PROGRAM:
Rtn. Herb Wilson introduced program speaker: Professor & Rtn. Tom Cook. Tom, a professor of Public Health, Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, International Studies, & Bioinformatics at the University of Iowa since 1981. Tom earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Human Factors Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1987. Tom is the director of global operations for the UI-based Ponseti International Association and helped to create the Rotarian Action Group for Clubfoot group.
Tom Cook described the frequency of the clubfoot birth defect. About 200 children each year are diagnosed with Club Foot. Clubfoot is a problem with muscles in the lower leg, found more often in males. “What does not cause club foot? A lunar eclipse, curse from an ancestor, or the polio vaccine. Surgery is not the long-term solution to clubfoot. If treated by surgery, by the age of 20 years, the patient will be severely disabled without additional surgeries.”
“What fixes Club Foot? Dr Ignacio V. Ponseti’s treatment, now branded as the Ponseti technique or orthodontics for the foot. Using braces as a gentle manipulation to straighten the foot. After 10 days, the foot is stretched and positioned again. This is repeated 4-5 times over a 5-week period. Allows bones to reshape and realign. The genetic code is still there, when at rest, the foot wants to relapse. “Sleepy Shoes” with a bar must be worn at night to prevent the deformity from returning.”
A world without clubfoot disability requires 4000 trained in clubfoot treatment. Training requires a great deal of skill especially when working with a 10-day old infant. Dr. Ponseti described the work as playing the piano, knowing and feeling each bone.
World Clubfoot Dy is June 3rd, Dr. Ponseti’s birthday. Parents of clubfoot kids are big users of the Ronald McDonald House, who is hosting a golf outing on this very day. 100 patients each year come from outside of Iowa to be treated at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
Bracing with quality products is a global problem. The Iowa Brace has been created at the University of Iowa. A local Coralville company, Clubfoot Solutions manufactures and distributes, a high quality, yet affordable brace.
Rotarian Action Group (RAG) for Clubfoot are collections of Rotarians that have a common cause. Clubfoot RAG’s formed in 2015 to connect, address the problem and identify resources. The RAG board developed the Iowa’s Gift to the Children of the World fundraising program. Thanks to John & Ellen Buchanan for their generous donations to this program.
What can Rotarians do to help?
- Support the training of healthcare professionals to apply the Ponseti Method.
- Assist with public awareness to reduce the stigma of clubfoot.
- Promote early referral.
- Assist families and caregivers.
- Assist with the provision of braces.
2 million kids in the next 10 years will be born with clubfoot. The goal is to provide treatment to 100% of those who need it. For more information & how to help:
- www. Ponseti.info
- www.Clubfootsolutions.org
- www.RAG4Clubfoot.org
The meeting ended at 1:00 pm as President Steve Quigley led the assembly in reciting The Four Way Test.
The Club enjoyed singing America the Beautiful & Smile, led by Rtn. Bob Crane with Rtn. Devin Holsteijn on piano.
MEETING:
Please forward any newsworthy items and/or photos to Jon Brown or Janice Baldes to include in the weekly slide decks emailed to members prior to each meeting and shown just before Rotary meetings at the Club. You can send information to: Janice Baldes janicebaldes@gmail.com or Jon Brown at mjonBrown@taxesplusiowacity.com
It is our policy to have all members silence their cell phones before the meeting and refrain from answering their cell phones during the meeting out of respect to the speaker and fellow members.
Our Greeter, Barb Thomas announced visiting Rotarian, Mark Ruggeberg (IC Downtown)
Guests of Rotarians: Joe Waddilove (Angelica Waddilove & Jerry Waddilove); Sherry Cremers (Bernie Cremers); Ellen Buchanan (John Buchanan); Heather Croskrey (Shawn Reineke); Marilyn Lippold (Steve Quigley)
Program: Tom Cilek; Attendance: Nancy Droll
