ST. FRANCIS OFFERS FOOT CARE

With the exception of blindness, the loss of a leg is the most feared complication among diabetics.

To help with that fear, St. Francis Medical Center has introduced a diabetic foot-care service available by appointment every Thursday afternoon.

The service is headquartered in the outpatient clinics of the St. Francis Rehabilitation Center.

It has been well founded that 70 percent of all non-traumatic amputations in the U.S. are performed on diabetics, said a hospital spokesman.

The American Diabetes Association reports that 30 percent of all diabetics have significant peripheral vascular disease and, or neuropathy, and approximately 20 percent of the diabetics who enter the hospital are admitted for foot problems.

The hospital's diabetes nurse educator, Amy Ward, said diabetic-related amputations can be reduced by more than half through regular exams and proper foot care.

Services provided at the center include foot evaluation by a physician, if requested; instructions on proper foot and nail care; and information and fitting for appropriate foot wear. The program also provides orthotics, physical therapy and wound-care management.

All patients seen at the center are referred to their doctor and, or appropriate specialist.