Thursday, March 29, 2012

Spring Bling 2012

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March is Social Work Month!

March is Social Work month, and we'd like to take this time to introduce you to the field of Social Work and how a Social Worker can help you!

What is a Social Worker and what does a Social Worker do?

Social Workers are professionals who have the primary mission of enhancing human wellbeing and work to help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable people in society. According to the Department of Labor, “Social workers assist people by helping them cope with and solve issues in their everyday lives, such as family and personal problems and dealing with relationships. Some social workers help clients who face a disability, life-threatening disease, social problem, such as inadequate housing, unemployment, or substance abuse. Social workers also assist families that have serious domestic conflicts, sometimes involving child or spousal abuse. Additionally, they may conduct research, advocate for improved services, or become involved in planning or policy development. Many social workers specialize in serving a particular population or working in a specific setting.”

Social Workers work in schools, health care settings, private counseling practice settings, with families, and in non-profit agencies. Many types of people benefit from social work services:
*Families looking for assistance paying their bills or help finding clothing and food resources
*Children who have been abused or neglected
*Victims of domestic violence
*Couples wanting to adopt a child
*Parents and caregivers struggling with serious health issues such as cancer, traumatic injury, pre-term birth, and disabilities
*Veterans and their families who are adjusting to deployment, civilian life, or who are experiencing post traumatic stress symptoms
*Individuals and their families who are impacted by drug and alcohol abuse
*Children in schools
*Individuals who experience depression or mental health issues
*Families at risk in their community due to violence, poverty, and oppression

Social Workers help connect all of these people with the resources that can help them improve their lives!

At MedCare, we believe that the life of each and every child we touch is important! We know that our children’s parents and caregivers have questions and often lack resources. As a way to help bridge and improve access to information and community resources, MedCare has a Social Worker who can help! As MedCare's Social Worker, I work to help you! Some examples of assistance include:
*Providing information and answering questions about Medicaid Waiver programs
*Finding summer camp programs or ongoing athletic programs
*Locating parent support groups
*Referring to behavior modification programs or special counseling programs
*Connecting to special education advocates
*Helping locate psychologists and psychiatrists (who accept Medicaid) for testing and evaluation

Despite not having a physical office, my “door” is always open! Shoot me an email at k.mcwhorter@mpglp.com or leave me a message at 713-773-5100, x326. I’d love to hear from you and learn how I can help you and your child!

~Karen McWhorter, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Weight Bearing Module 2

This is the second in a series of four videos created by one of our home health physical therapists, Tammy Cowley!  These videos discuss how weightbearing impacts a child's physical growth and development and the importance of incorporating weightbearing activities into all children's daily activities, regardless of their physical abilities or disabilities.


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Weight Bearing Module 1

This is the first in a series of four videos created by one of our home health physical therapists, Tammy Cowley!  These videos discuss how weightbearing impacts a child's physical growth and development and the importance of incorporating weightbearing activities into all children's daily activities, regardless of their physical abilities or disabilities. 

Stay tuned for modules 2, 3, and 4!