ECMC Wound Care Center and Healogics raise awareness about Diabetic Foot Ulcers

BUFFALO, NY; October 27 2014—The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at ECMC (Erie County Medical Center) is participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign from October 27 to October 31.  One of nearly 600 Healogics managed centers; ECMC offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers.  Program directors across the nation are dedicating the entire week to visiting local physician offices to provide education to help staff identify diabetic patients with or at risk of having ulcers of the lower extremity. 

 

There are approximately 29 million people living with diabetes in the United States.  Of those, about 15 percent will develop an ulcer of the lower extremity.  Left untreated, these ulcers can impair quality of life and may lead to amputation.  Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. 

 

“Diabetics represent approximately 60 percent of non-traumatic lower limb amputations among people 20 years and older,” said D. Scott Covington, MD, FACS, Chief Medical Officer for Healogics, Inc.  Covington goes on to say, “It is vitally important that people with diabetes, their caregivers and physicians recognize the warning signs of diabetic foot ulcers and seek appropriate treatment immediately when an ulcer does occur.” 

 

If you have a wound, you may benefit from a visit to the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at ECMC.  To schedule an appointment, please call (716) 898-4800 or visit http://www.ecmc.edu/medicalservices/wound/.