Pekin Hospital to Offer Diabetic Foot Screening
Pekin Hospital will offer a free diabetic foot screening on March 26 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Pekin Orthopedic Center located at 2351 Broadway in Pekin. Podiatrist Dr. Kurt Glesne will perform the screenings to identify patients at risk for diabetic foot complications.
The foot screening will include assessment of nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and structural foot deformities, ultimately reducing the risk of future complications including lower extremity amputations. In addition to the foot exam, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, and blood pressures will also be performed.
Foot health is very important for people with type 2 diabetes because the condition is often linked to poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy (disease of the nerves). When people with diabetes don’t take proper care of their feet, they can get skin ulcers (sores). Foot sores take a long time to heal and can lead to complications, like amputation or death. According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime.
If you have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association offers the following tips for taking care of your feet:
· Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
· Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
· If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
· Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
· Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don't put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
· Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.
Appointments are required. Please call (309) 353-0662 to make your appointment or visit www.pekinhospital.org. As a reminder to participants, screenings are not intended to take the place of regular physical examinations, but are offered as an opportunity for individuals to learn more about their own health.
Pekin Hospital, which is celebrating its 100th year of service to the community, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a past recipient of the Lincoln Foundation for Excellence Silver Award.
The foot screening will include assessment of nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and structural foot deformities, ultimately reducing the risk of future complications including lower extremity amputations. In addition to the foot exam, body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, and blood pressures will also be performed.
Foot health is very important for people with type 2 diabetes because the condition is often linked to poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy (disease of the nerves). When people with diabetes don’t take proper care of their feet, they can get skin ulcers (sores). Foot sores take a long time to heal and can lead to complications, like amputation or death. According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as one in four people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime.
If you have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association offers the following tips for taking care of your feet:
· Check your feet every day. Look at your bare feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, and blisters. If you cannot see the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone for help.
· Wash your feet every day. Dry them carefully, especially between the toes.
· If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them when needed. Trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board or nail file.
· Wear shoes and socks at all times. Never walk barefoot. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no objects inside.
· Protect your feet from hot and cold. Wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Don't put your feet into hot water. Test water before putting your feet in it just as you would before bathing a baby. Never use hot water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets. You can burn your feet without realizing it.
· Keep the blood flowing to your feet. Put your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move your ankles up and down for 5 minutes, two (2) or three (3) times a day. Don't cross your legs for long periods of time.
Appointments are required. Please call (309) 353-0662 to make your appointment or visit www.pekinhospital.org. As a reminder to participants, screenings are not intended to take the place of regular physical examinations, but are offered as an opportunity for individuals to learn more about their own health.
Pekin Hospital, which is celebrating its 100th year of service to the community, is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a past recipient of the Lincoln Foundation for Excellence Silver Award.
Comments
Post a Comment