your well being is important!
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/fitness/a/aa081101a.htm
There are some types of massage or techniques rather that can not be done at different stages of a pregnancy but overall there are alot of the same ones that gave relief that can still be done! Don't forget that an RMT can not only massage you but show you some great ways that you can help yourself stretch or build up strength in muscles that can help ease the 'not so enjoyable' moments being pregnant!
I decided to let you do a little more reading for yourself! I hope this helps and you enjoy!
All RMT's are capable of giving you a massage but some are much more skilled than others. I personally offer massage to any pregnant clients but also have a great referal to a fellow RMT who has taken extended classes on pregnancy massage! Nicole Shantz RMT( located in Burlington, Ontario), she also has the ever so popular pregnancy table available for your ever expanding belly!
Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy...it's only 40 weeks and if you need help... from an RMT or anyone else... ask! Your well being is important!
http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/fitness/a/aa081101a.htm
Terms and Techniques used by an RMT
Many people think of nothing but the soothing touch of another persons hands on their body when they think of going to get a massage, but there are many different techniques that an RMT can use when you come for a treatment. I thought that I would give you an opportunity to read my blog and learn a little about some of the general names and terms used by an RMT.
Effleurage -- Gliding the hands over the skin in a smooth, continuous motion. Used to spread oil/cream and to 'warm up' the tissue. Used to relax, stretch/broaden, promote blood/lymph movement, reduces edema, improve circulation.
Petrissage -- Lifting, wringing or squeezing of the tissue in a kneading motion. Emphasis is on lifting the tissue away from the bone, rather than gliding over tissue. Increases circulation, separates muscle fibers and relaxes muscle
Fascial Work or Myofascial Release-
Fascial restrictions are areas of fascial tightness that are able to pull the body out of alignment causing decreases in motion and poor body posture and function. Work on fascia consists of engaging the area/s of restriction then stretching, softening and lengthening them. The stroke is a very slow, 'stretching' that may take some time for an effective 'release'. A fascial release may feel like an itching, burning, tearing sensation. It can be slightly uncomfortable in the moment, but the aftereffect is wonderful. Opening up and releasing fascia can help increase circulation and lymph flow; free up movement by allowing individual muscles to contract fully, and glide along each other better. Fascial work can make us feel looser, taller, longer, warmer.
Friction -- Motion that moves one layer of tissue over another repeatedly. Warms tissue, breaks up deposits, loosen scar tissue, increases circulation and promotes joint flexibility.
Tapotement -- A series of many brisk, percussive movements. The movements are rapid and the hands bounce off the surface. Used to stimulate through nervous system response. Helps promote muscle tone, tissue repair, increases circulation.
Trigger points-- or trigger sites are described as hyper irritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. [1] Trigger point practitioners believe that palpable nodules are small contraction knots[ambiguous] and a common cause of pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness, referred pain, or local twitch response. The local twitch response is not the same as a muscle spasm. This is because a muscle spasm refers to the entire muscle entirely contracting whereas the local twitch response also refers to the entire muscle but only involves a small twitch, no contraction.
The trigger point model states that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns, allowing practitioners to associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere.
I hope these help you out with your next visit to your local RMT!
Enjoy!
Effleurage -- Gliding the hands over the skin in a smooth, continuous motion. Used to spread oil/cream and to 'warm up' the tissue. Used to relax, stretch/broaden, promote blood/lymph movement, reduces edema, improve circulation.
Petrissage -- Lifting, wringing or squeezing of the tissue in a kneading motion. Emphasis is on lifting the tissue away from the bone, rather than gliding over tissue. Increases circulation, separates muscle fibers and relaxes muscle
Fascial Work or Myofascial Release-
Fascial restrictions are areas of fascial tightness that are able to pull the body out of alignment causing decreases in motion and poor body posture and function. Work on fascia consists of engaging the area/s of restriction then stretching, softening and lengthening them. The stroke is a very slow, 'stretching' that may take some time for an effective 'release'. A fascial release may feel like an itching, burning, tearing sensation. It can be slightly uncomfortable in the moment, but the aftereffect is wonderful. Opening up and releasing fascia can help increase circulation and lymph flow; free up movement by allowing individual muscles to contract fully, and glide along each other better. Fascial work can make us feel looser, taller, longer, warmer.
Friction -- Motion that moves one layer of tissue over another repeatedly. Warms tissue, breaks up deposits, loosen scar tissue, increases circulation and promotes joint flexibility.
Tapotement -- A series of many brisk, percussive movements. The movements are rapid and the hands bounce off the surface. Used to stimulate through nervous system response. Helps promote muscle tone, tissue repair, increases circulation.
Trigger points-- or trigger sites are described as hyper irritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. [1] Trigger point practitioners believe that palpable nodules are small contraction knots[ambiguous] and a common cause of pain. Compression of a trigger point may elicit local tenderness, referred pain, or local twitch response. The local twitch response is not the same as a muscle spasm. This is because a muscle spasm refers to the entire muscle entirely contracting whereas the local twitch response also refers to the entire muscle but only involves a small twitch, no contraction.
The trigger point model states that unexplained pain frequently radiates from these points of local tenderness to broader areas, sometimes distant from the trigger point itself. Practitioners claim to have identified reliable referred pain patterns, allowing practitioners to associate pain in one location with trigger points elsewhere.
I hope these help you out with your next visit to your local RMT!
Enjoy!
Thinking of becoming an RMT?
Are you considering becoming an RMT or would just like to know more about what it takes for you to learn before going ahead and spending thousands of dollars in becoming educated ? Some people have the misconception that an RMT is nothing but a glorified person who gives massages and may or may not be good with their hands... NOT true in the slightest! Grant it, having intuitive, strong hands, is a great asset when setting out to start a career in this field but there is so much more!
I decided to give you a peek at some of the literature and text books that we have studied and in alot of cases memorized to help assist us make the transition from understanding how the work of our hands on your body can make a huge difference to your well being!
I have attached a link to the RMT's governing body "the CMTO" and its list of approved Literature.
Enjoy!
https://www.cmto.com/pdfs/CMTO_Certification_Exam_Approved_References.pdf
I decided to give you a peek at some of the literature and text books that we have studied and in alot of cases memorized to help assist us make the transition from understanding how the work of our hands on your body can make a huge difference to your well being!
I have attached a link to the RMT's governing body "the CMTO" and its list of approved Literature.
Enjoy!
https://www.cmto.com/pdfs/CMTO_Certification_Exam_Approved_References.pdf
Friday, August 20, 2010
The importance of water
Today's society has created a challenge in regards to water. How we are contaminating it, where we are getting it from, types of water, additives, how it can both help and devastate our bodies and our earth, how much, how little? These are all questions that at one time or another we are all faced with, sometimes on a daily basis and for others it is just a back of the mind fact/ question/ or concern.
Why am I adding this to my blog when I am becoming a registered massage therapist? Well,here is a sample! As long ago as in elementary school, we are told how much of our bodies are made up of water or how we cant live without it. As a therapist, when I am massaging , you may not realize that I am moving around the fluids in your body. Some of the reasons you may be feeling tight or sore muscles or that "knot", may be caused by the fluids in your body not moving at its best efficiency or not having enough fluids. When a massage is given and is moving around these fluids, it helps to add water to assist your body to rid any toxins. If the addition of extra water is not added, a therapist may have moved around the toxins in your body but your body will inevitably find another spot to stop, or relocate and cause you more "sore spots". Some people think of adding just "fluids" to their diet, but in reality it is the addition of pure, crisp, clean water that aids our bodies in such things as digestion, filtration ( and much, much more of course!) But especially to get rid of the toxins that have been released with the massage.
The importance of water is our responsibility. For our present, and our future. Knowing what your community is doing to advocate local water usage and not just depending on bottled water companies, making yourself aware of the companies that are hurting our water sources, and being aware of the amount of water usage that is not efficient to you or our earth are all ways that can change your life for the better.
For more information on the importance of water follow the link I have attached at the end of this blog!
Keep healthy, get a massage and DRINK LOTS OF WATER! ;)
http://www.laleva.cc/environment/water.html
Why am I adding this to my blog when I am becoming a registered massage therapist? Well,here is a sample! As long ago as in elementary school, we are told how much of our bodies are made up of water or how we cant live without it. As a therapist, when I am massaging , you may not realize that I am moving around the fluids in your body. Some of the reasons you may be feeling tight or sore muscles or that "knot", may be caused by the fluids in your body not moving at its best efficiency or not having enough fluids. When a massage is given and is moving around these fluids, it helps to add water to assist your body to rid any toxins. If the addition of extra water is not added, a therapist may have moved around the toxins in your body but your body will inevitably find another spot to stop, or relocate and cause you more "sore spots". Some people think of adding just "fluids" to their diet, but in reality it is the addition of pure, crisp, clean water that aids our bodies in such things as digestion, filtration ( and much, much more of course!) But especially to get rid of the toxins that have been released with the massage.
The importance of water is our responsibility. For our present, and our future. Knowing what your community is doing to advocate local water usage and not just depending on bottled water companies, making yourself aware of the companies that are hurting our water sources, and being aware of the amount of water usage that is not efficient to you or our earth are all ways that can change your life for the better.
For more information on the importance of water follow the link I have attached at the end of this blog!
Keep healthy, get a massage and DRINK LOTS OF WATER! ;)
http://www.laleva.cc/environment/water.html
Friday, August 6, 2010
New Beginnings - Almost Perfect Hands!
Time seems to be flying by and I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... School has seemed long and confusing at times ( I often wondered how some of the things that were being taught to me were going to apply to my career) but more and more things are coming together like a well laid out puzzle that I am very happy to have been putting together! I can not express how happy that I have taken the time in my life to accomplish this and to know that with all this effort I will be able to help so many people in my lifetime.
I know alot of you are wondering when exactly I will be finished school, when I will be writing my board exams and most importantly when I can start taking you on as clients? Well, keep following me here and I will keep you as updated as possible.
I will be posting many links, pictures, etc. along the way and I appreciate any questions, comments or concerns to anything I have blogged about or that you would like me to look into for you. Don't be afraid to ask any question or voice any concern you may have... I take no offense to ANYTHING you have to say, no question is too small and your opinion is always valued!
Sarah Almost- "Almost Perfect Hands"
For all my classmates (or anyone else) Here is a link to some great massage pictures- including charts, hand positionings and much, much more.
http://www.massagenerd.com/_massage_pictures.html
I know alot of you are wondering when exactly I will be finished school, when I will be writing my board exams and most importantly when I can start taking you on as clients? Well, keep following me here and I will keep you as updated as possible.
I will be posting many links, pictures, etc. along the way and I appreciate any questions, comments or concerns to anything I have blogged about or that you would like me to look into for you. Don't be afraid to ask any question or voice any concern you may have... I take no offense to ANYTHING you have to say, no question is too small and your opinion is always valued!
Sarah Almost- "Almost Perfect Hands"
For all my classmates (or anyone else) Here is a link to some great massage pictures- including charts, hand positionings and much, much more.
http://www.massagenerd.com/_massage_pictures.html
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