Do you want to meet other amputees? Do you love to cruise and travel to tropical locations? If you answered yes, you might be interested in the AmpuCruise. This event started as a grassroots movement after the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) announced that a national conference would not be held in 2012.
Many amputees were disappointed by the news that a conference was not going to be held. They enjoy reaching out to new amputees and connecting with established friends. In an effort to keep the camaraderie going, the concept of the AmpuCruise was born.
Traveling can feel overwhelming after a limb is lost. From navigating airport security to securing accommodations that are accessible, many amputees choose to stay home rather than counter the obstacles involved. A collaborative effort between Royal Caribbean, the ACA and Easy Access Travel has taken many of the unknown variables out of the travel equation for this event.
Mark your calendars and plan to join other amputees on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Liberty of the Seas ship from December 3-8, 2012. This 5 day cruise departs from Fort Lauderdale Florida and travels through the Western Caribbean. Cabins are priced as low as $107/ night with a portion of each reservation benefiting the ACA. Don't delay, space is filling quickly and you don't want to miss this unique event! Visit here for more information.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Team River Runner
Living in the Washington, DC area affords residents a variety of unique recreation activities. Hiking and biking trails abound through a network of National and State parks. Kayaking and paddling opportunities are plentiful along the Potomac river.
Of course, OPC is biased towards paddling sports. Elliot Weintrob, OPC President and CPO, was a member of the 1992 US Olympic canoe team. Paddling sports are a fantastic activity to develop physical fitness as it can be easily tailored to the individual's current endurance and strength abilities. A proponent of paddling sports, Elliot professes, "10 miles outside of DC, when you're on the water, you might as well be 10,000 miles away. It's a great reality check."
Founded in 1994, Team River Runner is a non-profit organization that provides kayaking opportunities for injured active duty and retired military. Taught through the generosity of volunteers, the participant does not have to hold previous kayaking or paddling experience. All that is required is an adventurous spirit and a willingness to try.
Kayaking experiences are provided at no charge to the participant. The organization is funded through a combination of charitable donations and the sale of select merchandise. Paddling lessons are provided in a pool before the participant is transitioned to a natural setting. Supervision is provided throughout the experience.
Team River Runner conducts classes and kayaking trips across our region, including along the Potomac and Virginia Beach. If you are interested in participating or want to learn more about Team River Runner, click here.
Of course, OPC is biased towards paddling sports. Elliot Weintrob, OPC President and CPO, was a member of the 1992 US Olympic canoe team. Paddling sports are a fantastic activity to develop physical fitness as it can be easily tailored to the individual's current endurance and strength abilities. A proponent of paddling sports, Elliot professes, "10 miles outside of DC, when you're on the water, you might as well be 10,000 miles away. It's a great reality check."
Founded in 1994, Team River Runner is a non-profit organization that provides kayaking opportunities for injured active duty and retired military. Taught through the generosity of volunteers, the participant does not have to hold previous kayaking or paddling experience. All that is required is an adventurous spirit and a willingness to try.
Kayaking experiences are provided at no charge to the participant. The organization is funded through a combination of charitable donations and the sale of select merchandise. Paddling lessons are provided in a pool before the participant is transitioned to a natural setting. Supervision is provided throughout the experience.
Team River Runner conducts classes and kayaking trips across our region, including along the Potomac and Virginia Beach. If you are interested in participating or want to learn more about Team River Runner, click here.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Amputee Awareness Day!
Although the ACA has designated April to be "Limb Loss Awareness Month," we would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge that Amputee Awareness week runs from October 4-11. This week designation is recognized internationally and was created provide a global platform for limb loss issues, ranging from landmine placement and access to prosthetic devices.
This week holds historical significance for the amputee community. It was during this week in 1846 that the first patent was awarded for a prosthetic device. The patent marks what is accepted to be the beginning of the modern age of prosthetics. The actual patent was awarded on October 7 which has become recognized as Amputee Awareness Day worldwide.
We hope that you will consider honoring this day by educating peers or co-workers about living with limb loss. If your dress code permits (and only if you feel comfortable), consider wearing shorts to "Strut your Stuff." Let's bring amputee issues out of the shadows and utilize this global platform. Change occurs only after a dialog is established.
However you choose to celebrate, we are honored to be part of your journey. Happy Amputee Awareness Day!
This week holds historical significance for the amputee community. It was during this week in 1846 that the first patent was awarded for a prosthetic device. The patent marks what is accepted to be the beginning of the modern age of prosthetics. The actual patent was awarded on October 7 which has become recognized as Amputee Awareness Day worldwide.
We hope that you will consider honoring this day by educating peers or co-workers about living with limb loss. If your dress code permits (and only if you feel comfortable), consider wearing shorts to "Strut your Stuff." Let's bring amputee issues out of the shadows and utilize this global platform. Change occurs only after a dialog is established.
However you choose to celebrate, we are honored to be part of your journey. Happy Amputee Awareness Day!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Congratulations Libby!
We are excited to announce that our New Year, New You, New Foot (or hand) second chance competition has completed. Our participants lost an astounding total of 182 pounds since February. We are proud of their accomplishments as they have sweated and worked towards a healthier lifestyle.
Libby won our second chance competition, losing an impressive 32.5 pounds since starting her journey. She has faced health and prosthetic issues, but never let those obstacles deter her from her goal. She assembled a strong support team, including a personal trainer and nutritionist, to help keep her on track. She credits her husband for offering her both support and for keeping her motivated toward her goal.
Like many amputees, Libby's weight increased after she lost her limb. An above knee amputee, she had a difficult time adjusting and was confined to a wheelchair for much of her day. "After my amputation I gained 79 pounds from not getting any exercise. I had thought about going to a gym but never did because of people staring at my prosthetic leg. One day on the way to OPC I saw a truck with a personal training advertisement. I contacted them and decided to do it. It’s not a normal gym…it’s one on one personal training. I took seeing that advertisement as a signal to change my life."
Libby is continuing to work towards her goal of weighing below 200 lbs, and she has no plans of reverting to a sedentary lifestyle. "I have that commitment of having to be at Ultimate Results every Mon./Wed/ Friday to work out and having a scheduled consultation twice a month with the nutritionist to review my progress. I have to show my nutritionist my food journal during those meetings. Sammy (my trainer) reviews my log weekly and has been a total support for when I am down and want to stop."
Sammy joins us in congratulating Libby. "I'm really proud of Libby and what she's been able to accomplish since we started. She came in hobbling on day one and barely being able to get up off the chair without someone almost lifting her up and now she can get up on her own and walk a mile on any given day of the week. I remember telling her back then that we'd eventually be working on squats and that she'd eventually be able to get off a chair without any help and she just laughed. Now we're doing just that. I think it's sometimes hard to believe something's possible when it seems so far away but after years of doing what I do as trainer I know it is. It just takes patience, dedication, and consistency (did I mention she's never missed a workout). Keep taking those baby steps over and over and before you know it you've climbed the mountain."
We want to offer our congratulations to Libby on her accomplishment. In addition to a gift card for amazon.com, we are pleased to provide her with a consultation with a health counselor at www.healthyfuturestoday.com. We hope that this extra support will help Libby on her journey to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Libby won our second chance competition, losing an impressive 32.5 pounds since starting her journey. She has faced health and prosthetic issues, but never let those obstacles deter her from her goal. She assembled a strong support team, including a personal trainer and nutritionist, to help keep her on track. She credits her husband for offering her both support and for keeping her motivated toward her goal.
Like many amputees, Libby's weight increased after she lost her limb. An above knee amputee, she had a difficult time adjusting and was confined to a wheelchair for much of her day. "After my amputation I gained 79 pounds from not getting any exercise. I had thought about going to a gym but never did because of people staring at my prosthetic leg. One day on the way to OPC I saw a truck with a personal training advertisement. I contacted them and decided to do it. It’s not a normal gym…it’s one on one personal training. I took seeing that advertisement as a signal to change my life."
Libby is continuing to work towards her goal of weighing below 200 lbs, and she has no plans of reverting to a sedentary lifestyle. "I have that commitment of having to be at Ultimate Results every Mon./Wed/ Friday to work out and having a scheduled consultation twice a month with the nutritionist to review my progress. I have to show my nutritionist my food journal during those meetings. Sammy (my trainer) reviews my log weekly and has been a total support for when I am down and want to stop."
Sammy joins us in congratulating Libby. "I'm really proud of Libby and what she's been able to accomplish since we started. She came in hobbling on day one and barely being able to get up off the chair without someone almost lifting her up and now she can get up on her own and walk a mile on any given day of the week. I remember telling her back then that we'd eventually be working on squats and that she'd eventually be able to get off a chair without any help and she just laughed. Now we're doing just that. I think it's sometimes hard to believe something's possible when it seems so far away but after years of doing what I do as trainer I know it is. It just takes patience, dedication, and consistency (did I mention she's never missed a workout). Keep taking those baby steps over and over and before you know it you've climbed the mountain."
We want to offer our congratulations to Libby on her accomplishment. In addition to a gift card for amazon.com, we are pleased to provide her with a consultation with a health counselor at www.healthyfuturestoday.com. We hope that this extra support will help Libby on her journey to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Research Participants Needed
We appreciate the role academia plays in the development of new technologies and advances in prosthetics. Our geographic location puts us in the vicinity of some of the country's leading biomechanic facilities. We are occasionally asked to pass along research opportunities for to our patients, and we are honored to comply.
The Neuromechanics Laboratory at the University of Maryland, located in College Park, Maryland, is actively seeking lower extremity research subjects. The study is focusing on the energy expenditures put forth by an amputee utilizing a running-specific prosthetic. If you currently use a running style prosthetic foot/leg, you may qualify for this opportunity.
Qualifying participants will be asked to run on a track at three different speeds- 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mph for approximately 5-7 minutes at each speed. A system of cameras and reflective markers will be employed to measure the metabolic expenditures at each speed. Participants will be compensated $100 for the study, which is expected to last a total of 2 to 3 hours.
If you currently utilize a running specific prosthetic, and are willing to participate to in this important research study, please contact the researchers directly by calling (301) 405-8154 or by emailing locomotion.nml@udm.edu.
The Neuromechanics Laboratory at the University of Maryland, located in College Park, Maryland, is actively seeking lower extremity research subjects. The study is focusing on the energy expenditures put forth by an amputee utilizing a running-specific prosthetic. If you currently use a running style prosthetic foot/leg, you may qualify for this opportunity.
Qualifying participants will be asked to run on a track at three different speeds- 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mph for approximately 5-7 minutes at each speed. A system of cameras and reflective markers will be employed to measure the metabolic expenditures at each speed. Participants will be compensated $100 for the study, which is expected to last a total of 2 to 3 hours.
If you currently utilize a running specific prosthetic, and are willing to participate to in this important research study, please contact the researchers directly by calling (301) 405-8154 or by emailing locomotion.nml@udm.edu.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
A Dynamic Career
If you are reading this blog, you probably have a connection to the field of prosthetics and orthotics. While many are familiar with the services provided by practitioners at OPC, we suspect that most people have never considered the benefits of working in this field. With students returning to school and many families beginning to engage in discussions about possible career choices with their student, we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce Orthotics and Prosthetics as a career.
Currently Orthotics and Prosthetics is the only certification program that can tout 100% job placement upon completion. Employment opportunities are currently available in all 50 states and abroad for qualified individuals. The aging population combined with lifesaving advances has experts projecting the need for Orthotist and Prosthetists to increase 25% within the next 10 years. Job security is not an issue in this high demand and growing profession!
Orthotics and Prosthetics is a profession that requires compassion, creativity and technological savvy. Every patient presents with a unique set of needs and issues. The practitioner has the opportunity to devise and manufacturer a solution thus creating a positive change in that individual's life. It is often said that O&P is the only field where patients can enter the office in a wheelchair and leave walking.
O&P professionals work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. Prosthetists with 15 years experience earn on average $96,000 a year. For those who are interested in manufacturing devices and are not inclined to provide direct patient care, the average salary for a technician is $48,000.
Although practitioners and fitters are desperately needed in all 50 states, university and certification programs are limited. Currently there are only eleven O&P accredited Practitioner programs in the United States. Information about the individual schools offering programs can be found here.
At OPC, we are passionate about both patient care and our profession. We are eager to see our field expand to meet the growing needs of our patient population. Whether you are simply exploring your options or if you are interested in a career in O&P, we would love the opportunity to discuss this expanding and dynamic profession.
Currently Orthotics and Prosthetics is the only certification program that can tout 100% job placement upon completion. Employment opportunities are currently available in all 50 states and abroad for qualified individuals. The aging population combined with lifesaving advances has experts projecting the need for Orthotist and Prosthetists to increase 25% within the next 10 years. Job security is not an issue in this high demand and growing profession!
Orthotics and Prosthetics is a profession that requires compassion, creativity and technological savvy. Every patient presents with a unique set of needs and issues. The practitioner has the opportunity to devise and manufacturer a solution thus creating a positive change in that individual's life. It is often said that O&P is the only field where patients can enter the office in a wheelchair and leave walking.
O&P professionals work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities. Prosthetists with 15 years experience earn on average $96,000 a year. For those who are interested in manufacturing devices and are not inclined to provide direct patient care, the average salary for a technician is $48,000.
Although practitioners and fitters are desperately needed in all 50 states, university and certification programs are limited. Currently there are only eleven O&P accredited Practitioner programs in the United States. Information about the individual schools offering programs can be found here.
At OPC, we are passionate about both patient care and our profession. We are eager to see our field expand to meet the growing needs of our patient population. Whether you are simply exploring your options or if you are interested in a career in O&P, we would love the opportunity to discuss this expanding and dynamic profession.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Super H 5-K Run Walk & Wheel
Are you looking for a family friendly event that supports local individuals with disabilities, including amputation? Do you want to help raise awareness and funds while having fun? Look no further! The Super H 5-K Run Walk & Wheel is just around the corner.
This annual event is the premiere fundraiser for National Rehabilitation Hospital's (NRH) Adaptive Sports Program. This program provides the opportunity for individuals with varying degrees of disabilities to reintegrate into the sports that they loved, as well as providing them with the option and the specialized tools to try new activities. Hand cycling, basketball, rugby, sled hockey and tennis are just a few of the activities provided through the Adaptive Sports Program.
It is believed that participating in sports facilitates the rehabilitation process. Whether for fun, as a tool to build self-esteem, or for competition, participating in a sport activity benefits the patient both emotionally and physically. The program at NRH provides sporting equipment and opportunities for patients of all ages with the youngest participant being six years old.
The Super H 5-K Run Walk & Wheel is a chance to contribute to this worthy community program while having fun with your family or friends. All proceeds stay in our local area. This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, September 25th at 8:00 A.M. On-site registration begins at 7:00 at Tysons Sport & Health, 8250 Greensboro Drive, McClean, VA. Information about the race including the course map and pre-registration link can be found here.
OPC is proud to support this venture! We are forming a team, and would like to invite our patients to participate. We will cover the entry registration fees for all Team OPC participants. Join us in representing OPC while raising awareness and funds for the Adaptive Sports Program. Please contact Peggy at peggy@opc1.com or call (571) 248 8812 for information on joining Team OPC.
After the race, plan on staying for refreshments, music, awards and family activities. Registration can be completed online or on race day. We hope to see you there!
This annual event is the premiere fundraiser for National Rehabilitation Hospital's (NRH) Adaptive Sports Program. This program provides the opportunity for individuals with varying degrees of disabilities to reintegrate into the sports that they loved, as well as providing them with the option and the specialized tools to try new activities. Hand cycling, basketball, rugby, sled hockey and tennis are just a few of the activities provided through the Adaptive Sports Program.
It is believed that participating in sports facilitates the rehabilitation process. Whether for fun, as a tool to build self-esteem, or for competition, participating in a sport activity benefits the patient both emotionally and physically. The program at NRH provides sporting equipment and opportunities for patients of all ages with the youngest participant being six years old.
The Super H 5-K Run Walk & Wheel is a chance to contribute to this worthy community program while having fun with your family or friends. All proceeds stay in our local area. This year's event is scheduled for Sunday, September 25th at 8:00 A.M. On-site registration begins at 7:00 at Tysons Sport & Health, 8250 Greensboro Drive, McClean, VA. Information about the race including the course map and pre-registration link can be found here.
OPC is proud to support this venture! We are forming a team, and would like to invite our patients to participate. We will cover the entry registration fees for all Team OPC participants. Join us in representing OPC while raising awareness and funds for the Adaptive Sports Program. Please contact Peggy at peggy@opc1.com or call (571) 248 8812 for information on joining Team OPC.
After the race, plan on staying for refreshments, music, awards and family activities. Registration can be completed online or on race day. We hope to see you there!
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