Normally I don’t pay much attention to the random and often silly “holiday” designations formed by various special interest groups — like National Blueberry Popsicle Month or Fortune Cookie Day, both in September, in case you’re wondering.
But I am acknowledging this week’s National Rehabilitation Awareness Week (Sept. 18-24), which aims to draw attention to the benefits of physical rehabilitation, among other things, and those giving and receiving these services. Rehab Awareness Week has been observed on the third week of September since 1997 by health care institutions nationwide; it was organized by a foundation established by Allied Services, a nonprofit health care group based in Scranton , Pa.
Nearly 50 million people in this country suffer from some kind of disability, according to the Census Bureau. Many other Americans will likely require at least one rehab service at some point in their lives — be it for an injury, a joint replacement or a debilitating disease.
As a recipient of physical therapy, after arthroscopic hip surgery this summer, I am grateful to have these resources available to help me get back on my feet and tackle the everyday life activities once taken for granted, like walking up and down the stairs or getting in and out of a car. (The treatment is working.) Others I know who have had P.T. feel the same way, too.
So, I extend my thanks today — which, by strange coincidence, also happens to be World Gratitude Day!
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