Annual Trash Bash - March 23, 2013

Posted by: Carmen N.

This month, on Saturday, March 23rd, Personal Touch Therapy will be volunteering at the Houston- Galveston Area Council's annual Trash Bash! We have chosen to help clean up our very own Moody Park (Little White Oak Bayou) located at 3725 Fulton Street, Houston, TX 77009. We invite you to join us and help us in our efforts to beautify our city. If you're interested in volunteering with us, please read the details on the Trash Bash website for more information. It's really very simple: you just show up as a volunteer and they hand you everything you need to help make a difference. After cleanup everyone is invited to enjoy a FREE lunch, door prizes, and fun enviornmental activities! It's a great cause and sounds like it will also be loads of fun! See you all there!

 

Part Of Our Mission: In our Community

(Office Manager, Lynn Menzies)

Posted by: Carmen N.

Our team is grateful to have been given the opportunity to provide an informative presentation at one of our local Head Start locations this past Friday, February 15th. Parent attendance and participation was excellent! We were able to not only deliver invaluable information regarding our services, but also encourage parent involvement with regards to their children's development. We received an appreciable amount of interesting questions which we were delighted to answer. As it is part of our mission at Personal Touch Therapy of being an active part of the community by providing and continuously improving the home health care needs of our patients, we were thrilled with the outcome of this event and hope to offer this information regularly to other interested parents.



(Administrator & Supervising Therapist, Shontai Thomas, M.Ed. CCC-SLP)

 

(Administrator & Supervising Therapist, Shontai Thomas, M.Ed. CCC-SLP, Community Liaison, Carmen Narvaez, Director of Therapy, Jo Ann Gray, M.S. CCC-SLP)

(Director of Therapy, Jo Ann Gray, M.S. CCC-SLP)

(Community Liaison, Carmen Narvaez)

Is your child developing on time? - Speech & Language Milestones

Posted by: Carmen N.

 

Developmental milestones are a set of functional skills  or age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain age range. In this post we will discuss normal development in your child's language skills for the first two years of life. Keep in mind that although each milestone has an age level , the actual age when a normally developing child reaches that milestone can vary quite a bit. Every child is unique!

The first two years:

0 - 6 months:

• Uses different cry to express different needs
• Localizes sounds by turning head
• Uses sounds or gestures to indicate wants
• Frequently coos, gurgles and makes pleasure sounds
• Imitates tongue movements and smiles at familiar faces
• Looks and smiles at people when talked to

7 - 12 months:

• Listens to and imitates some adult speech sounds/intonation patterns
• Babbles using long and short groups of sounds
• Understands phrases like "no-no", "all gone", and "bye-bye"
• Makes some appropriate use of gestural language (shake head for "no")
• Begins to change babbling to jargon
• Uses speech intentionally for the first time
• Say "mama" or "dada" for parents

13 - 18 months:

• Looking for hidden objects
• Points or gestures to communicate or identify needs
• Talks in single words, often omits some initial consonants and almost all final consonants
• Uses echolalia and jargon
• Has 3-20 words (mostly nouns) in expressive vocabulary
• Receptively identifies 1-3 body parts
• Follows simple directions

19-24 months:

• Uses words more frequently than jargon
• Has an expressive vocabulary of 50 to 100 words
• Has a receptive vocabulary of 300 or more words
• Starts to combine nouns and verbs
• Begins to use pronouns
• Is approximately 20-50% intelligible to strangers
• Names a few familiar objects
• Identifies 5-6 body parts on a doll
• Begins to understand adjectives in phrases

This information represents, on average, the age by which most monolingual speaking children will accomplish the listed milestones. Children typically do not master all items in a category until they reach the upper age in each age range. Just because your child has not accomplished one skill within an age range does not mean the child has a disorder. The earlier a child's speech and language problems are identified and treated, the less likely it is that problems will persist or get worse in the future. Early speech and language intervention can help children be more successful with reading, writing, schoolwork, and interpersonal relationships. If your child has not met the majority of the items in an age range, please contact Personal Touch Therapy at 713-510-5699 to schedule an in-home evaluation.

(Resources: www.umich.edu, www.asha.org)

Thank you from Team Personal Touch Therapy!

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Friday, February 8, 2013

Thank you to everyone that supported Team Personal Touch Therapy during Houston's Color In Motion 5K! We had such a great time being bombarded with color meanwhile supporting a great cause, Girls on the Run!

Join Team Personal Touch Therapy for this year's Color In Motion 5k!

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Friday, January 11, 2013

We hope you’re ready to get in MOTION! Whether you’re planning to walk, run or just party, we want you to join us on Saturday, February 2^nd for the wackiest and most colorful 5K you’ve ever done!

Who is going?
You, of course! The entire Personal Touch Therapy team will be there and we hope to see you there!

What is Color In Motion 5K?
It’s pretty much the most colorful day of movement you’ve ever had in your life! Get out and move and be healthy all while supporting a great cause and building relationships with friends and family. We are requesting your support and participation.

When & Where is the Color In Motion 5K?
Saturday, February 2^nd 2013 at 9:00 AM at Reliant Park
Address: 8400 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77054

Why?
Because you’re awesome and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

How does it work?
You must first register online as a participant of the Personal Touch Therapy Team by clicking HERE under Team Registration select Individual. Then, you just show up on race day wearing white and the rest is taken care of! As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow. The color that you will be showered in is completely safe and washes off easily. If you don't think you can beat your friends with speed, see if you can be the real winner by coming out of the race covered head to toe in a vibrant springtime camouflage.

FOR A DISCOUNT OF 20% OFF ENTER CODE: PERSONALTOUCH (all caps)

Looking forward to having you join us! If you have any questions please call or email our Community Liaison, Carmen Narvaez at (713)422-2455.

See you on race day!

Common Misconceptions: Down Syndrome

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Monday, January 7, 2013
 

 

Even today, in a time of great medical and technological advances, there are still a great deal of misconceptions and myths associated with different types of disorders and those who have them. Here we will help dispel some of the most common myths about Down Syndrome.

First, what is down syndrome?

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in an extra 21st chromosome which causes delays in intellectual and physical development that range from mild to moderate disabilities.

 

MYTH: Down syndrome is hereditary and runs in families.

 

FACT: Down syndrome is hereditary in approximately 1% of all instances. In the other 99% of cases down syndrome is completely random.

MYTH: Most children with down syndrome are born to older parents.

FACT: Most children with down syndrome (about 75% - 80%) are born to women younger than 35 years of age simply due to higher fertility rates in younger women. However, the incidence of births of children with down syndrome increases with the age of the mother.

MYTH: Down syndrome is not treatable.

FACT: While there is no cure for down syndrome, there are many treatments available for the challenges associated with down syndrome such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

MYTH: All individuals with down syndrome have severe mental retardation.

FACT: Individuals with down syndrome usually have cognitive development profiles indicative of mild to moderate mental retardation. However, cognitive development in children with down syndrome is quite variable. Children with down syndrome often have a speech delay and require speech therapy to assist with expressive language.

MYTH: People with down syndrome will need to live at home with their parents for the rest of their lives.

FACT: Although many with the condition experience developmental delays, a large percentage of adults with down syndrome are capable of living semi-independently with varying levels of support. It is not uncommon for those with down syndrome to attend school and become active, working members of their community.

MYTH: Individuals with down syndrome die at a young age.

FACT: The average life expectancy of an individual with down syndrome is now 55 years of age. Many live to be 60 - 70 years old.

(Resources: www.ndss.org, www.dsaco.net, www.dsau.org, www.dsawa.asn.au)

Thank You!

Posted by: Carmen N.

Original Post Date: Friday, December 21, 2012

We would like to send out a heartfelt "Thank You!" to all who donated to our food and clothing drive this month. It turned out better than we could have ever expected! Through your generousity we were able to collect plenty of food and clothing to benefit the Houston Food Bank, The Salvation Army & Dress For Success. Your donations have been delivered to these great causes and are now helping people who are desperately in need. We know times are tough for everyone, but you all came through for us and for that we thank you and appreciate every single one of you from the bottom of our hearts! We wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!



Thank you to all of these amazing donors:

Isela and Staff from TCPA - Cyfair
Poonam Jethani from Circles of Care
Shontai Thomas
Maria Gomez
JoAnn Gray
Lynn Menzies
Cecilia Murguia
Carmen Narvaez
Mindy and Staff from TCPA- Pasadena

The Spirit of Giving - PTT's Food & Clothing Drive

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2012

                   
During the month of December, Personal Touch Therapy will be hosting a food and clothing drive benefiting the Houston Food Bank, The Salvation Army and Dress for Success. We will be collecting nonperishable canned/boxed goods as well as gently worn casual and business attire to also include, blankets. If you or your office are interested in assisting us in this pursuit please contact Carmen Narvaez, our Community Liaison, at (713)422-2455. She will gladly set up a time to stop by your office and collect your donations. Our goal is to deliver these items before Christmas week, so please begin your efforts now and contact us to coordinate! Together we can give back to those who have so little or cannot help themselves. Thank you in advance and Happy Holidays to you and your family!

Click on each organization's name to view a list of most needed items:

Houston Food Bank

DressForSuccess

The Salvation Army

Come and join the PTT Family!

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Friday, November 16, 2012

Personal Touch Therapy is GROWING! We're currently seeking quailified therapists for immediate employment in the greater Houston area and surrounding communities!

Available Positions:

- Bilingual SLP-Assistant in the Southwest Houston/Pasadena area

- PRN Evaluating Speech Pathologist
- Supervising Speech Pathologist in the Southeast Houston area

Benefits of a Career with Personal Touch Therapy (Full-Time Therapists)

• A great supervision program for Speech Pathology Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants.
• Supportive Administrative and Clerical Staff
• A buddy system for new employees
• Competitive Compensation
• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off
• License Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays
• Company Sponsored Medical and Vision Plans
• Dental Plan
• 401K Plan with Company Match
• Therapy Materials Allowance
• Paid Professional Liability Insurance
• Paid Worker's Compensation Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance Plans including Disability, Cancer, and Accident through AFLAC
• Paid Life Insurance
• Credit Union Membership
• Continuing Education Reimbursement
• Ability to complete clinical documentation via an electronic medical records system (EMR)
• Company-issued netbook computer for clinical documentation (Full-time Therapists)

Offering $100 per week for the supervision of Speech Pathologist Assistants on a
per-diem basis.

PRN opportunities also available for SLPs interested in completing therapy or evaluations only.

Immediate after school only caseloads also available (from 3:30 to 6:00).

Bilingual Spanish/English Skills a Plus.

It will be our pleasure to work with all qualified applicants. Please fax resumes to 832-288-5823. Contact Lynn Menzies for more information at (713)510-0489.

PTT "Believes in a Cure"!

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Friday, October 26, 2012

During the entire month of October,Personal Touch Therapy has strived to raise Breast Cancer awareness and we BELIEVE IN A CURE! What better way to begin raising awareness than right at home? We hosted a company wide luncheon with all of our wonderful therapists and administrative staff. This included fun opportunities to win useful therapy material from which the proceeds went to funding Breast Cancer research. We had a great time and hope to make this a company tradition for years to come!

Our yummy "Believe In A Cure" cake!

Our team sporting our "Believe In A Cure" tshirts!

Please support Breast Cancer Research by genourously donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation HERE!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Friday, October 5, 2012

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today (Friday) show your support by wearing pink for the 2nd annual "Pink Out Day". It is a celebration with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the City of Houston to encourage people to show their support for eradicating breast cancer.

Pink Out Day honors those who have passed, as well as those who have survived breast cancer. The 22nd annual Komen Houston Race for the Cure, sponsored by Marathon Oil, is Saturday in downtown Houston.

Source: www.chron.com

Happy First Day of Fall 2012!

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Friday, September 21, 2012

Today marks the first day of fall for 2012. As the leaves begin to change and the days become shorter, more and more residents step outside and enjoy the cooling weather during the dozens of fall festivals and festivities around the city. Whether in need of a relaxing stroll down one of Houston’s nature trails or a good fright in preparation for Halloween, there is no shortage of options this year.

How are you spending the first day of fall? Getting rid of cluttter? Picking the last tomatoes of summer? Celebrating fall with something pumpkin?

 

Children's Health Day 2012 - Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Monday, September 10, 2012

We want to send out a special thank you to everyone who visited our booth and joined us on Saturday, September 8th at Almeda Mall's Children's Health Day hosted by Change Happens!.

Lynn Menzies, our Office Manager, and Carmen Narvaez, our Community Liaison, attended the event and had a fantastic time meeting all of you! We're so excited for the opportunity to be there for your children's therapy needs, and meet each and every one of them.
(In this photo: Lynn Menzies, Office Manager)

Children's Health Day 2012

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012

Come one, come all! We will be at Almeda Mall on Saturday, September 8th participating in this year's Children's Health Day hosted by Change Happens!. We will have plenty of information to share as well as back-to-school goodie bags for the kiddos! Make sure to stop on by and visit our booth for an opportunity to take home a FREE backpack full of school supplies!

SEE YOU THERE!

Benefits of in-home, individualized therapy services

Posted by: Carmen N.
Original Post Date: Monday, September 3, 2013

Benefits of therapy at home:
- Convenicence: Eliminate a trip and a wait for your appointment
- Functional: You are able to show the therapist what your child is having trouble with, and practice in their natural enviornment
- Motivating: A therapist who knows your child and trains you, and will be your best cheerleader
- Privacy: Therapy is performed in the privacy of your own home

Our therapy services provide ongoing instruction and training to parents and caregivers in the home. We provide therapy in various settings such as schools and day care facilities offering a convenient alternative to parents.