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Approved-By:  "(Bill McGarry)" <wtm@SHELDEV.SHEL.ISC-BR.COM>
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Date:         Tue, 29 Sep 1992 02:00:54 EDT
Reply-To:     "(Bill McGarry)" <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
From:         "(Bill McGarry)" <wtm@sheldev.shel.isc-br.com>
Subject:      Handicap Digest # 2947

                             THE HANDICAP DIGEST

                                 Issue # 2947

                         Tuesday, September 29, 1992

Today's Topics:


                                ******


                          Free Nra Membership Offer
                                Re: laughter
                               Re: grace land
                               Re: grace land
                               Re: grace land
                                Re: laughter
                             'Intelligent leg'-1
                   Re: Prosthetic & Limb Deficient Support


                                ******


To subscribe to the Handicap Digest mailing list or have your
thoughts in the next issue, please send electronic mail to
Bill McGarry at any of the following addresses:


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                              Bill McGarry (Moderator)
                              (203) 337-1518



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Subject: Free Nra Membership Offer
From: 34AEJ7D@cmuvm.csv.cmich.edu (Bill Gorman)

The program to offer free,  1-yr. National Rifle Association (NRA) memberships
is  still going  strong.  A  number of  sponsors  have  expressed interest  in
specifically  providing memberships  for interested  disABLED individuals.  If
anyone on L-HCAP  and/or associated echoes is interested,  here's your chance.
The full text of the offer is attached.

I can personally vouch for the authenticity of this program.

W. K. (Bill) Gorman <bj496@Cleveland.Freenet.Edu>

-------------------------------------ATTACHMENT-------------------------

|===================================NRA_OFFER=======================
|
|Hello. My name  is Kirk Hays, hays@ssd.intel.com (internet). I  run a program
|to broker NRA (National Rifle  Association) memberships. Essentially, I match
|people who would  join the NRA, but haven't due  to some financial restraint,
|with people who  are willing to pay for one  year memberships, which normally
|cost $25 each.
|
|I represent  35 anonymous sponsors, who,  with myself, are offering  over 130
|sponsored memberships, all  for financially needy people who  are not current
|members, and who are eligible for membership.
|
|I make  no money  from this  at all,  just tremendous  personal satisfaction,
|which is shared with the anonymous sponsors.
|
|On a quasi-monthly basis, I distribute this message, along with the following
|information:
|
|June 4th, 1992 (inception) to August 28, 1992:
|
|Memberships  applications received:  45 Applications  refused: 3  Memberships
|        awarded: 36 Applications in progress: 6
|
|Current NRA membership: Will reach 3 million by election day, November 4th.
|
|If you  think you  are eligible,  send me  an email  letter explaining,  in a
|paragraph or two, why  you think the RKBA is important and  why you should be
|sponsored. Give any information (biographical, situational, or otherwise) you
|think might influence a sponsor into choosing you.
|
|I will acknowledge receipt of the letter.
|
|Include your name as  you would want it to appear  on any membership awarded,
|your  mailing address,  and  an  indication of  your  age  (over/under 21  is
|sufficient).
|
|Recipient  names  will be  confidential,  except  for  myself and  the  final
|sponsor.
|
|If you are  selected to receive a sponsored membership,  you will be notified
|after it has been purchased.
|
|If you know someone who'd be  interested, but lacks email access, please help
|them as a go-between.
|
|Feel free to redistribute this message in it's entirety.
|
|Disclaimer:
|
|This is not a program of the NRA - I thought it up myself, it's being done on
|my own time.
|
|My employer neither endorses nor condemns this project.
|
|--
|Kirk Hays -  NRA Life. hays@ssd.intel.com "Judge each day  not by the harvest
|you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
|-- Robert Louis Stevenson
|




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Subject: Re: laughter
From: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org (Val Dunn)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:202/337 - Yak Attack BBS, La Mesa CA


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

As I spent more time in Hospitals then High schools I learned to adapt
pretty well.  Boredom was the biggest killer.  It was a challenge to see
if I could get kicked out of a H.  When they took the leg off it was
like surgery #13 or so (lost count).  After they took the mold and we
where waiting around to see if there would be any infection and to build
the temp leg..... I got bored.  I slipped the hospital band off and
slipped out for a ride (Wheelchair).  I might add the original chair
they gave me was in terrible shape so I found the maintenance office and
did some parts swapping.  Super chair when I got done....Anyway, I went
for a shopping trip to find tennies for the new leg.  On the way I found
about three or four bars.  I left at 4pm and got back at 3am (had to go
to breakfast..what's a good drunk without steak and eggs).  This was a
military hospital and the MP's were looking for me when I got back...
NOT GOOD.  They were great about it, even when I had to stop and
retrieve my arm band from the plant potter I buried it in.  The next
morning my spouse and I were Administratively Counseled on the hazards
of Drinking and Driving (as I put it).  That night I was watched like a
hawk...  I did manage to put together a dummy using pillows, some p.j.'s
and those wonderful rubber gloves.  The nurses thought it was so cute
till I made "Herman" atotomically correct with an extra glove and a
little old lady without her glasses thought she was being flashed.
Lord, did she hollor.  I was released the next morning.  I think 10 days
has got to be the record for amputating and building a temp leg.

SOME PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY DON'T HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.
>giggle<
v

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!202!337!Val.Dunn
Internet: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: grace land
From: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org (Val Dunn)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:202/337 - Yak Attack BBS, La Mesa CA


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

My girlfriend and I used to have fun with unsuspecting, slightly tipsy
men.  We wouldn't tell them I'm an amputee.  One guy fainted when he was
trying in a swaying sort of way (one picture of beer to many)  to be a
gentlemen and close the car door for me.... a wink and a nod between
Nancy and I and at the right moment I would release the leg, let it
fall and she would give the car a little gas to move it forward. He
would get the door in the tummy just enough to push it closed and look
down to see a leg laying on the ground and me screaming "Oh My God"
didn't help his poor mind out at all.

Some people are so squimish
(I never did get a second date????)

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!202!337!Val.Dunn
Internet: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: grace land
From: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org (Val Dunn)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:202/337 - Yak Attack BBS, La Mesa CA


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

-> I know what you mean.  Went to my pegleg doc for a check up.  My car
-> running.  One of my parnets to me so Iwas a rider.  Was not in the ca
-> when I felt this thud.  Look down and half my foot was missing.  Darn
-> had chop it in half.  Sacred my mom half to death thinking if that fo
-> still the real one.  Told her at least I could get this one replace.

Ever taken a spare foot into a shoe store, put it on the counter and
asked them if they have anything to fit it in a 1/2" heel.  It's great.
I love the looks when I take a high heel foot out of my purse or leave
it sticking out with just the toes showing.

-> My dog likes to rest on my right foot while I eat.  She can't figure
-> the foot will not go down now.  She's getting use to it.  She now use
-> footankle part for a head rest.

I have a springer pup who is in the stealing stage.  I take the leg off
when I curl up on the couch to watch TV.  He has attempted to drag it
off.  Drew thinks it's funny to see him running around dragging the leg.
I also have a friend who's cats sleep in her stump socks. (arm amp)

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!202!337!Val.Dunn
Internet: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: grace land
From: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org (Val Dunn)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:202/337 - Yak Attack BBS, La Mesa CA


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

OOOps sorry about the keyboard.
Did Drew ever tell you what I did to a guy who once stood me up?

He called two days later to apologize and asked for a "make-up" date.  I
had no problem with that.  Before he came over I was cleaning closets
and found one of my old legs.  (After 6 legs you start to have a few
hanging around the house)  I took it outside, dug a hole about 1 1/2 - 2
feet deep and planted it foot up.  He showed up on time and as we were
leaving curiousity must have finally gotten the best of him and he asked
"What's that?" pointing at the planted leg.  I shrugged real
nonchalantly and said " The last guy who stood me up"  I kept walking
and listened again to the stuttered, detailed, extensive reasons behind
why he stood me up.  I lasted a whole half hour before I explained I was
an amputee.  He never did call for another date.....so sad.>>giggle<<

I have developed two ways of dealling with the leg loss.  Laughter is my
favorite, and there are so many opportunities for it.  When that fails
to bring my spirits up .... I schedule a "Pity Party"  this is a party
for one and it's firm that no one else is invited.  I give myself one
day of depression and tears, followed by a pint of ice cream.  That's
it it's all I get and it's off to work the next day with that silly grin
on my face.

--
Uucp: ..!uunet!bunker!hcap!hnews!202!337!Val.Dunn
Internet: Val.Dunn@f337.n202.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: laughter
From: John.Hargrove@f68.n382.z1.fidonet.org (John Hargrove)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:382/68 - Diabetes Discussion, Austin TX


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

In a message to John Hargrove <09-10-92 01:34> Val Dunn wrote:

VD> like surgery #13 or so (lost count).  After they took the mold and we
VD> where waiting around to see if there would be any infection and to
VD> build
VD> the temp leg..... I got bored.  I slipped the hospital band off and
VD> slipped out for a ride (Wheelchair).  I might add the original chair

Never got to the point of casting my stump in the big H.  They took
my leg on a Thursday and that Sunday I told the doc I wanted out.
Monday morning I went home.  Surprised em all.  Doc said he had
never release an amp so quick after surgery but recoupe would be
just as good or better if I where at home.

VD> they gave me was in terrible shape so I found the maintenance office
VD> and
VD> did some parts swapping.  Super chair when I got done....Anyway, I

Chair I had for a short time must of been one of these supup
models.  Was very easy to roll.  Could almost do it with one
finger, at least it seemed like it.  Darn nurses had a time keeping
up with me.  Had been down in the bed for 17 days and I wanted
out.  They put me in the chair and I was gone.  Like you said, they
had sercurity looking for me.  I got back just in time for my meal
dose of meds and insulin, but did I get a talking to.  After that a
nurse or PT was with me all the time.  They could not figure out
how I got out of bed and in the chair with the cast I had on.  Was
easy though.  Put the good leg on the floor, stood up, pulled chair
by the bed and sit down.  They still where amazed even with me
showing them how I did it.

VD> SOME PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY DON'T HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.

Agreed to the max.

John

--
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Internet: John.Hargrove@f68.n382.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: 'Intelligent leg'-1
From: Nilu.Pattnaik@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Nilu Pattnaik)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

I found this article in a recent (12 September 92) edition of an
British science magazine called NewScientist. As I am involved in
microprocessor projects I found it most interesting and thought
that it might provoke some comments as to its effectiveness etc. :-)

(In advance - my apologies to the moderator(s) if it is too long.)

'ELECTRONIC LEG HELPS WALKERS GET IN THE SWING'
(P. Hadfield & D. Clery)

Amputees with above-the-knee artificial legs will soon be able to
walk without a noticeable limp at a wide range of speeds. The
secret is an "intelligent prosthesis" that senses the wearer's
walking rate and adjusts its pneumatic damping so that the leg
swings naturally.

The pneumatic system and its microprocessor controls were developed
by the Japanese company Kobe Steel in collaboration with Osaka
University and Hyogo Welfare Corporation. Kobe Steel has now
licensed the technology to its subsidiary Nabco, which normally
makes the brakes for cars, and the British prosthetics manufacturer
Blatchford, based in Basingstoke.

Yoshiaki Sosa, whose left leg was amputated just above the knee in
a traffic accident 20 years ago, has been involved in testing the
Japanese model. "The knee movement is very smooth," he says. "I can
move at the speed I want to move." In a video show on Japanese TV,
Sosa walks faster and more easily with the intelligent leg than
with a conventional artificial leg. A noticeable limp also
disappears when he uses the intelligent leg.

Above-the-knee artificial legs commonly have pneumatic damping
so that when the wearer swings their leg forward to walk, the
leg ends up in the right position for the footfall. Different
walking speeds require different amounts of damping but most
artificial legs are set at an average value to suit the
wearer. This makes it awkward and tiring to walk at different
speeds.

The intelligent prosthesis has five damping settings which are pre-
programmed into the leg to cover the different speed the wearer
will normally need. A sensor in the knee detects its rate of
flexion and a microprocessor-controlled valve adjusts the pressure
in a pneumatic cylinder to select the right setting. When the
pressure is high, knee movements become more rapid, so walking
speeds can increase.

According to Masashi Sawamura, one of the leg's developers: "People
using previous artificial legs took a long time to cross pedestrian
crossings. But the new legs will make it much faster to cross."
John Paul of the bioengineering department at the University of
Strathclyde has carried out a brief study of one of Blatchford's
legs. He has yet to analyse the data but says that wearers appear
to have better control and need less exertion. They are also less
likely to stumble.

Nabco is testing its version with 22 people while Blatchford has 12
prostheses undergoing trails in Britain and more in Germany and the
US. John Shorter of Blatchford says a few problems still remain to
be ironed out, such as extending the lifetime of the systems
lithium batteries; they last about 10 months at the moment. He
expects the legs to be available in Britain through the National
Heath Service by the middle of next year.

Blatchford uses the system in its existing range of carbon-fibre
artificial legs and expects the intelligent controls to add
360(pounds) to the cost - now around 2500(pounds) for an active
user. Nabco is developing its own aluminium leg with a greater
bending angle - in Far Eastern cultures kneeling is more common
than in the West.

*****END*****

Anyone got any comments or more information?

TTFN
Nilu

^d)M,

--
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Internet: Nilu.Pattnaik@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org




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Subject: Re: Prosthetic & Limb Deficient Support
From: Wayne.Briggs@p0.f5109.n124.z1.fidonet.org (Wayne Briggs)
Organization: FidoNet node 1:124/5109.0 - National Amputee Co, Dallas TX


[This is from the Amputee Conference]

Thanks for your message. Bill Baughn at the One Arm Dove Hunt in
Onley,Texas politely, accurately, kindly, and assertively pointout to me
the errors of my way. I felt appropriately humbled  because I rea{lized
he was right: 1 person should be very careful about hinting that another
person shouln't try some thing. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO ANYONE THAT
EXPERIENCED ANY HURT OR PAIN BY WHAT I SAID.
Here is West Texas where there are lots of horses, horse rididding,
stables, working horses, recreational ridding - it just seems every year
that somebdy within a 100 miles of Abilene is killed from a head or neck
injury on a horse (The next cities of 100,000 or more are 150, 180 and
180 miles away.) But people also drown & I'm not going to give up
swimming!
THANKS FOR YOUR MESSAGE.

--
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                                ******

                  End of Issue # 2947 of the Handicap Digest

                                ******
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU