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- Health care ruling is expected Thursday
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce its ruling on the health care law on Thursday. The case's path to the high court was marked by four federal appeals-court hearings. Two upheld the law, one struck down the individual mandate and one put off a decision until certain provisions take effect in 2014. CNN
(6/25)
   
- Obese adults should receive counseling, says federal panel
A federal task force recommended that all obese adults -- a third of Americans, with a body mass index of 30 or more -- receive intensive counseling. Depending on the Supreme Court ruling Thursday, insurers could be required to cover the costs of weight-loss services. The panel cited two studies indicating that the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes were 30% to 50% less than patients who received drug therapy, less-intensive counseling or both. Los Angeles Times(tiered subscription model)
(6/25)
- Amputation may be the best medical choice
Although advanced limb salvage programs are available, sometimes choosing amputation over limb salvage is the better option, according to Dr. Rusty Moore, director of the Acute Rehab Unit at Dixie Regional Medical Center. "The goal of amputation surgery is not limb removal. It's residual limb construction," he said. The Spectrum & Daily News (St. George, Utah)(subscription required)
(6/24)
- Scoliosis braces increase stress for teens, parents
Research shows that teenaged girls treated with scoliosis braces, as well as their parents, experienced a rise in stress levels, with parents experiencing greater stress as they worried about the condition itself. The study, published in the journal Spine, included 63 girls whose average age was 14 and who wore a brace for scoliosis. Researchers suggest that scoliosis patients and their parents should be evaluated for emotional stress during treatment. U.S. News & World Report
(6/21)
 | Renia: Buy cheap or buy smart?
Which one would you prefer? One might cost a little more, but what is more important: what you pay or what you get? This is the same with glues: there are many cheap glues, but they are nothing but cheap! Buying cheap might save you some money in the short run, but at the end of the day, you might lose even more! Find out here how to buy smart instead!
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| Business and Finance
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- How good accounting can make for better decisions
It's essential to have access to up-to-date financial information to guide your critical business decisions, Chris Griffiths writes. "Forget batching your accounting information into yearly 'old news' doses," he writes. "Do it monthly and you'll find yourself being much more proactive and reaping the rewards along the way." The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
(6/19)
| Legislative and Regulatory
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| Science and Technology
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- German rehab center tests bionic exoskeleton
Individuals with paraplegia in Potsdam, Germany, are testing Ekso, a battery-powered exoskeleton introduced by California-based Ekso Bionics. The device is also being tested as an aid to patients with conditions that produce lower-limb weakness or paralysis, such as stroke and multiple sclerosis. While it is not a substitute for a wheelchair, experts recognize the health and psychological benefits of the device, as well as its potential uses in rehabilitation. Stars and Stripes/Deutsche Presse-Agentur (Germany)
(6/25)
| International Developments
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- Company develops low-cost arm for amputees in Guatemala
The not-for-profit Illini Prosthetic Technologies in Champaign, Ill., has developed a basic, low-cost artificial arm and is using $7,000 in donations from local Rotary Club chapters to distribute the limbs to needy Guatemalans. The below-elbow prostheses use a body-powered cable system to open and close a hook-like hand and were developed for amputees who cannot afford custom prostheses. "We're trying to solve a very real problem that we see, through technology and design," said Adam Booher, president of ITP. The State Journal-Register (Springfield, Ill.)
(6/23)
| Trend Watch
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- Pentagon honors competitors in Warrior Games
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta paid tribute to competitors in the 2012 Wounded Warrior Games in a ceremony at the Pentagon. The games, held each spring at the U.S. Air Force Academy, include current service members and veterans who are wounded or have disabilities. "Their determination to return to a new normal is not just inspiring, it is nothing short of a miracle of emotional and physical and mental strength,” Panetta said. Stars and Stripes
(6/25)
- Bathing suit retailer partners with mastectomy patients
Land's End has revamped its swimsuit line, both those with and without prosthesis pockets, after consulting with breast cancer survivors to find a better fit for women who have undergone mastectomies. Survivors talked with the retailer about hiding scars, improving fit and providing correct coverage. About 10% of the company's swimsuit styles offer prosthetic pockets; 22% have reconstruction or breast-free designs. The Express-Times (Easton-Bethlehem, Pa.)
(6/24)
- Amputees compete at Extremity Games
 Nearly 150 amputees competed in such events as wall climbing, kayaking, skateboarding and wakeboarding at the Extremity Games in New Braunfels, Texas, last week. Cameron Clapp, a triple amputee, used a prosthetic arm from Hanger with a specially designed hand to paddle his kayak. YNN Austin (Texas)
(6/23)
- Woman seeks amputation to replace damaged hand
Twelve years after losing the use of her right hand in a car crash, Nicola Wilding wants to replace it with an advanced prosthesis. Surgeons are evaluating whether the arm has retained enough nerve activity to power an artificial hand. BBC
(6/22)
| AOPA News
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- Breaking news from AOPA
Access the latest breaking news and top stories from AOPA, including National Assembly news and general information the O&P profession needs to know to keep current and provide the best patient care. Read the breaking news.
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Upcoming events
July 11: Perfecting the Intake Process (audioconference)
Learn more or register today.
July 24: Manufacturer Coding Workshop, Baltimore, Md.
Get a better understanding of the vexing code application process by attending the 2nd annual Manufacturer Coding Workshop at the Marriott BWI Airport Hotel in Baltimore. Learn more.
Aug. 6-7: Mastering Medicare: Essential Coding and Billing Techniques, Seattle Wash.
Learn more or register online.
Sept. 6-9: National Assembly and Combined New England Chapter Meeting, Boston, Mass.
Download the program and register.
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