August 2007 NEWSLETTER Vol. 4 Issue 8 Team A Step Ahead
Captures 4 First Places at the New York City Triathlon On July 22, nine athletes from Team A Step ahead competed in one of the largest triathlons in the U.S. Team A Step Ahead triathletes won 4 first places at the Nautica New York City Triathlon. Capturing the top awards in all of the categories for lower extremity amputees, the athletes and the rest of the team set a great example on how to live life without limitations. All nine of the Team A Step Ahead athletes qualified for the World Triathlon Championships in Hamburg, Germany on September 2. In addition one of Team A Step Ahead’s athletes, Amy Palmiero-Winters 2:39:57, was the first athlete with a physical disability to compete in the elite able bodied division of any triathlon. The New York City triathlon is an Olympic distance triathlon consisting of a 1.5 kilometer swim, 40 kilometer bike and 10 kilometer run. This years Nautica New York City triathlon had the largest division for physically challenged athletes for a triathlon with almost 60 athletes. First place finishers were Paul Martin, below knee amputee, 2:15:22, Kelly Bruno, below knee amputee, 2:43:29, Brian O’Sullivan, above knee amputee, 2:56:01and Sandy Dukat, above knee amputee, 3:18:25. In addition other finishers are Tommy Koehler, below knee amputee 2:29:15, Marcos Corti- Maderna, below knee amputee, 2:48:54, Sarah Reinersten, above knee amputee, 3:31:40 and Shlomo Nimrodi, above knee amputee, 3:51:20.
Team A Step Ahead runners and triathletes are gearing up for the next two big team events for this year. On September 9, Team A Step Ahead will compete in the 50 mile Ocean to Sound relay race on Long Island. On October 28, Team A Step will bring 4 triathlon relay teams to compete in the Challenged Athletes Foundation ½ Ironman in La Jolla, CA. Individually Kelly Bruno is training for the big one, the Ironman World Championships In Kona, Hawaii. Brian O’Sullivan and Tommy Koehler are focusing on breaking their own marathon records at the Philadelphia marathon in November. Amy Palmiero-Winters is training hard for the Chicago marathon in October. Paul Martin is gearing up for another ½ Ironman at the Timberman Triathlon and then he is off to the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Germany. Marcos Corti-Maderna will also be heading to Germany for the world championships. A Step Ahead is continuing to support the athletes of Team A Step Ahead with much bigger plans for 2008.
Patients in the News Paddy Rossbach recently announced her retirement as the president of the Amputee Coalition of America. Her retirement will take place early in 2008. Paddy has been a tireless leader of the A.C.A. “I have enjoyed more than ten wonderful years working in various capacities with members of the Amputee Coalition, supporters of our mission and the ACA’s staff and board, during which time we have achieved significant progress in educating, supporting and advocating on behalf of individuals with limb differences. Paddy’s leadership and enthusiasm with the A.C.A. will be missed.
Amy Palmiero-Winters was featured in the New York Daily News on July 22 in a story about her entry in the elite division of the New York City Triathlon, her quest to break the 3 hour mark in the marathon and to qualify to compete in the US Olympic marathon trials. Go to this link at our website to read the full article: http://www.astepaheadonline.com/amy_daily_news_july_07.html
Marcos Corti-Maderna was featured in The Miami Herald on July 20 about his return to sports, his triathlon career, and his goal to compete at the World Triathlon Championships in Germany on September 2. To read the complete story go to: http://www.miamiherald.com/626/story/176398.html
A story about Brian O’Sullivan, who competed in his first triathlon at the Nautica NYC triathlon was in The Journal News. This story focused on Brian’s latest athletic venture, the world of triathlons. After excelling in his first marathon in NYC in 2006, Brian decided 8 weeks before the triathlon to jump in and add swimming and cycling to his training. The complete story can be found at: http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070722/SPORTS02/707220349
A Step Ahead in The News There has been a recent media blitz regarding Oscar Pistorius, the bilateral below knee amputee who is close to qualifying for the Olympics in 2008. Blogs, articles, and multimedia stories have been discussing whether or not he has an advantage compared to able-bodied athletes, due to the use of his flex sprint running feet. Erik Schaffer, C.P., President of A Step Ahead was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times for a story on this controversial issue. See the complete story at this link: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-amputee23jul23,1,4087602.story
A Step Ahead and Amy Palmiero-Winters were featured in the Hicksville Illustrated News about her being the first athlete with a disability to compete officially in an able-bodied elite divison of a triathlon: http://www.antonnews.com/hicksvilleillustratednews/2007/07/20/sports/
Technology The technology advances in prosthetics has reached new heights for upper extremity amputees. The I-Limb by Touch Bionics incorporates a motor in each finger which allows the patient to use grip patterns that have previously not been available to upper extremity amputees. The I-Limb is controlled by traditional myo-electrics which use electrodes within the prosthesis that are activated by the muscles in the residual limb. For more information about the I-Limb go to a recent article in Newsday:
http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hshand245304945jul24,0,2905350.story?coll=ny-health-print
 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 the 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 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
 Power Knee A Step Ahead continues to be one of the few prostethic facilities in the world that is authorized by Ossur to fit patients with the power knee. The Power Knee is the world's first powered prosthesis for above-knee amputees. The Power Knee replaces true muscle activity to bend and straighten the knee as required.
Through the use of blue tooth wireless technology the Power Knee synchronizes motion with that of the sound leg. When walking on level ground, the user is gently propelled forward, allowing greater distances to be covered without becoming as tired as before. On stairs and inclines the knee actively lifts the user up the next step, producing a secure and natural ascent, foot over foot.
Walking Again Paralympian and member of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, Ralph Green, recently returned to A Step Ahead. After not using a prosthesis for over 12 years Ralph decided that it was time to walk again.
One of Ralph’s motivations to start walking again was his recent casting and filming in an independent film, entitled Gospel Hill. Ralph describes the film as a political and racial controversial movie where he plays the role of Luther. A high school quarterback and multi-sport athlete, Ralph was gunned down at the age of 16 while he and a friend walked along a street in Brooklyn, resulting in amputation of his left leg at the hip.
His left leg was amputated at the hip. He was introduced a year later to skiing in the Poconos. Ralph is excited about the ability to walk again and experience the benefits of new technology and innovative prostethic socket designs. To learn more about Ralph go to his website: http://www.ralphgreen.net/media.html
 More Team A Step Ahead Updates Michael LaForgia (BK/partial foot) who has been running with his customized running prosthesis for both legs for only a few months competed in his first triathlon on July 29 in Staten Island, N.Y. With very limited swim training, Michael proudly completed the Staten Island “Flat as a Pancake Sprint Triathlon” in 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Being this was his first triathlon since his amputations he was very pleased that he finished without any problems. Michael is focusing his training for the rest of this season on the bike portion (56.2 miles) of the Challenged Athletes Foundation ½ Ironman on October 28.
Michael Foresto (above elbow) competed at the United States Cycling nationals and took the bronze in the kilometer time trial (1:19) on the 7-11 Velodrome in Colorado Springs (333 1/3 meter, 33 degree banked He also competed in the 3 Kilometer pursuit with a finishing time of 4:08.  Kenny Bontz (Above Knee) entered his first amputee golf tournament on July 27-29 and took first place in the AK division at the 21st EAGA Eastern Regional Amputee Golf Championship Downingtown Golf Club, Downingtown, PA. Kenny was a scratch player before his left leg was amputated. He was the Club Champion at Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune, NJ in 2003-2004. Kenny is looking forward to many more tournaments and wins.
ESPY AWARDS Amy Palmiero-Winters, accompanied by Erik Schaffer, C.P. attended the 2006 ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) awards on July 11. Although Amy did not win the award for best female athlete with a disability, she enjoyed the experience of being in Hollywood, meeting the athletes and other big stars.
Amy said attending the ESPYs was quite an experience. She encountered a lot of big names. “We saw Ben Roethlisberger in the lobby of the hotel,” she said. “We hung out with Samuel L. Jackson. Carmen Electra was in front of us on the red carpet. Lance Armstrong was six seats in front of me.”
Amy said that she was not disappointed in not winning the award. She had stated all along that being up for the award was the important part. Being nominated for the award was the latest achievement. “It was cool to walk the red carpet and get that royal treatment,” she said. “But the best thing about it is, I came home and there were two kids happy to see me. Amy is back in her new home in New York adjusting to a life of full time training during this busy triathlon and road racing season.
Badwater Ultramarathon Fundraiser for ASPIRE Long time coach of many of Team A Step Ahead’s runners and athletes, Dave Balsley attempted to complete the toughest triathlon in the world, the Badwater Ultramarathon.
 |
Dave Balsley with Sarah Reinertsen |
The race covered 135 miles from Death Valley, the lowest point in elevation in the U.S. to the portal of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. Only 80 selective runners were accepted into this prestigious race where athletes endured temperatures that exceeding 125 degrees traversing three mountain ranges with over 13,000 feet of vertical ascent. Although we know that Dave is one of the toughest people in the world, Dave was forced to abandon the race at 72 miles due to the shutting down of his kidneys. Dave was disappointed about not completing his goal, but one of his first comments after his recovery began was how amazing it was that the winner of the race broke the record and completed the course in 22:51:29, breaking the previous record of 24:36:08. Prior to the race Dave has stated that this was going to be his last ultramarathon. We are sure that there are more crazy events for Dave to challenge himself with and to help raise funds for amputee athletes. We applaud Dave for his physical and mental determination as well as his commitment to support and encourage athletes with disabilities. To view a great video on Dave and his unique training methods for the Badwater Ultramarathon go to: www.nytimes.com, search videos for Dave Balsley.
A Step Ahead is a Provider of Prosthetic Care for Federal Employees A Step Ahead has been asked to become a provider in 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. We are very proud to be selected by the federal government to provide the highest quality prostethic and orthotic care for its employees.
 From the Prosthetist
Spring & Summer During the summer as 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 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 patients, an adjustment to your socket may be necessary. The heat may pose difficulty for donning an above knee prosthesis. Staying in a well air conditioned room for about 15- 20 minutes and then donning the prosthesis may 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.
Summer is the best time to consider making some changes and/or additions to your prosthesis. If you love the beach, the pool, or water sports, we can fabricate a customized waterproof prosthesis for you. If you have always had the desire to wear shorts and sandals in the summer, we can design and fabricate a custom silicone skin cover for you. Save your old prosthetics components and we can use them to make a waterproof prosthesis for all your warm weather activities. The Skin Tones System can even be designed to be used in the water as a fully waterproof prosthesis that can be submerged for swimming and other water sports. For more information about our Skin Tones System, visit our website and view our photo gallery.
Amputee Support Groups There will be no ASPIRE support group meeting in August. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 26 at 6:15 pm at the Hospital for Special Surgery located at 535 East 70th Street, NY, For more information about this informative monthly meeting contact Charlie Steele at charlieatl@aol.com or (212) 877-7050.
A Step Ahead is fully equipped to treat patients from across the United States and around the world. 65% of our patients are from outside of the New York tri-state region, 30% are local (within 5 hours) and 5% are from outside the United States. A Step Ahead is located close to New York City and is conveniently located near major airports and transportation. This link will give you details on our location and directions: http://www.astepaheadonline.com/aboutus_location.html
Mobility Clinic Join Dave Balsley, P.T. and Phil Kreuter, P.T. for their monthly mobility clinic on Sunday August 19 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 and 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.
Summer Travel Tips: The Transportation Security Administration has issued guidelines for travelers with disabilities. Some of the basic guidelines are: 1. Security Officers will need to see and touch your prosthetic device, cast or support brace as part of the screening process. 2. Security Officers will not ask nor require you to remove your prosthetic device, cast, or support brace. 3. During the screening process, please do not remove or offer to remove your prosthetic device. 4.You have the option of requesting a private screening at any time during the screening of your prosthetic device, cast or support brace. Refer to the following website for the details from the TSA: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1370.shtm#0 |
