Art is an expression of the creator's inner-self. Art has no boundaries and is understood through all languages.
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Below Knee Custom Silicone Skin Cover
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Otto Bock Announces the GENIUM Prosthetic Knee
World-renowned prosthetics manufacturer Otto Bock has just announced the launch of its newest, most advanced microprocessor knee: the GENIUM. The GENIUM closely mimics a natural gait, reducing the mental effort required of users when changing speeds, walking up or downstairs, avoiding obstacles, and walking backwards. It also offers a run time of up to five days on a single charge and offers numerous additional cutting-edge features.
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The Genium Knee from Otto Bock
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In keeping with our dedication to bringing our patients the latest prosthetic technology as soon as it is available, A Step Ahead’s prosthetists have already been certified to fit the GENIUM. We will be offering the opportunity to test drive the GENIUM knee in the very near future. If you would like to be notified when it is available and receive more information, please click the link below and fill out the form completely. http://www.astepaheadonline.com/geniuminforequest.html
Other New Prosthetic Technology Coming to A Step Ahead
Many new and exciting prosthetic technologies are being launched this year. A Step Ahead will be one of the first private prosthetic facilities to offer its patients the opportunity to try the newest innovations in prosthetic feet, knees, and hands.
Ossur’s New Power Knee
The Power Knee from Ossur is the world first and only active prosthetic knee. The knee works as an integrated extension of the user, replacing true muscle activity to bend and straighten the knee so that it can:
• Provide the power to help maintain walking speeds.
• Assist with the upward motion required for stairs and inclines.
• Learn and responds to unique patterns of gait for natural, efficient motion.
For more information on Ossur’s new Power Knee, call and speak to our prosthetic staff or go to the Ossur website: http://www.ossur.com/?PageID=12703
Otto Bock’s Michelangelo Hand
The Michelangelo prosthetic hand has complex gripping kinematics, natural movement and appearance. The hand has soft fingertips, a separately moveable thumb, and a multi-axial movement pattern that offers 7 different grip options that improve functionality for the upper extremity amputee. The wrist joint consists of two modules that support flexion and extension as well as pronation and supination.
If you are interested in more information on the Michelangelo hand, call our prosthetic staff or go to the following link to see a video preview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOgfuDrtZyc
Ossur’s Fully Integrated Prosthetic Leg
Ossur has developed the world’s first integrated prosthetic leg, combining the functionality and capabilities of two of its newest prosthetic components, the Rheo Knee and the Proprio Foot into a single, fully integrated unit. The integrated prosthetic leg allows the foot and knee to interact together to produce a new level of functionality for above knee amputees. The Rheo knee and Proprio Foot combination uses real time self-adjustments controlled by advanced artificial intelligence, wireless communications systems, highly sensitive internal sensors, and advanced biomechanical designs. 
A Step Ahead Visits Ossur’s International Headquarters in Iceland
As part of our ongoing effort to provide the best possible prosthetic care to our patients, A Step Ahead’s Erik Schaffer, C.P, program director Amy Palmiero-Winters (Below Knee) and patient Craig Pratka (Above Knee) spent four days at the international headquarters of leading prosthetics manufacturer Ossur. Erik, Amy and Craig met with Ossur’s senior engineering team regarding the newest prosthetic technology being developed and tested by Ossur. Craig and Amy were able to test many of their new prosthetic knees and feet and provide valuable feedback to the engineers and product development staff at Ossur.
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| Craig Pratka, Amy Palmiero-Winters & Erik Schaffer |
Amputee Coalition of America
Peer Support Training Class
A Step Ahead is finalizing plans for an ACA Peer Support Training class to be held at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York.
A Step Ahead Prosthetics will be sponsoring this one-day class (date and exact location to be announced), which will be taught by an ACA-certified peer support trainer.
To become an ACA-certified peer visitor, a person with limb loss or difference or one of their family members must pass a Peer Visitor Training Seminar. It must have been at least 2 years since their amputation and they must have adjusted well to their loss and be celebrating a full life in the way they choose to live it.
The ACA’s Peer Visitor program was established on this important premise. An experienced, well-trained peer can offer encouragement and information from a place, and at a pace, that an overwhelmed individual can better absorb.
Based on principles of adult learning, the full-day course incorporates a variety of highly interactive elements, including role-play, games, brainstorming and case studies.
The course focuses on rehearsing peer visitation skills in a number of situations and giving and receiving feedback. If you are interested in being considered for this peer support training class, contact us at info@astepaheadonline.com
From the Prosthetist: Spring & Summer
Spring is here and summer is approaching. This is the time to get out enjoy the weather and be more active. A Step Ahead’s staff can work with you to adapt your prosthesis or design a prosthesis for any outdoor activity. If you want to ride a bike, run, swim, paddle a kayak, climb a mountain, or try any other outdoor recreational activity and need advice on how to do it, call our office at 516-681-3484.
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Below Knee Swimming Prosthesis with
Adjustable Ankle | Below Knee Cycling Prosthesis
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Below Knee Running Prosthesis
| Above Knee Running Prosthesis |
As summer approaches and the temperature increases, several issues may develop with the fit of your prosthesis. Sweating may be a concern. If you wear a below knee prosthesis, sweating can contribute to a loose fit with poor suspension. Throughout the course of the day, you may have to take your prosthesis and silicone liner off and dry both the liner and your skin. If you don’t, you will be subjecting your limb to a wet and loose fit that may lead to skin breakdown and bone bruising.
If drying off your limb does not help, there are antiperspirants 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 antiperspirants. 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, drying your limb, and applying a light coating of medicated powder would be a good first option. Another option would be to apply an antiperspirant.
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 amputees, an adjustment to your socket may be necessary. The heat may create difficulty in donning an above knee prosthesis. Staying in a well air-conditioned room for about fifteen to twenty minutes and then donning the prosthesis may make it easier. If you have more questions about how to manage the changes in temperature and how they affect your residual limb, call our office and speak to your prosthetist.
Gran Fondo 100 Mile Bike Ride
Four Team A Step Ahead athletes and two coaches participated in the inaugural Gran Fondo New York 100 mile bike ride. The Gran Fondo bike ride is based on an Italian tradition of “Big Rides” for competitive recreational cyclists. On May 8 Sam Cila (Below Elbow), Nick Roumonada (Below Knee), John Tartaglio (Bilateral Hip Disarticulation, competing with a handcycle custom designed by A Step Ahead Prosthetics), and Renato Castilho (Below Knee) along with Bernie Guzman, C.P. and Phil Kreuter, P.T. participated in the 100 mile ride from the George Washington Bridge to the top of Bear Mountain and back. The grueling ride consisted of four timed climbs and a total of over 9000 feet of climbing.
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John Tartaglio (Bilateral Hip Disarticulation) & Bernie Guzman
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Jamol Pilgrim Taking His First Steps Towards His Paralympic Dreams
One of the newest members of Team A Step Ahead, Jamol Pilgrim (Above Knee) from Antigua, competed in his first track meet as an amputee at The Randall’s Island Ichan Stadium. Jamol’s times in the 100 meters and 200 meters qualified him to compete at his first official track competition against above knee amputees at the U.S. Paralympics National Championships in Miramar, Florida in June. Jamol’s goal is to compete at the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Prior to his amputation in 2009 Jamol competed in track in Antigua.
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Jamol Pilgrim (Above Knee)
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Sarah Reinersten Runs the Great Wall of China
On May 21, Sarah Reinersten (Above Knee) participated and completed the 10K run in The Great Wall Marathon, one of the most rewarding and culturally exhilarating courses held in Tianjin, China.
This is the first time a female above-knee amputee has participated in The Great Wall Marathon. Sarah crossed the finish line of the 10K course in 1:49:46. Sarah considers The Great Wall Marathon to be one of her most challenging and inspiring races.
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Sarah Reinersten (Above Knee)
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Amy Palmiero-Winters to Compete at the Badwater Ultramarathon
From July 11-13, Amy Palmiero-Winters will be competing in the world’s toughest ultramarathon, where ninety-six runners (including twenty-eight female runners) will take on the ultimate challenge in running.
The Badwater Ultramarathon is recognized globally as "the world's toughest foot race.” This legendary event pits approximately ninety of the world's toughest athletes, runners, triathletes, adventure racers, and mountaineers -- against one another as well as the elements. Covering 135 miles non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.
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Death Valley – Start of the Badwater Ultramarathon
| Road to Mt. Whitney – Finish of the Badwater Ultramarathon |
Team A Step Ahead 2011 Schedule:
Adults:
* Hope & Possibility 5 mile race Central Park - June 26
* NYC Triathlon - August 7
* Westchester Triathlon - September 24-25
* NYC Marathon - November 6
* Silverman Triathlon - Nevada November 5-6
Juniors:
* Hope & Possibility 5 mile race Central Park - June 26
* NYC Triathlon - August 7
* Camping Shawangunk Mountains - August
* Westchester Triathlon - September 24-25
* NYC Marathon - November 6
* Silverman Triathlon - November 5-6
Amputee Support Groups
The ASPIRE Support Group meetings are on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at the Hospital for Special Surgery located at 535 East 70th Street, NY. For more information about the ASPIRE support group meetings, contact Charlie Steele at charlieatl@aol.com or (212) 877-7050.
New York-Presbyterian Hospital Amputee Education and Support Group every first Friday of the month 10:00-12:00 PM. Milstein Hospital 8 Garden North Dayroom (8th floor rehab unit) Milstein Hospital Building 177 Fort Washington Ave. For more information, contact Jackee Callender at 212-305-8483.
The Long Island Amputee Support Group meets the first Saturday of each month at South Side Hospital, 301 East Main Street in Bayshore. Contact Jodi Adler at 631-968-3330.
Rusk Rehab Amputee Support Group (34th Street/1st avenue) meets the last Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM. For more information about the Rusk Rehab Support Group contact Dr. Jeff Heckman at 631-873-6223 or by email at: jtheckman@yahoo.com
The PowerFoot Biom From iWalk
The PowerFoot BiOM is the first bionic lower-leg system designed to replace lost muscle function and allow you to walk without stress to the rest of your body. The BiOM is a bionic lower-leg system with reflexive powered plantar flexion that simulates the action of the ankle, achilles tendon and calf muscles by propelling the amputee upwards and forwards during each walking step. For more information about the PowerFoot BiOM, call and speak to our prosthetic staff or go to the iWalk website: http://www.iwalkpro.com/
A Step Ahead’s prosthetists are certified by iWalk in the fitting of the Powerfoot BiOM. 
