The Active Amputee

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ October 17, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Six practical ideas for amputee awareness sessions in schools

I have been working on social change for the last 20odd years, earning a living as a trainer, consultant and advisor for conflict transformation and peacebuilding projects, mainly in Asia and Africa. Since I have started focussing on disability issues, I have applied many of the skills I honed during my years abroad to this new passion of mine. I recently had the chance to talk with students about what’s it like to be an amputee. I loved the interaction with the kids, their genuine interest and open-mindedness, their creative ideas and willingness to work towards inclusion. If you are interested to engage with schools, youth clubs and the like, here are some practical ideas to make things easier. read more

Guest post by Enock Glidden ⎮ October 5, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

The Enock Glidden special - part IV: Reaching my summits

As a last post of this mini series, Enock shares what it takes to take on demanding projects and see them through. He talks about community, about gear, about training and preparation – and last but not least about which big adventure is next on his list. Enjoy this last post of the first ever The Active Amputee Special – The Enock Glidden Week. read more

Guest post by Enock Glidden ⎮ October 4, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

The Enock Glidden special - part III: Climbing as an emormous group effort

Returning from Yosemite, Enock is back in Maine and somehow at a loss as how to thank everyone for the opportunity he was given and the people that made it possible, mostly strangers, but came away as friends. He feels sadness that comes from missing his second family of climbers and the beauty of Yosemite. read more

Guest post by Enock Glidden ⎮ October 3, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

The Enock Glidden special - part II: Climbing El Cap - The video

In part one of our Enock Glidden special, Enock mentioned his passion for rock climbing. In October 2016 – two years ago this week – he attempted to climb the most iconic big wall in the world: Yosemite’s El Capitan. The 3,000 ft wall is a dream for many and attracts climbers from all around the globe. Climbing El Cap is demanding for experienced climbers who are in full control of all their limbs. Tackling the wall as a climber with a limb difference seemed almost impossible. But that didn’t prevent Enock from giving it a go. But see for yourself in this impressive video. read more

Guest post by Enock Glidden ⎮ October 2, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

The Enock Glidden special - part I: Journey with Spida Bifida

Starting this fall, there will be several new features on The Active Amputee. One of these new features is a quarterly special. To kick off this new series, I am extremely happy to partner with one of the most inspirational people I have ever heard about. The always amazing Enock Glidden. Today, Enock will share his story with you. Tomorrow we will show a video about one of his most amazing feats. On Thursday it’s back to Enock and his reflections about teamwork and assistance before he talks about the preparation it takes to take on big adventures on Friday. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ September 26, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Five podcasts every amputee should listen to

Yes! I admit it. I am a huge fan of podcasts. But despite my love for podcasts, it’s been only recently that I started listening to podcasts about amputees and others with limb differences. Why did it take me so long? Guess it’s been just a matter of never actually searching for one until I stumbled across my first amputee podcasts more or less by coincidence. And that got the ball rolling. Let me share some of the shows which I think you should give a try. My top five, so to speak. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ September 23, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Beyond the clinic room conference

Last week saw the 8th edition of the annual PACE Rehab conference. This year’s topic was „Beyond the Clinic Room – Outcomes in The Real World“. The conference was all about transforming patients’ lives and enabling them to live an active life. Something that has been close to my heart for years, and a theme that has been the leading light for this blog from the very beginning. As it happened the event fell onto the very day that marks the 13th anniversary of my amputation. So it was a nice surprise to learn that a picture of me and my little one was chosen to head the invitations, the poster and program for the day. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ September 19, 2018 ⎮ Inform

A matter of personal style

I am a strong advocate of bringing a fresh wind with a more personal touch and a wider personal choice to the prosthetic world. Artificial limbs and other prosthetic devices do not need to be skin-coloured boring tools that are designed according to purely practical considerations. So since the start of The Active Amputee I have regularly featured companies that broke new ground, provided prosthetic covers and enabled people with limb differences to develop their personal style and proudly wear their artificial limbs in public. So let me introduce U-Exist to you, a creative company from France that adds its vision and voice to the ever growing movement of personalized prosthetic devices. read more

Guest post by Patrick Young ⎮ September 16, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Starting something new: Strateies for entrpreneuer with a disability

Taking the plunge into a new business venture can be daunting in some respects, especially when you have a disability. However, with a couple clever strategies and some handy tools, you can successfully navigate the transition into a new career. Plus, delving into the world of entrepreneurship offers several noteworthy benefits to those who are disabled that make this route a tempting option. read more

Guest post by Dr. Liz Anderson-Peacock ⎮ September 12, 2018 ⎮ Inspire

Limb loss to life gained: Life beyond amputation and becoming more self-aware

Liz explores her journey of post traumatic growth and the conditions it needs to allow growth to happen. In her thought-provoking article she looks at the need to let go, to trust the process, fully commit to it and surrender to what will happen. An article full of inspiration or others faced with demanding situations. read more

Guest post by Steel Bones UK⎮ August 12, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

Amputees summit the highest peak in England and Wales

On May 20, 2018 a group of determined, inspirational people set off on an amazing challenge to become the first amputees to climb Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales. read more

Guest post by Amy Bream⎮ August 8, 2018 ⎮ Inform

From Baby to boxer (kind of)

Amy, a young woman from Nashville has a soft spot for sarcasm, coffee, and fitness. She never considered herself an athletic person. Until she discovered her love for boxing, that is. Almost by accident. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ August 5, 2018 ⎮ Inform

A rocking month for collaborations

As you all know I set up The Active Amputee to provide information, to share inspiration and to create a community. And these last weeks have been amazing in terms of creating a community and investing in new collaborations with people far and wide. Here is just a quick run down of some of the new relationships I am so excited about. read more

Guest post by Lisa Ludwig⎮ August 1, 2018 ⎮ Inspire

From cancer survivor to mentor and brand ambassador

As part of my collaboration with yoocan I would like to share the story of Lisa Ludwig. Lisa was diagnosed with cancer at an early age. While the osteosarcoma took her leg, it never took her spirit and positive attitude. Several years later she is an active mentor to other cancer patients and amputees. In addition she has taken up the role as brand ambassador for a company that produces prosthetic covers. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ July 29, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Paraclimbing hacks: Securing your artificial limb to your harness

Who would have thought that lats week’a article - A simple introduction into paraclimbing as an above knee amputee - will be greeted by such a positive response. After the post went live on Wednesday, it took only minutes until the first reactions, additional questions, comments and thank you notes starting coming in. Wow, that is great. I really I wasn’t expecting that. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ July 25, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Paraclimbing: Ten easy steps to get into an amazing sport

Climbing is an amazing sport. Full stop. No matter if you are into bouldering or top-roped routes at a local climbing wall, prefer pre-bolted sport routes outdoors or love the thrill of proper multi-pitch trad climbing or a deep-water solo, the sport has something for everybody. And I mean everybody, no matter if you are able-bodied (what ever that is) or not.  But some hesitate to give it a try. To make things easier, I have compiled a simple beginners' guide: Ten easy steps to get into paraclimbing. It’s aimed at lover limb amputees, especially above knee amputees. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ July 22, 2018 ⎮ Inform

A big step for inclusive tourism in Nepal

All of you know that I am an above the knee amputee. Most of you know that I am an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for the hills and mountains. And some of you know that I have been a regular visitor to Nepal and had the chance to hike in the foothills of the Himalayas. So you can imagine how thrilled I that Nepal’s Tourism Board has just announced its first accessible trekking path in one of the country’s most breathtaking regions: Pokhara. Visitors to the 1.2 kilometer fully wheelchair accessible trail are greeted by the stunning panorama across the Annapurna and Manaslu range. read more

Guest post by Martin Yoxall⎮ July 18, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Bike life: A passion for motorcycles and a love for traveling

Martin got into motorbikes as a teenager. Quickly the bikes got bigger until December 1988 when he was involved in an accident that resulted in a traumatic through knee amputation of my right leg and near death due to blood loss. After years he is back on his bike, touring all over Europe. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ July 15, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Dealing with volume fluctuations in the residual limb

The newest high-tech prosthesis is of little use if it is not well connected to your body. Over and over again the socket proved to be the weakest link that can be the make it or break it point determining the activity level of an amputee. And as our bodies change over time, so do our demands towards this connections between our residual limb and our prosthetic device. Working with a liner system combined with a movable seal-ring is one of the options we have to create a well-fitting socket with a strong vacuum suction. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ July 08, 2018 ⎮ Inform

New logo for The Active Amputee

It has been more than a year since I started The Active Amputee. With the new page now being firmly placed out there as a trusted resource for people with limb differences, it was time for a new logo. After a lot of to and from, of designs being drawn up and binned, of font types being tried out, changed, ridiculed, praised and changed again, I have finally settled on my new logo. Et voilà: Here it is. read more

Guest post by Sanjay Arora⎮ July 04, 2018 ⎮ Inform

The World Amputee Fitness Festival 2018

Dreaming big - and making it happen. Imagine a time and place where many amputees, possibly hundreds of them, come together from different parts of the world. They come together for a common purpose. Simply to enjoy health & fitness activities including Sports, Yoga, Dance, all movement arts etc. There are no awards, no medals, no validation of your participation. The experience is its own reward. That is exactly what Sanjay Arora is working on. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser⎮ July 01, 2018 ⎮ Inspire

What makes you happy as an amputee?

I asked you all „What makes you happy as an amputee?“. And within minutes the answers came flowing in. Here they are. read more

Guest post by Aston Heath ⎮ June 27, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Lovely children's book: Mosha, the amputee elephant

"Having just finished my first kids book about elephants I discovered the story about Mosha, the elephant who lost her leg due to a land mine and was fitted with a prosthetic limb," recounts Aston. "Being an amputee myself this was something I had to see for myself." His visit to the elephant hospital in Thailand brought us this amazing children's book. read more

 Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ June 24, 2018 ⎮ Inform & inspire

12 amazing TED talks every amputee should listen to

I am a great fan of podcasts. No matter if I am in my car to pick up the kids, in the kitchen preparing dinner or working out in the evening, I normally listen to podcasts. And among my favorite ones are TED talks. TED talks are such a great combination of brilliant info, inspirational journeys and though provoking daring big picture thinking. Here are twelve TED talks every amputee should listen to. read more

Post by Bjoern Eser ⎮ June 20, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Sitting volleyball: An action-packed team sport for amputees

It’s fast, it’s action-packed, it demands a high level of fitness, quick reactions combined with good ball-handling skills and a commitment to your team. And you can easily play it in mixed teams of pople with and without disabilities. What more could you ask for? read more

 Guest post by Sarah Stump ⎮ June 13, 2018 ⎮ Inspire

Embrace your differences, love being imperfectly you

As you all know, I have teamed up with yoocan to share stories of people with limb differences, increase the reach off these stories and inspire people all around the world to live an active, rewarding and fulfilling life. Today’s story is by Sarah Stump from Imperfectly Sarah. It's the story of a one armed girl in a two armed world; a beautiful story about faith an acceptance. read more

 Guest post by Pace Rehab ⎮ June 10, 2018 ⎮ Inform

Osseointegration: Being active without the need for a prosthetic socket

Pace Rehabilitation and The Active Amputee have teamed up to increase the reach of high quality information to amputees, enabling them to make well informed decisions in relation to their limb loss. Today’s article on osseointegration kicks of our collaboration. Over the coming months I will regularly share information provided by the experts from Pace Rehabilitation. read more