Each day we connect with the media, from listening to the morning traffic report to watching our favorite TV shows. Many of us can't live without our iPods and cell phones, where we can get the latest news or catch up with friends.

The media provide a venue for therapists to promote what they do and disseminate their latest research to the public. Your partners in this endeavor are your professional associations, which provide resources to help spread the good news about therapists, particularly during special recognition months.

April is Occupational Therapy Month, according to The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (http://www.aota.org). The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (http://www.asha.org) notes that May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. Now that October is here, we're ready for National Physical Therapy Month; see the American Physical Therapy Association (http://www.apta.org) for more details.

Each association has extensive resources to promote therapists during the designated month. Depending on the association, you can download sample media releases, public service announcements, and even coloring pages for kids. You can use these resources on your own, but it's more fun to involve others in your organization or practice and make it a group project.

It's vital to get the word out through media outlets about issues important to therapists as well as health information the general public can use to improve their lives. Professional associations help with that too. They provide resources for reporters seeking input for news stories, legislative alerts, and tips for consumers. Log on frequently and tap into these association resources.

It's up to you to tell people about therapists and what they do. Start today!!

Cynthia A. Laufenberg, Senior Editor

Therapy Insider