This month represents the first National Limb Loss Awareness month.  As an Nurse Life Care Planner that specializes in developing life care plans for amputees, I am delighted that this issue is getting the attention it deserves.  Did you know 60% of limb loss is preventable?  That is due to the fact that the number ONE reason for lower limb amputation is diabetes.
 
Here are some statistics on amputations in the United States:

U.S. Amputee Population Approximately 1.7 million
82% of Amputations Are Dysvascular Related
97% are  of Dyvsacular amputations lower limb
In General …

The definition of deaf-blindness is broad and incorporates individuals with a wide range and combination of hearing and vision loss. The causes and severity of this combined loss also ranges significantly, influencing various levels of cognition and overall access to the hearing-sighted world.  Here are a few resources for your clients and patients that suffer dual sensory loss.

American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB)

http://www.aadb.org
The only national organization run for, by and of deaf-blind individuals. It is a social networking and advocacy organization that provides information, resources and linkages to deaf-blind people …

Abbott Diabetes Care announced a recall of 359 lots of blood glucose test strips in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company issued a recall after it was discovered the strips may give falsely low blood glucose results. The false results may cause patients “to try to raise their blood glucose when it is unnecessary and to fail to treat elevated blood glucose due to a falsely low reading,” the company said. PR Newswire
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Abbott Laboratories Recalls 359 Million Diabetes Test Strips (dailyfinance.com)
Questions and Answers about the …

Going to see your doctor these days can be like sitting an exam. You have to get all your information ready beforehand, and then when you are in the examination you have to try and remember everything that might be important. Effective communication is the key to getting the most out of your doctor – so how do you do that? Here are 5 top tips on how:
1)      Prepare. Before you even leave your home, list all the symptoms you can, whether or not you think they are relevant. If …