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!

Holiday Travel for Amputees

The holidays are always filled with traveling. Whether you are traveling to and from stores or to and from family members homes, getting around can be tricky with all the added traffic - especially with a disability. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 49 million Americans — nearly 20 percent of the population — are living with a disability. And of these 49 million Americans, 1.7 million are amputees. Here are some great tips for traveling over this holiday season.

What to do before your trip:

Check to make sure that your prosthesis is in good working condition, is clean and is working properly. The last thing that you want is for something to go wrong with your prosthesis while traveling. Make sure to clean the socket before heading out and check the liner to assure that there are no rips or tears before traveling.

Remember to pack these items:

• Extra prosthetic socks and socket liners
• A spare suction valve
• Duct and filament tape to repair straps or buckles
• Plastic bags to protect your prosthesis if you wear it around water or sand
• Phone numbers of specialists in the areas you will be traveling

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to be visiting family and you will want to avoid any unexpected hassles. If you have any other questions about traveling over the holidays visit greatstepsop.com.

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.

Patient Interview: Buddy Gau

Great Steps specializes in orthotics and prosthetics, and the services we provide for our patients is broad and expansive. We were fortunate to interview one of our patients- Buddy Gau- about his experience with our facility and our doctors and staff.

Buddy Gau is from Little Falls, Minnesota and is very active. He enjoys spending time with his three daughters and two grandchildren. He also enjoys running and teaching and helps out his neighbors and friends by mowing and snow blowing yards. It is safe to say that Buddy is on his feet most of the day.

After experiencing pain in his knee, Buddy visited Dr. Virgil Meyer of Little Falls Orthopedics to help find a solution to his pain. Dr. Meyer referred Buddy to Dave Kinsley of Great Steps for orthotics to help align his knee.

Buddy has been going to Great Steps for the past 10 years and says he is greeted with a smile every time he walks in the door. After a short wait, Buddy and Dave usually spend the first few minutes of the appointment catching up on things like sports, family, and everyday life. Buddy says he appreciates how Dave is able to squeeze him in for an appointment at the last second if he needs his orthotics tweaked.

We then asked Buddy what he thought of Great steps. We quote, “I can’t live without my orthotics and I hope Dave never retires.” He concluded the interview with, “I highly recommend Great Steps and would encourage others to visit them.”

Thank you, Buddy, for informing us and others about your experience with Great Steps. We look forward to working with you in the future. For more information about our Orthotics Services, visit us at http://www.greatstepsop.com/

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!

Winter Safety

Winter is here, which means the temperatures dramatically drop, car doors are frozen shut and roads and sidewalks get icy. Whether or not you use a cane, walker or mobility device, walking on ice is still a difficult task. If you or someone you know has a disability which results in them being able to walk properly, the risk of falling on ice increases dramatically. For those with disabilities, it is important to take extra precaution with icy conditions.

1. Remove any snow or ice from sidewalks and other walking areas. Contact a local family member, friend or a professional that can do it for you. After this has been done, put kitty litter, sand or salt on any areas where you most commonly walk to help melt the ice.

2. Wear appropriate shoes or boots. When outside walking on an icy surface, wearing proper footwear makes a huge difference. Avoid wearing slick bottom shoes at all costs, and wear a sturdy winter boots or a slip-resistant shoe. Make sure your winter boots are waterproof, have thick insulation with a non-slip sole, and are lightweight.

3. Take your time and walk slowly on icy patches. We've all heard the phrase “Better be safe than sorry” before, and it is especially important to keep in mind when walking or using a mobility device on slippery surfaces. Give yourself more time to get to your destination by leaving early and taking your time. 

4. Attach ice picks to your cane or walker. This will help chisel out hard patches of ice, which will make it easier for walking across icy surfaces. Even with an ice pick, be sure to take your time!

By taking these safety precautions, you will have a safer winter season which will reduce your chance of slipping and falling. We want you to enjoy the beautiful winter season and worry less about slipping on ice. 

Gary Leither: Standing on Two Feet

At Great Steps, we pride ourselves in helping others through their difficult times by helping them receive the necessary assistance to get back on their feet and continue to enjoy their everyday life and that is no different with one of our great patients, Gary Leither.

Gary Leither, 60 years old, from Cold Spring, Minnesota discovered he had type 2 Diabetes back in 1994 after experiencing sores on his feet. Gary was referred to Great Steps where we proceeded to help him out with the correct orthotics to make him feel more comfortable. Unfortunately for Gary, he lost his toes due to his struggle with diabetes later in 2005 and ultimately in January of 2014, after constant sores on his left foot, he had below the knee amputation on his left leg.

Once again, that is where we, at Great Steps, stepped in to help Gary out with the necessary prosthesis and in March we fitted him for his first prosthetic. Gary was very eager to get back on his feet, that he only needed 2 rehab sessions before he was comfortably walking on his own. According to Gary, “the fit was fantastic,” and he was relieved to be done with the countless surgeries and the need to walk around wearing a boot, which is another reason why the transition period was very smooth for Gary, stating that he “accepted the change real well.”

While providing him with the necessary prosthetic, Great Steps continues to assist him with the necessary orthotics for his right foot that currently has Charcot Foot to help improve his posture and assist in walking.

One of the main factors for his smooth transition into accepting that he would need a prosthetic was when he met and talked to the staff here at Great Steps and realized that many of them were also living their lives with prosthetics. Gary was very surprised by the fact that some of the staff members he spoke to had prosthetics and he didn't realize it for quite some time.

After many years of working and even a brief period of owning and managing his own floral shop with his wife, Gary is enjoying the retired life with his wife of 29 years, Ione, whom is also retired after teaching for 25 years, and his three kids (two daughters and son). Gary enjoys every moment of his life and likes to keep himself busy by reading, fishing, golfing and watching the Minnesota Twins. He also volunteers for his church and at the St. Cloud Hospital 2-3 times a week. After multiple years of experiencing sores and enduring surgeries, Gary is just excited to finally be on his feet and wants to enjoy every moment by keeping himself busy.

He thanks Great Steps for providing him with the necessary orthotics and prosthetics to continue living the life he enjoys with his family and friends stating, “Great Steps is a very good company, with wonderful staff.”

The Special Care of Nancy Wasilowski

Nancy Wasilowski has 8 children, all adopted through the Minnesota Adoption Resources Network (MARN). She currently has 5 children living with her; Tony, Ian, India, Logan and Kennedy ranging from 15 years old to 2 years old and her 3 angels looking over their family; Sky, Analee and Paul. Nancy and her longtime partner, Morgan, whom she has been with for over 18 years, have adopted all 8 children and they love them as if they are their own. Each child requires constant care from Nancy, Morgan and several other nurses. Nancy understands that her children will not be with them for long, so she makes sure she enjoys every moment with them and strives to put a smile on each one of their faces.

Nancy has always enjoyed taking care of kids with special needs, dating all the way back to when she was in elementary school and would help out with the special needs children in her school. After graduating with a degree in psychology and business from St. Cloud State University, Nancy went on to work at a children’s home for 7 years working as a youth counselor for the children. Eventually her and her partner Morgan decided to run a home study to care for their children.

For the past 13 years, all 8 of her children have gone through Great Steps and John Held, C.O. Nancy had tried out other O&P facilities, but it wasn’t until she was referred to Great Steps that she found the right fit for her children. Whether it’s been helping get the right AFO’s, SMO’s, Helmets or other necessary equipment, John and the Great Steps staff have been there to help Nancy and her children along the way. Nancy stated, “John has a great attention to detail as opposed to other places.”

 

 

Our goal at Great Steps is to provide quality care to all of our patients in any way possible. This is another great thing Nancy loves about Great Steps. Having 8 children with disabilities, each one requires a different type of special care and whether it’s finding a solution to keep one child’s head facing straight or keeping another child from putting his fingers in his mouth, John and Great Steps have been very creative in assisting Nancy with her kids every need, “John thinks outside the box to come up with solutions for everything."

Nancy cares for her children more than anyone before her did and has seen the potential that they have that others previously wouldn’t acknowledge. The last thing on her mind is the money that is involved in adopting these children stating, “its not as expensive as some may think but regardless it’s a drop in a bucket to help these kids.”

When asked if she would see herself continuing to adopt more children, Nancy paused before saying, “If there is room in the house, room in our hearts, then there is room for some kids.”