Rio De Janeiro: Home of the 2016 Paralympic Games

The 2016 Paralympic Games will be taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this summer. This year marks the fifteenth Paralympics. All competitions will be held in the city of Rio de Janeiro. According to the Rio de Janeiro 2016 bid committee, the bid’s concept is based on four principles: technical excellence, the experience of a lifetime, transformation, and supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

Image by Paul Townseed via Flickr

A Little History…

In 1945, the Olympics allowed injured soldiers in World War II to compete. In 1948, the first competition for athletes with impairment occurred - it was very successful and brought about a lot of attention. Because of this, the Paralympic Games were officially held and seen as equal to the Olympics in Rome, Italy, in 1960.

Continuing to Grow

After the huge success of the London 2012 Summer Games and the Winter 2014 Games, Rio de Janeiro wants to make this event a large celebration. In the London 2012 Paralympic Games, there were over 20 active duty and veteran athletics competing. Several of those athletes plan to compete again in the 2016 Games.

Brad Snyder, a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant, won a gold medal for swimming in the 2012 games. Melissa Stockwell, a retired U.S. Army, competed in swimming in 2012. Jessica Long, a 24-year-old who has competed in 3 Paralympic Games, began her athletic career at just 12 years old. All of these individuals will continue their Paralympic journey in the 2016 games.

Additional facts about the 2016 Paralympic Games include:

• This is the first Paralympics to be held in South America
• The Paralympic Games will be held September 7th to September 18th
• The opening ceremony occurs on Brazil’s Independence Day, September 7
• There will be 4,350 athletes from 176 countries in attendance
• There will be 528 medal events in 23 sports taking place in just 11 days
• Two new sports - canoe and para triathlon - are being introduced this year
• 60 Paralympic athletes are competing in the canoeing event
• The para triathlon will feature a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike, and a 5-kilometer run
• There will be 21 competition venues spread out across Deodoro, Barra, Maracanã, and Copacabana
• The Olympic park, including Olympic and Paralympics, will be 185 acres in size.

The Paralympic Games leave an important legacy in changing people’s perception of disabilities. For more information regarding the 2016 Paralympic Games, visit http://www.rio2016.com/en/paralympics.

Staying Fit After Amputation

Staying fit is an important part of every individual's health and well-being. That being said, it is very important for amputees to have a consistent exercise routine. According to The Amputee Coalition, all areas of fitness, including strength, resistance, endurance, and flexibility, are best for amputees when coming up with a workout routine. This big range of exercises gives individuals the power to decide which exercise works best for their own body. The list below provides different forms of exercises amputees should consider trying.

1. Athletics

Sports are a great form of physical activity and come in many different forms. This can range from tennis to rock climbing to riding a horse - the sky's the limit. Try as many sports as you like to discover which one best suits you. Also, make sure you feel passionate about that particular sport when choosing. If you enjoy the sport, it will provide mental benefits as well.

2. Stretching

Stretching is one of the most important exercises a routine can present. Stretching increases flexibility, which is a great way to enhance muscles endurance for the future. Flexibility is important for amputees. Lower extremity amputees need flexibility in their hip flexors. A good hip-stretching exercise is to lie on your stomach for ten to twenty minutes twice a day. Simple routines like this can make a huge difference in your body.

3. Balancing

According to an article by Livestrong, many amputees suffer from balance issues. Simple balance exercises can help achieve better balance and better form in the overall body. These exercises can be as simple as switching from balancing on one leg to balancing on the prosthetic leg. Better body balance allows you to have more control over your own movements. It is an underrated exercise skill and should be practiced every day.

4. Abdominal Strength

Keeping stomach muscles strong will help in every other form of exercising and be highly beneficial for the body. Adding muscle to the core is essential for amputees. A simple exercise for abdominal strength is a sit-up. Since sit-ups can be difficult for leg amputees, it is best to have something holding the legs down. For example, have a person help hold your legs or use a weight to hold them down. Getting the most out of this abdominal exercise will depend on how comfortable you feel, so make sure to choose options that best suit your body.

Having a prosthetic does not mean you cannot stay fit. Being able to find the exercise that best fits your own body is the first step. The next step is enjoying the process. If you are having trouble deciding on an exercise to try or need further information, contact one of our experienced Great Steps practitioners - they are always happy to help. Now go out there and challenge your body and be happy with the results!

Employee Spotlight: Scott Porter

Technician, Scott Porter, has grown up working construction – it was what he knew and what he excelled at. Then, in 1996, Scott lost the lower part of his right leg in a car accident.  He tried to go back into construction, but the physical demands of the job were just too high.  That was when Scott became interested in the orthotic & prosthetic industry and asked his prosthetist if he knew of anyone who was hiring.

Scott was soon hired by Bracemasters Orthotic & Prosthetic Fabrication in Wisconsin.  Scott quickly found that construction was not the only thing he excelled at and was promoted to supervisor after just one year.  He continued to work at Bracemasters for another five years but still found something was missing. He decided he would like to give fewer orders and work with his own two hands.

Scott tried a few jobs; even attempted to go back into construction.  Fortunately, an old boss told Scott about Great Steps Orthotics & Prosthetics.  Scott became interested and was soon hired.

As a technician, Scott manages various jobs at Great Steps. He also coordinates with other technicians to assist clients that come in for repairs.  Scott’s favorite part of working at Great Steps is working directly with our practitioners.  Bracemasters was a central fabrication facility that made orthotics & prosthetics for multiple O&P facilities.  The ability for Scott to work directly with the practitioners not only allows him to learn more about what works for patients and what doesn’t but it also allows him to get his work done more efficiently by having the practitioners at hand when questions arise.

Scott’s favorite part of working in the field of orthotics & prosthetics is being able to help people.  Having firsthand experience with disabilities, Scott knows how challenging they can be, but also how to help others overcome them.  So, next time you visit Great Steps, be sure to say hello to Scott!

Inspiring Amputee Athletes

Motivation and inspiration come from deep within yourself. They can be hard to find, especially when you are faced with challenges throughout your life. These 5 amputees have found that something special within them and managed to prove time and time again how, if you work hard enough, you can achieve your goals.

Amy Purdy

At the young age of 19 years old, snowboarder Amy Purdy contracted bacterial meningitis and had less than a 2% chance of living. However, she was able to prove the statistic wrong and pulled through with the loss of both of her legs below the knee and a kidney replacement from her father. She had started snowboarding at age 15 and did not want to give up on her dream. After her surgery she searched and searched for prosthetics that would allow her to continue her dream but was not having any luck, so she built her own. She remained involved in and co-founded Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit organization which is a branch of Disabled Sports USA.  She has won several medals throughout her years, her most recent being the bronze medal in the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Aimee Mullins

Aimee Mullins was born with a condition called fibular hemimelia resulting in the amputation of both of her legs below the knee. Throughout her life, she engaged in numerous activities including softball, skiing, track and field, acting, and even modeling. She was the first amputee in history to compete in the NCAA. She also competed in the Paralympics in 1996 for track and field, setting world records in the 100-meter dash , 200-meter dash, and long jump.

Terry Fox

A Canadian favorite, Terry Fox discovered he had a malignant tumor in his right leg at the age of 19. He had his right leg amputated 6 inches above the knee but still had dreams of running. He began a charity event called The Marathon of Hope to raise money for cancer research and awareness. He ended up running over 3,339 miles and would have gone for more, but his cancer came back and he was forced to quit. Ultimately, cancer cost Terry his life but there is no doubt that Terry Fox had built himself a legacy and he proved that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. The Marathon of Hope fund now totals $27.8 million, which has been allocated to cancer research in the Terry Fox New Initiative Programs of the National Cancer Institute of Canada. The Terry Fox Foundation announced in 2014 that over $650 million had been raised to support cancer research in Terry's name.

Noah Galloway

Noah Galloway has proved himself time and time again of his hard work and dedication.  He was injured during the Iraq War, losing his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee. After all the events that were happening in Noah’s life, he embarked on a very long strenuous journey. Like too many war veterans, he was driven to self-destructive paths to cope with the loss. It took him some time to finally realize he was worth more and able to do more with his life so he began to turn things around. He set goals to get back in shape, to be healthier, and to ultimately inspire others. Today, Noah is a personal trainer- motivating, pushing, and cheering on his clients while also pushing himself. He has also become an amazing public speaker, traveling all over the country to share his story and inspire others to make a difference. One of his more recent appearances was on ABC’s hit series, Dancing With the Stars. He has created the “No Excuses Charitable Fund” to help raise money for organizations such as Operation Enduring Warrior and the YMCA of Alabaster, AL. He was also named the 2014 Ultimate Guy from Men’s Health Magazine.

Jessica Long

Like Aimee Mullins, Jessica Long was born with fibular hemimelia resulting in lower leg amputation at the age of 18 months. She was involved in many sports throughout her younger years, including cheerleading, ice skating, biking, and rock climbing- But nothing quite compared to swimming. She worked and worked to better herself and eventually enters the international stage at the 2004 Paralympic Games at the early age of 12, earning herself 3 gold medals. She has won multiple gold medals over 3 Summer Paralympics. She is truly a strong hearted and highly motivated woman and a big inspiration.

Interview with Great Steps Intern Tyler Spiczka

Over the last fifteen years, Great Steps Orthotics and Prosthetics has had a commitment to quality prosthetic and orthotic care. We keep our patients up-to-date with the latest technology and resources, but did you know we also offer internships? Our latest student to complete an internship was Tyler Spiczka.

Tyler is a recent University of Minnesota graduate with a degree in Biomedical Science. He was informed about the internship at Great Steps by his mother, who works at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. An employee of Great Steps was in the area to promote their services, and Tyler’s mother thought he would be interested since he had always been intrigued by prosthetics and orthotics.

During his internship, Tyler spent Mondays and Fridays at Great Steps. On Mondays, he shadowed Prosthetist and amputee Fred Kjorlien and learned how to build and modify prosthetics. Some other opportunities Tyler had while interning at Great Steps included learning how to laminate casts, pulling test sockets, grinding rough edges on sockets, and putting leg components together.

On Fridays, Tyler shadowed Prosthetist Josie Johnson, who is also an amputee, and met with patients. He learned the proper way to communicate and consult with clients.

The most rewarding part about interning at Great Steps, in Tyler’s mind, was that he got to witness patients walking for the first time with their new prosthetic leg; some of the patients had been bound to a chair their entire life. Tyler enjoyed the look of relief on the client’s faces as their lives changed dramatically.

Tyler is grateful for his internship at Great Steps. Working with the human body is always something he has enjoyed and feels reward in working with people who are unable to be mobile. By conducting his internship in a business that is family run and close knit, Tyler got to know everyone well and was treated like one of the Great Steps family.

Grooming Safety for Amputees

Although prosthetics do allow for a decent amount of movement and mobility, simple tasks that were once taken for granted can become much more difficult for amputees. The range for someone with prosthetics is limited, so completing simple tasks such as brushing your teeth, doing your hair, getting dressed or taking a shower are much more difficult and frustrating. However, do not feel defeated because there are several ways to complete these tasks safely and with a lot less effort.

Brushing Your Teeth and Doing Your Hair

One of the major downsides of prosthetics is that they cannot grip things as tightly as the human hand. Routine tasks such as brushing your teeth become much more difficult. One way to make this task more convenient is by creating a bigger handle for your toothbrush. Try adding some foam rubber tubing or put the toothbrush into a bicycle handle grip. Both these solutions will create a stickier and thicker grip making it feel like less of a chore. This same idea not only applies to toothbrushes but hairbrushes and several other things as well. As long as you can get that large and tacky grip you are good to go. You can always switch to an electric toothbrush to help maintain your oral hygiene.

If your range is limited, using a hair dryer can be very difficult as well. Try mounting your hairdryer to the wall or purchase a hair dryer stand that will do the holding for you. It is much easier than trying to hold it yourself- perhaps even relaxing!

Showering

Mount a shower caddy or shelf in an easy to reach location, so that all your toiletries are in the same location. Grab bars are a lifesaver when it comes to showering and bathing. That extra support makes getting in and out of the shower or bath a whole lot easier- not to mention safer. Mount these bars on the walls where there is enough support and use a metal or plastic that won’t rust. If you have trouble getting to the toilet, putting a grab bar on the wall next to it can be a major help as well.

Many tubs and showers may claim to have slip-resistant flooring, however, it is not always adequate. Add a rubber mat that adheres to the ground. When you are done showering, hang the mat over the tub to dry in order to prevent mold and mildew growth.

If you are unable to stand while in the shower, installing a bath seat that is the same level as your wheelchair might be the best option for you. This way you do not have to lift yourself up or down from your chair making the transfer in and out a lot easier.

Getting Dressed

One of the most useful objects to use while getting dressed is a shoehorn. It helps to easily slip your heel in and out of your shoes so you don’t have to bend down and fidget with it. Consider wearing clothing with elastic waistbands instead of snaps or buttons. You could also get what is called a dressing aid stick or dressing hook to help you out.

You may feel defeated at times, but there is always another way to do things. Our way of life has been improving since the beginning of time, and advancements happen every day. Hopefully these suggestions can help you pull out that creative side in you. Let us know in the comments of any tips and tricks that work for you!

Limb Loss Awareness Month

Those who live with an amputation show courage every single day of their lives. Limb loss is defined as the loss of all or part of an arm or leg due to trauma, infection, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer or other diseases. According to the Amputee Coalition, more than 500 Americans lose a limb each day and over 200 million are currently living with limb loss. In honor of these courageous individuals they have dedicated the month of April to Limb Loss Awareness Month.

Limb loss affects every generation, from young to old and people from all over the world. To raise awareness for those living with limb loss, the Coalition also dedicated Saturday, April 25, 2015 as “Show Your Mettle Day.” The Coalition is hoping that all amputees will proudly wear their “metal” – prosthetic devices or wheelchairs - on this day. Showing your mettle will help show your support for individuals and caregivers within the amputee community and can provide an opportunity to those living with limb loss to connect with one another from all over the country.

Regardless of the month, we should always celebrate those who continue to live life in the most positive ways despite their difficulties.  In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, be sure to “Show Your Mettle”, wear it proudly, and help empower both amputees and those affected by limb loss to achieve their fullest potential.  It’s time to strut your stuff and show the world what you are made of!

How to Train for a Race as an Amputee

With marathon season fast approaching, people have started to train and run more. Learning how to run with a prosthesis can be very challenging. At Great Steps O & P our experienced practitioners can guide you through the process. Our very own Fred Kjorlien has worked with Paralympic Runners for 1996 Atlanta Games. According to the Amputee Coalition of America, many people have found that when you break down training into five basic elements, it can be much easier to learn. The steps listed below have helped hundreds of transfemoral or AK amputees to relearn the skill of running:

1.         Trust is a must. Getting a prosthesis is a very big step for any amputee. Having confidence that your prosthesis will be there when you strike the ground is one of the most important aspects to relearning how to run. Most people accomplish this by reaching out with the prosthetic limb and landing squarely on the foot. You must ignore everything else and have full trust that your limb will be there.

2.         Backward extension. This step is when you push back against the socket wall and exert a forward force. The runner is basically reaching out with their prosthetic foot during swing but just before you strike the ground, the prosthetic leg pulls back forcefully creating a backward force. This movement will help accelerate the body forward thus creating an increase in speed. It will also give the runner the power to shift their body weight over their prosthetic, resulting in maximum performance.

3.         Sound limb stride. During this step the runner reaches out with their sound limb for an equal stride length. Runners should focus on taking longer strides with their sound limb by continuing to pull down and back through the prosthetic limb. Continue to extend the hip by pulling down and back into the socket to create more power and push with each stride.

4.         Symmetry. This step isn't so much about your stride, but more about your location. This step is designed to decrease the effort and simply help you relax as you start to get back into the groove of things. Runners should choose a comfortable jogging place with equal stride length for both limbs. Try to focus less on arm movement and more on maintaining stability over their prosthetic limb, creating more equal and relaxed strides overall.

5.         Arm Movements. Although it is important to mainly focus on your strides and stability, arm movement plays a role in your balance as well. The arm carriage is when you move your arms are in opposition to the movement of your legs. Here you focus on the swing and placement of the arms. Typically, elbows are flexed about 90 degrees and the hands are loosely closed just above chin level.

If running is something that you love, don’t give it up because of your prosthesis. If you decide that running is going to continue to be a part of your active lifestyle, along with these steps, you should discuss the various prosthetic options with one of our experienced practitioners. All it takes is one step in the right direction and you’re on your way!

International Day of People with Disability

On December 3rd, we recognized International Day of People with Disability, formerly known as World Disability Day. 2014 marked the 22nd anniversary of this special day. This day raises awareness of those with disabilities and encourages people to support their well-being. Disability organizations, businesses, and communities come together all around the world to celebrate the amazing achievements made by people with disabilities.

Approximately 15% of the world’s population, or nearly 1 in 5 people has a physical or mental disability; this includes 5 percent of children. Although this is a significant number, many people are unaware of the number of persons living with disabilities and the day-to-day challenges they face.

The different types of disabilities are greatly varied. Here are some statistics about disabilities:

• 30.6 million people have difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• 12 million people require assistance of others with everyday tasks
• 10 million people are amputees
• 8.1 million people have either partial or total vision difficulties
• 7.6 million people have difficulty hearing
• 3.6 million people use a wheelchair
• 2.4 million people have Alzheimer’s, senility or dementia

At Great Steps, we understand that each patient is unique and important regardless of abilities or disabilities. We look forward to helping you on your journey to recovery.

Years Later Tom Nathe Still Has a Pep in His Step

"A body in motion, stays in motion."

These are the words that Tom Nathe from Sauk Centre lives by.

 Upon meeting Tom, you wouldn't notice that almost 17 years ago on September 1997, his life changed when he was involved in a work related accident while trying to install an underground electrical line.

Initially Nathe, then 50, required an amputation below his left knee. However after numerous revisions to his prosthesis throughout 1998, his doctor recommended another surgery to remove approximately 2 1/2” to 3” of bone above the knee. This second surgery took place in December of 1998 and from there began his new life with a prosthetic leg.

Nathe began walking on an older model hydraulic limb that unfortunately provided limited stability and often led to his knee buckling if he wasn't careful walking around certain terrain.

"I was having accidents where my knee would buckle and I would just fall down," said Nathe.

This all changed in April 2000 when he decided try a new product that at the time was recently introduced to the US market.

The C-leg is a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg that is made by a company in Germany. Nathe was only the third person in Minnesota and the first in the St. Cloud area to receive this new computerized artificial knee and shin. The limbs joint is controlled by a microprocessor that allows the C-leg to read Nathe’s gait and movement at a rate of 50 times a second.

In life we often are faced with challenges and this was no different for Nathe. After going through his multiple surgeries, he was faced with more challenges as he had a house fire in 2001 and later that year his wife of 46 years, Jean, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Like his wife did with his many surgeries, Tom was there for her every step of the way as she went on to beat the cancer.

Like the motto he has, Tom kept moving on with a smile on his face and his new C-leg that allowed him to walk with more freedom and with less worry that he may fall.  “It’s easier to go on walks with my wife and to do stuff with my kids and grandchildren,” Nathe has 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren. He even got to get back on the golf course with his friends from work.

Nathe wasn’t going to let his prosthetic leg slow him down, soon after the surgeries he went back to work and would often speak to others in the industry to make sure the same accident doesn’t happen to them.

Nathe has been retired now for 12 years but don’t think he has stopped moving, he still works several part time jobs which include driving a bus, helping out with farming and being a hospice volunteer which he says is “the most rewarding experience,” and in his free time he is hunting, fishing and spending quality time with his loved ones. Just like he has in the past, Nathe continues to enjoy his life with a smile on his face, “everything I do is fun”.