According to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, the average person takes 10,000 steps each day and every step can place two to three times of body weight forces on the feet. April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and a time when the experts at the HaysMed Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center suggest people take a moment to stand up for their feet.

The Center treats chronic foot and leg wounds that are often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease. It is estimated that 15 percent of all diabetics will develop a diabetic foot ulcer, and without treatment the wounds can lead to amputation or death.

“Checking feet every day, especially in patients with diabetes, can save money and save lives,” said Zurab Tsereteli, MD, Medical Director for the Haysmed Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center. “Our center specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and the underlying conditions that are not allowing that wound to heal in a normal time,” said Christina Cantrell, Program Director for the HaysMed Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center.  “A chronic wound is any wound that has not healed within 30 days, or has not had a 50% improvement within 2 weeks.”

The Centers for Disease Control has found that comprehensive foot care programs can reduce diabetes related amputation rates by 45 to 85 percent. There are also preventative measures everyone can do to improve foot health. The HaysMed Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center offers the following foot care tips:

Don’t ignore your feet. The National Institute on Aging cautions that foot health can be an indicator to certain conditions. For example, joint stiffness could mean arthritis, and tingling or numbness could be a sign of diabetes. Swelling might indicate kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure.

Changes that occur in the feet as we age include the foot and ankle losing some of their normal range of motion and becoming stiffer while there can also be some loss of balance while walking.

If your foot rolls too much toward the inside, it can lead to arch strain and pain on the inside of the knee. If your foot rolls too much to the outside, you’re more susceptible to ankle sprains and stress fractures. Examine the bottom of a pair of well-worn shoes and if they show signs of excessive wear on the inner or outer sole, you might benefit from adding orthotic insoles in your shoes.

Often the first sign of osteoporosis is a stress fracture in the foot, so it is important to get the proper daily requirements of calcium and vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium.

To stay steady on your feet, consider adding programs that include balance training such as Tai Chi and yoga to your exercise regimen.
Sitting can be as important as standing. Crossing your legs can cause pressure on the nerves and blood vessels and cause possible damage.

Medicare and many health care providers will reimburse a portion or all of the cost of shoes and custom inserts prescribed by a doctor. Don’t buy more than one at a time since the size and shape of feet change over time.

People with diabetes can’t rely on foot pain to alert them to a problem since diabetes can cause changes in the skin on the feet as well as nerve damage which can impair sensation of feeling. Each day, diabetics should visually inspect their feet and between their toes for blisters, cuts and red spots and swelling.

Have your feet examined during doctor visits, and tell your doctor about any redness, blisters or wounds on your legs or feet.

Seek medical treatment if a leg or foot wound has not healed in 30 days, or shows signs of infection such as increased pain, redness or swelling, foul wound odor or a change in color or amount of drainage from the wound.

The Haysmed Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center offers comprehensive wound care and leading-edge treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.  *The HaysMed Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center collaborates with Healogics, which is the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services. Healogics and its affiliated companies have nearly 800 wound Care Centers ® in the nation. For more information please visit www.healogics.com.

 

Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism

Staff from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are investigating dead and dying fish near the spillway at Wilson Reservoir in Russell County.

In late March, KDWPT district fisheries biologist Scott Waters investigated reports of dead fish in Spillway Cove near the lake’s dam and found approximately 50 dead fish.

“Probably half of the fish were adult smallmouth bass,” Waters said. “The rest of the mix was made up of walleye, drum and one striped bass. They appeared healthy, and some were still alive, swimming lethargically.”

Dead fish and water samples have been sent to labs for testing, and results are expected in early May.

Investigators have identified no obvious reason for the die-off, which may number several hundred fish. The number of dead fish showing up each day appears to be slowing down.

The 9,000-acre reservoir, known for its crystal clear water and rugged prairie surroundings, has suffered through the long-term drought. The water level is more than 8 feet below what is considered normal; however, at this time, it does not appear connected to the dead fish. There is no evidence that any threat is posed to anglers or lake users.

“Our staff will continue to monitor the situation,” said KDWPT Fisheries Section chief Doug Nygren. “And we’ll inform the public as soon as test results are received and evaluated or we learn anything new.”

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Hays-based Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is asking the 18-county area it serves to “Teal Up” this month by wearing teal in support victims of sexual assault.

Options Executive Director Mandy Wallgren said the campaign ties with this month’s National Sexual Assault Awareness campaign — “Start by Believing.”

“It can be really difficult to when someone tells you they have been sexually assaulted or traumatized and the easiest. (The) best thing you can do is start by believing,” Wallgren said. “Don’t question ‘What were you wearing?’ ‘What were you doing there?’ ‘How much did you have to drink?’ Just be there for the person, be a supportive force and just start by believing.”

Wallgren said she is meeting with organizations including Fort Hays State University and local businesses hoping they will “Teal Up” one day this month and post the picture on the Options Facebook page.

“Teal Up” pictures can also be emailed to [email protected] to be posted.

“(We want) to show there is community support … that (sexual assault and domestic violence) is a community issue, and we really want the community to show they are supportive of people who have to deal with the trauma,”  Wallgren said.

For more information, visit the Options website  or call (785) 625-4202.