FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER A STEP AHEAD on the BBC On Tuesday January 16, the British Broadcasting Company spent a full day with the patients, athletes and prosthetists of A Step Ahead Prosthetics & Orthotics in Hicksville, New York. A Step Ahead was chosen by the BBC to be included in a 6 part History Series entitled, ‘What the 20th Century Did For Us’. 
‘What the 20th Century Did For Us’ is a 6 part BBC History series looking at the technological innovations and inventions of the last 100 years and the ways in which they have changed our world. The series is being presented by James May, a well known TV personality in England who may be familiar to US viewers who have seen the BBC show ‘Top Gear’.
A Step Ahead staff and patients are proud to have been chosen by the BBC to provide the latest information on advances in prosthetics to the world and to demonstrate that people with limb loss can live their life without limitations. We would like to thank the following patients for taking the time to represent A Step Ahead and tell their story: Ray Viscome, Lori Penesis, Shlomo Nimrodi, Michael Foresto, RobbieDougherty, Arthur Ripepe, and Brian O’Sullivan.
One episode in this series will be looking at the human body and the way that developments in the 20th Century have allowed us to push our bodies further than ever before; how we can live longer, we can survive in extreme climates and we can overcome incredible obstacles, pushing our bodies to new limits and new achievements. This episode will highlight how individuals can now accomplish things that would have been considered impossible 100 years ago. Through interviews and demonstrations with patients, athletes and the clinical staff the film crew received a detailed education on the amazing advances and changes in prosthetic technology. The crew collected hours of film documenting from the early twentieth century of wooden prosthetics to today’s world of carbon graphite prosthetics for runners and micro-processor prosthetic knees and ankles for everyday use. This 6 part history series will air in the fall of this year on the BBC.
10K Race-March 31
The annual ASPIRE 10 kilometer race will be held on Saturday March 31 at 8:00 am in Plainview, Long Island. Team A Step ahead is looking forward to its biggest turnout for this annual fundraising event for ASPIRE. This is an annual race that raises money for ASPIRE, a non profit organization that provides financial support to individuals with limb loss who participate in sports and recreational activities. The larger the turn out of amputee runners at this event, the greater potential for increased fundraising for ASPIRE and future events.
We are looking forward to supporting the largest team of amputee athletes in the history of this event. We have received permission from the race directors to allow athletes to run ½ of the course (5 K/3.1 miles) if they are unable to complete the 6.2 miles. In addition there is a ½ mile “fun run” for children under 12. You do not have to be a competitive runner to participate in these events. There will be a group of athletes from Team A Step Ahead that will walk the race. For more information and how to register for this race as a member of Team A Step Ahead contact Phil Kreuter at 516-681-3484 or phil@astepaheadonline.com Amputee Coalition of America
Join the Campaign for Prosthetic Coverage and Make a Difference!
When you need your next prosthesis you may be surprised that your third party private insurer dropped or severely limited coverage for your prosthetic components. This could happen this year, next year or five years from now. It’s an unfortunate trend that’s happening right now all across the Country.
Approximately two million Americans are living with limb loss or limb deficiency as a result of disease, trauma or birth defect, almost 200,000/year In a recent poll of 660 users of the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) web site, 423 (72%) of respondents had private insurance. In return for premiums paid for group health insurance, consumers expect to be covered for catastrophic illness or injury. Sadly, without legislation to mandate coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when trying to obtain prosthetic care. Current changes in insurance plans are having a devastating effect on amputees and their families: 62% reported that their prosthetic coverage had remained the same in the past three years
31% indicated that it had been reduced
7% said that it had been eliminated In answer to a growing number of calls from ACA members and friends who are finding it difficult to afford an appropriate prosthesis, the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) launched the Action Plan for People with Limb Loss (APPLL). APPLL works nationwide at the grassroots level to motivate people to inform lawmakers about the critical need for all amputees to have access to an appropriate prosthesis, regardless of their financial circumstances. Get involved in the fight for prosthetic coverage in New York (or your state) by visiting the ACA’s online Advocacy Action Center. The online Advocacy Action Center is designed to help you become an effective advocate and includes: Up-to-date information about what’s happening in your state and nationwide
Strategic and easy-to-use online campaign and action materials
Step-by-step organizing tools and information
Opportunities to share your stories with legislators and other activists
Right now, in New York, it is very important for everyone to contact their district legislators. Only through the input from the legislators’ constituents and through the state by state efforts of the ACA will all amputees be given the opportunity to have appropriate prosthetic coverage.
For New York State Residents see the following links for the wording of the legislation sponsored by Assembly member Gunther, a list of Assembly members and a sample letter to legislators: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A01274. http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/ Even if you have Medicare and are secure in your prosthetic insurance coverage, you can still help existing and future amputees by supporting this legislation by contacting your local Assembly member and asking them to support the Bill and/or donate your time or make a contribution to APPLL. For more information, log on to www.amputee-coalition.org/advocacy. Click on “In Your State”. To get involved, contact the Advocacy Department at 202/742-1885 or appll@amputee-coaltion.org
Take Action and Make A Difference!
Winter Safety
Winter Safety – Get a grip on the ice and snow – Ice Traction Slip-Ons attach to the bottom of your shoe or boots to improve traction in winter conditions. For more information on this and similar safety products for the winter go to: http://cozywinters.com/ice-cleats/ice-cleats.html?source=go&gclid=CIn72LPWwYkCFSmBFQoddD8r2A
Technology We continue to test and deliver the Proprio Foot and ankle system to below knee amputee patients. Many of the patients have been providing an overwhelmingly positive response to the Proprio and how it is improving their gait and function on stairs, ramps and uneven terrain. I n conjunction with the Touro College physical therapy department we will be commencing our research study in the beginning of the year comparing the Proprio foot and ankle system to more traditional.
 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: www.bionics.ossur.com/pages/312
 The New C-leg: Otto Bock has recently launched its newest update to the C-leg. The C-leg has been redesigned to include a wireless remote to allow the patient to switch between modes, an electronic lock for standing and a 3rd mode that allows the user to slightly adjust the knees 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
Amputee Support Group
The monthly ASPIRE adult amputee support group meeting will be held on Wednesday February 28 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 (646) 331-1510.
Mobility Clinics Join Dave Balsley, P.T. and Phil Kreuter, P.T. for their monthly mobility clinic, Sunday February 11 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. It is a relaxed and enjoyable setting, 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.
Rehab Corner –
From Phil Kreuter,
Physical Therapist
The Importance of Flexibility. No matter what your activity level all individuals especially those with limb loss can benefit by incorporating a regular stretching routine in to their daily lives. If you are physically active in your work and recreational life it is even more important to maintain flexibility. Stretching should be done in a slow and controlled fashion. There are many suggested methods and guidelines for stretching but it is usually recommended to hold a stretch for at least 20-30 seconds and repeat the stretch at least 5 times during each session of stretching. Stretching for tight muscles should be done at least twice a day to reduce the tightness and to prevent loss of flexibility and range of motion. For above the knee amputees one of the major muscle groups that usually benefit from stretching are the hip flexors. The hip flexor muscles (illiopsoas) are the muscle in the front of your leg near your hip joint. When the hip flexors muscles are tight it affects the way you walk, your ability to use your leg muscles in your daily activities and it can many times lead to low back pain. The following diagram demonstrates one method of stretching for the hip flexor muscles.
 For below the knee amputees one of the major muscle groups to emphasize in a stretching program are the hamstring muscles. The hamstring muscles are in the back of your thigh and their function is to bend the knee. When the hamstring muscles are tight they can limit the range of motion of your knee joint and affect the way that you walk.
The following diagram demonstrates one method of stretching the hamstring muscles.
For more information about stretching and exercise contact Phil Kreuter, PT at phil@astepaheadonline.com
Patients In The News
 Isaac Feliciano was featured in a full page story in the New York Post on January 22. Isaac has been attempting to become a firefighter with the Paterson, New Jersey Fire Department. Isaac is currently battling the Paterson Fire department to reconsider his application. After passing the physical exam with a rank of 103rd out of 600 he underwent a medical exam by a physician. Based on the medical exam and the fact that Isaac is a below the knee amputee he was denied entry by the department citing, “ he is not physically capable of sustaining the labors and exposure in the performance of his duties as a firefighter" for the complete story from the New York Post go to: www.nypost.com. Isaac has always been involved in sports and physical activity since his amputation at 5 years old due to spinal meningitis, competing on his High School Football team and baseball teams and running track against other athletes with disabilities.
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=4964001
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/local_story_024154400.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,246842,00.html
 On January 22 Sarah Lorge Butler, a writer from Runners World magazine spent an afternoon with A Step Ahead staff along with Amy Winters and her coach Dave Balsley. Amy will be featured in the May 2007 Boston Marathon issue of Runners World. In addition to interviewing Amy, Dave and the staff, Sarah wanted to see first hand what is involved in providing prosthetic care for a world class athlete. Amy is currently focusing her training specifically on the Boston marathon with the goal of being the first below the knee amputee in the world (male or female) to break the 3 hour mark in the marathon. Given that she recently ran the Chicago Marathon in 3 hours and 4 minutes it seems very likely that Amy will achieve this goal.
 From the Prosthetist
Although it may seem cold and summer seems a long time away, now is the time to consider making some changes and/or additions to your prosthesis for the summer months. If you love the beach, the pool or water sports we can build 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 build a custom silicone skin cover for you. The Skin Tones System can even be designed to be used in the water in a fully waterproof prosthesis that can be submerged in water for swimming and other water sports. For more information about our Skin Tones System, visit our website and view our photo gallery
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