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Author: Kassidy Okeefe

The Sage Faerie: Natural Skincare Products

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in TOC Talks Podcast.

In this week’s episode, Andrew Kistner sits down with Faraday, the owner of “The Sage Faerie”, a holistic skincare line that uses only natural and healthy ingredients. Join us as we delve into the world of natural beauty, exploring the benefits of holistic skincare and the inspiration behind Faraday’s journey.

Discover how “The Sage Faerie” is transforming skincare routines with products that are healthy for your skin.

Check out her products here!

Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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TOC Talks – The Sage Faerie: Natural Skincare Products TOC Talks Season 2 Ep. 18/ RSS.com

The Ketogenic Diet and Its Impact on Seizure Management

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in All Blogs, Blog Posts, Nutrition.

Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, often requiring a multifaceted approach to manage seizures effectively. One intriguing and increasingly researched option is the ketogenic diet (KD). Let’s explore the research behind the ketogenic diet’s role in seizure management and its potential benefits for individuals with epilepsy.

What Is the Ketogenic Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary regimen designed to induce a state of ketosis. In ketosis, the body shifts its primary energy source from glucose to fat, producing ketones as an alternative fuel. This metabolic change has been shown to influence brain function in ways that may reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

Originally developed in the 1920s to treat epilepsy, the diet is particularly effective for individuals whose seizures are resistant to medication. Studies reveal that approximately 50% of individuals on the ketogenic diet experience a significant reduction in seizure frequency, with some becoming seizure-free.

How Does the Ketogenic Diet Help with Seizures?

The exact mechanism behind the ketogenic diet’s success in controlling seizures remains under study. However, researchers have proposed several theories:

  • Stabilizing Brain Activity: Ketones may provide a more stable energy source for the brain, reducing neuronal excitability.
  • Modifying Neurotransmitters: The diet appears to influence the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, which play a critical role in seizure activity.
  • Reducing Inflammation: Ketosis may lower inflammation in the brain, a factor associated with epilepsy.

For those with medication-resistant epilepsy, these effects could offer significant improvements in quality of life.

Implementing the Ketogenic Diet

While the ketogenic diet has clear potential, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and requires careful supervision by medical professionals. Key factors to consider include:

  • Customization: Diet plans must be tailored to individual needs, particularly for children or individuals with specific health conditions.
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of ketone levels and overall health is essential to ensure the diet’s safety and effectiveness.
  • Side Effects: Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nutrient deficiencies, and difficulty maintaining the diet long-term.

Medical professionals at institutions like Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Epilepsy.com emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach. Working with neurologists, dietitians, and epilepsy specialists is critical to achieving optimal outcomes.

Research and Success Stories

Several studies and patient success stories underscore the ketogenic diet’s potential:

  • Cleveland Clinic highlights that the diet has been particularly effective in pediatric epilepsy, often leading to improved cognitive function and development.
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine has implemented diet therapies in its Epilepsy Center, reporting promising results for both children and adults.
  • Epilepsy.com shares that modified versions, such as the Modified Atkins Diet, offer more flexibility while maintaining effectiveness.

Moving Forward with The Oxford Center

At The Oxford Center, we understand the challenges of managing epilepsy and the importance of exploring all viable treatment options. While the ketogenic diet may not be suitable for everyone, its potential to transform the lives of those with medication-resistant epilepsy cannot be overlooked.

If you or a loved one are navigating the complexities of epilepsy, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet. Together, we can build a comprehensive care plan rooted in research and designed for your unique needs.

References:

  1. Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Ketogenic Diet. Retrieved from Epilepsy.com
  2. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Diet Therapy for Epilepsy. Retrieved from Hopkins Medicine

Understanding Seasonal Depression and How The Oxford Center Can Help

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in Blog Posts, Specific Therapies.

As the seasons change, many people notice a shift in their mood and energy levels. For some, these changes are minor, but for others, they may signal a deeper challenge: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Often referred to as seasonal depression, SAD is a form of depression triggered by seasonal changes, most commonly in the fall and winter months. At The Oxford Center, we understand the impact this can have on daily life and are here to offer hope and support through cutting-edge treatments tailored to your needs.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that recurs with seasonal changes. Its symptoms can range from low energy and difficulty concentrating to feelings of sadness, withdrawal, and disrupted sleep. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, SAD is often linked to reduced sunlight, which can affect the body’s internal clock and serotonin levels.

How The Oxford Center Can Help

At The Oxford Center, we offer innovative therapies that address the underlying challenges of seasonal depression, helping you regain balance and improve your quality of life.

Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, personalized approach to retraining your brain’s activity. Through advanced technology, we monitor and optimize brainwave patterns to improve focus, regulate mood, and reduce the impact of anxiety and depression. By training your brain to function more effectively, you can experience lasting changes in your mental health.

Learn more about Neurofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback helps you understand and control your body’s physiological responses to stress. This therapy empowers you to manage symptoms of SAD by teaching relaxation techniques and promoting emotional resilience. By addressing the physical effects of depression, Biofeedback provides a holistic way to improve your mental well-being.

Explore our Biofeedback Therapy

A Holistic Approach to Wellness

In addition to Neurofeedback and Biofeedback, we take pride in offering a comprehensive, individualized approach to care. Whether it’s through additional therapies, nutritional guidance, or other supportive services, our team is dedicated to helping you navigate seasonal depression and embrace a brighter future.

Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better

If seasonal depression is affecting your life, know that you don’t have to face it alone. At The Oxford Center, we are here to provide compassionate care and effective solutions to help you feel your best year-round.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to wellness.

November Newsletter 2024

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in All News, News, Newsletters.

A New Hope for PTSD Treatment
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining international attention for its ability to help PTSD sufferers heal, as demonstrated by the groundbreaking work at Israel’s Sagol Center. At The Oxford Center, we’ve been at the forefront of using HBOT and Neurofeedback to treat PTSD and other psychological conditions for years, witnessing firsthand the life-changing effects. With studies showing lasting benefits, these therapies are redefining PTSD treatment and providing hope for a future where trauma doesn’t have to define lives.

Creating Creating Community: Eric Meldrum of Brighton MI Happenings TOC Talks Season 2 Ep. 17

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in Specific Therapies.

In this episode of TOC Talks, host Andrew Kistner chats with Eric Meldrum, the voice behind What’s Up Brighton Podcast and manager of the 39,000-member Facebook group Brighton MI Happenings. Eric shares his journey from real estate to building an online community for Brighton. The two discuss appearing on each other’s podcasts, fostering civility in large groups, and keeping community and kindness at the forefront. They highlight the importance of informed sharing, supporting local events and businesses, and creating a space for positive community engagement.

Brighton MI Happenings Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/632634177196269

What’s Up Brighton Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@whatsupbrighton

Tru Living Group EXP Realty: https://www.metro-detroithomesearch.com/

Eric Meldrum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericmeldrumre

Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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TOC Talks – Creating Creating Community TOC Talks Season 2 Ep. 17/ RSS.com

Beyond Words: How SLPs Help with Swallowing Disorders and More: TOC Talks Season 2 Episode 16

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in Specific Therapies.

In this insightful episode of TOC Talks, host Andrew Kistner sits down with Sarah Masters, SLP, to explore her innovative swallowing program at The Oxford Center. Sarah delves into the essential yet often overlooked roles of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), revealing how they assist beyond speech improvement. The conversation highlights the wide-reaching impact of SLPs, including work with swallowing disorders, cognitive-communication, and more, showcasing the full scope and potential of the field. https://theoxfordcenter.com/therapies/speech-therapy/

Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

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TOC Talks – Beyond Words TOC Talks Season 2 Ep. 16/ RSS.com

Are There Treatments for Concussions? TOC Talks Season 2 Ep. 15

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

Join Andrew Kistner as he sits down with Alicia Hisey, DPT, to discuss the innovative new concussion treatment program at The Oxford Center. In this episode, they delve into how concussions occur, the potential dangers, and the comprehensive approach of the concussion program. Combining services like speech therapy, physical therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, this program aims to provide the best possible outcomes for patients with concussions. Tune in to learn more about concussion management and the cutting-edge concussion therapy program available at the Oxford Center. The Oxford Center’s Comprehensive Concussion Program: https://theoxfordcenter.com/concussion-treatment-program/

Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!

Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.  

TOC Talks | RSS.com

TOC Talks – Are There Treatments for Concussions? TOC Talks Season 2 Ep. 15/ RSS.com

October Newsletter 2024

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in All News, News, Newsletters.

 

What Can You Do To Treat A Concussion?

 Join Andrew Kistner as he sists down with Alicia Hisey, DPT, to discuss the innovative new concussion treatment program at The Oxford Center! In this podcast episode, they delve into how concussions occur and the types of concussions, the potential dangers, and the comprehensive approach of our concussion program. Click the link below to watch!

Concussion Treatment Program Podcast

 

Trick or Trinket ABA Halloween

 We’re so excited to announce that our ABA kiddos at The Oxford Center will be participating in a special “Trick or Trinket” event this Halloween!

They’ll be going around the building with their bright blue Halloween buckets (which we’ll provide) and collecting sensory-friendly trinkets.

It’s a fun, festive way to celebrate in a way that’s perfect for our little ones!

We’re asking parents, guardians, and all who support The Oxford Center to donate sensory-friendly trinkets, by October 28th, to help make this day magical. We have 57 kiddos in our program this fall!

We’ve even included some pictures for inspiration! 

 

Join us for Christmas Camp ABA at The Oxford Center!

This special camp is the perfect way for your kiddos to continue working on their skills during the holiday break. Our dedicated BCBAs will run unique programs to ensure your child is not only having fun but also learning and growing while school is out.

If you’d like your child to be a part of this exciting and enriching experience, let us know—we’d love to have them join!

 

At The Oxford Center, we offer Neurotransmitter Testing to help manage your mood and mental energy!

Neurotransmitters play a vital role in ensuring the body functions correctly and maintaining overall mental and physical well-being. They regulate emotions, stabilize mood, manage hormonal signals, and boost concentration, motivation, and focus.

Through this testing, we can identify any imbalances and provide personalized solutions to improve your mental health and quality of life.

Let us help you take control of your wellness journey!

Learn More Here!

 

Every Tuesday, our kitchen transforms into a culinary passport with “Around the World” lunch specials!

Crafted with love from our celiac-safe kitchen and using only gluten-free ingredients, Chef Joe’s creations take us on a delicious journey—one dish at a time.

From Italy to Hungary, India to Puerto Rico, and everywhere in between, these specials are a flavorful highlight of our week, showcasing Chef Joe’s expertise and passion for global cuisine.

Whether you’d like to enjoy your meal in our Bee-stro Cafe or take it home for your family, we’ve got you covered. You can place your order anytime before 1:30pm and pick it up before 5:00pm — perfect for a hassle-free dinner!

To learn more about our amazing Village of TOC see the link below!

Learn More!

Impacts of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on Verbal Scores in Children with Autism: A Secondary Analysis of the HBOT Trial Using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA)

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in Specific Therapies.

Exploring the Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Verbal Milestones in Children with Autism

At The Oxford Center, we continually strive to advance the understanding of treatments that can improve the lives of children with autism. Recently, our team’s groundbreaking study was published in the Cureous Journal of Medicine, providing new insights into the potential benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) when used alongside Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.

A Deeper Dive Into HBOT and Autism

The study involved 65 children with autism, treated at The Oxford Center’s Brighton and Troy locations between 2018 and 2021. These children were divided into two groups: one receiving only ABA therapy and the other receiving both ABA and HBOT. By re-analyzing data from two well-established tools for measuring verbal behavior—VB-MAPP and ABLLS—the study set out to understand whether combining these therapies could lead to greater improvements in verbal behaviors.

What makes this research particularly exciting is the use of advanced statistical techniques to validate and reinforce the initial findings. Our secondary analysis employed both t-tests and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to ensure the results were robust and reliable.

The Results: Confirming the Benefits of Combined Therapies

The outcomes were promising. The statistical analysis confirmed that children who received both ABA and HBOT therapy showed improved verbal scores compared to those who received ABA alone. These findings suggest that adding HBOT to traditional ABA therapy might offer additional benefits, particularly in helping children with autism reach critical verbal milestones.

Why This Matters

The journey for families navigating autism can be complex, and treatments that target developmental milestones are crucial. Verbal communication is one of the most important aspects of daily living, and improvements in this area can significantly impact a child’s quality of life.

This study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that HBOT, when used in combination with other therapies, might offer new hope for children with autism and their families. It highlights The Oxford Center’s commitment to cutting-edge treatments and personalized care that supports each child’s unique development.

As we continue our research and care practices, we are optimistic that combining ABA with therapies like HBOT will continue to yield positive results. We look forward to sharing more updates as our research progresses and hope to expand the potential for children with autism to reach their fullest potential.

Read more about our findings and the full study in the Cureous Journal of Medicine.

Click Here to Read More!

September Newsletter 2024

Written by Kassidy Okeefe on . Posted in All Posts, News, Newsletters.

 In our recently published article, Impacts of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on Verbal Scores in Children With Autism: A Secondary Analysis of the HBOT Trial Using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), we explored the effects of HBOT on verbal behaviors in children with autism. The study found that children receiving both HBOT and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) showed greater improvements in verbal skills compared to those receiving ABA alone. This strengthens the case for HBOT as a valuable complement to autism therapies aimed at enhancing communication skills.Read Full Article Here! Now Accepting New Clients for ABA Therapy in Troy!
The Oxford Center is excited to announce that our Troy location has immediate openings for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy! Our ABA program is designed to help children with autism develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and daily living, with a personalized approach that focuses on each child’s unique needs.
Our highly-trained team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Behavior Technicians (BTs) are dedicated to providing the best care in a supportive, fun, and engaging environment. If you’re looking for a therapy option that makes a real difference, now is the perfect time to join us in Troy!
Contact us today to learn more about our ABA services and how we can support your child’s growth and success.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
 Discover the Power of Biofeedback Therapy at The Oxford Center
At The Oxford Center, we’re excited to introduce our newest offering: Biofeedback Therapy! If you’ve never heard of biofeedback, you’re not alone—but this innovative therapy could be the key to unlocking better mental and physical health.
Biofeedback Therapy helps individuals gain control over certain physiological functions, like heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing, that are typically automatic. By using sensors to monitor these bodily functions, our therapists guide you in learning how to regulate your body’s responses to stress, anxiety, pain, and more.
This non-invasive, drug-free therapy is ideal for individuals struggling with conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, ADHD, and even high blood pressure. Biofeedback helps retrain your body’s natural “fight or flight” response, allowing you to take charge of your wellness like never before.
Want to learn more about how Biofeedback Therapy can improve your quality of life? Contact The Oxford Center today to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of this cutting-edge treatment!
More Information Fall Favorites at Colossians 3:23 Coffee House
Fall has arrived, and with it, a fresh lineup of delicious seasonal drinks to warm your spirit! At Colossians 3:23 Coffee House, we’re excited to unveil our cozy fall collection, crafted with love and the finest ingredients to capture the essence of autumn. Whether you’re looking for something spiced, sweet, or bold, we’ve got the perfect beverage to fuel your fall adventures.
Check out our new flavors:Iced Pumpkin Spiced Latte: The classic pumpkin spice you love, served chilled for those warm autumn days.Spicy Cozy Latte: A warm, bold latte with a kick of spice to keep you cozy through the season.Caramel Apple Chai Latte: Sweet and spiced, this chai is blended with caramel and apple notes for the perfect fall treat.Pumpkin Spiced Latte: A traditional favorite, balancing rich espresso with creamy pumpkin flavors.Brown Sugar Spice Shaken Espresso: A sweet and spicy twist on espresso, with rich brown sugar and warming spices.Stop by and enjoy the tastes of fall at The Village of TOC, where every cup is made with purpose, Colossians 3:23 style. Join us for an exquisite evening of fine wines and oils imported from Italy and gourmet plates prepared by our in-house chef, at the Sip & Savor Fundraiser, hosted by The Oxford Center on October 25, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This exclusive fundraising event, benefiting the Oxford Kids Foundation, features a delightful selection of wines from the renowned Tenuta Torciano Winery, paired with six course expertly crafted meal.
Gluten free options available, ensuring a safe and delicious experience for all attendees.

With limited spots available, this intimate event promises an unforgettable culinary experience. While all proceeds from ticket sales directly support the Oxford Kids Foundation, guests will also have the opportunity to purchase bottles of wine after the event!
Don’t miss this chance to indulge in fine wine and cuisine while making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities, traumatic injuries, and chronic illnesses. Secure your spot today and join us for an evening of great taste and greater impact!