Kennedy Health’s Wound Care Center recognizes September as Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month
Peripheral Arterial Disease is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque). PAD can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation and possibly death. PAD affects eight to 12 million Americans, which is why September is recognized as PAD Awareness Month.
While some patients with PAD do not experience symptoms, chronic toe and foot sores can be common problems, as well as cramping, numbness, weakness or heaviness in the leg muscles. PAD patients with chronic, non-healing toe and foot sores can often benefit from services offered at a wound care center, such as the Kennedy Health Center for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which has locations in Cherry Hill and Washington Township.
Smokers are four times at greater risk for PAD; African Americans are twice as likely to have PAD and one in every three people over the age of 50 is likely to have the condition, according to recent statistics provided by Healogics, Inc., the nation’s highest provider of advanced wound care services.
The Center for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Kennedy recommends the following action steps to help manage PAD:
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers to help improve blood circulation.
- Developing healthy eating habits and an exercise plan to increase circulation and reduce pain in the lower extremities.
- People suffering from PAD should consult with their physician regarding potentially helpful medications or surgical options.
For more information about PAD and treating chronic wounds, contact The Center for Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Kennedy at 1–866-KHS-HEAL (547–4325), or visit www.kennedyhealth.org/woundcare.
