Facts About Limb Loss
Two million Americans are living with limb loss.
On average 507 Americans lose a limb each day.
Smoking doubles your risk of losing a lower limb.
Diabetes is the No. 1 cause of amputation.
Of people with diabetes who have a lower-limb amputation, up to 55% will require amputation of the second leg within 2 to 3 years.
Nearly half of the people who lose a limb to dysvascular disease will die within 5 years.
25 Tips to Prevent Limb Loss
- Educate yourself about limb loss.
- Educate yourself about diabetes.
- Educate yourself about Peripheral Arterial Disease.
- Receive regular podiatric care.
- Participate in a comprehensive foot care program.
- Always wear shoes and socks.
- Have your ankle brachial index measured regularly.
- Attend a diabetes self management course.
- Follow proper foot washing procedures.
- Check your feet for cold spots.
- Use a foot mirror to visualy inspect your feet.
- Check your feet every day.
- See your doctor regularly.
- Take precautions when working with snowblowers.
- Follow saftey guidelines when working around farm equipment.
- Take precautions when using lawnmowers.
- Follow safety regulations for safe use of fireworks
- Have your blood glucose checked regularly.
- Have your cholesterol checked regularly.
- Check your blood pressure regularly.
- Know your risk of developing diabetes.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index.
- Lead an active lifestyle.
- Healthy eating habits.
- Stop Smoking.
