Civics teacher Johnnye White covers many interesting topics with her elementary students and invites a variety of speakers throughout the year to expand students’ empathy and understanding of issues facing members in our community.
Prosthetist Mark Bondurant and his client Michael Ruehl (an electrician) shared exciting information about how prosthetics work and how they can renew a person’s independence.
Mark has worked in prosthetics for 38 years and met Johnnye when her sister Marie received physical therapy and prosthetics at Buckeye Orthopedics. Michael’s injury began with a sore on his foot and resulted in an amputation below the knee this January. Once healed, Michael learned almost instantly how to walk with his prosthetic.
Our students asked a lot of good questions that brought out some interesting facts about prosthetics:
- Although they might look heavy, Michael’s prosthetic leg weighs less than his real leg.
- Prosthetics can range in price from $7,000 – $80,000
- Significantly fewer arm prosthetics (a reduction of about 90%) are needed these days due to OSHA safety requirements over the years in manufacturing.
- Michael has a basic prosthetic designed for everyday needs. If he were a runner, he’d want a different leg that is specifically made for running.