PROSTHETICS
And modern prosthetics
have gotten very technologically
advanced and, therefore, expensive.
Many are covered by insurance, but
the more advanced or adaptive may
not be covered. For example, new
technology in upper limb amputees,
such the Michelangelo myoelectric
prosthetic hand, mimics human
anatomy and motion with individual
digit and wrist movements. Artesi
says that activities like playing the
piano or using an iPad come naturally with a prosthetic such as this
one.
To this day, Artesi says she has
never decided to move beyond her
basic artificial leg for something
more technologically advanced –
even though she is extremely physically active. It serves its purpose
and affords her more financial room
to express herself with different
legs. She even has one with a
high heal built on and
another with a tattoo.
Another common, but treatable, issue dealt with by parents all
over the nation in babies is what
is known as plagiocephaly. Also
known as flat head syndrome, plagiocephaly is a condition that causes
a baby to have a flat spot or be misshapen. The most common type
is positional plagiocephaly, which
typically develops after birth when
babies spend time in a position that
puts pressure on one part of the
skull.
34 2017 EDITION | SPECIAL PARENT
“Obviously, you want to try
tummy time first, but, if the problem persists, a helmet is probably
needed,” Artesi says. “The helmets…that’s the hardest part for the
parents. But, it’s compliant;
the baby will need to have it on
23 hours a day or it will not work.”
After being measured, a child’s
head will be fitted with the helmet
and worn until the baby’s head
begins to grow into its intended
natural shape again. ●
201magazine.com
HORSCHE/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO
A COMMON
ISSUE IN BABIES