Agency pledges better training, cooperation and sensitivity when screening air travelers with limb loss

In response to an Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) member survey showing clear dissatisfaction with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screening practices, TSA and ACA officials met in Washington, D.C., on July 19 to address procedures that have become of increasing concern to travelers with limb loss. Outcomes of the meeting included promises of improvement by TSA regarding issues identified in the survey, as well as a pledge to provide ongoing opportunities for meaningful input by ACA members regarding TSA training, screening procedures, and other areas.

Sierra Orthopedics Annual Test Drive was held on August 17th with Great Success!  Our slogan, “Experience the Difference” captured the spirit of the day as amputees tried out electronic knees, advanced feet, and the myoelectrically controlled I Limb hand.  It was a great day!

We have more Test Drives planned, as we feel this gives our patients the opportunity to test out the latest technology, and give our patients the best care possible.

If you are interested in attending future Test Drives, or would like to set up a personal test drive where you can test out any Prosthetic device, give us a call today: (707) 528-9808 or email: brian@sierraortho.com.

Mike Roman is The Keynote Speaker at Amputee Coalition of America National Conference in Irvine, California.

“Dreams come true if you have the courage to dream them,” is race car driver and world land speed record-holder Mike Roman’s motto. As an amputee, Roman is dedicated to spreading his message of hope, and he will do just that at the Amputee Coalition of America’s national conference on August 28.

Sponsored by Boston Scientific, Roman will recount his story to over 900 attendees that will include amputees, their families, support groups and exhibitors at the conference’s gala dinner.

The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) has announced Cady Tescher, 18, of Glendora, California, as the recipient of the $1,000 Christina Skoski, M.D., Scholarship. Cady will be honored at the Gala Dinner of the ACA 2010 National Conference in Irvine, California, on Saturday, August 28.

Based on her conviction that limb loss should not be a barrier to academic or professional success, Dr. Skoski established the scholarship through a generous $25,000 scholarship fund last year.

On July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if public entities remain committed in their efforts to fully implement the ADA.

Read more at: http://www.2010anniversary.org/

Sierra Orthopedic Laboratory would like to invite you to test drive the latest advanced prosthetic components and evaluate them for yourself.  We will be hosting a special clinic at our Santa Rosa office on August 17th, during which time you can try out the latest advancements in prosthetic technology. Our expert staff will be on hand to provide prosthetic consultations and product information.  Space is limited – call for an appointment today.

The National Amputee Golf Association announced this year that it was opening its national championships to men and women with disabilities other than a major joint amputation. Blind golfers and golfers with various physical challenges or mobility limitations can now compete as associate members of the amputee association.

The national championship and senior championship are Sept. 7-10 in Nashville.

“An able-bodied golfer can enter, too,” said Bob Wilson, the executive director of the N.A.G.A.

You had better bring a good short game.

Wilson, who developed the First Swing program in 1988, said the association conducted about 30 clinics yearly.

Company recognised as the Most Innovative Company of the Year in Europe

Trends in the rate of diabetes-related nontraumatic lower extremity amputation rates have sharply declined since 2000 among people aged 75 years and older, women and whites.

Although follow-up data provided by researchers at the CDC reveal an increase in the total number of nontraumatic lower extremity amputation hospitalizations — 54,738 in 1998 to 65,714 in 2006 — the age-adjusted discharge rate showed a slight decline from 1998 (7.3 per 1,000) to 1997 (7 per 1,000) and decreased by 7.8% per year until 2006 (3.5 per 1,000; P<.01).

There was a similar pattern for people aged 74 years and younger, with declining rates in the mid-90s by about 7% per year (P<.01).

We want to congratulate our own Jonathan Batzdorff, CPO, FAAOP, who received the highest achievement in continuing education when he was honored as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics at the Annual Conference in Chicago this past February.

Jonathan is the Clinical Director at Sierra Orthopedic Laboratory and has been a prosthetist and orthotist for the past 30 years.