MedTech

Flat light sucks.     Credit: Jan Brunvand

BLINDED BY THE (FLAT) LIGHT: SENIOR SKIERS CAN SEE CLEARLY IN SNOW

A version of this article first appeared in 2015 in Huffington Post. I was hardly able to move; disoriented on terrain I’d skied for years. Other skiers seemed to be managing fine. But the light was flat, and my eyes could no longer pick up contours in the white on white. “Flat light,” a version of whiteout, greatly reduces the[Read More…]

by January 6, 2022 9 comments Other News, MedTech, Home Top Box 3
Here's Harriet. Two new knees, two new hips. When it comes to joint replacement, she knows what she is talking about.
Credit: Courtesy of Alta

Is A Hip Replacement In Your Future?

Here Are Some Tips From A Two-Hip Skier. Your decision to replace any body part is a serious decision. Unlike a purchase from a retail store, you cannot return an implant! But when your “original equipment” wears out, it’s time to have it replaced. Overall, we’re living longer, we’re living healthier, and we want to enjoy life—and ski. As background,[Read More…]

by June 24, 2020 8 comments MedTech
Roam Elevate backpack and control device

The Future Is Here

Among the thousands of reasons the abrupt end to the season is a bummer is this: Those of you who were planning to demo the Roam Robotics Elevate will need to wait until we’re back on the hill. Elevate is world’s first computer-assisted knee exoskeleton for skiers. I had the good fortune to try the device toward the end of[Read More…]

by April 8, 2020 2 comments MedTech
“I Felt Like I Skied One Run, Not Eight”

“I Felt Like I Skied One Run, Not Eight”

[Editor Note: SeniorsSkiing.com is asking our readers to contribute to support our online magazine. Yes, we have grown in the number of subscribers and advertisers. But our expenses have also grown. You can help us defray some of these expenses by helping us out with a donation.] Support SeniorsSkiing.com by clicking here. ______________________________________________________ Roam Elevate is a computer-driven exoskeleton that[Read More…]

by February 12, 2020 2 comments Gear, MedTech
Viable alternative?  Research carefully, caveat emptor. Results may vary.

Stem Cell Injection Alternative To Knee Replacement?

by May 20, 2019 18 comments MedTech
What a new knee looks like when it is all over. Credit: Bob Nesoff

My Knee Replacement Story

Conditioning Makes A Huge Difference To This Skier’s Post-Op Experience. A lifetime of abusing my body never really bothered me until it did. Coming down a blue trail five miles long at Park City, UT, one of my all time favorites because of the killer views, suddenly posed a problem. My knees were killing me. The pain traveled into my[Read More…]

by March 12, 2019 24 comments MedTech
Sometimes Our Bodies Need Help

Sometimes Our Bodies Need Help

There are times when we can benefit from some extra help, especially as we age or develop chronic medical conditions.  Nick Manley, a remarkable athlete with a degenerative neurological condition, swears by the Ski-Mojo knee bracing system. The product’s shock absorbing springs reduce the load on his knees, allowing him to continue to race and ski for the entire day[Read More…]

by March 4, 2019 5 comments Accessories, MedTech
Short Swings!

Short Swings!

Have you ever been in or near an avalanche? Big Mountain skiers everywhere are accustomed to hearing and feeling the reverberations of bombs and other technologies used to dislodge slides, making the areas safer. A few years ago, Taos added a chair to improve accessibility to Kachina Peak.  Last week, following inspection by patrol, a slide there killed two.  At the[Read More…]

by January 25, 2019 7 comments Short Swings!, Accessories, MedTech
Dermatologist on Sunscreens and Skiing

Dermatologist on Sunscreens and Skiing

Memo to Skiers: Always use a “broad- spectrum” sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Commercial sunscreens are divided into two classes: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens contain Zinc oxide and titanium oxide. They deflect ultraviolet energy from the skin by scattering ultraviolet light. All other sunscreen compounds are “chemical,” which act by absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting the[Read More…]

by March 22, 2017 0 comments MedTech, Other News
Walk-In Orthopedic Clinic Opens Near Salt Lake City’s Resorts

Walk-In Orthopedic Clinic Opens Near Salt Lake City’s Resorts

Nobody wants to get hurt while on vacation, but sometimes it happens. Did you crash at one of the Wasatch Front resorts, think you were okay, but later decide to get checked? This new after-hours clinic treats what was hurt while skiing during the day. The University of Utah Health Care Orthopedic Center is one of only a handful of academic[Read More…]

by March 16, 2017 0 comments MedTech
Senior Skiers: Take Care in the Sun!

Senior Skiers: Take Care in the Sun!

Advice From a Dermatologist Nordic Skier. The sun is by far and away the most common cause of both (1) skin cancer and (2) skin aging. More than two million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the USA. Caught early, most skin cancers can be removed, leaving a cosmetically acceptable scar. In more advanced cases, valued anatomic parts[Read More…]

by March 15, 2017 0 comments Health, MedTech
Siri says alternative medicine returned her to real life.  
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Can Alternative Medicine Help You?

A Tragic Accident Turns A Ski Racer Into A Believer And A Healer. Siri Wieringa was born into a skiing family. It’s in her genes. By college she was an accomplished ski racer. But a horrific on-course accident tossed her down the hill, flipping her over and over, breaking up one side of her body and terrorizing her brain. When[Read More…]

by November 22, 2016 2 comments MedTech
From The Ski Diva: Keep Tootsies Warm

From The Ski Diva: Keep Tootsies Warm

Advice On How To Manage Cold Feet. Our friend and fellow online ski magazine, The Ski Diva, has just posted a really helpful article on cold feet management.  This is important folks.  Cold toesies can ruin your day and might even discourage you from enjoying the world of winter outdoors.  Take a moment to check out The Diva’s suggestions, and[Read More…]

by January 26, 2016 0 comments Features, MedTech, Home Top Box 2
Don't be old-fashioned about getting fit.  Rose Marie Cleese finds high-quality sites to check out.

My Fitness Journey Continues: Part Seven

Wading Through the Web For The Best, Most Reliable Health and Fitness Info. You can find anything on the internet: the good, the rad…and the untruthful! So how do you know that what you’re reading on any given website is solid, current information? When you’re embarking on a fitness journey and decide to do some internet research, you’ll find a[Read More…]

by November 5, 2015 0 comments Health, MedTech
Rehab Friend: A Little Assist From Your eBike

Rehab Friend: A Little Assist From Your eBike

An Electric Bike Offers A Friendly Boost To New Knees and Hips   We all remember “With a Little Help from My Friends” by The Beatles. My, how things have changed in the 48 years since its release, especially for those boomers who want to come back to the slopes after major surgery on hips and knees and rotator cuffs, among other[Read More…]

by July 28, 2015 0 comments Accessories, MedTech
Not exotic fruit, fellas.  It's a blossoming stem cell that can be used in healing senior skier joint ailments.;

Adult Stem Cell Therapy For Skiers

Is This Trendy Therapy Right For What Hurts? Just a week ago, a skier friend underwent stem cell therapy for his painful knee. Ever since, he’s been sending me emails extolling the wonders of this cutting edge technology. We’re all skiers and our knees take a beating over time, so when he began singing praises about adult stem cell therapy,[Read More…]

by February 18, 2015 6 comments MedTech
Huff Post: Skiing With Senior Eyes

Huff Post: Skiing With Senior Eyes

Huffington Post Features SeniorsSkiing.com’s co-founder Jon Weisberg On Light, Goggles and Lenses We’ve all been there.  Flat light conditions, slow down, stop.  Take your goggles off and put them on.  Peer down the slope.  Proceed slowly, cautiously down, perhaps calling it a day. In his latest Huff Post Post-50 article, SeniorsSkiing.com’s co-founder Jon Weisberg explores the impact of aging eyes[Read More…]

by February 12, 2015 0 comments Features, MedTech
Knee Replacement—What Do I Do Now? Part 5

Knee Replacement—What Do I Do Now? Part 5

If you want to get back to skiing, learn to love your physical therapy. It took my expert knee replacement surgeon one hour to cut, saw, hammer and install each new knee. It took me a year to rehab them. I was astounded by how long it took. I was in good physical condition before surgery, and I had the[Read More…]

by January 6, 2015 7 comments Home Top Box 4, Health, MedTech
Correspondent Harriet Wallis chose Dr. Beck for many reasons.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Knee Replacement—How I Chose My Surgeon: Part 4

How To Identify An Athletically-Empathic Surgeon. I’m lucky to live in Salt Lake City. There are 10 ski resorts nearby, and there are opportunities for an active lifestyle year-round. Because of that, there are many top surgeons here who put athletes back together when they get injured or need replacement parts. But when I needed to have my knees replaced, I[Read More…]

by December 15, 2014 1 comment Health, MedTech, Home Top Box 3
Harriet waits to interview a surgeon amidst clear evidence of sport-orientation.
Credit: Harriet Wallis

Knee Replacement—Interviewing The Docs: Part 3

Practical tips to help you evaluate surgeons Inspired by a Brighton, Utah, ski patroller with two artificial knees, I buckled down and researched the knee replacement process. I soon felt like I had a PhD on the subject. I’m glad I did the homework. It charted my course. Make a list. From my research, I generated 20 questions to ask[Read More…]

by November 23, 2014 1 comment MedTech
HIghly trained ski patrollers will be looking for your id.
Credit: Deer Valley

Who Are You? The Ski Patrol Wants To Know

Carrying Identification Can Help The Ski Patrol Help You. Accidents happen. And when they do, the ski patrol will likely be your savior. But the patrol needs your help. Here’s what you should have with you every time you ski or ride–just in case. Carry identification. If you’re injured and can’t speak for yourself, the patrol will have to figure[Read More…]

by November 13, 2014 0 comments Accessories, MedTech, Home Top Box 1
Metal Knee Model: Is there one in your future?
Credit:  Harriet Wallis

Knee Replacement Isn’t For Sissies: Part 2

Tips to Kick Start Your Research A Brighton, Utah, ski patroller with two artificial knees assured me there’s definitely life – and skiing – after knee replacement. Her unbounded success motivated me to launch into research. I’m glad I did my homework. What I learned affected the direction I took, the outcome and ultimately my success. Here are some tips[Read More…]

by October 23, 2014 0 comments MedTech, Home Top Box 1
Is There Life After Knee Replacement? Part I

Is There Life After Knee Replacement? Part I

Inspiration Is The First Step. There’s a saying: If you can’t run with the big dogs, stay on the porch. I had to stay on the porch. My knees had quit, and I spent ski days mostly on the deck of the ski lodge while everybody else went skiing. I slathered on the sunscreen, drank hot chocolate and chatted with visitors.[Read More…]

by July 25, 2014 8 comments MedTech
Senior Skier’s Skin Game: Five Protective Tips

Senior Skier’s Skin Game: Five Protective Tips

While a great mid-winter day on the slopes may nourish the soul, it can do the opposite for aging skin. It’s common knowledge that our skin changes with age. It becomes thinner, loses fat, loses sweat and oil glands, and generally takes longer to heal than it did in younger days. Fortunately, with a little extra effort, skin can be[Read More…]

by June 4, 2014 0 comments Health, MedTech