up next Sara Myers
Sara Myers
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment
Getting Patients Moving with Specialty Support
February 2019
Advanced age can have its challenges. And when you have severe leg pain with numbness, weakness and cramping, everyday tasks like walking through the grocery store are suddenly much harder. But that’s the reality for many people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects one in 20 Americans, according to the National Institute of Health.
Peripheral artery disease doesn’t only cause pain; it can also lead to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Increasing physical activity can improve outcomes for patients, but when you’re in pain, staying active is tough.
Sara Myers is working to break the cycle.
“This patient group can become very sedentary, and once you stop getting out of your house, your quality of life really decreases,” says Myers, UNO associate professor of Biomechanics and vice chancellor for Research and Creative Activity. “It’s a problem that occurs in a large number of people that doesn’t have a lot of treatment options.”
![close up shot of support device](/-/media/projects/unca/images/nuforne/healthcare/uno-inset.jpg)
But with her team’s biomechanics innovation—an ankle support device—they may be able to reduce patient pain, make physical activity easier and delay invasive treatment procedures.
Myers is leading a five-year study, with three years to go, to investigate whether the ankle support device can support a better quality of life for PAD patients. She has high hopes for the device, since good applications of biomechanics can solve real healthcare problems. Biomechanics experts are also researching the promise of other custom assistive devices for specific conditions, such as stroke survivors.
"I think [our work] speaks to the nature of Nebraskans. We’re very giving and hardworking and we want to help."
“I think [our work] speaks to the nature of Nebraskans. We’re very giving and hardworking and we want to help. When we have scientists, whether it’s at UNO, UNMC, UNK or UNL, whatever it is, that have a problem we can address, we do a great job coming together and working together to solve that important problem.”
While biomechanics is a relatively young field, advancements in 3D-printed prosthetics and fall prevention are proof that it’s just getting started. Continued support of the university system is key to future projects like Myers’. Just as her ankle device supports patients to keep moving, a strong university will support the success of more healthcare innovations for years to come.
Pictured in the header photo: Sara Myers, right, works with UNO student Henamari Ybay to test the ankle support device in UNO's biomechanics lab.
Discover our Podcast Series
The 鈥淟eading Nebraska鈥 podcast shares the stories of the researchers, students, teachers and others across the University of Nebraska's four campuses who are making an impact. From teachers and doctors to engineers and ag experts, these Nebraska leaders are touching lives and making a difference.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your Nebraska State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is鈥攁nd how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about your support for the 金算盘免费资料大全 System.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the 金算盘免费资料大全. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Send an Email
Sending a written message to your state senator is an easy way to engage your representative. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic鈥 "Investing in the 金算盘免费资料大全 System" or "Supporting the 金算盘免费资料大全 System"
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about your support for the 金算盘免费资料大全 System
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the 金算盘免费资料大全. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support the University moving forward.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the 金算盘免费资料大全鈥攁nd you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The 金算盘免费资料大全 System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.