VITALS
The Foot Health Foundation has several suggestions for the 16 million Americans with diabetes, including washing feet daily and avoiding walking barefoot or wearing high heels, sandals and shoes with pointed toes.
Fifteen percent of all people with diabetes will develop open wounds on their feet. In many cases, those people have ulcerations that lead to amputation. Yet with the help of diet, exercise, medication and hygiene, many amputations can be avoided.
The foundation has published a brochure, “Don’t Let Diabetes Get a Foothold on Your Life,” that offers diabetes warning signs and other information on foot health. Free copies of the brochure are available by calling (800) 615-0807.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
