Able Orthopedics

Able’s Website

dmiller — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:05:12 +0000

I have been adding some content to Able Orthopedics’ website. I feel that I have added some additional information that our customers and newcomers to the site will find useful. Until next time……

Scare with the C-Leg

dmiller — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:17:26 +0000

Yesterday I had quite a scare. The charger for my C-Leg showed that I had a full charge, even though when we plugged it into the computer, it showed zero battery. This morning I was able to get the knee reset and even tweeked a couple of settings that seemed to smooth out my gait. Thank God that I have the best prosthetist in the business to work with.

Life’s Lessons

dmiller — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:01:18 +0000

In looking over an SOS, senior outreach services, handout recently and I came across some very interesting sayings that I feel hit close to home as an amputee. I thought I would share some of those periodically, in the hopes that it could touch others as it touched me. Staying Motivated: “The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the BEST of everything.” I think too often we wish things could be different in our lives, when we should be greatful for all of the things we still have and make the best of those things. Until the next time…..

Rock Wall

dmiller — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:19:09 +0000

I just signed up to get certified for climbing the rock wall at Lifetime Fitness. I look forward to taking part in a new adventure. I have seen many amputees climb the rock wall, even competitively at the Extremity Games a couple of years ago, but I guess it took this long to gather the courage to try for myself. I will post next Wednesday to let you know how it went. Until then…..

Yoga

dmiller — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:17:08 +0000

I attended my first Yoga class last night. There was only a couple of positions that I could not do because of my prosthetic, but all in all it was a wonderful experience. Yoga teaches you how to relax, breathe, and to work with muscle groups that you normally would not work with. I think, as an amputee, Yoga can be a great addition to other stretches that we need to do on a daily basis in order to work the parts of our body needed to be strong for proper prosthesis fit and and for a proper gait.

Port Huron Support Group

dmiller — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:09:19 +0000

Coming Soon……A Port Huron Support Group. I am in talks with a couple of facilities in the Port Huron area to hold monthly Amputee Support Groups. It has been proven that Amputee Support Groups play a vital role in the Prosthetic Care Process. Once I get the details finalized, I will let everyone know.

Partnership with 103.5 WMUZ

dmiller — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:27:48 +0000

We are excited to announce Able Orthopedics is partnering with WMUZ (103.5) radio station in hopes to reach more amputees in the Metro Detroit Area. The radio campaign will include commercial spots, interviews with Bob Dutco on his show, and future partnerships with current WMUZ advertisers. We feel at Able Orthopedics that the principles of both of our organizations will benefit everyone in need of a prosthetic device. We look forward to getting to working with Bob Dutco and the rest of the WMUZ family.

Pets For Your Health

jkaluza — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:35:54 +0000

Many families are opposed to getting pets because of the negative health risks that go along with it, i.e. house training issues and accidents, germs, fleas and ticks, tracking in mud and dirt, etc. Most people don’t realize the upside of it. It is scientifically proven that pets can be healthy for you.

Having a pet that requires some physical activity, like walking a dog or playing with a cat, will combat weight gain. Those with pets get at least an extra 10 minutes a day of physical activity than those who don’t. Also, living with a pet can ward off allergies in children by up to 50%, which was proven by a study done here in Michigan at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Animals also have psychological health perks as well. Pets have a calming effect on people. If your’e stressed, petting a cat or dog or even just watching a fish swim can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Four legged friends also help children and adults cope with tough times. They love unconditionally and are life-long companions, while also bringing fun and laughter when it comes to play time.

Having recently adopted a dog myself, I was very interested in this article. To read more, continue on here.

Diabetes Rates Double

jkaluza — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:23:13 +0000

One of the countries major medical issues these days is diabetes. It is a serious condition with many grave side effects. Worldwide, the rate of people developing diabetes had doubled. The main cause of this is obesity and inactivity. Both of these issues are preventable. There are many things you can do to lower your chance of developing diabetes from obesity and inactivity.

The main issue at hand is lack of exercise. Just 30 minutes a day will greatly lower your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions caused by a sedentary life style. You can walk, jog, work in the garden, or do any activity that makes you sweat.

Also by being active, you can prevent obesity. If you are overweight, you can lose 5-7% of your body weight by working out on a regular basis. This alone cuts your chance of acquiring diabetes by 50%. Eating right also will help avoid this serious medical issue. Steer clear of trans fats, foods high in sugar, empty calories, and alcohol.

Just by living a healthier lifestyle you can prohibit the onset of diabetes. To read more on this topic, the conditions itself, and prevention, go to http://www.diabetes-guide.org.

The New OttoBock C-Leg

jkaluza — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:11:54 +0000

OttoBock, an major orthotic and prosthetic technology provider, is known to have one of the greatest prosthetic knee’s for an active above knee amputee. It’s called the C-Leg. It is a computerized microprocessor knee controls and adapts to its user’s gait pattern. There are 2 programmable modes to switch back and forth from. For example, a mode for every day ambulation, and then a mode for bike riding.

Recently, the C-Leg has been upgraded with Blue Tooth technology. However, a newer and greater model has just been released. Mechanical adjustments have been made to give the user a smoother, more natural gait pattern. The level of stability has been greatly increased, enhancing the level of stumble recovery. The new C-Leg can also tolerate more weight- up to 300lbs. And lastly, instead of having 2 modes to switch back and forth from, there are now 3.

Our clinicians are certified and well educated on the C-Leg. To read more on this latest and greatest technology, follow the link below. If you are interested in receiving a C-Leg or just discussing your options, please contact us.

http://c-leg.ottobock.com/en/index.php