This spring, California State University, Northridge will host its first-ever Exercise Community Living in Prosthetics and Supporting Everyone (ECLIPSE) symposium for individuals with limb loss. The event was created to support health care providers and Northridge community members living with prosthetics, while also reaching out to the campus and general community. The goal is to shift the focus of patients to living a healthy life with prosthetics rather than focusing on suffering and loss.

The symposium, which is the brainchild of faculty members from the Department of Physical Therapy within the College of Health and Human Development, is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 21, from noon to 4 p.m. in Jacaranda Hall, as well as the North Field adjacent to Sierra Hall.

ECLIPSE Symposium Flyer 2015

“Activity after amputation is life sustaining, yet returning to an active lifestyle can be quite challenging,” said Vicky Graham, a faculty member in the Department of Physical Therapy. “At CSUN we are bringing together experienced clinicians, future health care workers and local support groups to create the ECLIPSE community. If you or a family member is living with an amputation, this event is for you.”

CSUN is a campus that encourages students to combine academic pursuits with hands-on experience. The event particularly presents a high-impact opportunity for students to work with local people with limb loss.

“CSUN students from physical therapy and kinesiology will be helping community members during afternoon walking, running and obstacle sessions,” said Graham. “Kinesiology graduate students will lead tours of the Center of Achievement, and we have student Peer Nutrition Counselors providing tips on healthy eating.”

The afternoon will include various sessions with physical therapists covering areas such as “Learn to Run,” “Improve Walking and Balance” and “Ask a Pharmacist.” The distinguished panel of speakers includes Charissa Doerger, Kent Tracy and Graham.

Ossur Americas, one of the leading prosthetics manufacturers in North America, will be joining CSUN as a generous community partner and corporate sponsor in providing a free lunch for all those in attendance.

Parking will be free for community members. Please contact the CSUN Department of Physical Therapy at (818) 677-2203 for more information.

Department of Kinesiology, Physical Therapy