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Pilates: A Path to Relief and Wellness for Chronic Back Pain

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, Informational, Specific Therapies.

Living with chronic back pain can be an incredibly debilitating experience. Many individuals suffering from this condition find themselves seeking solutions that may only provide temporary relief, or no relief at all. For these individuals, finding a lasting solution to their chronic pain is extremely important as that pain can be debilitating and affect their everyday life. Luckily, Pilates is a great option!  

Understanding Chronic Back Pain 

 Chronic back pain affects millions of people worldwide and can stem from various causes such as muscle imbalances, poor posture, herniated discs, or injuries. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or surgery, but these may not always provide satisfactory or lasting results. In such cases, exploring alternative therapeutic options like Pilates can offer a fresh perspective. 

What is Pilates?  

Pilates is a low-impact exercise method developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It focuses on strengthening the core muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall body alignment. Pilates exercises are performed on a mat or specialized equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, or chair. The practice involves precise movements combined with controlled breathing and concentration. 

How Pilates Helps Back Pain: 

  • Core Strengthening: One of the key principles of Pilates is activating and strengthening the deep abdominal and back muscles, commonly referred to as the “core.” Strengthening these muscles can provide better support for the spine and help alleviate stress on the back. 
  • Improved Posture and Alignment: Pilates emphasizes proper alignment of the spine, pelvis, and shoulders. By developing awareness of correct posture and practicing exercises that promote alignment, individuals can alleviate strain on the back and improve overall body mechanics. 
  • Flexibility and Mobility: Pilates exercises focus on elongating and stretching muscles, increasing flexibility, and enhancing joint mobility. Improved flexibility can reduce muscle tension and tightness in the back, leading to decreased pain and increased range of motion. 
  • Body Awareness: Pilates encourages a heightened sense of body awareness and mindful movement. Through concentration and controlled movements, individuals learn to identify and correct movement patterns that contribute to back pain. This increased awareness helps prevent further injury and promotes healthier movement habits in daily life. 

Benefits of Pilates for Back Pain: 

  • Pain Relief: Pilates can help alleviate chronic back pain by strengthening and stabilizing the core muscles, reducing strain on the spine, and promoting better body mechanics. As the body becomes stronger and more aligned, individuals often experience a reduction in pain symptoms. 
  • Improved Flexibility: Increased flexibility achieved through Pilates exercises can ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness in the back. Enhanced flexibility also contributes to better posture and prevents future back problems. 
  • Enhanced Strength and Stability: Pilates targets the deep core muscles, which provide stability and support for the spine. Strengthening these muscles helps protect the back from injury and provides a solid foundation for functional movements. 
  • Postural Correction: Poor posture can contribute to back pain. Pilates exercises emphasize proper alignment and teach individuals how to maintain good posture throughout daily activities. By improving postural habits, individuals can alleviate strain on the back and reduce pain. 
  • Stress Reduction: Chronic back pain can cause emotional stress and tension. Pilates incorporates relaxation techniques, controlled breathing, and a focus on mindfulness, which can help reduce stress levels. By calming the mind and promoting relaxation, Pilates contributes to overall well-being. 

 Pilates offers a holistic approach to managing chronic back pain, combining strengthening exercises, flexibility training, postural correction, and mindfulness techniques. By engaging in regular Pilates practice, individuals can experience relief from back pain, improved physical functionality, and a renewed sense of well-being. If you’re struggling with chronic back pain, consider exploring the benefits of Pilates as a valuable addition to your pain management and overall wellness routine. 

Pilates at The Oxford Center 

At The Oxford Center, we want to support you in every way we can as you embark on your health and wellness journey. For that reason, we are now offering Pilates at unbeatable prices, with an exceptional instructor, and state-of-the-art equipment. Discover the benefits of Pilates for yourself – increased muscular strength, improved posture, enhanced body awareness, and a renewed sense of vitality. Take the first step towards a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle today. 

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TOC Talks Episode 18, Part One: “Planning for the Worst”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in TOC Talks Podcast.

In this special two-part episode of TOC Talks, Andrew Kistner is joined by Ashley Waddell Tingstad, the Founder & Principal of Treetown Law. Ashley is an estate planning attorney who is able to help anyone plan out their estate, however she has a particular interest in estate planning for families with special needs children. In part one of this episode, she shares her deeply personal connection to estate planning and why she chose to enter that field. Ashely shares her journey with her father’s hospice and passing, her uncle’s passing, and the birth of her son Viggo, who ultimately passed away from a very rare genetic condition. Ashley saw firsthand all of the difficulties that come with these experiences, the financial burden, and the planning that needs to happen. Tune in to hear her story and stay tuned for episode two, where they go in depth about estate planning!

Read more from Ashley here: mom here now 

Check it Out!

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite 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 – Planning for the worst: TOC Talks Ep. 18 Part 1 | RSS.com

Embracing Holistic Fitness: A Pilates Workout Works for Everyone

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Specific Therapies.

The perception of workouts has experienced a significant shift in the last decade or two. The days when exercise solely revolve around achieving a certain physical appearance through high-intensity activities are gone. Today, the fitness landscape has evolved to prioritize overall health and well-being, offering a diverse array of workout methods tailored to individual needs. Among these, Pilates has emerged as a rapidly growing phenomenon, captivating fitness enthusiasts with its comprehensive approach to exercise. With a focus on enhancing both physical and mental wellness, Pilates has gained immense popularity as an excellent all-around workout choice. 

What is Pilates?  

Pilates is a holistic exercise approach that focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this fitness method emphasizes controlled movements, precise alignment, and proper breathing techniques. Pilates exercises target the core muscles, including the abdomen, lower back, hips, and glutes, while also engaging the entire body for a balanced workout. 

History of Pilates 

The roots of Pilates can be traced back to Joseph Pilates, a German-born fitness enthusiast who developed the method during World War I. Pilates, originally known as “Contrology,” was initially used as a rehabilitation technique for wounded soldiers. Joseph Pilates believed that physical and mental health were interconnected, and he designed a series of exercises that focused on building core strength and flexibility. 

Over time, Pilates gained popularity and began attracting attention from dancers and athletes due to its transformative benefits. Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara opened a studio in New York City, where they trained students and instructors in the Pilates method. Since then, Pilates has evolved and diversified, with various schools of thought and styles of practice emerging worldwide. 

Benefits of a Pilates Workout

Pilates offers a multitude of benefits as a workout for both the body and mind. Through regular practice, individuals can improve core strength as the workout targets and strengthen deep abdominal and back muscles. Pilates also increases flexibility, with Pilates exercises promoting a full range of motion and increased muscle elasticity. Alongside improved strength and flexibility, Pilates helps enhance posture by emphasizing proper alignment and body awareness, reducing strain on the neck, shoulders, and lower back. The exercises work to tone muscles throughout the body, resulting in a more sculpted appearance and increased body awareness.

Moreover, Pilates contributes to stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing coordination. It serves as a valuable tool for injury prevention and rehabilitation, aiding in the recovery process by strengthening weakened muscles and improving flexibility. Pilates incorporates breathing techniques and encourages mindfulness, reducing stress and fostering a deeper mind-body connection. The practice can also boost energy levels, leaving individuals feeling invigorated and revitalized. Overall, Pilates provides a holistic approach to fitness and well-being, promoting physical strength, mental clarity, and an overall sense of vitality. 

What is the Difference Between Yoga and Pilates?  

While Pilates and yoga share some similarities, they are distinct practices with different origins and objectives. Here are the key differences between the two: 

  • Focus: Pilates emphasizes physical conditioning, strength, and core stability, with an emphasis on controlled movement and alignment. Yoga, on the other hand, combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall well-being and spiritual growth. 
  • Breathing Techniques: Pilates utilizes specific breathing patterns, such as lateral thoracic breathing and deep diaphragmatic breathing, to facilitate movement and engage the core muscles. In yoga, breath is a tool to connect the body and mind, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. 
  • Spirituality: While yoga often incorporates spiritual elements and philosophical teachings, Pilates is primarily a physical exercise system with a focus on anatomical alignment and functional movement. Pilates is a more secular and fitness-oriented practice. 
  • Equipment: Pilates exercises often use specialized equipment such as the Reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda Chair, which use springs and resistance mechanisms to challenge the body. Yoga typically requires minimal equipment, with practitioners relying on yoga mats and props for support. 

Pilates at The Oxford Center 

At The Oxford Center, we want to support you in every way we can as you embark on your health and wellness journey. For that reason, we are now offering Pilates at unbeatable prices, with an exceptional instructor, and state-of-the-art equipment. Discover the benefits of Pilates for yourself – increased muscular strength, improved posture, enhanced body awareness, and a renewed sense of vitality. Take the first step towards a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle today. 

Learn More
tick bite

Are Tick Bites a Cause for Concern? Understanding Lyme Disease  

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Specific Conditions.

Every summer, we all look forward to the time we’re going to spend outside with family and friends. Everything that puts a smile on our faces when we think of summer happens outside- beaches, hikes, playing with pets. With all the summer fun, though, we always seem to forget about all the pests that come out in summertime and all the insect bites we end up with… like tick bites.   

Ticks are small parasites often found in wooded areas, grasslands, and areas with dense vegetation. Ticks bite humans and animals and can spread diseases, such as Lyme disease, through their bite. It is important to understand how to prevent tick bites and how to recognize signs of Lyme disease in the event of a bite so that you can seek treatment quickly.    

What is Lyme Disease?

Tick Bite

Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. This bacterium transmits through the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. This bacterium is common in parts of the United States, Europe, and Canada. Anyone who experiences a tick bite is at risk of developing symptoms of Lyme disease, which can prove serious, permanent, and even fatal if left untreated.   

Symptoms

Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary and may develop in stages. Not everyone infected with Lyme disease will experience the same symptoms and some individuals may not display any symptoms at all. Common signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease include:  

Early Localized Stage:  

  • Erythema migrans (EM) rash: A circular or bull’s-eye-shaped rash that expands from the site of the tick bite. It may appear within 3 to 30 days after the bite and is typically not itchy or painful.  
  • Flu-like symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.  

Early Disseminated Stage:  

  • Multiple EM rashes: Additional rashes may develop in different areas of the body.  
  • Flu-like symptoms: Persistent fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.  
  • Neurological symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the extremities, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), meningitis (headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light), and dizziness.  

Late Disseminated Stage:  

  • Arthritis: Recurrent episodes of joint swelling, particularly in large joints like the knees.  
  • Neurological symptoms: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, nerve pain, and neuropathy.  
  • Heart problems: Irregular heart rhythm, palpitations, and chest pain.  

It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, making a diagnosis challenging. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention for proper evaluation and diagnosis.  

Without Treatment

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to more severe and potentially long-term complications. These complications can worsen as time goes on and can even become permanent if not addressed or addressed adequately. Severe complications may include chronic joint inflammation and arthritis, mobility issues, neurological complications, meningitis, heart abnormalities, serious cardiac issues, eye inflammation, hearing problems, memory impairment, mood changes such as depression and anxiety, and in rare cases- encephalitis and peripheral neuropathy.   

How to Prevent Tick Bites & Lyme Disease  

Lyme Disease can quickly become serious for those infected. It is important to be aware of simple ways to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease, such as:

  • Avoid tick-infested areas: When possible, try to stay away from areas with high grass, dense vegetation, and leaf litter where ticks are commonly found. If you need to be in such areas, walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.  
  • Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks or boots, and a hat. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks more easily.  
  • Perform tick checks: After spending time in areas where ticks may be present, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Promptly remove any ticks you find.  
  • Shower after outdoor activities: Taking a shower within two hours of being outdoors can help wash away ticks that may be crawling on your body. Use a washcloth or loofah to help remove ticks that haven’t attached yet.  
  • Maintain a tick-free yard: Create a tick-safe environment by keeping your lawn well-maintained, removing leaf litter, and clearing tall grass and brush.  

Our Approach

The Oxford Center has developed a Lyme Disease Treatment Program to help you on your way to recovery. Our program includes the following services:   

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)  

Traditional treatment for Lyme disease involves antibiotics in the form of either oral, injections, or IV. Co-infections frequently require a different treatment plan than antibiotic therapy as they are not always effective for Lyme disease. The bacteria associated with Lyme disease is very sensitive to oxygen and is debilitated in a highly oxygenated environment. Research shows that HBOT makes a significant improvement when used to treat Lyme disease, even with patients who have not been successful with antibiotic therapy. HBOT decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells up to 800% more after twenty sessions. Research shows that the efficiency of antibiotics in the case of Lyme Disease has increased as new blood vessel growth allows the medication to penetrate deeper into tissues.  

Learn More

Neurofeedback Therapy  

A Quantitative EEG shows us the electrical activity of the brain. We will be able to see if inflammation is present, if there are any areas of hyper- or hypoactivity, and any areas of disconnect. Patients with Lyme disease may experience Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and may experience pain, neurocognitive or fatigue symptoms, headaches, brain fog, and sleep disorders. PTLDS seems to occur more frequently after Lyme disease has caused neurological complications. Research suggests that the brain becomes more sensitive to pain signals and does not reset after the infection, causing the increased sensitivity to continue. Using the information from the QEEG, we can focus on the area(s) of the brain most affected and bring those areas back into balance through Neurofeedback Therapy.  

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Nutrition Services  

Finally, nutrition helps to address co-infections associated with Lyme disease. Our services will look to heal the gut, look at what is wrong, and support your body in anything else going on. Gut healing is a great tool in your health journey, and it can be essential to addressing every issue going on in your body. Nutrition coaching provides the information and support you need to learn to enjoy health-building foods, create a healthy living environment, and feel good in your body.    

Learn More

TOC Talks Episode 17: “U.S.A vs. The U.K.?”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

In honor of the 4th of July coming up Andrew talks with Lee Mitchell, an England born and raised native. In this episode of TOC Talks, Andrew and Lee talk about some of the differences between living in the United States versus England, first impressions of the States, and ultimately which is better- The U.S.A. or the U.K.?! This is a really fun episode, so don’t miss out!

Check It Out!

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite 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 – U.S.A vs the UK | RSS.com

What’s Going on in Camp ABA?  

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All News, All Posts, Autism/ABA Therapy, Blog Posts, Events, News.

Our Camp ABA program is in full swing for the 2023 summer season! Our Camp ABA program is a summer program designed for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This program offers a fun and educational way to spend the summer practicing social, emotional, and learning skills. Camp ABA is a summer Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) program that aims to give kids all the experiences of a camp-like atmosphere while still going through a top-notch ABA program! We have had some really fun and educational themed weeks so far and we are so excited for the weeks we have in store still! 

Week One: “Saved by the Bell” 

We kicked off our first week of Camp ABA with a “Saved by the Bell” theme! This week kids truly celebrated the start of summer by making graduation caps and friendship bracelets, playing with water balloons, playing basketball, having story time and freeze-dance parties, and more! The kids had a great time starting camp and officially kicking off the summer! 

Week Two: “Gardening Week” 

Going into our second week of camp, the kids had a great time continuing their fun and learning. We enjoyed a gardening theme this week, and I think it’s safe to say the kids had a great time! For gardening week, the kids had fun with a flower scavenger hunt, veggie tasting, painting garden stones, learning to weed a garden, making fairy jars, and more! Move over Mom, we saw a few green thumbs starting to come out! 

Week Three: “Down on the Farm” 

Week three of Camp ABA was dedicated to a “Down on the Farm” theme! The kids had a great time experiencing some country-living activities and we loved seeing how much they enjoyed it! Our kids got to imitate shearing sheep and milking a cow, playing kickball, making Juneteenth flags, line dancing to Old MacDonald Had a Farm, and more! These kids are ready to move into some nice country-living! 

Week Four: “Under the Sea”  

Finally, week four of Camp ABA is going to the ocean with a “Under the Sea” theme! Our little sea creatures are going to have a great time diving into all of the activities we have planned. The kids are going to get to go on a sea creature scavenger hunt, learn about ocean layers and currents, coral reef sponge paintings, painting sea turtles and a deep-sea diver, having a Just Dance “Under the Sea” Disney Party, and more! We are so excited to see how much fun the kids have learning about the ocean and everything in it! 

We Can’t Wait for More!

With about half of Camp ABA in the books, it’s safe to say we are off to a fantastic start! The kids are having so much fun learning and socializing with their fellow Camp ABA-ers! But, even with everything we have already done we are still just getting started! We have loads of fun themes left for the kids to experience and we can’t wait to share all of the fun with you! 

Learn More About Camp ABA

Empowering Children with Cognitive Impairments During Summer 

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Autism/ABA Therapy, Blog Posts, Informational.

Summer is usually a time full of relaxation, time to spend with family and friends, and plans for great vacations. This isn’t usually the case for parents of children with cognitive impairments, though. For these parents, they know that summer is going to be much more difficult for their child and their family.  

What Difficulties do Children with Cognitive Impairments Face During Summer?  

  • Routine: Children with cognitive impairments thrive under a regular schedule where they, at least roughly, know what to expect and when. So, when a child has been in school for 8 months out of the year they get very used to their routine while in school. Then, once summer begins, they suddenly have to learn a whole new routine! The sudden change can feel uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and intimidating. This dysregulation can cause them mental and emotional stress, making this a difficult transition period. 
  • Lack of Social Opportunities: Many children with cognitive impairments have some challenges associated with their communication and social skills. While in school, they have ample opportunities to grow and practice these skills but once they are home for the summer, those opportunities are most likely going to be very few and far between.  This sudden decline in opportunities to socialize may cause their overall social skills to decline and they may lose some of the progress they made during the school year.  
  • Loss of Education/Learning: As with any child, the summer months are often filled with deficits and losses of learning. While in school, students are regularly reading, constantly being exposed to new materials and concepts, and gaining new academic skills. Summer is a disruption to this learning that often results in students losing some of the knowledge they gained during the school year simply because they are no longer practicing and thinking about those skills.  

What Can You Do at Home During Summer?  

Create a Schedule & Stick to it:

summer schedule

One of the best things you can do for your child with a cognitive impairment is to create a schedule for the summer months so that they have something to stick to. This schedule could include eating breakfast at a specific time, reading time, educational time, games time, outdoor time, etc. No matter what schedule you decide to create for your child, it is essential that you are consistent and stick to it as much as possible. Being inconsistent with a schedule will lead to poor results and will not help to regulate how your child feels after experiencing disruption from their school schedule. If possible, prepping your child ahead of time to make them aware before a schedule change will help them to adjust to new situations with ease and comfort.  

Plan Social Activities:

To help your child continue to maintain and grow their social skills, try to plan different social activities that il allow them to continue practicing these skills. These activities could be things like meeting with a friend to play a game, attending community events at libraries or other public areas, or signing up for summer activities like bowling, gardening, swimming, etc. These opportunities will help improve your child’s communication skills, ensure your child maintains any social and emotional learning they gained throughout the school year, and will help them to feel more confident in themselves and around others.  

Plan Educational Activities:

summer reading

Finally, planning educational activities can help make sure your child does not experience the loss of learning that is common for school-age children over the summer.  Reading with your child and then discussing the book can be a great way to help them practice their reading comprehension skills, doing different science experiments can be a great way to engage your child’s curiosity and learn new science skills, having scheduled match times can help your child advance their match capabilities, etc. The possibilities are truly endless! 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the summer months can present unique challenges for children with cognitive impairments and their families. The disruption of routines, limited social opportunities, and potential learning loss can create additional stress and difficulties during this time. However, there are proactive steps that parents can take to support their child’s well-being and promote continued growth. By creating a structured schedule, planning social activities, and incorporating educational experiences, parents can help their child navigate the summer successfully. These strategies not only provide a sense of stability and familiarity but also offer opportunities for skill development and maintaining progress made during the school year. With thoughtful planning and consistent implementation, parents can empower their children with cognitive impairments to have a fulfilling and enriching summer that contributes to their overall development and happiness. 

Learn More from The Oxford Center

June 2023 Newsletter

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, News, Newsletters.

Camp ABA is Underway!

For many children with autism, summertime is a disruption to a much-needed routine and a loss of learning. That’s why The Oxford Center has designed Camp ABA, a summer ABA program directed towards school-age children to help them continue learning and expand their social and emotional growth while school is out!

Every week, Camp ABA will have a different theme with fun activities for kids to take part in! The first week’s theme was “Saved by the Bell” and featured fun and educational activities like making friendship bracelets, playing basketball, story time, making graduation caps, freeze dance parties, and MORE! Keep an eye on our social media to see what other cool activities we have planned!

Learn More About Camp ABA

Cooking for Picky Eaters: Nurturing Kids with Autism and Food Aversions

Cooking for children who are picky eaters can be challenging, especially when it pertains to children with food aversions such as many children with autism. A child’s diet plays a crucial role in their overall health and development. In turn, this diet plays a huge role in your child’s life and if your child is a picky eater or has food aversions, they may not be getting everything they need from their diet to be healthy. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have sensory sensitivities and rigid eating patterns, leading to limited food preferences. Some children with ASD may have heightened sensitivities to taste, texture, and smell, which can contribute to their aversions. Ensuring a well-rounded diet is crucial in maintaining your child’s health, promoting their growth, and supporting overall development. 

Check out the article below to discover some common food aversions, what nutrient-rich foods you should incorporate, tricks to work around food aversions, and exciting gluten-free recipes that you can make with your kid(s)!

Read More About Cooking for Picky Eaters

The Village of TOC Has its Own Social Media and Website!

Did you know The Village of TOC is open to the public? Inside The Oxford Center, the Village of TOC has a smoothie shop, cafe, and coffeehouse that are all packed with delicious, healthy options! The best part? Everything we make is gluten-free and hand-made with wholesome, organic ingredients! 

Our smoothie station features a broad selection of smoothies that are all made-to-order and fully customizable, so you can choose the fruits, veggies, and superfoods that are right for you. We use only organic produce, and we never add any artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

Our cafe features all of your lunchtime favorites from hearty soups to flavorful salads. Each dish is made from scratch with love and care. We understand that many of our customers have dietary restrictions or preferences, which is why we offer a wide selection of gluten-free and healthy options.

Our coffee house is a mod bar style coffee shop that takes pride in serving amazing coffee made from scratch syrups, gluten-free, and made from scratch baked goods. We offer a wide range of gluten-free baked goods made from scratch with only the freshest organic ingredients. From muffins to cookies, our baked goods are a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, we rotate our selection daily, so you’ll always have something new and tasty to try!

Make sure to check us out on our social media and website from the links below!

Village of TOC | Facebook

The Village of TOC (@thevillageoftoc) • Instagram photos and videos 

Visit the Village of TOC Website

Welcome Our New Physician Assistant!

We are very excited to welcome Elle Van Overmeer as our new Physician Assistant (PA-C) at The Oxford Center!

Elle has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Detroit Mercy. During this time, she worked as a CNA with the geriatric population. After graduation, Elle worked as a hyperbaric technician here at The Oxford Center where she gained her clinical experience for PA school. With this experience she was able to see all the amazing benefits HBOT provided for such a wide variety of individuals in an environment that was welcoming and compassionate. Elle went on to receive her masters in physician assistant studies at University of Findlay Ohio. She then went on to work in internal medicine, sports medicine, and urgent care until she found her way back to The Oxford Center.

According to Elle, “I felt that often there is a missing piece of medicine that The Oxford Center fills. Here at TOC, we look at the patient as a whole, caring for all aspects of the patient’s health all in one place. Here I can take my care to the next level by individualizing every patient’s experience to meet their specific needs.”

We are excited to have you, Elle!

Learn More About Our Medical Services

Try These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls!

These gluten-free dinner rolls are so delicious, you have to try them! They taste even better than Texas Roadhouse rolls right out of the oven. We served these at the ‘Be The Change’ Gala we recently hosted for Oxford Kids Foundation, and everyone raved, both gluten and non-gluten eaters alike, about how absolutely delicious they were! This one is definitely a treat, so make sure you give it a try!

Download Our Recipe Here

TOC Talks Episode 16: “Special needs and Finances”

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Posts, TOC Talks Podcast.

In this episode of TOC Talks, Andrew talks with Justin Mulholland, a financial advisor, about what financial steps someone with a special needs child should take. Andrew and Justin discuss what someone should do for their finances first, seeking state help, 401k’s, trusts, and more! Tune in to find out what steps you should take to make sure your child is taken care of and what steps to take to make sure you are taken care of too! This is a great and insightful episode for anyone with a special needs child. Don’t miss out!

Check It Out!

Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform! 

Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite 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 – Special needs and Finances?: TOC Talks Ep. 16 | RSS.com

Speech Guidelines for Children: Addressing Delayed Development  

Written by Andrew Kistner on . Posted in All Blogs, All Posts, Blog Posts, Informational, Specific Therapies.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of everyday life were delayed, including educational and developmental milestones for children. One area that has been particularly affected is speech development. Due to the many challenges that COVID-19 posed, speech guidelines were pushed back to accommodate the limitations of COVID-19. Unfortunately, these guidelines have not been adequately corrected since, so while many children may be at or meeting the current milestones, they are actually delayed according to pre-COVID standards. As parents, it is crucial to be aware of where your child should be in terms of speech milestones and to know when to seek early intervention speech therapy. 

Delayed Development to Look Out For: 

With the guidelines still not up-to-date post COVID-19, it is important that parents know what to look out for so that their child does not fall behind. Here are some things to look out for:  

  • Limited Vocabulary: Children may struggle to acquire an appropriate number of words for their age group. They may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding others. 
  • Articulation Issues: Pronunciation difficulties or unclear speech may persist longer than expected. 
  • Lack of Sentence Structure: Children may struggle with constructing sentences or have difficulty using correct grammar. 
  • Limited Social Interaction: Delayed speech development can affect a child’s ability to engage in social interactions, leading to social and emotional challenges. 

Why is Speech Development Important?

As parents, you know how important your child’s development, especially their early development, is. If your child starts to fall behind in their speech, it is especially important to work to correct this early so that they do not continue to fall more and more behind.  

  • Communication Skills: Speech and language skills are fundamental for effective communication, which is crucial for academic success, social interactions, and overall well-being. 
  • Cognitive Development: Language development plays a significant role in cognitive growth, including memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. 
  • Emotional Expression: The ability to express thoughts, feelings, and needs verbally is essential for emotional development and building healthy relationships. 
  • Academic Performance: Strong speech and language skills are foundational for reading, writing, and academic achievement in general. 

What Can You Do at Home: 

Reading to your child helps prevent delayed development.

When you start to recognize that your child is falling behind, there are a few steps you can take at home to help your child catch up while you seek out professional help/intervention.  

  • Encourage Conversation: Engage in meaningful conversations with your child, providing ample opportunities for them to express themselves and ask questions. 
  • Reading Aloud: Regularly read age-appropriate books to your child, discuss the story with them, ask questions about the story, and point out unfamiliar words to help expand their vocabulary. 
  • Play and Pretend: Encourage imaginative play, which fosters language development, storytelling, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can hinder speech and language development. Encourage interactive and educational activities instead. 

Professional Intervention for Delayed Development: 

The best way to help your child catch up and get ahead of their development is to seek professional intervention. A professional speech-language pathologist has the knowledge and skillset to address all concerns with your child’s development and will work with your child to correct them.  

  • Consultation with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): If you notice significant delays in your child’s speech development, seek guidance from an SLP for a comprehensive evaluation and professional advice. 
  • Early Intervention Programs: SLPs can design individualized therapy plans to target specific speech and language difficulties. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes and minimize the long-term impact of delayed speech development. 
  • Collaborate with Educators: Share concerns with teachers or childcare providers to ensure consistent support and tailored strategies in educational settings. 

Conclusion

As we navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to address the impact on children’s speech development. Understanding the signs of delayed speech and language skills, the importance of early intervention, and the steps parents can take at home are essential for promoting healthy communication and supporting children’s overall development. Parents can help their children overcome speech delays and thrive in their language skills by being proactive and seeking professional guidance. At The Oxford Center, our Speech Therapy program features individualized therapy plans to help your child reach all of their goals and maximize their potential!

Learn More About Our Speech Therapy Program