Depression and anxiety are common types of mood disorders. In many cases, people face both simultaneously.

It is normal to have days when we feel sad, unmotivated, or hopeless. When we have a terrible day, we get up the next day and keep moving forward. The problem comes when those emotions affect our daily lives. We should be concerned when we no longer care about our hygiene, and we frequently call in to work because we do not feel well or activities that we used to enjoy no longer bring us happiness or comfort.

Awareness of ourselves is key. Take time to recognize when you begin to feel symptoms of anxiety or depression. How is your body reacting? Is your heart beating faster? Do you get a headache or stomach ache? Maybe your palms become sweaty, or you have chest pains. Is your constant worrying causing you to lose sleep, decrease/increase your appetite, or become easily irritated? All of these are possible symptoms.

In a society where we constantly feel pressured to do more, be more, and have more, we may sometimes feel overwhelmed. Take time for yourself – time for medical check-ups, time with family and friends, time with nature, time for hobbies and activities you enjoy. If needed, talk to your doctor or seek professional therapy. Knowing we are not okay is the key to reestablishing emotional and mental well-being.

There are many means of mobility to get to school every morning. Some kids ride the bus, while others walk, propel their wheelchair, or ride a bike or scooter. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, “unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related deaths in the United States for children age 5-19.” No matter how your child gets to school, there are safety tips to be aware of to help keep them safe.  

1. Children 10 and under should cross the street with an adult. It isn’t easy to judge the speed of a vehicle or if the car is stopping to allow you to walk across the street.  
2. Before crossing the street, look left, right, and left again. 
3. Always use sidewalks and paths if available. Cross at street corners, with traffic signals and crosswalks. 
4. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing traffic as far left as possible.  
5. Do not use phones or headphones when walking or propelling a wheelchair; this may distract, impair hearing, and decrease a child’s attention to their surroundings. 
6. Many kids walk to school before the sun comes out. Wear reflective backpacks, bright-colored clothing/vests, or lights to make your child more visible to a passing vehicle.  
7. When riding a bicycle or scooter, children must wear a properly fitting helmet. 

If your child is walking to school alone or with a friend, take the time to educate them on safety with walking/riding to school. Be a role model and follow the steps to set an example for your children. Remember these tips daily, especially on Wednesday, October 4th, as it is National Walk and Roll to School Day!  

Often in life, we ​​encounter challenges that test our emotional and mental strength. Difficult times can arise unexpectedly. At Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT), we understand the importance of maintaining a positive attitude to overcome challenges with great determination. Here are 10 tips for cultivating positivity, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

1. Always look for the good side of things

Even in the most challenging times, there are positive aspects. Training the mind to recognize lessons, learnings, and opportunities for growth in each challenge can transform our perspective.

2. Practice daily gratitude

Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you are grateful for. Gratitude causes you to feel calmer by focusing on what you have instead of what is missing.

3. Visualize a positive result

Imagine a successful outcome for the situation you are facing. Positive visualization builds resilience and motivation to overcome obstacles.

4. Surround yourself with positive people

Your environment can influence your mindset. Stay close to people who like to see the good side of things so that their company encourages you in difficult times.

5. Accept your emotions

It is normal to feel a range of emotions in difficult situations. Allow yourself to feel and process those emotions, then find constructive ways to deal with them.

6. Set small, achievable goals

Break challenges into manageable steps and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Steady progress brings a sense of accomplishment and positivity.

7. Learn from experience

Each challenge brings valuable lessons. Reflect on what you have learned and how to apply those lessons in the future. Experiences strengthen you so you can face whatever comes your way.

8. Practice self-care regularly

Take care of your physical and mental well-being, as well as your relationships. Engaging in relaxing, exciting, or rewarding activities encourages positivity.

9. Keep a long-term perspective

Remember that difficult times are only a fraction of your life. Remember your long-term goals and how these challenges contribute to your growth.

10. Find inspiration in success stories

Read, listen, or watch stories from people who have overcome challenges similar to yours. These stories offer valuable insights moving forward.

At CRIT, we trust in each person’s ability to face adversity. Together, we can overcome obstacles and grow in resilience, building a path to lasting well-being.

Would you like to see content on overcoming challenges and perseverance? Subscribe here to our YouTube channel and witness the inspiring stories of our patients and their families as they progress in their rehabilitation journeys.

I hope these words bring you joy and a willingness to make a difference in other people’s lives. My name is Alejandra Espinoza, and as a TeletonUSA Dream Maker, I’m reaching out with a special invitation just for you: Will you consider becoming a Dream Maker for this noble cause?

Being a monthly donor for TeletonUSA has been a transformative experience in my life. Each step on this path has left indelible marks on my heart. Now, I extend this extraordinary opportunity to you, inviting you to join our wonderful family.

The Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT) is a magical place where dreams become a reality full of opportunities for hundreds of families. With your support, we can provide hope to children like Benjamín, who exceeded many of his goals throughout his rehabilitation journey at CRIT with great effort and dedication.

Despite his achievements, Benjamin’s road ahead remains challenging. The rehabilitation of children like him cannot wait, and becoming a TeletonUSA monthly donor goes beyond a financial contribution- it is a commitment of love and solidarity that forever changes lives.

CRIT’s impact is not limited to the children it serves; it touches the lives of their families as well. I assure you that this experience will be very gratifying for your heart as each child and each family attended will be a testimony of your generosity.

I encourage you to take the leap and become part of the CRIT family. Together, we will build a brighter world where we all have the opportunity to reach our full potential. This invitation is a unique opportunity to make a massive difference in the lives of hundreds of children like Benjamin. You already know what to do.

Once you’ve made this heartfelt commitment, I invite you to share with us what inspired you to become a monthly donor. Your story, your journey, and your dedication can inspire others to join us in this noble cause.
  
With love,

Alejandra Espinoza
TeletonUSA Dream Maker

Since 2015, Mayte has been on a remarkable journey at the Children’s Rehabilitation Institute TeletonUSA (CRIT). She uses an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device to express her wants and needs. Thanks to the support of her speech therapist, Mayte is making incredible strides in her communication skills, from following three-step directions to vocalizing more confidently. Her AAC device has become a powerful tool, when communication breakdown occurs.

Mayte’s achievements don’t stop there. She now walks in the community with her gait trainer and participate in daily activities, giving her more independence to do the things she loves like spending time at the river.

Mayte’s journey is far from over, with your support, she will continue reaching her full potential. Your generous donation makes a profound impact, empowering Mayte and many children to conquer obstacles that once seemed impossible.

Make a difference today. Your contribution of only 83¢ a day will provide hope, care, and a brighter future for children like Mayte.

It’s back-to-school season, and the excitement of choosing a backpack for the year is here—so many different colors, shapes, patterns, and prints to choose from. However, there are things to look for when picking a backpack to ensure your child is not experiencing back, shoulder, or neck pain throughout the year. Check out our tips for proper backpack use below.

1. Choose the correct size of a backpack and the appropriate position for your child. 

A backpack should ideally be no larger than the size of your child’s back. It should rest evenly in the middle of their back, and both shoulder straps should be adjustable enough to easily put on and remove the backpack without any difficulty, while still allowing for comfortable arm movement. The straps should not be so loose that the bag hangs below the lower back and rests on the buttocks. If available, use the chest and waist straps for additional support.

2. Wear both straps.

Using one strap puts excessive wight on one side of the body. Wearing both shoulder straps helps distribute the backpack’s weight evenly.

3. Lighten the load for your child.

Ensure that the backpack weighs no more than 10-15% of your child’s body weight. Have your child carry only the necessary items for the day. Organize the contents of the backpack, placing the heaviest items closest to their back.

If your child complains of neck, shoulder, or back pain that you suspect may be related to a poorly fitting backpack, consult with your pediatrician or physical therapist.

For example:

Selecting the appropriate backpack is also essential for wheelchair users. Here are some pieces of advice to keep in mind during this back-to-school season shopping:

4. Choose the right size and placement for your child’s backpack.

Ensure that the backpack is small enough to fit on the back of the wheelchair. No part of the bag, including the straps, should be touching the wheels. Both shoulder straps should be on each wheelchair push handle (if your wheelchair has them).

5. Lighten the load for your child. 

A heavy backpack can increase the risk of your wheelchair tipping backward. A heavy bag makes propelling the wheelchair more challenging, leading to increased energy consumption throughout the day. 

Consult your physical therapist for the optimal placement of the backpack on your wheelchair.

A little progress each day adds up to significant results.

Sometimes we have high expectations for ourselves and others. We set our minds on grand transformations or goals, only setting up for failure when we do not reach them in a week or a month. Change, especially in ourselves, is challenging. It can be stressful and overwhelming to the point where we freeze and stop altogether, leading to feeling like a failure for not even starting the project we had in mind.

A baby does not crawl one day and run the next. He takes baby steps. He may stumble and fall but gets up again and continues trying until he can walk independently. Eventually, he will be running. Throughout this process, those around him usually support and encourage him. People don’t say when he falls, “Oh, you fell, so stay down.” On the contrary, they encourage him to get up and try again, and they celebrate when the baby makes that first step on their own.

Like a baby learning to walk, breaking down a goal into smaller projects is more effective and less daunting. Each step we take brings us closer to the desired destination. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, support you and speak positive messages to your life. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small steps.

Question: If you were 1% better each day than yesterday, what kind of impact would that make in your life in one year?