Pedorthic Newswire Issue #461

March 21, 2012, Issue #461

DISCUSSION

Send your comments, questions, responses, articles or case studies to Pedorthic Newswire at editor@pedorthicnewswire.com

Your emails will be reviewed by pedorthists and the editors of Pedorthic Newswire, and selected submissions will be posted in an upcoming issue for feedback from other readers. We reserve the right to edit submissions and responses. Please note:the deadline for all submissions and responses is 12 noon Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday for that week's issue.

NEW COMMENT

Comment: Last week I placed an order with New Balance for 3 specials. All 3 were back ordered until April 6th. As always, I notified my customers hoping they were willing to wait. A day later one of the three customers called me bewildered about the back order because he had gone to the company website and found he could get the shoes at once directly from online. Not to mention at the minimum allowable advertised price which is $10 less then their suggested retail price and of course free shipping and no sale tax. After hearing this I went on the company website, and to my amazement, all 3 of the back ordered shoes were available directly from them. Just a few days earlier, I remembered ordering a special from Saucony that was back ordered until June, so I went to the Saucony company website and, again, the shoe was available for immediate purchase. So today, I ordered another 3 specials and once again all were back ordered until April, but when I checked all were available for at once purchase from the company website.

Of course, I wrote and called my reps, customer service and management for both companies, and all had the same answer, that the websites have their own inventory that was not accessible to the retailer. They did do everything possible to help me with this issue, and luckily I managed to get 4 of the 7 specials. So, after spending time sitting and fitting these customers, I can expect to complete a sale on 57% of them? At this rate I should easily be able to stay in business for a few more months!

I perfectly understand why vendors have direct to consumer sites. Many of us smaller retailers only carry a small sampling of what these companies make, and the consumer should have access to the vendor's complete offering. However, when they offer free shipping, sell at MAP instead of suggested retail, have promotional days and weeks, tax free, and have exclusive inventory that we can't access, then they have become direct competitor to all of us.

Sure, the vendor can afford to have a large inventory position for their site... they get it at first cost! Most of us retailers will never have the OTB to compete with that. Don't you think that running out of core inventory that supports the retailers is in the best interest of these vendors? We retailers set up the consumer by sitting, fitting, explaining the product features and benefits, and after convincing the consumer, the only access to that product is from the vendor? Of course....they cut out the rep commission, the retailer, and just increased their margin by 300%!

It's bad enough that these companies can't protect us from the internet only sites that are selling their products for $20 to $30 below their MAP once the consumer "adds to cart", but now the vendors themselves have become part of the problem! If we don't band together as independent retailers with the support of our professional association, I see a future of manufacturers selling directly to consumers with no more independents. Then, no more NSRA as well!

- Steven Rueda, Owner, Turnpike Comfort Footwear

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS WITHOUT RESPONSES

Question: I had a patient coming in for diabetic footwear. The patient diagnoses states the following: "Type 2 Diabetes; apparently cured with weight loss associated with bariatric surgery."

Medicare's Statement of Certifying Physician states;

"This patient has diabetes mellitus" not "has a history of diabetes".

These patients still have all the other qualifying foot conditions of diabetes. Do they qualify for the TSB? Thank you,

-CPed2006

Question: I started reading Senate Bill S. 2125 and by page 2 my head was already spinning. Is there anybody who read this bill that understands this and can put it in simpler words? How would this impact our fellow Pedorthists? Thank you,

-CPed2006

SPONSOR NEWS

HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Foot Health and Massage Therapy - It's Not Just About Reflexology

By: Linda Fehrs

Our feet are what connect us to the earth on which we stand. They give us a sense of stability and provide us with mobility, helping to propel us forward and backward in space. Being able to walk is a major sign of growing as an individual. Once children begin to walk they no longer need to be carried by a parent and can begin to explore the world around them on their own. Getting a regular foot massage can help in maintaining good health and give attention to an often neglected part of the body. Full Text

Source: Integrative Healthcare

Eating healthy has been a tough sell

By: Mark Albright

Dietitians, doctors, moms and Michelle Obama are all prodding Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables. How's it going? "Unfortunately, consumption has been flat since 2004," said Elizabeth Pivonka, chief executive of the Produce for Better Health Foundation. "Most surprising is that consumption among seniors has actually declined 8 percent since then." Her research, outlined at a Food Marketing Institute conference here Monday, found multiple explanations. Cost-conscious consumers digging out of recession. Folks who buy only what they know their family will eat. And an unwillingness to find new ways to make fruits and vegetables taste better. Full Text

Source: Tampa Bay Times

9 Footwear Do's and Don'ts

By: Leslie Quander Wooldridge

Our poor feet. They withstand lots of abuse, quickly carrying us to last-minute outings, pounding the pavement on mind-clearing runs, and being squeezed into impractical (but fashionable) shoes. But we need to take care of them to avoid foot pain, injury, and other ailments. So do your tootsies a favor and follow these healthy tips. Full Text

Source: US News

AETREX iSTEP WEBINARS

Visit our full March 2012 Schedule

DIABETES

Do you have Diabetes? Are you Sure?

There are many faces of diabetes - it can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity or social status. In type 2 diabetes, often symptoms do not appear until it's too late. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to deadly complications - including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation. Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. A quarter of those with the disease - 7 million - are unaware that they have it. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes. With such staggering numbers - how many people in Oregon & SW Washington could be at risk or undiagnosed? Full Text

Source: Statesman Journal.com

Doctors hoping surgery can cure diabetes

By: Christi Myers

Type 2 diabetes is a difficult medical problem and the numbers of people dealing with it are growing. But what if you could cure diabetes? Some Houston surgeons say they may be able to cure diabetes with an experimental surgery that Houston patients may be able to get. Marie Alonso's diabetes forced her to give up her favorite foods. "I just wanted to be like everybody else, and have dinner and not have to count my carbs and not have to give insulin," Alonso said. Despite taking insulin three times a day and checking her blood sugar, she's already losing feeling in her feet. Full Text

Source: ABC Local

Blueberries and apples tied to lower diabetes risk

Eating more blueberries, apples and pears may be linked to lower risk of diabetes, according to a new U.S. study. These fruits are loaded with flavonoids, a natural compound present in certain fruits, vegetables and grains, which some research has tentatively tied to heath benefits such as a lower risk of heart disease or cancer. "People who ate a higher amount of blueberries or apples, they tended to have a low risk of type 2 diabetes," said An Pan, a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health who worked on the study. The findings show an association, he added, but don't prove the fruits, themselves, prevent diabetes. Full Text

Source: Fox News

SPORTS AND FITNESS

7 Heart-Healthy Behaviors That Could Help You Live Longer

By: Amanda Chan

Despite the fact that we are all generally aware of heart-healthy behaviors -- things like not smoking, eating well and exercising -- just a little more than 1 percent of the U.S. population abides by the seven key behaviors linked with a longer life, according to a new study. The study examined the behaviors of 44,959 adults in the U.S. (ages 20 and older) who were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1988 and 1994, 1999 and 2004, and 2005 and 2010, and the NHANES III Linked Mortality File. The researchers found that just 2 percent of people who were in the study between 1988 and 1994 and 1.2 percent of people in the study between 2005 and 2010 abided by the seven metrics deemed optimal for heart health. Full Text

Source: Huffington Post

Keep Your Wheels in Motion: How Movement Prevents Chronic Diseases

Movement is inherent in humans. From our earliest days, our ability to move has allowed us to expand throughout our world and become what we are. In our present lives, society has done most everything it can to reduce our movement to as little as possible. The numerous labor-saving devices and transportation-aiding vehicles have seduced us into a lifestyle that is far from our original genetic design. All the while, as our movement has been decreasing, our state of health has also been decreasing, and our rates of chronic diseases have been increasing. Merely correlation? I don't think so, and neither did a group of scientists in the Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at the University of Missouri, who decided to look into the effects of inactivity on our risks of acquiring a chronic disease. Full Text

Source: Calorielab.com

BECOMING CERTIFIED IN PEDORTHICS

Pedorthics is a professional field covering the design, manufacture, modification and/or fit of footwear. Pedorthics encompasses shoes, orthoses and foot devices that prevent or alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, injury or congenital defect. Certified Pedorthists work with patients and their footwear to conform to a doctor's footwear prescription as part of the patient's treatment

To earn certification in Pedorthics, you must take a pre-determined number of course hours in pedorthics and pass a certifying examination overseen by either The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics® or Board for Certification/Accreditation, Int'l. Both the ABC and BOC are independent certification bodies that set standards for the profession and offer certifications that are recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

More information, including FAQ's

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics information on the step-by-step process of becoming a certified pedorthist

Board of Certification/Accreditation International information on becoming a BOC Pedorthist.

For information on the Canadian certifying organization visit The Pedorthic Association of Canada.

ONGOING COURSES AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR BECOMING CERTIFIED IN PEDORTHICS

The Robert M. Palmer M.D., Institute of Biomechanics "A Not-For-Profit School" has uniquely designed courses to provide pedorthic education for the retail, clinical or biomechanical knowledge seeking pedorthist. Course dates for Levels 1-3 in a variety of locations in the United States, Hong Kong, Mainland China and Korea are available. Click here to view a detailed calendar including dates and locations, information and pricing.

Robert M Palmer 2012 Schedule

March

Orlando, Florida - March 18-27

Elwood, Indiana - March 31 - April 9

April

Toronto / Sarnia - Canada TBD

May

Elwood, Indiana - May 5 - 14

June

Brea / El Monte, California TBD - June 23 - July 2

August

Elwood, Indiana - August 18- 27

September

Orlando, Florida - Sept 8 - 17

Elwood, Indiana - Sept 29 - Oct 8

Fall 2012

Malaysia TBD -

November

Elwood, Indiana - Nov 10 - 19

December

Brea / El Monte, California - Dec 8

RMPI Pre Certification Training- PEDORTHIC PRE-CERTIFICATION EDUCATION
PFA Scholarship Value @ 70% Savings
Published Tuition 2010 - $4K, "Powerstep Scholarship" Tuition Total $1500
(does not include travel / books / meals)
Must Enroll Before April 30, 2012
Attendance Date Flexible - CAPE/NCOPE Compliant - Levels 1,2,3
Courses Held In Elwood, Indiana Include Dormitory Housing & Shuttle Service
By prior reservation on a first-come-first-serve basis
To learn more about our courses or how you can share our vision, visit us at:
www.rmpi.org

CFS Allied Health Education: Pedorthic Certification: Exam Review. This review is focused on supplying the student with the skills and knowledge needed to pass the ABC Certified Pedorthic exam by presenting exam-like questions, exploring possible answers, and discussing rationales for correct and incorrect answers. Contact CFS Allied Health Education at (918) 266-3678 or visit http://www.learnpedorthics.com/ for more information.

*ABC and The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics are registered trademarks of the The American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc., which is not affiliated with CFS Allied Health Education and does not endorse this review.

ENESLOW PEDORTHIC INSTITUTE 1-on-1 or Group Tutoring Available; Eneslow Training & Tutoring Program, Individual and Small Group Program

Eneslow Pedorthic Pre-Certification Training Course August 6, 2012 - August 19, 2012

In cooperation with ABC requirements, Eneslow Pedorthic Institute (EPI) is offering the three-level competency training course for aspiring CPEDS. To provide maximum benefit in a minimum of time, a portion of the level one curriculum will be administered through a distance learning program that includes required readings, interactive CD's and testing of all mandatory topics. Upon passing the level one test, students will attend the remainder of the pedorthic pre-certification course at Eneslow Pedorthic Institute for 2 weeks from August 6th to August 19th, 2012. This class completes required education prerequisite to sit for national certification exam. It does not satisfy the requirement of 1000 documented hours of field experience.

Please contact Sarah Goldberg at epi@eneslow.com or 212-477-2300 x211 for more information.

To purchase materials for the course, please click here.

BECOME AN ABC THERAPEUTIC SHOE FITTER

For information on Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses, please contact the Aetrex Marketing Department at: marketing@aetrex.com.

Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses

April 18- 2012 Greensboro NC

Information on 2012 Aetrex Worldwide Therapeutic Shoe Fitter Courses will be coming soon.

2012 COURSES

2012 FOOT SOLUTIONS PEDORTHIC PRE-CERTIFICATION COURSE SCHEDULE & INFORMATION

Foot Solutions is an accredited facility that holds classes four times per year. The course will offer the certificate needed in all three levels so that you qualify to sit for the C. Ped. Exam. The facility is located at 2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30067

February 13 - February 24

May 11 - 1 Day Cram Session (free with attendance of pre-cert class)

May 14 - May 25

August 3 - 1 Day Cram Session (free with attendance of pre-cert class)

August 6 - August 17

October 8 - October 19

November 9 - 1 Day Cram Session (free with attendance of pre-cert class)

For application and fee information, contact:

Tracy Strickland 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 206 tstrickland@footsolutions.com

Betty Hubauer 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 201 bhubauer@footsolutions.com

Dr. William Faddock 1-866-338-2597 EXT: 209 bfaddock@footsolutions.com

UPCOMING COURSES FOR CERTIFIED PEDORTHISTS & ALLIED PROFESSIONALS

MONTHLY AND ONGOING

Riecken's Orthotic Labs - 800-331-8040; SAFIO Class, Second Friday of every month, at 5115 Oak Grove Rd., Evansville, IN. Four casting stands provided, limited to 8 students. Contact Darlene at the above number for more information.

Traveling Courses To Your Area sponsored by The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute of Biomechanics, Inc. a not-for-profit pedorthic school. Please contact us to discuss your needs at phone: 765-557-7216. Email: pam@pedorthicbiomechanics.org or visit our Web site at: http://www.pedorthicbiomechanics.org/.

The Robert M. Palmer, M.D., Institute Of Biomechanics, Inc. a not-for-profit pedorthic school: Advanced Manufacturing - 50 Hour Course - Approved For 49.5 CME's for Pedorthists by the ABC. This course is designed to teach BAPFOL standards in manufacturing functional feet orthoses and provide an introduction to advanced biomechanical posting. Class size is limited to two students. For more information or to customize a course to meet your manufacturing educational needs, please email pam@rmpi.org or phone 765-557-7216. Tuition cost: $2K - includes housing and transportation to and from the airport and school. Click Here for More Info

March

Elwood, Indiana - Two Courses: March 2 - 6