July 2007 NEWSLETTER Vol. 4 Issue 7 Amy Palmiero-Winters Nominated for an ESPY Award  Amy Palmiero-Winters, world record holder in the marathon (3:04:16) and the Olympic distance triathlon (2:25), has been nominated for a 2007 ESPY award as best female athlete with a disability.
The ESPY Awards is an annual sports awards event created and broadcast by ESPN. Begun in 1993 the event confers eponymous awards, fully styled as Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, for individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given ceremony.
To vote for Amy go to: http://espn.go.com/espy2007/#/vote/ Go to the right and scroll down using the blue scroll bar to "Best female athlete with a disability" **Important - Click on the last picture on the right to vote for Amy. Pass this on to everyone you know. Let’s get the word out there. You are just a couple of mouse clicks away from helping this extraordinary athlete win this prestigious award.
As the similarly styled Grammy awards for music and Academy Awards for film, the ESPY's are hosted by a contemporary celebrity. This year the ESPY's are hosted by Lebron James and comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. The event will be at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on July 11 and will be shown on ESPN on Sunday, July 15 at 9 PM ET. Erik Schaffer will represent A Step Ahead at the awards ceremony.
 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. Click HERE to get details on our location and directions.
 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 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 click HERE to visit Otto Bock's web site.
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.
 From the Prosthetist
Spring & Summer As 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 breakdown and bone bruising. If drying off your limb does not help, there are anti-perspirants that can be applied to your 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 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 a 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 The monthly ASPIRE adult amputee support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 25 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
Amputee Coalition of America
Parity Report On June 12th, Oregon became the seventh state to protect access to prosthetic care under the law. Oregon law, HB 2517 mandates that insurance plans offer coverage for orthotic and prosthetic care without caps and co-pays that restrict access to prescribed devices. The bill also requires that individuals have access to coverage from at least two different providers, to allow for a degree of patient choice in the provision of their care. It was signed into law by Governor Ted Kulongoski. The ACA hopes that this law will help create momentum for the other state campaigns. New York is continuing to wage the battle for parity. It looks as if we will have to keep on fighting into the 2008 legislature. The ACA is working to complete a cost benefit analysis for the parity bill along with a set of new lobbying materials. We are also working with the lead Assembly sponsor, Aileen Gunther to set up meetings with Gov. Spitzer and Lieutenant Gov. Paterson this summer. The truly exciting news is that the ACA is also working with a number of partners at the national level to take steps towards introducing a federal bill. They recently met with Senator Arlen Specter (R) of Pennsylvania to discuss a Congressional effort. Specter sits on several key committees including the Veteran's Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education.
Additions to Staff Rachael Hartman has joined the Insurance task force of A Step Ahead. Rachel has over eight years of experience working in the medical field as a medical biller. For the past 7 years she worked for a large neurosurgical practice. She now has moved to ASAP where she works in the billing department. She works closely with our patients and their insurance companies. Rachael enjoys her field as it offers her the right balance of patient interaction as well working with the insurance companies.
Michele Pauciullo has joined the Skin Tones department of A Step Ahead. Since the age of three, Michele began studying various forms of dance. Fifteen years later, when it came time for college, she chose visual arts over physical. During her years at the Fashion Institute of Technology she studied both fine arts and photography. During the years since graduation, Michele has been involved in a wide range of creative endeavors. She hopes to continue doing so for many more years to come.
Michele has an associate degree in Applied Science in photography and an associate degree in Applied Science, Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her work experience includes various positions in photographic studios as well as independent photography and art. Using her artistic, photographic and sculpting skills, Michele will be working as an artisan in the design and fabrication of Skin Tones, the custom silicone skin coverings exclusively made at A Step Ahead.
We welcome the addition of Rachael and Michelle to the growing staff of A Step Ahead.
The New York City triathlon on July 22, one of the largest triathlons in the US with over 4,500 participants will feature eight members of Team A Step Ahead. The team will include Marcos Corti, Kelly Bruno, Amy Palmiero-Winters, Sandy Dukat, Tommy Koehler, Brian O’Sullivan, Paul Martin and Sarah Reinersten. Based on her performance last year at the NYC triathlon, Amy Palmerio-Winters will be competing in the elite amateur division of the race. This will be the first time an athlete with a disability will be officially competing in an able-bodied elite division of a triathlon. On the same day when these eight athletes swim, ride and run throughout New York City, Ray Viscome will be competing in his 2nd Ironman Competition at the Ford Lake Placid Ironman. The staff of Team A Step Ahead wishes all of the athletes good luck. From more information about Team A Step Ahead go to our website: http://www.astepaheadonline.com/tasah.html
Achilles Track Club Hope & Possibility 5 Mile Race On June 24, five runners from Team A Step Ahead competed in the 5 mile Hope and Possibility race in Central Park. Sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club and the Achilles Track Club this annual 5 mile race brings together able bodied runners with many runners with disabilities. Results for Team A Step Ahead are Tommy Koehler (BK) 33:23, 19th in his age group out of 239, Brian O'Sullivan (AK) - 36:34, 42 in his age group out of 239, Amy Winters (BK) 36:17, Antoinette Dorazio (AK) 1:17:59, first time running a 5 mile race. After only having his running prosthesis for 4 days, Matt Swartz (BK) ran the 5 mile race. After completing 2 ½ miles his muscles cramped and he was forced to hop most of the rest of the race to the finish. Matt vowed that he would finish and he did. We know that with training and time Matt will easily run this race next year and many other races in the future.  Team A Step Ahead in Israel On June 16 Shlomo Nimrodi completed the Tel Aviv Olympic distance triathlon in 2 hours and 36 minutes. This was his first triathlon with his new running and cycling prosthesis. Prior to this race he was forced to do much of his running on crutches and did the cycling portion of prior triathlons with his walking prosthesis. Congratulations to Shlomo. We looked forward to more news from him during the triathlon and running season.
Michael LaForgia (BK/partial foot) who just recently began running with his customized running prosthesis for both legs will be tackling his first triathlon on July 29 in Staten Island, N.Y. His return to triathlon competition will be at the sprint distance1/4 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 5K run. Prior to the his amputations he competed in Olympic distance and ½ Ironman competitions.
Sandy Dukat, (AK) Paralympic skier, rock climber, distance swimmer, runner and soon to be triathelte, and a proud member of Team A Step Ahead, along with three other female athletes with disabilities from the US, Norway and Great Britain will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this fall. Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 19,340 feet above sea level. Their newly formed organization, “Disabilities Without Borders” hopes to raise a dollar for every foot they ascend and descend the mountain for a total of $38,680. Money raised by this effort will be used for scholarships for female athletes for training at the National Sport Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, CO. For more information on this fundraising event and how you can help support athletes with disabilities, click HERE.
July Mobility Clinic Join Dave Balsley, P.T. and Phil Kreuter, P.T. for their monthly mobility clinic on Saturday July 15 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.  Walking Tall Again Paul Esposito (bilateral above knee) who received notoriety for being a survivor in the 2003 Staten Island Ferry crash where nine people were killed is back on his feet again. After almost 2 years of not wearing his prosthesis Paul came to A Step Ahead to be fitted for new prosthesis. In only 2 weeks Paul was back walking tall. For more information about Paul visit his website: http://www.paulesposito.org/index.php
Fundraiser for ASPIRE Long time coach of many of Team A Step Ahead’s runners and athletes, 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 three mountain ranges with over 13,000 feet of vertical ascent. Accompanying Dave and pacing him in this ultra endurance event will be many of the amputee athletes he has coached over the years. 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. All of us at A Step Ahead wish Dave the best in this amazing test of endurance and in his fundraising efforts for ASPIRE For more information about the race and the fundraiser contact Phil Kreuter at 516-681-3484.
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Badwater Ultramarathon Start Death Valley | | Badwater Ultramarathon Finish Mt. Whitney |
Summer Travel Tips: The Transportation Security Administration has issued guidelines for travelers with disabilities.
Some of the basic guidelines are:
Security Officers will need to see and touch your prosthetic device, cast or support brace as part of the screening process. - Security Officers will not ask nor require you to remove your prosthetic device, cast, or support brace.
- During the screening process, please do not remove or offer to remove your prosthetic device.
- 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
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. |
