(PRWEB) October 09, 2013
It’s determined that as many as 75% of all diabetes-related amputations are unnecessary. This is especially helpful news; with morbid obesity and diabetes on the upsurge in the U.S., amputation among high-risk individuals is a looming public health risk. In particular, the amputation rate among the African-American and Latino groups is much higher than in other populations.
The mission of The Releford Foot and Ankle Institute is to help high-risk populations and effectively reduce diabetes-related amputations in Los Angeles County. Founder Dr. Bill Releford has launched the following list to help patients with diabetes minimize the risk of meaningless amputations:
Dr. Releford’s 10 Steps to Avoid Amputation
1. Do not smoke.
2. Exercise daily.
3. Control your cholesterol.
4. Dry in between all toes after bathing.
5. Always manage your diabetes and blood pressure.
6. Consistently wear shoes made from natural sources such as calfskin or soft leathers.
7. Never pull or pick skin from your feet.
8. Have at least five colors of fruits and fresh vegetables every day.
9. Never cut toenails or trim calluses if you have diabetes or inadequate circulation. See a podiatrist for routine foot care.
10. Don't go barefoot if you have diabetes even at home.
Says Dr. Releford, "Just by taking control of their health, controlling their disease, and paying careful attention to their feet, patients with diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of amputation. By broadcasting this list, I hope to remind everybody with diabetes that though amputation is a very real hazard, it is one they can most likely avoid."
About Dr. Bill J. Releford, D.P.M.
Dr. Bill J. Releford, D.P.M., a graduate of the Temple School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, commenced his practice in 1990 and developed the Diabetic Foot Institute, a business dedicated exclusively to the reduction of diabetes-related amputations in high-risk individuals. Dr. Releford is recognized both domestically and internationally as a leader in the field of diabetic limb preservation and wound care, and recently received prestigious awards from the Association of Black Cardiologists and the Regional Black Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to public health. Dr. Releford uses platelet-rich plasma therapy to treat diabetic neuropathy, foot injuries, and chronic non-healing wounds.
Dr. Releford is an assistant professor at Charles R. Drew University and lectures worldwide about the latest techniques in limb salvage and community-based outreach. He authored the book Five Colors A Day to Better Health, and has been featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ABC’s The View, and in The Washington Post, Newsweek, and The Los Angeles Times.