Eye on Health: New Leg - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Eye on Health: New Leg

People who need a prosthetic limb can live active independent lives, no matter what their age.  
In this week's Eye on Health, Carla Burbidge has the story of how Key Care Medical makes the devices that are essential for the people who need them.  

93-year old Walter Whitaker of Minot recently was fitted with a new prosthetic leg.  
Back in the 30's while trying to jump on the train, during very cold weather, he fell and his leg got crushed by the train car.
(Walter Whitaker, Minot Resident) "I crawled to depot, it was very cold."
Walter has approximately 10 artificial legs during this lifetime.  
This most recent one was made by Kim Urban, who's job is making legs, and arms, and braces at Keycare Medical.
She says her youngest patient is six months old, and Walter is her oldest.  
The challenge is meeting the individual needs for everyone she sees.
(Kim Urban, Certified Prosthetist) "They are all different, have different lifestyles, they vary."
It usually takes a couple of weeks to make the prosthetic limb.  
Kim starts by evaluating the patient, making a cast and finding the right fit for them.
(Kim Urban, Certified Prosthetist) "This is the lower leg, the upper leg, this is for an arm."
Key Care Medical moved to a new location this fall on 20th Ave SW.  
The medical equipment and supply store used to be in the Medical Arts Building, but they needed something better.
(Kim Urban, Certified Prosthetist) "More room, better space."
Walter still lives in his own home, and his new leg is key for him to keep his independence.
(Walter Whitaker, Minot Resident) "It helps me be active and going on with everyday living."
And Kim says seeing patients like Walter and the success they have with their new limbs, is rewarding.
(Walter Whitaker, Minot Resident) "I am very lucky"
For Eye on Health I'm Carla Burbidge.