It is time to ring in a new year and I am sure that everyone is ready for it! Do you have resolutions for 2022? Mine is to keep spreading kindness!

The winter is upon us and here in Maryland, we deal with snow, but it seems more so icy conditions. Let us talk about winter safety for a bit for amputees. I always like to review winter safety and taking precautions not to fall. Ice can form - particularly patches of black ice that are hard to spot - and we have to be extra cautious as amputees that we do not fall.

If you need to get out for appointments, consider looking into some type of grip treads for the bottom of your boots or shoes. They simply slip on over the bottom of your shoes and off you go with some traction. Keep salt or some type of ice melt by your front and back doors so that your steps and sidewalks do not turn into a sheet of ice. Be extra cautious when you go to sit down in your car, keep your feet firmly planted, so you do not slip and fall getting into your vehicle. Look for ways to help your limb feel warmer when you have to be out for prolonged times. Always discuss plans with your physician or prosthetist to make sure anything you do will be appropriate with your medical skin condition and prosthesis. These are just a few tips to help you have a safe winter.

Ok, let us ring in the New Year! This year make a list or a timeline of some goals you would like to accomplish. They can be small ones or big ones - just make sure you make a plan and choose from your list. Try to keep it fun as well as healthful. I have learned if I want to have self-improvement goals for a new year I have to keep the list short and focused, otherwise even I would not be motivated to complete it!

Water, Water, Water! I cannot stress how important water is to a healthy body and mind. Most people are dehydrated daily and do not even know it! Drinking eight glasses a day will make you feel good from the inside out. If you are not a fan of plain water, then you can add flavoring to your water bottle that contains no sugar.

Meat prices right now are higher than we ever have seen but if you shop wisely you can find good deals on bulk packages. Check with a local farm that sells fresh and you get better quality meat, as well as cut out the added costs that gets built in to have things shipped to the stores. If you are following a meat free diet there are a lot of great new non-meat choices now as well as the cauliflower side dishes that resemble our favorites, but without the calories or carbs. Whatever your dietary needs, the internet provides a lot of great healthy recipes. Talk to your physician, who can suggest a dietitian to consult to help you get on a healthy path for the new year. Many insurance companies will cover one or two a visits with a wellness counselor to get you started with healthy eating tips. I have found that just adding some healthful food choices can really make a difference in how my energy level rises!

Finally, lets add some exercise into our lives to get that blood flowing. This does not have to cost you a thing, as you can take walks, watch yoga videos, stretch. The important thing is to talk to your physician to make sure it is ok to begin an exercise plan. The Amputee Coalition website has some great suggestions for exercise, and you could FaceTime with a friend and exercise together when the cold winter weather blows.

Enjoy these New Year Tips and have a safe and healthy start to 2022!

 “The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” - Melody Beattie

These tips are informed suggestions. If you do not feel comfortable with them, please do not attempt them. Instead as always contact your medical professional or your prosthetist for help and advice. 

If you have a question for me about living as an amputee, ask! And if I don’t know the answer, I will find it for you, and I will leave no stone unturned to help you find your own personal new normal. If there is a topic you would like me to feature please let me know! I want us all to grow strong together.  Email me at Dawn@dankmeyer.com. This email is not secure, so if you wish to keep any specific health information private, you should call Dankmeyer!

Dawn Miranda joined Dankmeyer, Inc. over two years ago as a Prosthetist Assistant after relocating from San Antonio, TX.  Dawn recently left Dankmeyer to return to nursing, but still lives in the area, and continues with us as a guest blogger.