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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2006

Ankle & Foot Care Centers Seek to Increase Awareness During American Diabetes Month
Foot problems are among the most common complications of diabetes — but preventive podiatric care can reduce their frequency

BOARDMAN, OHIO — November is American Diabetes Month, and the 15 podiatric physicians and surgeons of Ankle & Foot Care Centers want those who suffer from or are at risk for diabetesrelated foot conditions to know that help is available in a variety of forms.

Ankle & Foot Care Centers provide the finest quality foot care at 19 locations in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Stark Counties in Ohio and in Greenville, Pennsylvania.

In the past decade, the incidence of diabetes in the United States has increased 33 percent; in 2005-2006 the total number of sufferers stood at 20.7 million, with an additional 10 million cases thought to be as yet undiagnosed.

Various problems of the foot are among the major complications of diabetes — in fact, diabetes is the major cause of non-traumatic foot amputation in the United States. Many other conditions — including poor circulation, ulcers or sores, and impaired sensation in the feet — are also associated with diabetes.

The podiatric physicians and surgeons of Ankle & Foot Care Centers point out that preventive care can have a major impact on the incidence of diabetes-related foot complications. Anyone with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year, and care should be taken with the skin of the feet to avoid irritation that can lead to ulcers or sores or possibly amputation.

Proper footwear is also crucial for diabetic patients. To that end, the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill allows for reimbursement for footwear and orthotics needed by diabetes sufferers. Diabetic shoes and inserts are also often covered by insurance companies.

The podiatric physicians and surgeons at Ankle & Foot Care Centers have expertise in all aspects of diabetic foot conditions, including lower extremity neuropathy and wound/ulcer care, nail care and therapeutic footwear. More information can be obtained at www.ankleandfootcare.com or by calling 1-888-881-8805.

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For more information, contact:

Michael Vallas, Practice Administrator
Ankle & Foot Care Centers Inc.
(330) 758-6226 ext. 207
mike@ankleandfootcare.com

Dan Pecchia
Pecchia Communications
(330) 720-6912
dan@pecchiacomm.com

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