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The Chesapeake Foot And Ankle Center Joins APMA To Increase Youth Awareness Of Type 2 Diabetes

With signs of disease sometimes first appearing in the feet, podiatry association advocates early and regular exams

Pasadena, MD (August 28, 2009) - Backed by an educational campaign devised by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Center (CFAC) in Pasadena, MD has announced local efforts designed to increase the awareness of type 2 diabetes among area youth. The focus of the program revolves around APMA's creation of "Jordan's Story," an animated cartoon in which an African-America boy discovers he has diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and most often affects African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and the aged population. The disease is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin which the body utilizes for energy. The failure to recognize symptoms or treat diabetes can result in more serious conditions including heart disease, blindness or nerve and kidney damage.

The "Jordan's Story" program is aimed at youngsters ages eight and older and provides a kid-friendly collection of activities, paint-by-numbers page, word search and quizzes that teaches the basics about diabetes, including how to recognize and manage the disease.

"This campaign appeals to us on a number of levels and our practice has decided to take a more aggressive and hands-on approach to increase the awareness among children of type 2 diabetes in our local community," explained Dr. Ira Gottlieb, founder of The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Center. "Knowledge is comforting and, should a family member be diagnosed with the disease, our aim is to provide youngsters with a better understanding of the treatment and management of diabetes. We are also promoting the importance of proper check-ups and examinations of the feet that detect the disease at an early stage."

The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Center will make available copies of "Jordan's Story" for families within its practice and promote the accompanying website www.apma.org/kidszone/ in marketing materials that the office regularly disseminates. Throughout the next year, CFAC has pledged to visit various schools in and around the central Maryland region to discuss the importance of early detection of diabetes, including self-examination tips and dos and don'ts once diagnosed.

"Everyone needs to pay attention to changes in the appearance of their feet, but this is especially important if you or someone in your family have diabetes so you can detect signs of complications. We call this our 'knock your socks off' campaign and we suggest annual examinations by a podiatrist," Dr. Gottlieb added.

The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Center recommends this daily checklist of actions for people with diabetes.

• inspect your feet every day for cuts, sores, blisters, tingling, redness and swelling.
• wash your feet daily and always dry carefully between the toes.
• powder your feet lightly after bathing.
• cut toenails straight across.
• use a good skin lotion t
• protect your feet from cracking and drying
• wear loose-fitting socks t
• bed
• wear comfortable and well-fitting shoes
• avoid walking barefoot
• avoid cigarette smoking
• see a podiatrist for treatment or corns or calluses

The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Center, in addition to its advocacy measures focused on the prevention and early detection of diabetes, offers specialized and state-of-the-art treatment and management methods of the disease. Their range of services encompasses treatment that addresses complications of diabetes such as wound care limb salvage and advanced reconstructive procedures.

Founded in 1987, The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Center maintains full-service offices in Pasadena, MD and Baltimore City. For more information call 410-768-5800 or visit www.chesapeakefootandankle.com.