MARCH NEWSLETTER 30th Annual
ASPIRE 10K Race - March 31 The 30th 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 the largest turnout for this annual fundraising event for ASPIRE. This is an annual race that raises money for ASPIRE, (Adolescent Sarcoma Intensive Rehabilitation with Exercise) 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 who will walk the race. We have over 20 runners and walkers training and registered for the race. Lets make it 30 by race day and show the running community that you can live yourlife without limitations! Course records to beat are: - Above knee male - Brian O’Sullivan - 53.2
- Below knee male - Ray Viscome - 42.49
- Below knee female - Amy Winters - 45.35
Come out and support the largest team of amputee athletes to run in a New York road 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 2006 ASPIRE 10K Finishers Amputee Support Group The monthly ASPIRE adult amputee support group meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 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.
Patients in the News A Step Ahead Featured in Newsday On Tuesday, February 20, patients from A Step Ahead along with Phil Kreuter, PT, were featured in a Newsday article about the importance of fitness for people with disabilities. Newsday writer John Hanc reported on a recent national initiative started by the Inclusive Fitness Coalition. The coalition is led by over 40 national and local organizations that serve people with disabilities. Its mission is to facilitate the participation of people with disabilities in physical activity, fitness, sports and recreation. Nick Androlia, Michael Laforgia, Danny Stein, Victoria Cutrone-Foley and Caleb Giordano braved a cold winter day to workout with Phil Kreuter and demonstrate the fitness capabilities of people with disabilities. A Step Ahead supports this national fitness initiative, and is an avid proponent of maintaining an active lifestyle as well as improving health and fitness for all of its patients. 
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, click HERE.
 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 to allow 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: http://www.ottobockus.com
Rehab Corner - Phil Kreuter, PT Aerobic Exercise Research shows that it requires more energy and effort for an amputee to walk as compared to an individual without limb loss. Estimates range from 25% to over 75% more energy required by an amputee depending on the level of amputation, other medical conditions, cause of amputation or whether someone is a unilateral or bilateral amputee. In order to reduce the amount of energy required for walking and for other activities of daily living the most essential activity to participate in is aerobic exercise.
The American College of Sports Medicine defines aerobic exercise as "any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature." Aerobic exercise is brisk physical activity that requires the heart and lungs to work harder to meet the body's increased oxygen demand. Aerobic exercise promotes the circulation of oxygen through the blood. There are many standards for the amount and intensity of aerobic exercise necessary to improve cardio vascular function. It is usually recommended that for a minimum benefit, aerobic exercise should be done for at least 20 minutes for 3-4 times per week or as recommended by your physician.
You should be able to carry on a short conversation while doing aerobic exercise. If you are gasping for air while talking, you are probably working too hard. Aerobic exercise conditions the heart and lungs by increasing the oxygen available to the body and by enabling the heart to use oxygen more efficiently. In addition to cardiovascular benefits, other benefits of aerobic exercise include: - Control of body fat. (Aerobic exercise in conjunction with a proper diet will reduce body fat.)
- Increased resistance to fatigue.
- Toned muscles and increased lean body mass.
- Decreased tension and improved sleeping.
- Increased general stamina.
Aerobic activities include: walking, biking, jogging, swimming, aerobic classes and cross country skiing. Many aerobic activities can be done by people with limb loss with minor modifications. If it is difficult for you to participate in exercise with your legs, upper body aerobic exercise is a good substitute. Swimming is a great exercise that predominately uses your upper body. You can also utilize an upper body ergometer (exercise bike for the arms), which is available at most gyms and can be purchased to be used at home. For more information about starting or improving your aerobic exercise program, contact Phil Kreuter, PT at phil@astepaheadonline.com
New Staff Join A Step Ahead Mary Meglio recently joined A Step Ahead staff to head the Information Technology and Graphics Design department. Mary brings vast experience and knowledge to A Step Ahead in the field of computers and technology. She is a graduate of Briarcliffe College with a degree in computer science. She has been in the industry for over 15 years and has been a technical instructor for 7 years. Mary’s certifications include Comp TIA A+, Network+, Server+. Microsoft MSCE, Microsoft Trainer and Certified Novell Engineer. Mary’s background will significantly enhance and improve the development of all of A Step Ahead’s marketing, audio-visual, web support and technological innovations. Mary’s addition to A Step Ahead will improve our efficiency and effectiveness in providing the best possible patient care.
Debbie Blair has been with A Step Ahead since September 2006 as the Executive Billing Assistant to Janet MacQueen, Billing Manager. She assists in coordinating all insurance and billing issues, maintaining contact with insurance companies, and processing and following up claims. Some of her other duties include updating patient files, follow up on letters of medical necessity and prescriptions, and checking insurance eligibility. Prior to working at A Step Ahead, she worked in the medical billing department for a large Long Island anesthesia company. Debbie is a competitive runner having completed 7 marathons. She is currently training for the Boston Marathon in April. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor and recently created the Run Smart program with the Long Island Track & Field Association for the Long Island Marathon.
From the Prosthetist  Although summer seems a long time away, early spring 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. 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 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 per year. In an 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 appropriate prosthetic care, regardless of their financial circumstances. The following ACA website will provide you with all the information you need to get involved in the campaign to improve prosthetic coverage for all amputees http://www.amputee-coalition.org/advocacy/take-action.html
 The winter months are almost over and Team A Step Ahead is gearing up for the 2007 spring/summer season. Some of the events that we many of our athletes will participate in this year include the 30th annual ASPIRE 10 Kilometer race on March 31st, the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged (juniors 5-21 years old) May 31- June 2, The New York City Triathlon July 22, the Ocean to Sound 50 mile relay race September 9, the Westchester Triathlon September 23 and the Challenged Athletes Foundation ½ Ironman October 28. Kelly Bruno and Amy Winters attended an elite track cycling camp sponsored by US Paralympics in San Diego, CA. Besides their passion for road racing and triathlons they are training to represent the United States on the cycling team at the Paralympics in Beijing China. Kelly Bruno will tackle her first Ironman distance triathlon on April 15 at Ironman Arizona. Ray Viscome will compete in his second Ironman Lake Placid competition, looking at improving on his time from last year. Tommy Koehler and Brian O’Sullivan are looking at improving on their marathon times from 2006 at the Philadelphia marathon in November. Michael Foresto, Kelly Bruno, and Amy Winters are gearing up for the US nationals in track and road cycling as their quest to represent the US at the Paralympics in Beijing in 2008 continues. Many other athletes are working on their own personal athletic goals for 2007. A Step Ahead is formulating plans to improve support and increase funding opportunities for Team A Step Ahead athletes in 2007 and beyond. Our goal is to provide as much support from a variety of sources so that athletes can focus on their training and competition, and decrease their time and effort spent seeking funds to support their goals.
Notes from Theresa Schuh, Patient Care Coordinator Please be advised that when you call to schedule an appointment you may be asked to acquire a prescription from your doctor. By New York State law, we are unable to deliver items to patients without a prescription. When you call to schedule your appointment, you will be informed if it is necessary to obtain a prescription, and what pertinent information should be included. Following these guidelines may prevent having to make additional appointments as well as improve our patient care.
Mobility Clinics Join Dave Balsley, P.T. and Phil Kreuter, P.T. for their monthly mobility clinic, Sunday, March 25 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.  
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