Eve's Addiction Ad

           

I notice that this company has advertised on my blog. Although I have not (YET!!) puchased from them, they do carry some jewelry that I like. -You might enjoy it as well. This particular line is called Bali Design and it is made in ... you guessed it; BALI! I particularly like the silver and gold cuffs. The design is such that it has an opening and a hinge. There are no clasps to fasten! HALLELUJAH!!
One merely opens the hinged area and slides the bracelet on the forearm. This is wonderful for those of us with one hand, or those who are experiencing decreased fine motor abilities. Check out their website for yourself! This particular line is referred to as a Vintage Style Sterling Silver Cuff. http://www.evesaddiction.com/

Who says you can't teach an (old dog) new tricks?!

I have now "arrived" as a full-fledged adult.... I have a smart phone!  Probably most of you are well-experienced with this technology. I however, seem to have always been a late bloomer. And besides, I am a New Englander and we are known to be... shall we say, thrifty? My previous phone is not that old and was working perfectly fine. I could not justify spending the $$$. But all of that changed with Mothers' Day. I received my DROID as a gift and the dawn of smart technology arose within me! I love the phone, am learning about  'apps' and am trying NOT to become addicted to the technology. But it woos... it draws me. There are games and access to my e-mail accounts, my phone contacts, internet research.... My husband is citing neglect (just kidding).
But let me tell you about the cool simple technology that I've acquired to complement my smart phone. It's called Fly Grip and it's a holder that folds flat when not in use; expands to support my fingers so that my thumb is free to fly across the keys and access the world... or at least the internet and the telephone. I don't risk dropping my phone.Check it out:
I like to use my index and middle fingers in the flygrip holders and my ring and little fingers to support the device. But you can use it however you feel most comfortable and beneficial. You can get more info at flygrip.com... VERY COOL!!!!! So, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks???

Recently Published Article on the Shriners Blog!

Debra A. Latour, M Ed, OTR/L, has worked at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield, Mass for 13 years. Before she was employed by the hospital, she was a patient. Her parents sought treatment at Shriners when she was a toddler for an upper limb deficiency.
For many years, Debi used the traditional body-powered prosthesis which is activated by a figure-of-eight or a figure-of-nine harness system, using the opposite shoulder as the power source. Many users of this system complain of discomfort from the harness, typically the rubbing on the skin by the harness, asymmetry of the shoulders, pain in the opposite shoulder area, difficulty while performing tasks with both limbs, and diminished physical appearance. When Debi began to experience her own problems with the usual harness system, she relied on her 30 years of experience to solve her issues.
As a Senior Occupational Therapist, Debi knows exactly how to help patients develop skills needed to live as independently as possible and to help improve the quality of their lives. In an effort to achieve these goals for patients with an upper limb deficiency, she invented a new and improved way of harnessing a body-powered prosthesis called the Ipsilateral Scapular Cutaneous Anchor system (the “Anchor”). Her design eliminates the usual harnessing, often a source of complaint and one reason why children reject prostheses.
Debi submitted a paper on the “Anchor” to the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists which was accepted for presentation at the 2011 Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium in Orlando, FL.  Presentations such as this serve to inform professionals in the community of new and creative solutions in treatment and also promote Shriners Hospitals for Children as a center of innovation and excellence in treatment, research and education.
While attending the symposium, Debi was interviewed by a reporter for O&P Business News.  She provides a wonderful account of how her invention and her blog, Single-Handed Solutions, materialized. Watch for the link soon.

How Do You Do...Fastening a Watch?

Watches can be found in several different types of styles, with very different watchbands. Of course, I love a nice-looking watch! But there are two very distinct features that I seek in a watch. First, I need to be able to see the numbers on the face. I typically look for a watch with a large face or with easy to read numbers. Since I am a health care professional, I also like a second hand. The second feature I analyze is the clasp fastening. It has to be a type that I can do by myself and without taking alot of time. My favorite "work" watch is made by Invicta with a two-tone stainless steel hinged bracelet clasp. Unfortunately I recently broke one of the links. These are my other two favorites. One is a typical buckle style fastener  (the brown one) and the other (the gold watch) has a double-fold clasp. I can fasten both of these watches pretty easily using  the prosthesis (either the hook or the Adept terminal device) or with my residual limb. Let's look at how I do this task. Please remember that these are descriptions of how I accomplish tasks. There are many methods and strategies to accomplishing tasks. It is my hope that this blog will serve as a springboard of thought and empowerment to others to find successful techniques that will work for you, your clients or your loved ones who might be experiencing challenges. So let's check this out...
Without a prosthesis:
First the traditional buckle style watchband:
Positioning is important for my success. I wear my watch on my left wrist and will typically support  my left forearm on my left thigh to stabilize the area so that I can best maneuver my residual limb. I 'grasp' the watch with the crook of my right elbow and position the watch on my wrist.

Then I manipulate the band so that I will be able to feed the end into the buckle.

Once it is through the buckle, I pull it the remainder of the way using the terminal end of my residual limb and my left thigh.

I use my residual limb  to push the strap though the placement holders once through the buckle

so the watch is completely fastened.

And now the double hinge metallic strap:
Again, positioning is a key to sucess. I drape the watch over my wrist using my residual limb. My left forearm is supported on my thigh to stabilize my arm during the task.

I align the strap onto the prongs of the clasp

and use my residual limb to push the clasp and hook it together

Then I push the second hinge over the first in the same fashion

And it's on!

With a prosthesis:
The traditional buckle watchstrap:
I drape the watch on my wrist, pinch the strap, push and then pinch and pull it to get it through the buckle.

And it's on!
And finally the double hinge watchstrap:
I grasp the watch with the terminal device and position it on my wrist.

I line up the hooks on the clasp and then pinch

Then I fold over the second hinge and repeat the process

And the watch is on.

I must confess that photographs give the appearance of simplicity. I have spent many hours practicing these techniques, beginning when I was very young. Don't be discouraged... any  skill worth acquiring is worth working toward with diligence! And being maximally functionally independent is a worthy goal.

Next to be published will be buttoning the cuff button ... Check back next week!!

In the meantime, be well, be blessed.

How Do You Do.... Gloves?

Let's talk about something new.... We cleaned closets this week-end in anticipation of the cold weather approaching quickly! Temperatures here in New England are expected to plummet with the high only reaching about 50 degrees. I'll need to don a hat and gloves for our nightly walk. I don't know about you, but it can be costly buying gloves. Good gloves typically are priced beginning at $20; more for fitted or lined leather; less for the cheapies. In any case, I don't like paying $20 for the use of only one glove!! Especially since I'm likely to lose the left (the one I need and use) and am stuck with the right! (Anyone need a right hand glove? I do have a few!) There have been times when friends or family will pass on to me the left hand glove when they have misplaced the right in the pair. -One glove is not usually helpful for a two-handed person, but can be a blessing to me!

Over the years I've discovered a few helpful hints to keep my hand warm during chilly weather.... my favorite of course is to hold hands with my husband. But there are times when one needs a glove or a mitten. The least expensive option is the 'magic glove'. These are sold in a universal pair, meaning that it's a set of two and that both gloves fit either hand. They are available in a wide assortment of colors and sizes for both adults and children. The benfits are that they are cheap and useable for either hand. The drawback.... they are cheap and not overly warm. One might have to wear a few layers of magic gloves to have a warm hand.

Another solution is the knitted woolen glove or a fleece glove. These are sold in fitted pairs and are warmer than the magic gloves. Since they are fitted and are hand-specific, the problem is that a one-handed person cannot use the other glove.... unless you turn it inside out.

Granted, it's not pretty, but when it comes right down to it function wins over form for staying warm. I'd rather look like a goof and be toasty warm  than freezing and  frost-bitten.

 When I'm out on my snow shoes I like to wear my heavy fleece mittens, often with a pair of insulated glove liners. (True, I don't really wear the pair; I only use the liner on my hand; my prosthesis does not need the extra insulation!) In any case, the mitten fits nicely over my Adept terminal device, don''t you think???

Lastly, and probably most special of all is the pair of fingerless gloves that my friend Hermine knitted especially for me. They keep the palm warm and look chic. Of course, I have the pair to add symmetry!

How Do You Do... Washing Dishes?

Now that we've done all of this cooking, we have a ton of dishes to wash! Believe it or not, washing dishes is a task I actually enjoy. It's my therapy!!!! When I was younger, my sister and I had the responsibility of clearing the table and washing, drying and putting away the dishes nightly. I didn't seem to love it then; probably because there were so many dishes and because there was no choice involved.  I recall telling my parents on one occasion that I could not wash the dishes and shouldn't be required to do so because the water would rust my hook. My father was quick to explain to me the scientific properties of aluminum (it doesn't rust) and sent me back to the kitchen. At the time, it was worth a try!
When washing dishes, I hold the sponge in my terminal device.

With the Adept, I use the Sure-Lock and it maintains the grasp for me.

If no prosthesis, I use either a dishcloth  draped over my residual arm  or I push the sponge with my residual arm and hold the dish in my hand. Glasses are easy... my shorter arm fits right inside the glass to wash it out.

When washing pans, I hold the scrubber in my hand instead and stabilize the pan or pot with my prosthesis or residual arm.

Drying dishes is accomplished by holding the towel in my terminal device or draped on my arm if no prosthesis.

That was easy... we made short work of the dishes!

How Do You Do... Cooking 201?

My husband loves to eat and I love to cook for him. Since I was chopping, mixing ingredients and indulging in a stovetop creation, we thought it was a great time to seize the moment and add to the blog. So, thanks to my husband Mike and his camera, we have the next edition to How Do You Do... Cooking! I also want to take a moment to speak about learning to cook. Like everyone else from my generation, I took the obligatory Home Ec in 7th and 8th grades. Unfortunately, Mrs. P's rigid lessons did not unleash any culinary desires -or talents- in my heart. That being said, I had a wonderful Chemistry teacher in the 10th grade (Mr. B!) who ignited my interest in creating and encouraged my tendency to use my prosthesis in inventive ways.
-The hook does a wonderful job holding test tubes over a bunson burner. Tonight I am making a pasta primavera with shrimp. I admit it; I'm cleaning out the refrigerator but it really did turn out good!
Before we get started, let's take a peak at some of my favorite cooking tools (though we may not use all of them in today's edition):
my non-skid mat (purchased at HomeGoods)

white anti-microbial cutting boards (Ikea)
one-handed pizza roller (Pampered Chef; used to cut more than pizza)

one-handed pie crust roller (ditto)

double-blade scissors/spoon (a gift!)

Kitchen Aid grater with lid (HomeGoods)

egg yolk separator (Pampered Chef)

bamboo tongs (Pampered Chef)

food pick (Pampered Chef)

And the cooking begins!
I place the non-skid mat on the counter with my cutting board on top of it. This keeps the cutting board from sliding around while I'm trying to chop. Then I use my forearm to stabilize the onion to cut off the ends...
With the prosthesis:

or without:

Then I peel the onion:

and then chop it:

Without a prosthesis, this is how I do it...

I am using my residual limb to push down on the blade. -It does look a little dangerous, but I am very cautious (and at this point in my life) pretty quick.
Add it to the saute pan -with olive oil, of course (and garlic, spices...)

I love the handle on my cutting boards. It's just big enough to slide my residual arm in place to grab the board. Now it's time to chop the tomato. Tomatoes are typically softer and can be squishy. -It's definitely an advantage to use my Adept over the hook with this task!

and certainly more difficult (but possible!) without...

It's even easier with the food pick:

Chop, chop, chop!!!!

Another way to chop is the double-blade scissors device:

And add it  to the saute pan:

Now to make the pasta. First, fill the pot with water. It's much easier to keep the pot on the counter if possible, rather than filling it in the sink and lifting it up onto the counter. I place it on a cutting board so I can slide the full pot over to the sink and then onto the stove.

Same steps without a prosthesis: slide the full pot on the counter and place the pot on the stove.

The pasta is done... To move the hot pot to the sink I keep the cover on and gently move it onto the cuttingboard and slide it over to the sink.

Without a prosthesis, I wear an oven mitt on my residual limb:

My colander has expandable handles that stretch over the sink and I dump the hot pasta and water into it...

Dinner is almost ready, but I need to open a jar of seasoning to add to my concoction

and then peel the shrimp...

I use the tongs for serving and hold my plate in my prosthesis  -or place it alongside the serving dish...

Bon appetit!
We'll have alot of dishes to wash in the next edition...