MAY 2007 NEWSLETTER Amputee Support Groups The monthly ASPIRE adult amputee support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 30 at 6:15 pm at the Hospital for Special Surgery located at 535 East 70th Street, NY, NY. For more information about this informative monthly meeting contact Charlie Steele at charlieatl@aol.com or (212) 877-7050. A new amputee Long Island based support group is starting called BELIEVE. The group will hold its meetings every Monday at 7:30pm. The meetings will be held in Sacred Heart Parish at 301 Long Beach Road in Island Park, New York. Contact Susan Deluca at 516-992-5025 or by email: springer57@optonline.net.
A Step Ahead is a Provider of Prosthetic Care for Federal Employees A Step Ahead has been accepted into a federal program that will give employees in over 40 federal agencies the opportunity to receive the complete services of our facility. Based on A Step Ahead’s many years of experience in providing prostethic care to disabled veterans, we will now be a provider for prosthetic & orthotic services in the New York metropolitan region. Incorporating a 100 mile radius from our facility, employees of agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Coast Guard, the Army, Navy & Air Force Department of Transportation, the FBI, the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, Health & Human Services, Department of Transportation, will now be able to benefit from all of the expertise and experience of A Step Ahead. A Step Ahead is very proud to be selected by the federal government to provide the highest quality prostethic and orthotic care for its employees.
 Technology The Proprio Foot & Ankle System: In our continued effort to assist patients to live life without limitations, we have begun fitting the Proprio Foot by Ossur. A Step Ahead is one of only first private facilities in the world to be authorized by Ossur to fit the Proprio foot. The Proprio foot and ankle system is the first powered prosthesis for below the knee amputees. This new technology incorporates artificial intelligence and terrain logic, which improves mobility and reduces energy expenditure. If you are interested in finding out more about the Proprio foot and ankle system, call A Step Ahead for a free consultation. For more detailed information on this exciting new technology, call and speak to one of our prosthetists, or go to the following link: http://bionics.ossur.com 
The New C-leg: Otto Bock has recently launched its newest update to the C-leg. It has been redesigned and now includes a wireless remote which allows the patient to switch between modes, an electronic lock for standing, and a third mode that allows the user to slightly adjust the knee’s function for a variety of activities. For more information about the C-leg, call and speak to one of our prosthetists or visit: www.ottobockus.com/PRODUCTS/LOWER_LIMB_PROSTHETICS/c-leg.asp
Rehab Corner Strengthening Exercises The next step in progressing with strengthening exercise starts after you receive your prosthesis. This next phase of exercises will be done with your prosthesis on. By performing exercises with your prosthesis on, you are reeducating the muscles in your residual limb to activate during functional activities such as walking These types of exercises can range from the less stressful exercises on a mat or floor to more aggressive exercises in a gym or health club using exercise equipment. The following are examples of non weight bearing exercises that can be done with your prosthesis on. It is important if you are a recent amputee that you are evaluated by your physical therapist regarding your readiness for these exercises.
Hip Abduction – Lie on your side with your opposite leg bent at the hip and knee for added stability. Lift your leg up slowly with your prosthesis approximately 10-12 inches from the surface.
Hip Extension – Lie on your stomach. Keep the prosthetic knee flexed. Lift your leg up from your hip approximately 4-6 inches off from the surface that you are lying on.
Consult your physician and a physical therapist regarding your readiness for any exercise program as well as details on the frequency and intensity of each exercise. Next months newsletter will highlight more advanced strengthening exercises. For more information on developing an exercise program contact Phil Kreuter, PT at phil@astepaheadonline.com
From the Prosthetist
Spring & Summer As Spring and Summer approaches and the temperature increases, several issues may develop with the fit of your prosthesis. Sweating is a major concern. If you wear a below knee prosthesis sweating can contribute to a sloppy fit with poor suspension. Throughout the course of the day you may have to take your prosthesis and silicone liner off and dry off both the liner and your skin. If you don’t, you will be subjecting your limb to a wet sloppy fit that may potentially lead to skin maceration, skin breakdown and bone bruising. If drying off your limb does not help, there are anti-perspirants that can be applied to you limb. If over the counter antiperspirants don’t work you should seek advice from a dermatologist regarding stronger prescription anti-perspirants. If you wear an above knee prosthesis we advise the same care if you use a silicone liner with a seal or lanyard. If your prosthesis is suspended by total suction, taking off your prosthesis and drying you limb and applying a light coating of medicated powder would be a good first option. Another option would be to apply an anti-perspirant. Another concern in the warm summer weather is volume fluctuation. Your residual limb may increase in size due to the heat. If you wear a below the knee prosthesis, this issue can be resolved easily by reducing sock ply. For above the knee, an adjustment to your socket may be necessary. The heat may pose a difficult time for donning an above knee prosthesis. Staying in a well air conditioned room for about 15- 20 minutes and then donning the prosthesis will make it easier. If you have more questions about how to manage with the changes in temperature and how it affects your residual limb call our office and speak to your prosthetist.
Amputee Coalition of America The ACA has an entire section of its website dedicated to youth with limb loss: ACA Youth Amputee Ezone: http://www.amputee-coalition.org/yaz/index.asp This section of the website gives children access to the youth in motion magazine, youth fact sheets, and many links to other sites and organizations for children with disabilities as well as a fun and games section. Don't miss ACA's Youth Camp in Warm Springs, Georgia, July 18-22, 2007. For more information about the camp visit this link http://www.amputee-coalition.org/youth_camp.html
New York Activists Rally for Prosthetic Coverage About 125 New Yorkers walked the halls of the New York State legislature on Tuesday, April 17th to educate law makers in both the Senate and Assembly about the critical need for Prosthetic Parity in New York State. A scheduled news conference gave Amputee Coalition of America members the opportunity to talk about their difficulties with the insurance industry in terms of reimbursement for the prosthetics which enable them to lead active and productive lives.
Visits were scheduled with the Chair and ranking members of the Senate Insurance Committee as well as with the Minority Whip, and members of the Assembly Insurance Committee and sponsors of the Prosthetic Parity bills in both the Assembly and Senate. Both bills remain in their respective Insurance Committees with the challenge of pushing the Chairs to schedule hearings and get the bills returned to the floor where their passage seems certain. However, moving the Chairs of both Committees to agree to hearings will require substantial lobbying efforts by many.
What continues to be needed are calls, E-mails and letters from amputees, their families and the public at large pressing the Chairs of both Committees to give the bills a hearing. For more information, New Yorkers should contact Jeremiah Perez or Morgan Sheets at appll@amputee-coalition.org
Research shows that the cost of providing prosthetics is less than $2.00 per year --- pennies per month. A study produced by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing found that the cost of providing prosthetic coverage would be 12 cents per member per month. Analysis conducted by the California Health Benefits Review Program (CHBRP) estimated the cost to be about 16 cents per member per month.
Carrie Molinari of Roscoe, NY has been an ardent advocate for her son, Chase, a patient at A Step Ahead. "I have fought hard for Chase to get the care he needs every step of the way," said Molinari. "I have had to have him declared disabled in order to secure Medicaid funding. But he is not disabled. He can do what any other little boy can do. He just needs his prosthesis."
"Without this legislation, I worry that Chase will not have the care he needs when he finishes college and enters adulthood. I urge legislators to pass this bill for my son and all of the other children out there who are only asking to be given the chance to lead independent lives."
 JUNIOR TEAM A STEP AHEAD All children with a physical disability between the ages of 5 -21 have the opportunity to participate and compete at the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged. This year the games will take place from May 31- June 2. The games are held at the Mitchell Athletic Complex in Uniondale, long Island. This year Amy Winters will be the key note speaker at the opening ceremonies of the games on Thursday, May 31 at 6:30. The games include events in track and field, swimming, table tennis archery, wheelchair slalom, and wheelchair basketball. In addition there are many demonstration events, adapted games and giveaways. For more information or to register for the games call the office and speak to Phil Kreuter. April Results: Kelly Bruno
 Kelly became the third female amputee in the world to complete the grueling competition of the Ironman Triathlon. Competing in Ironman Arizona, Kelly finished the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run in a time of 13 hours 57minutes and 32 seconds.Kelly placed 1251 out of at total of 2066 entrants and 11th in her age group. On the same day Kelly was informed that she was accepted in to the Ironman World Championships this fall in Kona, Hawaii. Kelly will be Ironman focused in 2007.
Amy Winters ran the Boston Marathon in one of the worst conditions in the 111 year history of the race. The weekend prior to the race their were rumors of cancellation due to high winds and rain as well as warnings to the athletes about hypothermia. Near 4 miles into the race Amy tripped on a water cup. She fell, twisted her right ankle, severely bruised her left knee and injured her shoulder. She continued to run but was forced to stop almost every mile.
The following is Amy’s account of her experience at the Boston Marathon:
“After all of the different obstacles leading up to Boston who would have predicted a fall. Yep, that is it. I crashed at mile 4. I slipped on a cup and went down hard. When I fell I took the past 13 years down with me. I also know that there were some people who felt that fall just as I did. This race meant a lot to me. So when I went down it took all I had to get up knowing full well that my goal had slipped out of my reach. I dug deep and ran the next 22 miles with all my heart and sole. My pride was hurt but just like my injuries it too will heal. This will only make me stronger. What an experience...and at the end of the day no matter how I did my family and friends were proud of me. My kids were happy to see their mom and I got to do what I love...run. Don't let yesterday use up too much of today". Amy’s time of 3 hours and 44 minutes was way off her personal best due to her fall and injuries. We look forward to a big comeback for her in her next marathon.
 Brian O’Sullivan (above knee) ran a local 5 kilometer race in a time of 21:51 averaging an amazing 7:05 per mile pace. Brian placed 30th overall out of 368 runners. Top ten percent for an above knee runner, impressive!!
 Michael Foresto (above elbow cyclist) competed in the 24th Défi Sportif, a multi sport competition in Montreal, Canada on April 25-29. 17 countries participated in this event that includes athletes in 5 disability sport categories. In his first international competition, Michael placed 5th in the road race (35 kilometers), 6th place in the time trial (13 kilometers) and 6th place in the criterium (24 Kilometers). Michael will now be training hard for national and world competition this summer in his specialties, the kilometer and the pursuit races on the Velodrome. |
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 The newest member of Team A Step Ahead is Dr. John Ahrens. John resides in Vineland, New Jersey and. works full time as a physician at Cumberland Internal Medicine specializing in infectious disease. John has been involved in sports all his life. He competes in duathlons (run-bike-run), cycling races, running races, skis, kayaks and participates in many other outdoor activities. John’s first race with Team A Step Ahead with his new running leg was the ASPIRE 10K with a time of 53:20. We are looking forward to John running the ½ marathon as part of one of the relay teams for Team A Step Ahead at the Challenged Athletes Foundation triathlon in October.
 Tommy Koehler ran a blistering 6:31 pace in a 5 Kilometer race with a time of 20:15 placing him 14th overall out of over 200 runners and 3rd in his age group. Tommy is training hard for the Philadelphia Marathon in the fall hoping to break his marathon record of 3:18:40 |
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May Mobility Clinic Join Dave Balsley, P.T. and Phil Kreuter, P.T. for their monthly mobility clinic on Sunday, May 20 at 10 am at the Jericho High School track on Long Island. They will provide instruction in gait training and running techniques as well as advanced mobility skills. Dave and Phil have extensive experience working with amputees of all ages and activity levels. Come work out with world class athletes; learn from experienced coaches and physical therapists. The setting is relaxed and enjoyable. There is no pressure, come and learn and see what you can do to improve yourself or just watch. For more information and directions to the mobility clinic, please call the office at 516-681-3484. Fundraiser for ASPIRE Long time coach of many of Team A Step Ahead’s runners, Dave Balsley will be running the Badwater Ultramarathon from July 23-25 as a fundraiser for ASPIRE. The race covers 135 miles from Death Valley, the lowest point in elevation in the U.S. to Mount Whitney, one of the highest points in the U.S. Only 80 selective runners are accepted into this prestigious race where athletes will endure temperatures that exceed 130 degrees and will traverse 3 mountain ranges with over 13,000 feet of vertical ascent. Dave is seeking donations per mile that he will run. All donations will go directly to ASPIRE to assist children and athletes with limb loss. Donations can be sent directly to ASPIRE, c/o Greater Long Island Running Club 101-24 Dupont Street Plainview, New York 11803. For more information about the race and the fundraiser contact Phil Kreuter at our office. 
Badwater Ultramarathon Start Death Valley
Badwater Ultramarathon Finish Mt. Whitney
Achilles Track Club Hope & Possibility 5 Mile Race The Achilles Track Club and the New York Road Runners Club will be hosting the 5 mile Hope and Possibility Race in Central Park on Sunday 6/24. There is prize money for the first, second and third places for Above Knee and Below Knee categories, but there needs to be at least 7 runners in the category for prize money to be awarded. Lets continue to show the running and sports community how strong the runners Of Team A Step Ahead are: Registration is available on the Achilles Track Club website:
http://achillestrackclub.org/hopeandpossibility/index_signup.html#individuals |
