In 2011, 36 governors issued proclamations declaring April as Limb Loss Awareness Month in their states. Backed by this support, the Amputee Coalition has asked President Obama to declare April as Limb Loss Awareness Month. Requesting the presidential proclamation, the Amputee Coalition informed President Obama: “With over 28 million Americans living with diabetes, and with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease being the leading causes of limb loss, this is a significant public health concern.”
Each year, 185,000 amputations occur in the United States largely due to vascular disease, and 60 percent are preventable. The Amputee Coalition’s 2012 campaign theme, “Take a Seat; Check Your Feet,” coincides with this public health concern. Proactive foot care, which includes regular physician foot checks, and therapeutic footwear are important factors in reducing the rate of diabetes-related amputation.
“Limb loss is not uncommon and it affects every generation, from young to old, and people from all walks of life,” said Kendra Calhoun, Amputee Coalition president and CEO. “Statistics show that those at greatest risk are people who have diabetes or a vascular impairment such as peripheral arterial disease. “If you are a smoker, your risk of limb loss increases 25 times. African Americans are four times more likely to lose a limb than non-Hispanic white people.”
“Not all amputations are preventable, so this is also a month to recognize other causes for limb loss: cancer, disease, trauma, and war,” said Amputee Coalition board member Dan Berschinski, a bilateral amputee and decorated war veteran. “This is also a time to raise awareness of those veterans who later in life may be experiencing amputation from vascular disease, diabetes, accidents or other complications.”
Children living with the loss or absence of a limb face unprecedented challenges. One thousand babies are born each year in the United States with congenital limb difference. Over 600 children lose a limb to a lawn mower accident every year, and countless others suffer amputation as a result of other forms of trauma and diseases such as cancer and meningitis. By raising awareness, parents and children can be proactive and responsive to these types of incidents while stressing the importance of safety.
For more information about Limb Loss Awareness Month, visit www.limblossawareness.org
