Each day 507 people lose a limb, largely to vascular-related diseases, and 60 percent are preventable, according to the Amputee Coalition. To increase awareness about limb-loss prevention and about those living with limb loss, the Amputee Coalition is sponsoring a nationwide awareness campaign during April, the first National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
“Limb loss is not uncommon and, sadly, becoming less uncommon every day,” said Kendra Calhoun, Amputee Coalition president and CEO. “Many people are unaware of the causes of amputation and often see limb loss in just a few categories: the wounded warrior or the accomplished athlete. The fact is, limb loss affects every generation, from young to old and people from all walks of life….”
According to the Amputee Coalition, Limb Loss Awareness Month designates a specific time to provide support for individuals within the limb-loss community; raise public awareness about limb-loss education; provide education and prevention information to both the limb-loss community and the rest of the population; provide an opportunity for individuals with limb loss to discuss quality of life and other issues they face with the public, legislators, and the media; and recognize the contributions of military veteran amputees.
As part of Limb Loss Awareness Month, the Amputee Coalition is encouraging people to take an online limb-loss risk test, available on its Limb Loss Awareness Month website.
During the month of April across the United States, amputee support groups, veterans, prosthetists, rehabilitation centers, and those with limb loss will be participating in activities in their local areas to raise awareness.
For more information about Limb Loss Awareness Month, visit www.507aday.org. For more information about activities and how to get involved, e-mail Kim Henshaw, support group coordinator.