Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1925-12-13

apy forms an in E3~4x TCSTSSE
valuable part of (ESb2SYSSt9HI
the organizations SfGISql5SESs
program in the gxSSMSlN(E
treatment of those &tTrsast5fSHsSE
who come under ! kssnSAszaisss4
its care. N0~o-oAo-o~o~n-o-~S
This statement
was made last night by DR.. j.
Winthrop Peabody, head OF the
tuberculosis Hospital maintained by
the Government at Fourteenth
ana Upshur streets, in an out
line of the activities of the associ-
alton in connection with its drive to
raise $50 600 for the coming year,
budget ny the sale of Christmas seals.
The patients, DR.. Peabody amplitied,
not only are benefited bodily by hav-
ing their energies directed into pro-
ductiVe channels, but profit economic
ally also, as those articles they
fashion are placed on sale, and they
receive the net proceeds.
1T was in 1921" said DR. Peabody,
that the Washington Tuberculosis
Association inaugurated the occupa-
tional therapy department in our hos
pital. The step was then viewed by
many as n doubtful venture and had
y small beginning in temporary quar-
terS with little equipment and only
one teacher. In Il very short time,
however, it was realized by those in
authority that this contribution was
something more than an experiment.
It was seen that the occupational
work thus offered reached a side of
the patients life which had hitherto
been untouched.
Aided by Seal Sale.
The work thus started has slowly,
but steadily advanced, and has been
hfNn IL
through the annual sale of Christmas
seals.
The basis of the work of the ocCu
pational therapist must always rest
upon the judgment of the physician in
charge of the individual patient. The
method of ocCupational therapy in
cludes not only the intelligently di-
reCttl use Of various handcrafts or
other occupations, but also the well
directed use of the teachers person
ality so trained and developed as to
stimulate, to encourage and to dis
cipline the patient in the right direc-
ton. This means enliSting the will
and the courage of the patient. In
this way the period of convaleScence
through the work of the occupational
therapiSt may be made to count with
the utmost value for the future come
back. Lessons valuable for the de-
velopment of character as a result Of
Illness may thus be brought into con-
seriousness. Also many opportunities
come to the teacher to point the way
of a fuller life. Of increased usefulness
and greater happiness.
From it's meager beginning, the
occupational therapy department has
made a much larger and more effec-
tive demonstration which includes be-
side instructions as we'll as shop work
in the more advanced as we'll as the
simple arts and crafts. also academic
training for children and adults and
supervised recreation.
Given Chance to Earn.
The economic aspects of this work
are of considerable Importance in add
ton to its therapeutic value. The va
rious objects produced by the patients
have their economic value as well as
the curative influence of the work
thus done. These objects are attrac
lively displayed in the gift shop"
and Il fair market price is placed on
each. The money received from mar
lleting these articles, above the cost
IF material, goes to the patients them
selves.
But of even greater value is the
curative effects of this work, under
expert direction and medical advice.
During the clinical treatment Of
tuberculosis, habits of idleness other
wise tend to become fastened upon
many patients, and this tendency is
gradually overcome by this work as
The patients become able to get about.
Thus the patient gets sort of try-out.
Before leaving the hospital it is i'm
portant to know his ability to under
go physical eXertion. In this way
mistakes are avoided and patients are
prevented from premature break
downs after leaving the hospital.
Mistakes Pointed Out.
1T is a mistake to advise arrested
tuberculOus cases in general to seek
light outdoor employment (a) In
scarcely any occupation of that type
are the wages paid sufficient for a
tuberculous person; (b) the seasonal
character of many outdoor occupations
renders them unsuitable for the
tuberculous: (C) experience of many
observers has shown that arrested
cases maintain their condition better
in occupations in which they worked
previous to their illness.
However. a further development of
this after-care problem. as we'll as the
continuation of the present work of
he occupational therapy department
at the tuberculosis Hospital. is en-
lirely dependent upon the success of
The sale of the Christmas seals. 1t
is our hope that the time is not far
distant when this department will be-
come an integral part of the institu-
lion, supported by funds appropriated
by our Congress. By such an act the
burden of the occupdtional therapy
department would be raised from the
shoulders of the Washington Tuber-
ciilosis Association and would enable
that splendid organization to turn it's
attention to other health channels,
possibly along the lines of follow-up
work after the patient has left the
sanatorium. 1t is this particular
follow-up work which needs our atten-
lion in this present day. and it will
be taken care of-but again, its sue
cess in this will rest entirely upon the
sale of the Christmas seals"
Other work carried on by the as
ISOLATION is the health crusade and
nutrition clinics for school children;
summer health camp for tubercular
children, and assistance for anti
nd win