Wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better than others on physical functioning. A recent study showed this health gap widens as they age. Researchers found that, when the study began, middle-aged and older Americans with more income…
Month: November 2011
US Parapan American Games Team Announced
The US Paralympics, a division of the US Olympic Committee (USOC), announced the 2011 US team that will be competing in the fourth Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, Nov. 12-20. Team USA comprises 176 athletes. They include 59 Paralympians,…
CMS Makes Changes to Medicare Overpayment Notification Process
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made changes to the Medicare overpayment notification process, which became effective this month. If an outstanding balance has not been resolved, providers previously received three notification letters regarding Medicare overpayments: an…
SBA Programs Help Small Businesses Owned by Veterans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs and initiatives to veterans and service members in order to start, grow and expand a small business. Several SBA programs provide access to counseling, training, capital and business development opportunities, as well…
In Memoriam: Jose (Joe) Garza, CO
Jose (Joe) Garza Jose (Joe) Garza, CO, died on Oct. 20, 2011 in Crown Point, Indiana. He practiced orthotics for 41 years at Calumet Orthopedic & Prosthetic Company, Hobart, Ind., until retiring in June. “Joe was very…
OPAF Seeks Divers, Volunteers for Belize Trip
The Orthotic and Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) and the First Clinics, in conjunction with Project Hope Belize, are seeking interest from the O & P community for a scuba diving trip to Belize. The dive trip would coincide with a…
Hanger Hires Four New Practitioners
Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics has added four new practitioners to its team. Brian Tolsma, CO, will be joining the patient care facility in Hazel Crest, Ill. as a certified orthotist. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Grand Valley…
High Incidence of Ischemic Amputation in Minn. Supports Need for Surveillance
In the first population-based estimate of ischemic amputation at the state level, researchers found that the incidence of related lower limb amputation — the most serious consequence of critical limb ischemia — was high, resulting in major illness and health…
Blood Test for Traumatic Brain Injury May Reduce Need for CT Scans
A blood test may potentially reduce the number of computed tomography scans performed in emergency departments. According to a preliminary study published online in Annals of Emergency Medicine, patients with traumatic brain injuries had significantly higher levels of glial fibrillary…
Neuromuscular Warm-Up May Reduce Lower Extremity Injuries in Adolescent Female Athletes
Female high school athletes who participated in neuromuscular warm-up before sports practice had a reduced risk of lower extremity injuries, according to a study in the November issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. “In girls’ high school sports,…