Proper Limb Maintenance

Starting in December 2007, we will begin production of a DVD training and instructional video on the proper techniques of Patient Maintenance and Limb Care. We are hoping to have a finished copy for distribution by mid-January of 2008 available on our web site and in prosthetic offices around the country.

This training video will feature Mr. Matthew Alberquerque, V.P. of Next Step O & P with offices in New Hampshire, Massachusetts's, and Rhode Island. Below is a short bio of Matt:

Matthew J. Albuquerque, CPO
Next Step Vice President

Matt Albuquerque is an ABC certified practitioner in orthotics and prosthetics with more than 14 years experience. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Stonehill College, North Easton, Massachuesetts. He received his orthotic training at Rancho Las Amigos Medical Center through the University of California and his prosthetic training at Northwestern University.

Matt chose this business because of his desire to have an occupation that involved working with and helping people. "The favorite part of my work involves working with children who are in need of our services."

Matt explains that there was a little boy who came from Brazil to receive prosthetic care. "At Next Step, we were able to use our technology and skills to give him a high-performance prosthesis. Today, he plays soccer with all the other boys."

Matt's areas of special interest include pediatric orthotics and prosthetics, with a concentration in lower extremity prosthetics. Matt lives in Bedford, NH with his wife, Kathleen, and their sons, Kyle and Dylan.

We hope and expect this video with Matt and other O & P professionals to be a blessing to all who view and learn from the wisdom and experience which shall be made available.

To date there are seven (7) controlled studies being done around the country with our Limb Defense products. These studies are being conducted by private O & P companies in order to evaluate the products effectiveness in helping their clients with specific limb related issues.

CPO's are very excited to be able to offer hope for their clients, where products were not readily available before to address proper hygiene and skincare in an all natural way.

Frank Antczak of Superior O & P of Tennessee stated that "the greatest enemy of the amputee and in many cases the CPO, is a lack of proper understanding of limb maintenance and hygiene." Many CPO's and Orthopedist still recommend using soap and water on the limb and liner as a precaution, which does not decontaminate the limb or liner of bacterial, fungal, or viral infestation caused by the moist environment of the silicon liner or sleeve. Decontamination is essential if we, as amputees and diabetics, are to avoid many of the future problems that we could face concerning infection and skin breakdowns that arise out of a lack of proper cleanliness. We do preventive maintenance on our homes, automobiles, motorcycles, so why not on our own bodies to avoid many of the pitfalls that could befall us.

It is our hope and desire that this video will benefit many who view it and follow it's recommendations.