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Beebe Offers Free Diabetic Foot Screenings

08/16/06

Beebe Medical Center's Wound Care Services/Diabetes Management Department will sponsor a series of foot screenings for people who live with diabetes.

The screenings are designed for those who are not under the care of a podiatrist. Participants will receive a foot screening, as well as education on daily foot care, proper footwear and problems that require treatment. While the screenings are free of charge, participants must register ahead of time.

Daily foot care and the wearing of proper shoes are critical for those with diabetes because of the effects of the disease on blood circulation and the immune system. A loss of feeling in the feet leading to a cut or a wound going unnoticed can occur, as well as overall problems with the skin's sweat glands that can lead to dry, cracked skin. These symptoms can lead to serious skin ulcers, fungal infections and bacterial infections that may not heal without medical care.

"Our goal as health care providers is to educate people with diabetes about foot care in order to prevent long-term complications and amputations, says Bonnie Cunningham, Department Director. We want everyone in our community to have access to the care they need."

These screenings will take place between 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., September 6, and November 1 at the Beebe Long Neck Health Center on Long Neck Road in Millsboro. To register, or to learn more about the programs offered by Wound Care Services/Diabetes Management Department, call (302) 947-2500.

Wound Care Services/ Diabetes Management is an outpatient department of Beebe Medical Center and is located at the Longneck Health Campus. The department was established in 1998 to evaluate and treat chronic wounds, provide ostomy care, nutrition counseling and diabetes education to those living in our community.

Beebe Medical Center is a not-for-profit community medical center with a mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health with the people residing, working, or visiting in the communities we serve. For more information, please visit us online at .