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Pubs Expected to Boost Tourism in Ireland amid Brexit

Northwestern University graduate Paul Leimkuehler is an experienced orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) professional who is serving as the clinical director of Physio O&P’s Milwaukee office. During his free time, Paul Leimkuehler enjoys traveling. He has visited many parts of the world, including Ireland.

Britain's exit from the European Union is expected to affect its neighboring countries in many ways. Many experts foresee Brexit negatively impacting the tourism industry in Ireland.
In light of these speculations, a study conducted by Dublin City University suggests that traditional Irish pubs are key to boosting tourism in the country, as the pub tradition is one of the things that sets the country apart from other European holiday destinations. In fact, one out of three visitors states that the Irish pub is Ireland's most distinguishing feature. Moreover, the top-rated tourist experience is listening to Irish music in the pub.

To help the pubs thrive, groups have been urging the national government to cut alcohol tax by 15 percent.

The Differences Between Transtibial and Transfemoral Amputations

The clinical director of Physio Orthotic & Prosthetic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Paul Leimkuehler holds a bachelor of science in marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and a certificate in prosthetics and orthotics from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Working with a range of artificial limbs and braces, Paul Leimkuehler is highly knowledgeable about both transtibial and transfemoral amputations.

Transtibial (or below the knee) amputations are the most common major limb amputation in the United States. Most surgeons who perform this type of amputation will create a muscular flap from the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, wrap these muscles under the remaining tibia bone, and secure the flap to the anterior tibia by suture.

Transfemoral amputations take place above the knee, but attempt to leave as much residual limb as possible. The length of the residual femur can make a big difference in energy expenditure when a patient begins walking with a prosthetic limb. While medical professionals have traditionally thought that transfemoral amputees have greater gait asymmetries than transtibial amputees, a recent study has found that, in terms of spatial asymmetry, little difference exists between them.

Evaluating Effects of Ankle-Foot Orthosis

 

A certified orthotist and prosthetist, Paul Leimkuehler recently received a promotion to the position of clinical director within Physio O&P. As an orthotics and prosthetics practitioner, Paul Leimkuehler is knowledgeable of lower-limb orthotics, including ankle foot orthotics (AFOs).

Also known as a foot drop brace, AFOs are braces usually made out of plastic. They are worn to support the ankle and hold it in the correct position to correct cases of foot drop. A symptom of a muscular, anatomical, or neurological problem, foot drop is the inability to easily lift the front part of the foot.

Because AFOs are worn on a long-term basis, researchers have conducted a number of studies to determine effects and evaluate the safety of AFOs. A 2002 study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation sought to determine whether the use of AFOs led to decreased muscular activity. Muscular activity was measured using surface electromyography. Measurements were taken both immediately and after six weeks.

The results showed that while the use of AFO resulted to an immediate muscular activity reduction on the ankle dorsiflexors, there was no accumulation in activity reduction when compared to the control group.

ROMP Holds Climbing Event to Raise Funds for Prosthetics

A graduate of Miami University and the prosthetics and orthotics certificate programs at Northwestern University, Paul Leimkuehler has spent nearly a decade in various positions in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Outside of his professional life, Paul Leimkuehler has given back to the community through his work with health care-related nonprofit groups such as the Range of Motion Project (ROMP).

Dedicated to eliminating ambulatory disabilities, ROMP offers orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs to individuals who do not have access to such medical devices. The organization implements a multi-pronged approach to fulfilling its mission that includes device distribution channels, local investment strategies, and advocacy outreach. To raise funds for its programs, ROMP hosts a range of annual events.

In July of 2015, ROMP held the inaugural Climbing for ROMP fundraiser. Hundreds of mountain climbers from countries around the world scaled local peaks to raise money for the organization. The global event’s showcase climb was at the Cayambe peak in Ecuador, which featured a team of 16 amputees and able-bodied participants. The group’s ascent highlighted the importance of mobility, the value of prosthetic care, and the need for legislation that protects individuals who require orthotics and prosthetics.

The AOPA 2016 National Assembly in Boston, Massachusetts

 


An experienced prosthetist and orthotist, Paul Leimkuehler currently serves as the clinical director for Physio O&P in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. An active member of the field, Paul Leimkuehler holds membership in professional organizations such as the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA).

Serving the orthotic and prosthetic field for nearly a century, AOPA offers its members a range of benefits, including access to staff reimbursement specialists, discounted credit card processing services through Bank of America, and discounted shipping through UPS. Additionally, AOPA holds seminars, workshops, and conferences throughout the year.

From September 8 to September 11, AOPA will hold its 2016 National Assembly at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. The assembly will feature an exhibition hall and a roster of dynamic keynote speakers and presenters that will help orthotic and prosthetic professionals navigate the challenges currently facing the industry, all while earning up to 32 continuing education credits. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in networking events and explore Boston’s charming Back Bay neighborhood.

For more information about AOPA’s 2016 National Assembly, please visit www.aopanet.org/education/2016-national-assembly.

How to Become an AAOP Fellow

Paul Leimkuehler serves as clinical director of Physio O&P, which works with patients in need of orthotics and prosthetics. Paul Leimkuehler maintains membership in the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP).

The AAOP is a professional organization committed to the advancement of professional standards through education, research, advocacy, and collaboration.

The educational requirements to become a Fellow of the AAOP are rigorous. All applicants are required to complete two certificate programs for Professional Development. For each certificate program, applicants must complete seven to ten modules and pass a comprehensive test.

Apart from the educational requirements, aspiring AAOP Fellows must comply with the academy's service requirement. Applicants must show a track record proving their contributions to the advancement of the orthotic and prosthetic profession. Such contributions range from writing a research paper that has been accepted for publication in the AAOP's official journal to completing 40 hours of community service.

The Psychology of Limb Loss and Prosthetics

Paul Leimkuelher, a certified prosthetist, works closely with limb loss patients at Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions International. Paul Leimkuelher draws on in-depth experience in assessing and responding to patient needs as they acclimate to a new limb.

When a patient loses a limb, success in rehabilitation correlates directly with the individual's ability to emotionally cope with the loss. Such a major loss may lead to struggles with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, while the event that led to the loss may leave a patient vulnerable to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is vitally important for patients to have access to psycho-therapeutic services that help them to cope with these challenges.

Research also suggests that patients may struggle with issues of body schema and the experience of the self. Patients may have to reevaluate how they envision the boundaries and nature of the body, and a prosthesis can impact this sense of embodiment dramatically. Some patients welcome a prosthesis as the return of a missing piece, while others resent it as an intruder. Professionals should understand that both reactions are parts of a crucial period of adjustment.

Patients may also adjust to limb loss differently based on age and existing abilities. These differences affect not only patients’ ability to physically adjust but also their ability to develop a new body image.

Regardless of the individual patient's demographic, the process takes time. Prosthetists and other professionals must have patience and relate to the patient with empathy at each stage of mental and physical rehabilitation.

Paul Leimkuehler