For the Health of It: Floodwater hazards and treatments

Tyler Ryan and Hima Dalal discuss the dangers of floodwater to health and wellness

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) –

As storms and floods become more frequent, the health impacts on affected communities are
increasingly profound. From physical injuries to emotional trauma, the aftermath of these
disasters demands comprehensive care. As an Integrative Occupational Therapist, my
approach to flood and storm-related diagnoses focuses on treating the whole
person—physically, mentally, and emotionally—using a combination of conventional therapies
and holistic practices.
Common Health Diagnoses Post-Flood or Storm:
1. Physical Injuries: Many individuals suffer from musculoskeletal injuries—wounds,
fractures, and sprains—due to falls, debris, or water-related accidents. These injuries
can significantly affect mobility and day-to-day functioning.
2. Respiratory Issues: Contaminated air and water often lead to respiratory problems.
Mold exposure and pollutants in floodwaters can trigger infections, asthma attacks, or
worsen existing lung conditions.
3. Waterborne Illnesses: Exposure to unsanitary floodwaters may lead to gastrointestinal
infections, skin diseases, and even vector-borne illnesses from insects in stagnant
water.
4. Mental Health Concerns: Flood survivors often face psychological challenges like
trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The emotional toll of displacement and loss can
be overwhelming.
5. Exacerbation of Chronic Illnesses: Pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis or
diabetes, can worsen during floods due to increased stress and lack of access to regular
care.
Integrative Occupational Therapy Treatment:
1. Physical Rehabilitation:
○ Myofascial Release Therapy: Helps relieve pain and tension from soft tissue
injuries and scar tissue, reducing nerve pressure and restoring mobility.
○ Craniosacral Therapy: This gentle, hands-on technique supports the body’s
central nervous system, promoting healing from physical trauma and calming the
stress response.
○ Strength and Mobility Training: Customized exercises to restore strength and
mobility after fractures, sprains, or other storm-related injuries.

2. Respiratory and Immune Support:
○ Breathing Techniques: Guided breathing exercises to improve lung function,
reduce respiratory distress, and help cleanse the system from pollutants.

○ Energy Medicine: Techniques like Reiki can help clear blocked energy
pathways, encouraging faster healing and boosting immune resilience.

3. Mental Health and Emotional Support:
○ Meditation and Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices help survivors manage
anxiety and PTSD, reducing the emotional burden of trauma.
○ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Working through negative thought
patterns and trauma-related fears to regain emotional balance.
○ Energy Healing: Emotional energy healing methods to rebalance mental health,
relieve anxiety, and promote clarity and calm.

4. Daily Occupational Functioning:
○ Restoring Independence: Assisting individuals in regaining the ability to perform
daily tasks like dressing, cooking, and hygiene after injury or trauma.
○ Home Adaptation: Recommending modifications to the home environment to
increase safety and functionality, especially when damage or hazards from
flooding are present.
5. Holistic Health Practices:
○ Yoga and Meditation: Gentle movement and breath-focused practices to help
survivors reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and foster emotional
healing.
○ Nutritional Guidance: Post-disaster nutrition counseling to strengthen the
immune system, promote physical recovery, and enhance emotional resilience.
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery, Integrative Occupational
Therapy helps flood and storm survivors regain their health and return to a balanced life. My
practice is grounded in the belief that healing must encompass the whole person, and through
these therapies, we can restore both body and spirit.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit
www.HimaDalalIntegrativeHealth.com or contact me via email at
himadalalintegrativehealth@gmail.com