A Step Ahead: Prosthetic Limbs, Artificial Legs, Feet, Arms, Hands

Proving once again that people will do anything to get their name in this newsletter, 7 A Step Ahead clients braved a torturous course that started in Jones Beach and ended in Oyster Bay as part of the Ocean-to-Sound Relay. Mark Soldo (BK), Jose Rodriguez (BK), Boubacar Sidiki (HD), Lauren Peters (BK), Lori Penesis (BK), Tommy Koehler (BK), and Isaac Feliciano (BK) all subjected themselves to the rigors of this more-than-50-mile relay race. Special kudos to Jose (who participated in his first road race since becoming an amputee), Tommy (who ran the toughest leg of the race less than 24 hours after completing a triathlon), and Boubacar (who took home the ASPIRE Athlete of the Year trophy, won last year by Lauren Peters).
Congratulations to all the participants! Now we encourage all of our clients to start gearing up for the ASPIRE 10K, which takes place a mere 7 months from now (April 2004).

2. WE STAND ON GUARD FOR LEE

A Step Ahead client Lee Carter (AK/BK) has become a force on the Canadian wheelchair tennis circuit. In between drinking Molson, watching rebroadcasts of last year's Stanley Cup, and opposing Quebec's separatist factions, Lee placed second in the A Division of the 2003 Canadian Tennis Championships, a feat noteworthy primarily because he began playing little more than a year ago. Lee noted serious improvement in his game once he began hitting the ball OVER the net (a tennis activity) instead of INTO the net (a hockey activity).
Lee's success has spurred speculation that he will soon become the world's highest-ranked Canadian tennis player, surpassing Simon Larose, who is currently 139th on the ATP's Champions List. Great job, Lee!

3. SUMMER NEVER ENDS AT A STEP AHEAD

Responding to positive feedback from our clients, A Step Ahead will be adopting its summer hours schedule year-round. Clients have noted that these hours enable them to avoid the worst of Long Island's legendary rush-hour traffic, and also permit them to minimize time missed at school or work because of the early morning appointments (Mon-Th beginning at 8 am, Fri at 7:30 am).

While we are currently in negotiations with The Sun in an effort to convince it to maintain its summer hours, early reports suggest that The Moon is taking a hard more darkness stance. Despite its status as a mere satellite, rather than the center of our solar system, The Moon has formed a powerful union with several other influential satellites - particularly those orbiting Jupiter - to oppose the unilateral implementation of more sun hours throughout the year. We will, however continue to push for this fundamental climatic change for the benefit of all our clients.

4. ERIK THE VIKING

The headline has nothing to do with the content, but there are precious few titles that spell Erik with a k. Erik Schaffer will be out of the office on October 6, and then again from October 21-24, to attend the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association's annual meeting. Our crack technical staff will be here in his absence however, and Erik will be in close contact with us to monitor any emergencies.

5. IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!

The leaves turn from green to red. The thick humidity of August gives way to those crisp September mornings. That hot cup of coffee or tea warms those cold, early-morning hands. It's fall, which means it's also that time of year when many employers have (or will soon be having) their open enrollment period for selection of health insurance.

Much more important than the changing of the seasons is the (potential) changing of your health insurance. If your employer gives you the option of switching from one health plan to another, please make sure to contact us so that we can assess whether staying with your current provider represents the best option for you prosthetically. You can speak to either David McGill or Janet MacQueen, both of whom will be able to assist you.

6. SING TILL THE COWS COME HOME

We don't know if cows ever truly do come home - when, after all, do they really leave? - but we can definitely confirm that Theresa Sereo sings. Just back from Nashville, Theresa continues her conquest of the United States with several shows in the upcoming weeks. For dates, times, and locations, check her out at.

7. UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out the Community section of our website to see the latest support group meetings, running clinics, and other events of interest.

8. YOUR INPUT

We're always looking for ways to improve our facility and our services. We can only do so, however, if we know what you're looking for. So don't hold back - fire away and let us know what you like and dislike about A Step Ahead. What could we be doing better? What could we be offering that we don't? What are we offering that means little to you? Please give us your feedback so that we can continue to grow and develop A Step Ahead around your actual needs, not our assumption about what those needs are.