[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL RECREATIONAL THERAPY MONTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in February we celebrate 
National Recreational Therapy Month. Leading a healthy life means not 
only the absence of illness, but a level of physical, cognitive, 
emotional, social, and leisure well-being, which is the underlying 
focus of the recreational therapy profession.
  Recreational therapists are caring professionals who touch the lives 
of individuals facing life-changing disease and disability all across 
the Nation. These professionals help individuals navigate these 
challenges, achieve healthy outcomes and, ultimately, an overall better 
quality of life.
  Having worked in this profession for 28 years, I witnessed firsthand 
how the services of this profession made significant differences in the 
lives of so many. These services are provided by professionals 
nationally certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation 
Certification as certified therapeutic recreation specialists.
  Recreational therapy ultimately aims to improve an individual's 
functioning and keeps them active, healthy, and as independent as 
possible.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the caring professionals of the 
therapeutic recreation profession during the month of February for the 
services they provide each and every day.

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