"There is no reason an amputee must live with frequent suction loss, even in a hot, sweaty environment," says de Windt, founding partner of Sentro ORTO-FISIKO Kòrsou. "Or back pain or discomfort when sitting or almost any other problem. The technology is there, we must simply apply it."

Because there is a high incidence of diabetes in the Netherlands Antilles, the Curaçao center has a great deal of experience with lower limb prosthetics. And because it is a warm tropical environment, the holding power and durability of limbs are constantly being put to the test.

"With today's hardware improvements and immediate delivery systems, we can solve almost any problem any place in the world," says Tom de Windt. "But that is not enough. Now we must work on the software." This means improving comfort and fit by using our creativity and artistic skills along with the technology."

2 week Vacation Plan
de Windt, and his physical therapist partner and wife Mieke, have set up a two week new limb program which focuses all the patient work in the mornings, leaving visitors free to enjoy each afternoon with snorkeling, swimming, fishing, even scuba diving. Temperature and weather conditions are almost perfect year-round on this island which is south of the hurricane belt.

The power of concentration
Getting a new limb while on vacation has other advantages too. By devoting a specific two-week period and going to a distant, relaxing environment, patients are better able to focus on the process. They are not stressed and anxious about the time being lost from work. They can concentrate on getting the adjustments right and then testing them with a half day of enjoyable activity on a Caribbean island. Especially in the winter!

Enjoying the process
This vacation program also helps put the new limb to the test. Instead of just walking around a room or on a treadmill for a short while, patients are urged to spend all afternoon seeing the sights or walking on the beach. This way they know how their limb will fit after several hours of real work in a hot environment, when the residual limb usually swells. Mieke, whose primary practice is working with amputees, also provides gait training and tips for improved limb use efficiency.

So, how does this sound: two weeks vacation on a beautiful tropical island, a new artificial limb with all the latest technology, a truly custom fit job by a lower limb specialist. You will have the time to do it correctly and all of this for much less than the new limb itself at US prices. If it sounds good to you, just get in touch with Sentro ORTO-FISIKO Kòrsou and we will start a "conversation" via e-mail, fax or phone to answer any questions you may have.

E-mail us for more information at: sofk@sofk.com