Limb Loss Awareness Month

This weekend marks the halfway mark through Limb Loss Awareness Month. This designation is important to provide a platform to address amputee issues and to educate the lay population about the rising numbers of amputees.

The media coverage of amputees is often limited to those who have received combat injuries. In reality, most amputations are the result of vascular disease and diabetes. As the baby boomer population is aging, experts predict that the numbers of amputees will continue to rise. We encourage you to visit 507aday.org to learn more about the increasing number of amputees.

Despite the increasing number of amputees in this country, the new amputee is often wrought with fear and anxiety. If you are a new amputee (less than 2 years) you might be interested in this scholarship opportunity. The ACA has started a scholarship program to cover expenses for the new amputee to travel to the National Conference this June. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other amputees, to share ideas and to learn about technology. Hurry, the applications are due by April 15th.

We encourage all of our patients to support Limb Loss Awareness Month by spreading the message that life continues after an amputation. Perhaps you can speak with a class at a local school or meet with a Scout Troop. Children are fascinated by prosthetics, and exposure to the field at an early age may lead to future innovators in the field! You can find resources, hand-outs and helpful information to aid with a presentation here.

OPC staff has been busy promoting "Strut Your Stuff Day" on April 30th. If you are interested in showing your support and are on Facebook, feel free to write on the Wall and describe how you plan on strutting!

We are flirting with the idea of hosting an event/picnic for April 30th for "Strut Your Stuff Day." If you would be interested in attending an event at OPC on April 30th, please send me an email (peggy@opc1.com). We would like to gauge the interest level.