JANUARY/february 2013
02.01
this issue
PREVENTING MEDICAL ERRORS 12
NONPROFIT ORG HELPS AMPUTEES 14
The Health & Lifestyle Magazine for Amputees Who Want to Live More Fully
RECALIBRATING AFTER SUCCESS 18
Changing perceptions in the movie industry
The Health & Lifestyle Magazine for Amputees Who Want to Live More Fully
Volume 2, Issue 1 Amp It Up! c/o Eureka Custom Media, LLC 1916 Redbud Valley Drive Maryville, TN 37801 865 233-8711 rick@EurekaCustomMedia.com
From the Editor
H
i, and welcome to our fifth issue of Amp It Up! magazine. Our cover story for this issue features actor Eddie McGee, who leads the cast of THE HUMAN RACE, a new feature-length science fiction/action/horror film that is making its rounds at film festivals around the world. When I learned about the movie and Eddie’s efforts to succeed as an actor, I was reminded of something I learned more than 12 years ago when I first started working in the amputee community. That is that the old myth that people with disabilities are hopelessly limited to a few kinds of career options is just that - a myth. In my time working in the amputee community, I’ve known amputee lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs, actors, comedians, pilots, construction workers, prosthetists, inventors, professors, racecar drivers, stuntmen, firefighters, police officers, baseball players, divers, soldiers, and even Congress members. And that’s just to name a few. Amputees of various levels are finding success in all walks of life, in many cases with the help of advanced technology and, in other cases, without it. Additionally, they are involved in all kinds of sports and recreational activities. It is both new technology and the evolving attitudes of both amputees and nonamputees that is helping to make this success possible. In the past, people with disabilities of any kind were often steered by well-meaning parents, friends, teachers and government leaders into certain fields because they thought people with disabilities were incapable of succeeding in other fields. That has changed to some degree, and that is a good thing. Even though there
is more work to be done to ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities, these days, amputees are participating in all areas of life and are not relegated to the background. Of course, every amputee might not succeed in becoming a lawyer, a doctor, an actor or whatever he or she wants to become. Neither will every nonamputee. There are no guarantees. There is competition to succeed in any field, and some people will make it and others will not. However, what is becoming clearer today through numerous examples is that just being an amputee does not necessarily mean that a person cannot succeed in whatever his or her passion might be. I’ve seen example after example of amputees who have shown that amputation does not mean that a person’s professional life has ended. With this in mind, I encourage amputees everywhere to pursue your dream professions like everyone else. Don’t let others tell you that being an amputee means that you can’t achieve what you want to achieve. Choose your own path like pitcher Jim Abbott, Navy master diver Carl Brashear, and armless pilot Jessica Cox, and prove the naysayers wrong. Then, once you’ve found success, just sit back and enjoy the surprised look on their face. As someone once said, success is indeed the best revenge.
Rick Bowers
Editor-in-Chief
publisher Eureka Custom Media, LLC Editor-in-Chief Director of Communications Rick Bowers rick@EurekaCustomMedia.com
Creative Director Michael Shannon michael@EurekaCustomMedia.com Editorial Advisory Board Jamey French Molly French Patty Parrish Friend Jim Haag Tammie Higginbotham M. Jason Highsmith, DPT, CP Dr. Mark Hinkes, DPM Brian J. Johnston Jason T. Kahle, CPO Shauna Mote John Rheinstein, CP, FAAOP Jennifer Latham Robinson Neal Seigfried Stella Sieber
Amp It Up! is published 9 times a year by Eureka Custom Media, LLC. Copyright © 2013 Eureka Custom Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in any fashion, electronically or otherwise, without the written permission of Eureka Custom Media. Information in this publication is the responsibility of the producers of the content and does not always reflect Eureka Custom Media’s views. Such information is provided for educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice related to your situation, please seek the advice of a professional healthcare provider. The inclusion of advertisements and articles in this publication should not be construed as endorsement of any product, service, device or company by Eureka Custom Media.
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Contents
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features 06 Cover Story: Changing perceptions: Eddie McGee heads movie cast 12 20 tips to help prevent medical errors
regular From the Editor Spotlight on Nonprofits: Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion Tips & Tricks: How to make a ponytail with one hand Sports Talk: Recalibration - What to do after reaching a goal Upcoming Events
Editor’s Request: If you haven’t already done so, please help us spread the word about this publication. Simply tell five amputees you know about Amp It Up!, and ask each of them to tell five others about it. By doing so, you will help us grow and become a more effective communications tool for the amputee community. The more people we are able to reach on a regular basis, the more we can accomplish. When amputees need to unite on a political issue; need to learn about an important event; need to know about support groups or peer support services; need to be informed about ways to prevent a second amputation or deal with pain; etc., we can be the vehicle for making that possible. But, first, we must build a regular audience that will help us reach more and more amputees. Spread the word. Help bring this community together to make life better for amputees everywhere. Thanks in advance for your assistance.
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Cover Image : Courtesy of Paul Hough
Athletes, Volunteers, Coaches... You're never alone at The Getting2Tri Foundation
The Getting2Tri Foundation www.G2Tcamp.org 2Tcamp.or amp.org
@G2Tcamps
www.ge www.getting2tri.org ww ww.ge getting2
Cover Story
Changing perceptions in
Eddie Mc BY AMP IT UP! STAFF
A great idea for a movie? Check. A well-written script? Right on. An award-winning director/ producer? Yep. A talented production and acting team? That’s right. Yep. All of the ingredients for an awesome movie seem to be there.
Eddie McGee in scene from THE HUMAN RACE ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL HOUGH
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Amp it up! magazine JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
n the movie industry
McGee heads cast of THE HUMAN RACE And yet filmmaker Paul Hough, director/producer of the feature-length science fiction/action/horror film THE HUMAN RACE, was turned down by many players in Hollywood when he tried to get funding and support for the movie. Why? Mainly because he was casting actor Eddie McGee as the lead. If you’ll recall, several years ago, Eddie McGee was the winner of the first year of the houseguest reality show Big Brother and took home the $500,000 prize. Over the years since winning Big Brother, McGee has acted in several movies and television shows, including Law & Order, The Cleaner, Desperate Housewives, The Philanthropist and Guiding Light. He also worked with Hough on a music video for Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy and a short movie titled The Angel, which won the award for “Best Film” at the London Sci-Fi Film Festival. The Long Island native, who has been a professional actor for more than a decade, also founded and is the CEO of Tripod Productions, Inc.
So, yes, McGee had the acting ability and the experience to play the role in THE HUMAN RACE. He is also handsome, charismatic, edgy and athletic. Yes, he had everything it takes. All right, you say. So what’s wrong with Eddie McGee, and why wouldn‘t Hollywood accept him as the lead? Well, I was mistaken before. McGee didn’t have everything it takes. There’s just no way around it. He was missing something that Hollywood considered very important. He was missing a leg. Yep, I said it. He was missing a leg. Although he’d survived life-threatening cancer when he was 11 years old, his left leg had been lost in the battle. Hollywood, McGee says, just didn’t seem ready to have someone with such a disability as the lead character in such a movie. “No one,” he says, “was open to having an amputee as a lead.” Fortunately for McGee, Hough, who had worked with McGee on other projects, realized that McGee was right for the part and decided to go forward with the production anyway with McGee as
the lead. Leg or not - and without the backing of Hollywood. So why did Hough take such a risk instead of just getting another actor for the role? “All I can say is that he believed in me,” McGee says. And it looks like Hough’s confidence in McGee was well-placed. THE HUMAN RACE premiered in Montreal, Canada, in 2012 at the Fantasia International Film Festival and seems to have been wellreceived there and at a variety of other film festivals. It‘s also gotten some great reviews and placed No. 9 on Mike’s Top Feature Films of 2012. In addition, McGee won “Best Actor in a Leading Role” at The Mile High Horror Film Festival in Denver for the movie. The judge’s for the award included Daniel Myrick, the director of The Blair Witch Project, and Jeffrey Reddick, the writer and creator of the Final Destination series. Myrick was so impressed by McGee’s performance that he agreed to introduce the Los Angeles screening of the movie.
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“I get stuck being the soldier, or being the hospital patient, or being the guy in the background. It’s not right, but with this film, and with your help, I believe we can change that.”
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The film, which is reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Battle Royale and The Long Walk, is about a group of about 80 people who are forced to participate in a foot race for survival. The rules of the race are simple, yet horrifying: “Follow the arrows or you will die. Stay on the path or you will die. If you are lapped twice, you will die. Do not touch the grass or you will die. Race or die.” The real problem: Only one person can win. The rest must die. The almost-hopeless situation brings out the best and the worst in the characters, and some racers act heroically while others act barbarically. “It’s extremely violent, edgy and unpredictable,” McGee says. “It’s a thrill ride we hope you’ll watch with a smile on your face!” Still, he hopes for more. “We also hope it will help change the way people view disabled actors in movies,” he says. As an actor, McGee says, he doesn‘t just want to play the disabled guy or the soldier, which is the role he usually gets. “Having one leg and trying to be an actor,
I also want to be the bad husband, I want to be the scumbag lawyer, I want to be the getaway driver at the bank robbery, but, unfortunately, because there are no films like THE HUMAN RACE out there that make people think outside the box, I get stuck being the soldier, or being the hospital patient, or being the guy in the background. It’s not right, but with this film, and with your help, I believe we can change that.” Making the movie independently was tough, McGee says, and it cost more than he and Hough could really afford, but they both believed in the movie. They scraped together all of the money they could, maxed out their credit lines, and had a few fundraisers. And, in the end, when they were desperate and needed another infusion of cash, they received some emergency help from friends and fans through a Kickstarter fundraising campaign that raised more than their $6,200 goal. “We begged and borrowed to the max,” McGee recalls. “It has been extremely difficult getting THE HUMAN RACE made but now that I’ve seen it, I couldn’t be happier.
I truly, truly believe that this picture will help pave the way to open up people’s minds, not only the audience’s but other filmmakers’ to maybe, possibly hire actors with disabilities.” For more information and to get updates on THE HUMAN RACE, visit facebook.com/TheHumanRaceMovie. THE HUMAN RACE is scheduled to be the opening night film at The Disability F ilm Festival in Montreal at the end of March. For more information on actors with disabilities, visit amputeesinhollywood.com/ Talent.html or read the article McGee wrote for the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts at inclusioninthearts.org/projects/ national-diversity-forum/opinion-pieces/ eddie-mcgee.
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A Q&A with actor Eddie McGee Why do you believe that THE HUMAN RACE has the potential to change perceptions? It is not by any means a “reinforcement” movie, meaning that it does not preach to an audience to reinforce views they may already have. The characters are not by any means “Hallmark.” They are all flawed in ways that may mean you won’t actually like a lot them. But we know from real life that we’re not all smelling like roses all the time. I think a lot of narrow-minded people may be offended by the movie but that it will also open up people’s eyes to how I see the world. If anything can help create change, it is work like this. Eddie McGee (right) in scene from THE HUMAN RACE
Why did you become an actor, and how did you get started? I always wanted to be an actor. From the age of 5 on. I got started in short films back in college and loved it. What do you consider your big break as an actor? I think once THE HUMAN RACE is seen by people, it will be my big break. What 3 words best describe you? Crazy, loyal and fun. What is your motto or slogan? No regrets.
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Amp it up! magazine JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
Do you have any tattoos? No. If you had a theme song, what would it be? I’m a big Springsteen fan. It would have to be Born to Run. Why do you believe in the movie THE HUMAN RACE so much? First it’s a great movie in and of itself. But it dares to have characters that you don’t ever see in movies like this. It is ballsy but with exceptional heart.
What 3 words best describe THE HUMAN RACE? Unpredictable. Cool. Exciting. Are you involved in any other projects at the moment as actor, writer, director or producer? I’m currently trying to raise finances for another project I want to make with Paul Hough - an absolutely brilliant script called Noon Tomorrow. Any advice for other amputee actors? Just keep chopping away at it, and, with some luck, you will find writers/directors like Paul Hough who aren’t scared to write for you.
Out On A Limb documentary shows impact of science on prosthetics
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roducer/director Daria Price’s new documentary, Out On A Limb, discusses how the merging of various technologies is changing what it means to lose a limb. From Walter Reed Army Medical Center to university labs across the country, what
was once futuristic is occurring now as developments in robotics and neuroscience create a new kind of prosthetics. A science story and a human story, this documentary shows the impact that these transformative sciences can have as revolutionary prosthetics move from the lab to the bodies of amputees. Advances in prosthetics always coincide with wars, but recent conflicts have spurred unprecedented funding, including the “Revolutionizing Prosthetics� project committed to the design of an entirely new type of robotic arm. At the same time, breakthroughs in neuro-engineering, such as Targeted Muscle Reinnervation, are allowing amputees to control prototypes of robotic arms with their thoughts alone. Soldiers receive the most media attention and the most advanced prosthetics, but they are a fraction of the many millions of amputees around the world who have lost
limbs to diabetes, other diseases, landmines, and natural disasters. As the science, technology and products continue to improve, however, many questions arise. Who will actually benefit from these amazing innovations? What effect will these outstanding advances actually have on average amputees as prices rise and insurance coverage is limited? How will they be paid for? Will this technology actually change lives throughout the nation or will it merely be something that is available to only a few? For general information about Out On A Limb, to get updates on screenings, or to purchase a DVD, please visit www.outonalimbdocumentary.com.
Amputees Sought for Paid Research Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Missouri Investigating the effects of limb loss or congenital absence on behavior and the brain to improve patient care and rehabilitation. This project will use behavioral tests, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to investigate brain activity during movement and sensation. Results may have implications for improving rehabilitation techniques. Participants must be 18 - 70 years of age, and in good health with no history of neurological or psychiatric illness. Volunteers will receive $30/hr. for their participation, as well as reimbursement for all travel expenses.
Please contact us at: freylab@missouri.edu or by leaving a message at 573-882-3866 and we will return your call. This research is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense.
20 tips to help preve Patient Fact Sheet ARTICLE Republished WITH PERMISSION OF THE AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY
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ne in seven Medicare patients in hospitals experience a medical error. But medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system: In hospitals, clinics, surgery centers, doctors’ offices, nursing homes, pharmacies, and patients’ homes. Errors can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. They can happen during even the most routine tasks, such as when a hospital patient on a salt-free diet is given a high-salt meal. Most errors result from problems created by today’s complex health care system. But errors also happen when doctors* and patients have problems communicating. These tips tell what you can do to get safer care.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
The best way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your health care. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.
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Amp it up! magazine JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
Medicines 1 Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs. 2 Bring all of your medicines and supplements to your doctor visits. “Brown bagging” your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care. 3 Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you. 4 When your doctor writes a prescription for you, make sure you can read it. If you cannot read your doctor’s handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either. 5 Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand—both when your medicines are prescribed and when you get them: • What is the medicine for? • How am I supposed to take it and for how long?
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• What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur? • Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking? • What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine? When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed? If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask. Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if “four times daily” means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours. Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. For example, many people use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose. Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause. If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or if something unexpected happens.
ent medical errors Hospital Stays
Surgery
Other Steps
10 If you are in a hospital, consider asking all health care workers who will touch you whether they have washed their hands. Handwashing can prevent the spread of infections in hospitals. 11 When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will follow at home. This includes learning about your new medicines, making sure you know when to schedule follow-up appointments, and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.
12 If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done.
14 Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care. 15 Make sure that someone, such as your primary care doctor, coordinates your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the hospital. 16 Make sure that all your doctors have your important health information. Do not assume that everyone has all the information they need. 17 Ask a family member or friend to go to appointments with you. Even if you do not need help now, you might need it later. 18 Know that “more” is not always better. It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it. 19 If you have a test, do not assume that no news is good news. Ask how and when you will get the results. 20 Learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources. For example, treatment options based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the Effective Health Care Web site (http:// www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ options). Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.
It is important to know whether or not you should keep taking the medicines you were taking before your hospital stay. Getting clear instructions may help prevent an unexpected return trip to the hospital.
Having surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. Surgeons are expected to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.
13 If you have a choice, choose a hospital where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need. Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.
*The term “doctor” is used in this article to refer to the person who helps you manage your health care. AHRQ Publication No. 11-0089 Replaces AHRQ Publication No. 00-P038 Current as of September 2011 Internet Citation: 20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors. Patient Fact Sheet. AHRQ Publication No. 11-0089, September 2011. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tips.htm
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Amp it up! magazine JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013
Spotlight on Nonprofits
Founder of Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion wants to help others who have suffered as a result of limb loss
An Interview With Founder Bob Ayres
Q>
What is Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion, and what does the organization do?
A<
Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting amputees and their immediate families. Our vision is to inspire hope, courage, confidence and strength to release all amputees from the bonds of despair and fear, so they may move forward to experience a renewal of life, energy, purpose, empowerment and joy. Our mission is to improve the lives of amputees and their families by providing direct financial aid and/or services in specific areas of need, including securing prosthetic limbs (at special prices provided to us) and, in some cases, living expenses; referrals for amputation- and rehabilitation-related medical services; psychological, spiritual and peer counseling; and caregiver support.
Q> A<
Why did you start the organization?
Following an automobile accident more than 25 years ago, the better part of my leg was removed, and I was in a coma for several months. When I awoke, I was broken in spirit and body, and I started to remove myself from life. I was an athlete who believed that I would never run again, and that
was devastating.
That trauma led me down a 25-year path of alcohol and drug dependency, broken relationships, and a near-death coma in 2005 that was brought on by self-destructive behavior. Through what I believe was Divine Intervention, I knew the instant I opened my eyes from that final coma what I was meant to do in life. Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion was born at that moment. My wife says that when I opened my eyes, I just kept saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know why I am here now.â&#x20AC;? This was the catalyst for creating Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion as a lifeline to those suffering from the emotional, spiritual, financial and psychological effects of limb loss. My wife, Diana Dozier-Ayres, and I established the organization together, and it was incorporated in 2007 as a 501(c)(3). It is our way to give back by reaching out to others who suffered as I did and to communicate the renewal, strength and purpose I found in my own life.
Q> A<
How has the organization grown over the years?
With the assistance of a professional strategic planner and our first board of directors, we established a clear and detailed path for the organization to follow. This planning enabled us to sensibly move toward our
financial, networking and awareness goals.
Knowing that there was no one-stop comprehensive amputee support service in Florida offering financial aid, service referrals, peer assistance, and family support, we began our networking in Southwest Florida with the intent to grow systematically into other regions. There are far too few resources than are needed in Florida and across the country. With the growing number of American veterans returning home with limb loss; the spike in amputations due to the rapid increase of diabetic amputations; and limb loss due to cancer, accidents and birth problems, the need only continues to grow. Since our program began, our clients have doubled every year by word of mouth alone. We continue to expand our work with local, national and regional private, public and federal hospitals, doctors, prosthetic manufacturers, law enforcement and counselors to provide a seamless continuum of service opportunities that make navigating the medical system easier and kinder. Today we are striving to serve as many amputees and their families as we can. We are currently working with more than 30 amputees and their families. With additional funding, we could responsibly reach out to many more. >>
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Q> A<
What does it feel like to make a difference in other people’s lives?
To be able to reach out to someone who has “fallen” or is suffering and not expect anything in return is humbling and is God’s grace in our lives.
Q>
What’s the best thing someone has told you after your organization helped them?
“Doing something for someone else and not expecting anything in return. That is a remarkable feeling!”
A<
Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion has received many, many comments from people we have assisted, and each has its own humbling story of hope and faith. But perhaps the best was our first amputee who lost a leg and had not walked for 10 years. His comment in a TV interview was simply “Bob is the angel on earth I never had.”
Q>
How can a person get more information about Miracle LimbsCourage in Motion?
A<
People may contact us at:
Robert C. Ayres Diana Dozier-Ayres 6017 Pine Ridge Road #303 Naples, Florida 34119 239 591-8393 robert@miraclelimbs.org www.miraclelimbs.org
Q> A<
What is your vision for the organization’s future?
We want to grow responsibly to be available to assist amputees and their immediate families in any part of the United States in a timely manner. This has been, and will continue to be, our vision. This vision would also include building working relationships with all entities dealing with amputee-related services.
Most importantly, when working with amputees and their families, we want to show compassion, really listen to what they are saying, and have the resources available to respond.
Q>
If you could do one other thing with the organization, what would it be?
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A<
We would like to work more proactively with the groups and in the regions that need us, including military service members and veterans with limb loss and those in areas with a high incidence of limb loss like Miami, which is host to victims of the Haitian earthquake. We also want to embrace our volunteers to establish limb banks and offer full services, including training locally for follow-up assistance in developing countries.
Q> A<
How can others help the organization fulfill its mission?
As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are always in need of financial assistance. Corporate and private donors are essential. Any assistance in establishing awareness in these areas is appreciated. Donated prosthetic-related items are also critical and are gratefully accepted.
Q>
What advice would you give those who want to do something to benefit others?
A<
We can all do something to benefit people with limb loss by assisting organizations that serve them. This is our focus. If we have to say no to someone in need, we do not know of another organization that we can refer them to.
Doing something for someone else and not expecting anything in return. That is a remarkable feeling!
Q> A<
Any upcoming events amputees should know about?
On March 16, 2013, the Fifth Annual Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion Benefit Bicycle Ride will be held in Naples, Florida. This event is becoming South Florida’s premier charity cycling event. Registrants can choose to ride 2, 10, 28, 42 or 64 miles. Local high-end restaurants provide a huge buffet, and raffle and silentauction items are offered from local and international vendors. Visit our Web site at www.miraclelimbs.org for details.
In 2013, the Second Annual PepsiCo/Miracle Limbs-Courage in Motion Walk of Courage will take place once again in Texas. This event is in the planning stages, and information updates will be available on our Web site.
Tips & Tricks
How to make a ponytail with one hand
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BY SARA D. UHRIG, OTR/L, CHT
f you’d like to learn how to make a ponytail with only one hand, visit my Web site, One-HandedPonytail.com, today. The Web site teaches people with only one fully functioning upper limb to make a ponytail using a product called the “One-Handed Ponytail.” I am a certified hand therapist, and I invented the “One-Handed Ponytail” in 1996 in response to the desire of an 8-year-old girl to make her own ponytail. The product consists of a bead with a “just perfect” length of elastic, which depends on your hair. It can be purchased on my Web site or made at home, but it takes a bit of motivation and practice to learn to use it successfully. I have provided the following directions to help you avoid strain, frustration and giving up.
Directions for Making “OneHanded Ponytail” Devices (if you choose to make your own) 1 Find hair bands or elastic cords that are similar to, but longer than, standard hair ties. Cut them into segments that are about eight inches long, and knot the ends one or two times to make a circle. 2 Find beads with holes that are no more than one-fourth of an inch in diameter. Sand the inside of the holes if necessary so the elastic bands will smoothly glide through them. Insert a hair band or elastic cord into a bead until the bead touches the knot.
Basic Directions for Making Your Ponytail 1 Open the circle of elastic and grab your ponytail. Using any fingers, flip the hair through the circle.
2 Adjust upward as needed, and then hold the knot with your thumb, ring finger and pinkie. Use your index finger and middle finger to slide the bead to tighten the ponytail.
3 Open the newly formed circle and flip your hair through it.
Additional Tips First: For practice, make fake “hair” from a mop, yarn, pieces of string, or something similar. Tie or tape the fake “hair” to something so that you can practice comfortably. This is critical to help you avoid straining your arm. When you first start practicing, look at the fake “hair” and make a ponytail using the largest beads. Later, practice doing it while you are blindfolded and use smaller beads. View the Media page on my Web site, and, if necessary, get a friend or therapist to help you. Second: For practice on your real hair, wet it first, comb it, and have someone else put it in a low ponytail. Prop your arm on the back of a couch, table, etc., to avoid straining it while practicing. Third: Keep practicing to help you determine the perfect length of elastic for your hair. It might need to be shorter or longer. Work on neatness slowly. In time, you’ll get better and won’t need someone else to prepare your hair. You’ll also learn to do it with a smaller bead and without looking. Once you “get it,” you can buy really cool beads to go with your perfectlength elastic cords.
To Get Started Quickly A learning kit is also available at One-HandedPonytail.com. It has everything you need to get started, including a fake ponytail and six of the devices. Sara D. Uhrig, OTR/L, CHT, is a 1983 University of Florida graduate. She was in the inaugural group of certified hand therapists in 1991. She treats patients at Gabriel Rehabilitation in Juno Beach, Florida, and is available for workshops, conferences and one-on-one tutoring.
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Athletes with Disabilities Network’s mission To promote a better quality of life for people with physical disabilities by creating awareness and offering opportunities to get involved with athletic, recreational and educational activities nationwide. Programs include: ● Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame ● Extremity Games ● Mentoring & Outreach ● Adaptive Sports Coalition ● Collegiate Scholarships
2013 Events Calendar April - Adaptive Rock Climbing Clinic Joshua Tree, CA May - Detroit Lions Tony Filippis, Sr. Memorial Bocce Tournament Palazzo di Bocce, Orion, MI May/June - Extremity Games 8 Motocross - Baja Acres, Millington, MI Main Event - Texas Ski Ranch, TX October 24 - 15th Annual Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame MotorCity Casino, Detroit, MI
248.829.8353 www.adnpage.org www.extremitygames.com ADN_FlPg.indd 1
facebook.com/adnpage facebook.com/extremitygames 12/27/11 7:59:42 AM
Sports Talk
25, 35 or 45 Recalibration - What to Do World Record or Reaching
After Setting a Any Goal
BY WALTER URBAN
Forty-nine reps at 215 pounds in 60 seconds for 10,535 pounds and a new Guinness World Record at 54 years of age and with a body weight of 172 pounds! Now what? Simple. Enjoy, reflect, set the bar higher, and recalibrate! In reality, my accomplishment was no better or any different from setting a personal goal to get into the gym three or four times a week for nine months, cutting 10 percent body fat over the next 12 months, or moving the bench up 25 to 50 pounds over the next year. It’s a success that was accomplished by setting a realistic goal, getting advice on how to reach that goal, developing a plan, sticking to that plan, recalibrating at intervals, and succeeding.
Tips for fitness goal setting and recalibration 1 Always think about the big picture, and be specific and realistic. Your long-term goal is what it’s all about. Also you are probably going to be venturing into new fitness territory so challenge yourself but be realistic. 2 Realize that if you are new to fitness, it will take time for a change to become an established habit. It’s best to set smaller interval goals of four to six weeks so you can adjust along the way if needed. This will allow for multiple successes along the way, which are necessary to stay motivated and exercise. 3 Ensure you are doing this for yourself. Pleasing other people like your friends, spouse or coworkers doesn’t work. Trust me, it will be harder to stay on track and motivated if you’re doing something out of obligation to another person. 4 Track your progress by keeping a log, a journal or an Excel spreadsheet on your computer.
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It doesn’t matter what it is. The important thing is to track it to ensure that you know how you are progressing over the short and long haul. Tracking by memory won’t work. Don’t see bad days or minor roadblocks as failure. I can’t tell you how many bad days I have had over the last 17 years, but trust me, there were a bunch. Sickness, diet mistakes, lack of sleep, work pressure, relationship stress, and just bad days happen to everyone. Get help along the way if you get stuck, plateau or encounter an injury. Remember it’s the big picture and no one knows it all! Once you set your plan and have enjoyed a few short interval successes, let people know what you are doing. Be proud of your project and progress no matter what it is. Once you reach your goal, reward yourself big time. Sit back, reflect and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! You deserve it. Remember it’s exercise, and no one said it would be easy. But you did it! Now go back to No. 1, start over and recalibrate!
Walter Urban is a U.S. citizen working and living in Guelph, Ontario. He is currently training to attempt breaking two new Guinness World Records in 2013. For more information on Walter, visit www.walterurban. com.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 Amp it up! magazine
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Upcoming Events Athletes with Disabilities Network (ADN) April Adaptive Rock Climbing Clinic Joshua Tree, CA May Detroit Lions Tony Filippis, Sr. Memorial Bocce Tournament Palazzo di Bocce, Orion, MI May/June Extremity Games 8 Motocross Baja Acres, Millington, MI Main Event Texas Ski Ranch, TX
Be sure to verify event dates and venues with the hosting organization to make sure that they have not been changed.
Camp No Limits March 1-3 Camp sNOw Limits Maine June 11-14 Missouri June 16-19 Colorado June 28-July 1 California For more information: www.nolimitsfoundation.org campnolimits@yahoo.com 207 240-5762
For more information: www.adnpage.org www.extremitygames.com 248 829-8353
Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF) April 7 First Dive & First Paddle Detroit, MI April 20 McKeever’s First Ride Atlanta, GA May 18 First Dance New York City, NY June 28 First Climb & First Swim Orlando, FL For more information: www.OPAFonline.org info@OPAFonline.org 980-819-9404
Bionic arms cost a lot and are not high performance technology!
Bob Radocy
Body Power vs Bionic . . . There is no contest!
PERFORMANCE ✔ SPEED ✔ STRENGTH ✔ QUALITY ✔ RELIABILITY ✔
. . . exceeding the challenge.
800.279.1865 www.oandp.com/trs