Tag: life

Best Child Life Specialist Programs In California

Best Child Life Specialist Programs In California

idealmedhealth | June 28th, 2023


There are several esteemed institutions offering child life specialist programs in California. These programs provide aspiring professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences necessary to become competent child life specialists.

Through a comprehensive curriculum, clinical training, and mentorship from experienced faculty, these programs prepare students to meet the unique needs of children and families facing medical challenges.

In this article, we will explore some of the best child life specialist programs in California and highlight their key features.

What Is a Child Life Specialist?

Child life specialists are trained professionals who work in healthcare settings to support the emotional and developmental needs of children and their families during medical procedures.

They are experts in child development, psychology, and family systems. Child life specialists provide age-appropriate preparation, education, and therapeutic interventions to help children cope with the stress and anxiety associated with medical experiences.

Medical procedures can be overwhelming and frightening for children, leading to anxiety, fear, and confusion. Child life specialists play a crucial role in minimizing emotional distress and promoting positive coping strategies.

By creating a supportive and child-friendly environment, they help children understand medical procedures, express their feelings, and develop effective coping mechanisms. Child life specialists also collaborate with healthcare teams to advocate for the psychosocial needs of children, ensuring their overall well-being.

Related: Child Life Specialist Programs In Texas

Overview Of Child Life Specialist Programs In California

Child life specialist programs are specialized educational programs that provide comprehensive training and preparation for individuals aspiring to become child life specialists.

These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to support the emotional well-being of children and families in healthcare settings.

The curriculum of these programs typically includes coursework in child development, psychology, family systems, medical terminology, and therapeutic interventions.

Role Of Child Life Specialists In Healthcare Settings

Child life specialists play a crucial role in healthcare by providing psychosocial support to children and families facing medical challenges. They collaborate with healthcare teams, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals, to ensure a holistic approach to patient care. Some key responsibilities of child life specialists include:

  • Preparing children for medical procedures in a developmentally appropriate and understandable manner
  • Using play and other therapeutic techniques to help children cope with stress and anxiety
  • Providing emotional support and distraction during medical procedures
  • Educating children and families about their medical conditions and treatments
  • Advocating for the unique needs of children and families in the healthcare system
  • Assisting with bereavement support for children and families experiencing loss

Best Child Life Specialist Programs In California

Several universities and colleges offer child life specialist programs in California. Some of the accredited universities and colleges offering these programs include:

Also read: 2 Accredited Dentistry Schools in Arizona

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific’s MS in Child Life program is one of only a handful of academic programs in the United States and Canada that is endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

This recognition assures that the program meets the requirements outlined in the ACLP’s Standards for Academic and Clinical Preparation Programs, confirming that the program’s structure, curriculum, resources, support system, and sustainability are of the highest quality.

Azusa Pacific University’s master’s in child life program prepares men and women for this special role, utilizing advanced academic preparation and hands-on experiences within a framework of Christian compassion.

Students can be confident that coursework meets ACLP certification requirements, enabling them to apply for and take the exam to become a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). it is one of the best child life specialist programs in California.

Address: 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA 91702, United States

Phone: +1 626-969-3434

Loma Linda University

As one of the few graduate programs in the nation that is endorsed by the Association of Child Life Professionals, students can expect a high level of both preparation and personal interaction as they embark on their careers.

Loma Linda University shares the same campus as the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. This enables the program to provide in-class clinical training by utilizing the hospital staff and their facilities as a working lab. All of the core child life courses are taught by certified child life specialists that have ten or more years of experience working in a clinical setting.

The MS Child Life Specialist degree is housed in the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences in the School of Behavioral Health. Master’s degree students may choose to combine one or more certificate options with their degree program.

Certificates are offered in the following specializations: Drug and Alcohol Counseling (Certificate Online), Play Therapy (Certificate Online), and School Counseling (Certificate). This school offers one of the best child life specialist programs in California.

Address: Riggs Hall – 11065 Campus St. Loma Linda, CA 92350, United States

Phone: +1 909-558-1900

University of California, Santa Barbara

Another one of the best child life specialist programs in California is the University of California, Santa Barbara’s Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) program offers a Child Life Specialist program. This program provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to support children and families facing medical challenges.

PaCE’s Child Life Specialist program is designed to be flexible and accessible, accommodating the needs of working professionals or individuals with busy schedules.

The curriculum covers various aspects of child life specialization, including child development, family-centred care, medical terminology, psychosocial assessment, and therapeutic interventions. Students learn how to effectively prepare children for medical procedures, provide emotional support, and facilitate play-based interventions to help children cope with the stress and anxiety of healthcare experiences.

The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural competency, diversity, and ethical practices in the field of child life. Students gain practical experience through internships in healthcare settings, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The UC Santa Barbara PaCE’s Child Life Specialist program is designed to prepare students for a career as child life specialists, equipping them with the necessary skills to positively impact the emotional well-being of children and families in healthcare settings.

Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States

Phone: +1 805-893-8000

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Program

When comparing child life specialist programs in California, several key factors should be considered:

  • Accreditation: Programs accredited by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) ensure adherence to quality standards and eligibility for professional certification.
  • Curriculum: Assess the breadth and depth of the curriculum, including the relevance and variety of courses offered, and whether it aligns with your career goals and interests.
  • Clinical Experience: Evaluate the clinical experience and internship opportunities provided, including the diversity of settings and the level of hands-on experience offered.
  • Faculty Expertise: Consider the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members, including their professional experience, research involvement, and contributions to the field.
  • Student Support: Assess the resources, services, and support available to students, such as libraries, career counselling, networking opportunities, and alumni connections.
  • Location and Accessibility: Consider the location of the program and whether it aligns with your preferences and potential opportunities for practical experiences.
  • Program Focus: Some programs may have a specific focus, such as trauma-informed care, bereavement support, or working with specific populations, which may align with your career interests.
  • Clinical Placement Opportunities: Evaluate the range and quality of clinical placement opportunities available to students, including partnerships with renowned hospitals or specialized pediatric units.
  • Alumni Network: Explore the strength and engagement of the program’s alumni network, as it can provide valuable networking, mentoring, and job placement opportunities.
  • Research Opportunities: If you have an interest in research or academia, consider programs that offer research opportunities, faculty collaborations, or access to research centers focused on child life specialization.
  • Professional Development: Look for programs that offer workshops, conferences, or other opportunities for professional development, as they can enhance your knowledge, skills, and networking within the field.

By comparing these factors and considering your personal career goals, you can make an informed decision about which child life specialist programs in California best suits your needs and aspirations.

Applying to Child Life Specialist Programs In California

When applying to child life specialist programs in California, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the application process and requirements. The specific process may vary between programs, but common components of the application include:

  • Online Application: Complete the program’s online application form, providing personal and educational information.
  • Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, demonstrating academic performance.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or professionals familiar with your academic and/or work experience.
  • Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that highlights your motivation, relevant experiences, and career goals in child life specialization.
  • Application Fee: Pay the application fee, if required.

Conclusion

In conclusion, child life specialist programs in California play a vital role in supporting the emotional well-being of children and families facing medical challenges.

These programs provide specialized education and training, equipping aspiring child life specialists with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to excel in the field.

Editors Pick

Child Life Specialist Programs In Texas

2 Accredited Dental Schools in Ohio

Nursing schools in Nova Scotia

Are their medical schools in North Carolina?

How to improve your health for free: 5 easy ways

How to improve your health for free: 5 easy ways

chibueze uchegbu | October 23rd, 2022


Nowadays, it is expensive to get sick and be treated in the hospital, for some of us even an unaffordable luxury. However, taking care of yourself, it is not at all necessary to spend a lot of money and time on salons, gyms, and clinics.

Even such serious health issues as addiction can be treated for free. You just need to invest some time into looking for the right information — there are a lot of options for drug rehab without insurance, which offers free help for everyone. Qualified staff immediately diagnoses the patient’s condition in order to choose the correct treatment program.

Therapy is carried out according to age and symptoms, there is a guarantee of a personal approach and attentive treatment of the guest.

[lwptoc]

How to improve your health for free: 5 easy ways

Today, to take care of health, it is not necessary to spend millions or even have insurance. There are a lot of ways to take care of your health: from meditation and yoga to fitness and long walks.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice for the body and spirit, which came from India, meaning “unity”, “harmony”.

Initially, the purpose of the classes was the practice of spiritual concentration, but later they discovered a general positive effect on health.

Yoga is beneficial for both women and men. Doing yoga at home or on the street, it will be easier for you to cope with bad habits. Practices will be useful for the psycho-emotional state (especially thanks to breathing exercises): anxiety and excitement will go away.

Yoga classes:

  • relax the body;
  • help to find balance;
  • give a surge of energy;
  • clear the mind;
  • considered migraine prophylaxis;
  • relieve back pain;
  • relieve tension and stress;
  • strengthen the muscles of the body;
  • improve blood circulation;
  • develop flexibility;
  • help to get rid of excess weight;
  • strengthen bones;
  • straighten your posture.

What to start with?

It’s good to evaluate your capabilities. Exercises should be performed smoothly and without pain. If the asana causes discomfort, it is better to stop. Do not overdo it, after class you should come out not squeezed like a lemon, but with a pleasant fatigue. Practice regularly to get the most out of yoga and realize the possibilities of your body.

Meditation

Meditation is an Eastern spiritual practice that affects a person’s attitude. It helps to strengthen physical and psychological health, establishes an internal dialogue, and trains brain activity.

One of the parts of yoga classes – usually the final one – is meditation. Its main value is in relieving stress.

Meditation classes:

  • relieve stress and tension;
  • improve brain function;
  • help produce the hormone of happiness (serotonin);
  • reduce the level of the stress hormone (cortisol);
  • increase efficiency;
  • improve mood;
  • give a general health effect;
  • help to get rid of insomnia;
  • reduce anxiety.

What to start with?

Choose a quiet and peaceful place where nothing will distract you. Take a meditation posture. It can be static (lying or sitting position) or dynamic (walking, walking). Adjust your breathing, concentrate on it. Your main task is to focus on something, try not to let your thoughts soar in the clouds.

Make a schedule of classes, put them in the schedule. Let it be 2-3 workouts per week, if you understand that you can or want more, increase their number.

Walks in the open air

Walking on the street, we saturate the body with oxygen. Sometimes it is not easy to find time for a walk, but it is necessary to do it.

Walks in the open air:

  • cheer up;
  • relax;
  • relieve stress;
  • strengthen immunity;
  • improve the functioning of the heart and blood vessels;
  • speed up metabolism;
  • fill with energy;
  • reduce the risk of certain diseases;
  • improve brain function.

If you sit most of the day, start walking small. If you are too lazy to go out alone, invite a friend or take your pet with you – they will not let you get bored.

Many yards are equipped with sports grounds, and outdoor training will be useful not only for the body, but also for the psychological state.

Finding drug treatment without insurance

Currently, there are a lot of no insurance alcohol rehabs, which can be state-funded or supported by a small non-profitable organization.

They offer full-fledged drug treatment programs no insurance aimed at complete recovery from alcohol addiction.

It is almost impossible to overcome the addiction on your own: in the case of self-medication, the patient will only face disruptions and fall into depression. The best way out of the situation is to call free rehab near me, get free drug guide, find out how to get help for alcoholics without insurance, and start working with professionals.

Self-massage

Self-massage is a type of massage in which a person, by applying pressure on certain parts of his own body, increases the tone of the body. Of course, it is necessary to know a certain technique in order to bring it closer in usefulness to a session with a specialist.

Self-massage is useful for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, work in an office or move little.

Self-massage:

  • regulates the work of internal organs;
  • affects the cardiac, gastric, intestinal functions;
  • saturates skin tissues with oxygen and nutrients;
  • removes dead skin cells;
  • cleanses the sebaceous glands;
  • makes skin firmer and healthier.

How to do it right?

Hands should move along the lymphatic pathways, but it is absolutely impossible to massage the lymph nodes. During the massage, support is needed so that the body is relaxed.

Before the massage, remove all jewelry, watches, so as not to damage the skin. A shower is required after the massage.

Editor’s Pick

Importance of upskilling in healthcare

Resuscitation and its Role in Saving Lives

Understanding Resuscitation and its Role in Saving Lives

chibueze uchegbu | November 17th, 2021


This article on the understanding of resuscitation and its role in saving lives is essential piece for everyone.

The emergency medical system is designed to help people in need of immediate assistance. These individuals may be injured, experiencing a heart attack, or dealing with any other type of medical emergency.

One part of the emergency medical system is the resuscitation team, which consists of trained professionals called on to help save people’s lives.

They have the tools, training, and knowledge to successfully resuscitate patients who have gone into cardiac arrest or respiratory distress. Working alongside paramedics, emergency room doctors, and nurses, resuscitation team members can be the difference between life and death for some patients.

In this blog post, we are going to explore the role of resuscitation teams in saving people’s lives.

Training for Resuscitation

As a medical professional, you know that emergencies can be life-threatening. A few seconds of delay in receiving care can result in death.

For this reason, it’s essential to have the right skills to help those who are most vulnerable and need your assistance quickly – like patients with severe internal injuries or in cardiac arrest.

Candidates who are interested in becoming advanced cardiovascular life support specialists need to pass ACLS courses to become certified.

It is an excellent resource for those in healthcare who work with critically ill patients. It also helps health professionals learn how to save lives and minimize complications in any medical care situation.

Trained health professionals can recognize signs of respiratory arrest and alleviate the symptoms through early resuscitation management techniques.

Moreover, they’re also able to diagnose peri-arrest conditions like symptomatic bradycardia, airway management, and intubation-related pharmacology allowing them to be more effective during emergencies.

Types of Resuscitation

Resuscitation techniques differ depending on the situation and can be performed by various healthcare professionals.

Normal CPR

Normal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies. When a patient stops breathing or their heart stops beating, chest compressions and rescue breaths can re-pump the blood and clear up the airway respectively.

High-Frequency Chest Compressions (HPCC)

HPCC is a mechanical method of self-administered ventilation, which induces rapid air movement in and out of the lungs with a vibratory vest.

The oscillating volume induces mucolysis clearing up any suffocating mucus build-up or other fluids that might have accumulated inside the body’s respiratory system.

Cough CPR

Cough CPRs are used to apply extra pressure and keep a patient conscious during CPR.  Coughing acts as an excellent substitute for chest compressions, changing the pressure in the lungs to improve blood flow.

In addition, it helps propel airways open while also driving fluids away from the body with greater ease.

Open Chest CPR

The open-chest technique for CPR is a bit more complicated than the closed-chest version, but it’s worth understanding.

It involves making an incision (thoracotomy) in which you access the heart and lungs with surgical precision followed by compressions – either by using all four fingers or just two of each hand against the patient’s sternum while still maintaining contact.

How Do Resuscitation TeamsWork

Resuscitation teams at different hospitals combine efforts with different emergency procedures, methods, and peripheral devices to save human lives.

Dedicated or designated, these team members are present during in-hospital or on-site cardiac arrest incidents to effectively tackle the situation.

For the effectiveness of these critical operations, all actions and roles are coordinated and teams oversee operational efficiency in various departments from the emergency unit to neonatal wards, labor wing, and post-op care. According to a study in the American Heart Association Journal (AHA), communication training is vital for saving people’s lives.

Resuscitation teams must adapt to closed-loop communication systems while interacting with team members and follow set guidelines and procedures.

In the matter of CPRs, the situation can get sensitive. Therefore, clear roles are assigned to team members, so each person knows their duties, allowing for greater efficiency and quick resolution of on-site emergencies.

The team members are expected to achieve better results by knowing methods that span a variety of areas such as infection prevention, heart attack care, and much more.

Teamwork and leadership are essential for algorithms (set of instructions to follow a procedure) that help people perform cardiopulmonary resuscitations.

The team members are required to understand the importance of accountability, proactiveness, and reactiveness when performing any operation on-site.

Lives are saved with these skills, so it’s important to build and train teams who can follow guidelines.

Health practitioners adapt to a choreographed method, called team-focused cardiopulmonary resuscitation that emphasizes quality chest compressions and early defibrillation, and discourages endotracheal intubation.

This approach to CPR can be difficult for healthcare providers, but on the other hand, this strategy has been shown to be effective in saving lives.

The goal of emergency medical technicians performing chest compressions is to get patients back into a stable rhythm.

To do this, they follow team-focused CPR guidelines that call for high-quality compressions, sometimes followed by shocks for improved airway management.

Depending on the area of work, resuscitation teams can tailor their training to the learner’s real-world scope of practice.

This ensures that team composition and environment are appropriate for an individual trainee. They understand how much stress or cognitive load to expect in real life while maximizing engagement levels on the task.

Last but not least, these groups do mock codes together as training exercises to learn how some things work and why specific actions are taken during difficult situations

Final Thoughts

After reading the article, you should know that there are many different training levels for medical professionals who are specifically interested in working with emergencies.

With more awareness and easily accessible training programs, anyone can become a part of these life-saving teams by going for an ACLS certification, which teaches the skills and techniques needed to perform first aid on anyone collapsing, unresponsive, or having difficulty breathing.

According to stats, 1 in 5 people witness someone collapse in front of them, and with the right training, anyone can step up and give the appropriate attention to the person before emergency services arrive.

Recommendations

Emergency medical service the Philippines

Free Emergency Medical Insurance

Essential Tips to Restore Your Quality of Life

4 best Essential Tips to Restore Your Quality of Life

chibueze uchegbu | October 26th, 2021


The knowledge of the essential tips to restore your quality of life should be everyone’s pride.

Life tends to pull us down. There comes a point in everyone’s life when nothing feels right. When such situations arise, it can become challenging to keep up with the daily struggles that happen to us.

Introduction to Essential Tips to Restore Your Quality of Life

If you’re facing a challenging time in your life, there are ways you can help yourself.

You don’t have to keep suffering because life dealt a few tough cards. Restoring the quality of your life is all about seeking remedial methods that can help you feel better.

While we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we react and seek treatment for what we are going through. When it comes to fixing your life, there are some measures that you can do, while some need professional intervention.

Every method has its benefits, but they all offer a holistic approach to life. Here are some tips you can follow to restore the quality of life:

Try Treatments for Different Disorders

Disorders can arise for many reasons. These also span a range from highly complex disorders to mild cases.

It can get challenging to live with anxiety, depression, and even mood swings. While there are medicinal routes available, it is not for everyone. It would help if you had a better and stronger intervention that is more holistic.

Ketamine is one such intervention that you should consider. You can find various clinics around your area that provide Ketamine infusion therapy. For instance, if you live in Chicago, you can search online by typing Ketamine Clinic in Chicago and get a consultation.

Ketamine works on your brain by blocking NMDA receptor signals. Your brain gets the opportunity to create new pathways that target injuries and symptoms of illnesses around your body.

At the same time, your emotions get contained, allowing you to feel calm and relaxed after the treatment. You will be in safe hands with a professional walking you through your condition. So you have nothing to fear.

Improve Your Sleeping Habits

Some of us put off sleeping because we see it as a hassle, while others have insomnia. When you’re not getting a proper amount of sleep, it will impact your mental, social and emotional health. One method of attempting to sleep is to condition yourself to sleep.

To follow through, you will need to put away electronics, avoid caffeine, and stay in bed till rest takes over. For people with insomnia and poor sleeping habits, you may need to see a sleep specialist.

The numerous therapies will help you develop a sleeping pattern for yourself that prevents your body from resisting sleep.

You can go for stimulus control therapy in which you have a consistent bedtime without naps. The therapist will advise you not to linger in bed if you aren’t sleepy in 20 minutes and only return when you are. Sleep is essential for you.

The detrimental effects lack of sleep has on your body will heavily impact your life. So you need to seek help and fix your sleep pattern right away.

Change Your Diet

What goes in your body makes a difference to your overall health. If your diet is poor and mainly processed meals, your body will starve for nutrients. Since our body works in an interconnected manner, it trickles to other parts of your body if you’re not satiated.

You may feel sad, depressed, and even lazy at times. You may feel like you have no energy to do anything and prefer sitting idle.

Gradually your poor diet will show around your body. You may gain weight, start developing symptoms of chronic conditions, and eventually get sick often.

You can visit a nutritionist to help you fix your diet. For the most part, meals that are grilled, boiled, and baked are good for you.

You also need vegetables and fruits as a part of your dietary plan. As you grow older, look towards vitamin supplements to give you the essential minerals you need, like venotonic supplements for example, that help promote a healthy circulatory system.

Drugs and alcohol should never be a part of your routine. You will notice a drastic change in your overall health and even perspective towards life. All it takes is one step towards a healthier diet, and you start feeling better.

Start Exercising More

Exercise does more for you than helps you lose weight. You are gaining more benefits than a sharp and chiseled body. When you exercise, you encourage your body to burn calories, inhale profoundly, and pump more blood.

As a result, your cholesterol, heart conditions, and even numerous chronic conditions stay under control. Exercise is also an effective stress reliever. You get to use up all the pent-up energy and force yourself out of your head for a while.

After a vigorous exercise session, you will feel rejuvenated and lighter on your feet. You may even work up an appetite and enjoy eating more following a good session.

Final Words

We need to take control of our lives. While the process of regaining control is not easy, it is essential. Life tends to give us ups and downs.

An all-time low is a norm for some of us, and we allow it to take over us. It would help if you built yourself back bit by bit using numerous tools at your disposal.

Put yourself through therapy and various treatments to allow health and wellness to seep back in. While the professionals are helping you, don’t forget to fix your diet, attempt sleeping more, and exercise. You will notice the work you put in on yourself will help you feel better.

Recommendations

How to be mentally healthy and happy

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Programs

Alternative careers for mental health counselors

Misdiagnosis of mental illness