J.C. Blair’s Wound Healing Center Raises Awareness of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Recurrence
The Wound Healing Center at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, a member of the Healogics network, is participating in Healogics’ National Diabetes Campaign from October 29 to November 2. J.C. Blair offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Team members across the nation will dedicate the entire week to visiting local physician offices to provide education on the treatment of potential or existing chronic wounds for people living with diabetes.
An estimated 30.3 million people in the United States (9.4 percent of the population) have diabetes, including 7.2 million who are unaware they are living with the disease. The percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age, reaching a high of 25.2 percent among those aged 65 years or older. In addition to age, risk factors for diabetes include diet, activity level, obesity and heredity. High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune systems issues, nerve damage and infection may contribute to a diabetic foot ulcer.
With America’s diabetic population expected to nearly double by 2030, it is important that people understand the risks and know the facts associated with diabetic foot ulcers. Approximately 25 percent of people living with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. As many as 40 percent of people with a healed diabetic foot ulcer will develop a new ulcer within a year. An estimated 14 to 24 percent of people with foot ulcers will experience an amputation. An amputation results in decreased quality of life, increased medical costs and a significantly higher risk of mortality. The five-year mortality rate following a lower extremity amputation is 50 percent.
Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. The J.C. Blair Wound Healing Center staff recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:
- Stop smoking immediately
- Comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your healthcare provider (at least four times a year)
- Daily self-inspections of the feet, or have a family member perform the inspection
- Regular care of the feet including cleaning toenails and taking care of corns and calluses
- Choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks)
- Take steps to improve circulation such as eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis
Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers. JC Blair’s Wound Healing Center offers a number of leading-edge treatments including Total Contact Casting (TCC) and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy, in addition to wound debridement and dressings.
These specialized wound care therapies can aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.
Contact J.C. Blair’s Wound Healing Center to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. To schedule an appointment, please call (814) 643-8367 or visit www.jcblair.org/services/woundhealing.php. Director Lisa Hart would be happy to come and talk with any community group about wound care or diabetes and foot care.
About the Wound Healing Center at J.C. Blair
J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon opened the Wound Healing Center in 2002 to offer a multidisciplinary approach to wound management. Our specially trained physicians, nurses and therapists work together to design innovative treatment programs specifically for your needs. In this Outpatient Clinic, located right on the ground floor of the hospital, patients receive state-of-the-art, customized treatment of wounds that have resisted healing despite months, or even years of conventional treatment.
About Healogics
Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, Healogics is the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. Healogics and its affiliated companies manage a network of Wound Care Centers® throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Healogics technology-enabled wound care model supports the critical connection between patients with chronic wounds and multi-disciplinary teams for continuous, collaborative, patient-centered care. For more information, please visit www.healogics.com.
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