CLARK & ASSOCIATES FALL 2020 NEWSLETTER
FALL IS UPON US
By Dennis Clark – President & CEO
The colors of Fall are a reminder that change can be a beautiful thing. Here in Iowa, we are fortunate each autumn to enjoy the brilliant colors of changing leaves as we prepare to transition to the colder months of winter. It’s no secret that 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, as we have had to adapt and transition to our changed environment. We have come together as a team, our clients, their families, and our staff have willingly followed the guidelines required for giving and receiving prosthetic and orthotic care. I thank each of you for caring enough to do your part to help keep each other safe during these challenging times. Please take time this season to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Fall. There can be joy in the journey as we support each other’s needs.
DAVENPORT OFFICE RAMPING UP
With the addition of CPO Phil Mefford, we are excited to provide O and P services to the Quad Cities five days a week. Phil, along with CPO Ken Horsfall, are available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and by appointment outside of those hours.
3385 Dexter Court, Suite 107
Davenport, IA 52807
563-214-7500 Toll-Free: 833-214-7500
Fax: 563-355-4113
PATIENT SPOTLIGHT – JIM CUE
Jim Cue has always been a very active individual. So, when several blood clots in his foot resulted in a lower leg amputation, he felt like he might not be able to enjoy the same active lifestyle. However, after Jim began working with Clark & Associates, he soon realized that he could do just about anything he put his mind to.
“If you have a good attitude, you will be okay,” said Jim. “I still drive a truck, golf and I can do anything I want.” Adding that you can’t just lay around on the couch and feel sorry for yourself. Having a great attitude helps you do things you’ve always wanted to do.
Jim is a fantastic patient and we love his positive spirit. We are thankful and blessed to be able to help Jim meet his goals.
FUN FACTS & TRIVIA (Answers at the end of this newsletter)
- Outside of Dennis Clark, which member of the C&A team has the most years of service at Clark & Associates?
- In the world of Orthotics, what does AFO stand for?
- Which of our practitioner’s dad is a talented and very well-respected wildlife artist?
- In 1958, Dale Clark began practicing within the state of Iowa in this city.
- What town did Andy Steele call home growing up? (he lived just outside of this town)
WELCOME TO THE TEAM
Linda Melby
Linda is the office administrator at the Davenport office. Linda has worked in the healthcare industry for 23 years as a treatment coordinator and office manager. She enjoys C&A’s friendly atmosphere and
patient interaction. Linda does a great job answering the phone, making appointments, and verifying insurance. Her hobbies include writing some children’s stories and on occasion, she will write murder mysteries for parties.
Holly Severin
Holly is a billing specialist for C&A working out of the Waterloo office. She brings 19 years of billing and coding insurance experience to the team. She loves learning the (DME) Durable Medical Equipment industry. Holly spends time with her family and friends, especially her new granddaughter Tatum. In her spare time she loves decorating, playing golf, antiquing at flea markets, spending time at the lake, and watching Iowa Hawkeye sports.
Chelsey McGriff
Chelsey serves as an office administrator in our Des Moines office. She enjoys watching our amputee patients being able to move forward with their lives because of what Clark & Associates does. In her spare time, Chelsey loves to spend time with her family and friends while either shopping and/or traveling.
Cyndi Schake
Cyndi is in credit/collections management and handles A/R for Clark & Associates. She thoroughly enjoys meeting all the new and wonderful patients every day and value’s the team’s kind and positive energy. In her free time, Cyndi and her husband Jeff seek adventures with their granddaughter’s Scarlett (3) and Lydia (10 months) and enjoys music and reading.
Phil Mefford
Phil is a Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist in Davenport. He has vast experience with both adults and pediatric patients within the O and P discipline. He enjoys helping individuals achieve an optimal outcome on their journey to recovery. In his free time, Phil enjoys spending time with his two teenage children, staying active, and being outdoors.
Alex Schmitz
Alex is a resident at the Des Moines and Marshalltown office’s where he assists in day-to-day patient care. Alex graduated from Morningside College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and recently received his master’s degree in O&P at Northwestern University. He enjoys biking, hunting, fishing and spending time with friends. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering as a wrestling coach at Martensdale-St. Mary’s High School.
Pam Libbert
Pam is the receptionist and scheduler for Clark & Associates at the Cedar Rapids location. She enjoys meeting patients and being a part of a great team. Previously Pam worked at Erb’s Business Machines for 22 years as the front desk manager. Pam enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter’s. She also loves to play fetch with her dogs, read or watch movies with her husband on cold and rainy days.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR AMPUTEES
In this installment of Tips and Tricks for Amputees, we discuss the importance of consistent fit and alignment. We also highlight steps that you can take to avoid potential skin issues that can be the result of improper fit or alignment.
It is extremely important to maintain your prosthetic fit. Poor fit may lead to numerous symptoms such as rashes, blisters and other skin irritations, all of which can be precursors to infection. If you are a below the knee amputee, be sure to monitor your sock ply throughout the day and adjust it whenever necessary. If you begin to experience hot spots or pain in a particular area, make the necessary adjustments (adding or removing socks). In the event that those adjustments do not correct the issue, contact your prosthetist for an appointment.
The best way to prevent your fit from worsening is to maintain your body weight. Stability of body weight is the number one key to avoiding fit issues. The following are guidelines for weight fluctuations and how they may affect your socket fit:
- 3 – 5 lbs. noticeable difference that may require minor socket adjustments
- 5 – 10 lbs. require major socket adjustments
- 10 – 15 lbs. may require complete reevaluation of socket
- 15 – 20 lbs. may need entire new prosthesis
While fluctuations in weight can have a significant impact on socket fit, improper prosthetic alignment can also lead to problems such as pressure, swelling and breakdown. We recommend scheduling appointments with your prosthetist every three to six months to review your alignment.
FUN FACTS & TRIVIA ANSWERS:
- Nancy Bathen, our Compliance Officer has over 30 years of service with C&A Ankle, Foot Orthotic
- Ankle, Foot Orthotic
- John Costello’s dad Patrick is a very well-respected wildlife artist
- Dale Clark opened an office in Marshalltown, Iowa as part of Troutman and Sons O&P
- Barnes City, Iowa – population less than 250
DOWNLOAD THE FALL NEWSLETTER HERE
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