'Foot basics & preventing foot amputations explained

By Lori Edmo-Suppah
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Diabetes Coordinator Ann Lindroth said she was pleased with the turnout at the “Foot Basics and Preventing Foot Amputations” workshop April 24 at the Fort Hall Housing conference room.
More than 50 people attended the event where they listened to Dr. Williams explain the basics of foot care. Participants were also told how they could complete a five-week exercise program and receive a pair of Nike N7 shoes as an incentive.

Dr. Williams said there is 20.8 million people in the U.S. with diabetes but one third of them don’t know they have it. Of those, 90,000 have lower extremity amputations.
He noted that 85 percent of amputations are preventable with good education and regular visits to the podiatrist (foot doctor.) An amputation may first start with an ulcer (sore or open wound) on the foot that could be caused by pressure or a cut.
It’s important for diabetics to check their feet everyday. Following are tips: Wash and check feet everyday; wear shoes and socks at all times – white socks are advised so a problem area can be observed; use a pumice stone on corns and calluses – never use a sharp instrument; lotion your feet but not between your toes; protect feet from hot and cold; exercise more – keep the blood flowing to the feet; toenails require special care – see your podiatrist; have your feet checked by a health professional.
Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of keeping blood sugars under control and also check them everyday. “It’s a big part of managing diabetes,” he continued and complications are eye problems, dialysis and nerves can be affected. High blood sugars can affect the circulation and nervous systems.
Tingling in the feet may occur or lack of being able to feel that is the beginning of neuropathy – disease or dysfunction of the nerves causing weakness or numbness. If it goes untreated, it could progress to not feeling anything resulting in amputations. It can also affect hands and the nerves around the heart.
“You can get silent heart attacks,” he continued.
Dr. Williams explained foot risk categories – 0, 1, 2 and 3 — the higher they are, the more problems a person can have.
Category zero is when a person can see a foot doctor once a year and wear any type of shoe.
Category one – a person may have a spot or part where they don’t have sensation. The person should see a foot specialist once every three to six months.
Category two — a diabetic can’t feel, has neuropathy, also may have a foot deformity or have poor circulation. The person will need special shoes and must be seen every three months. A “hammertoe” may be a problem where it rubs on the top of the toes.
Category three — the person has neuropathy, foot deformity or poor circulation, has had an ulcer r wound in the past. He noted that some people with neuropathy may not even sense when something is in their shoes.
For example, some patients have had dice, dead mice or extra socks in the end of a shoe and not even feel it. Dr. Williams said in the ten years he’s practiced in southeast Idaho he’s seen a lot of diabetic patients but he’s yet to see an amputation in patients who come in for regular checkups. Lindroth then explained the Nike N7 shoe that was created for Native Americans. It is wider and the interior of the shoe is seamless. She also noted that the Diabetes program is planning a diabetes camp for youth in collaboration with Recreation on Mount Putnam starting June 19.
“We have to get exercising and motivate our families,” she said.
Erin Brownley, nutritionist, explained the goal sheets and exercise forms, “Everyone is different,” she said but encouraged them to be specific.

Women's Health Fair set for May 8

FORT HALL — A Women’s Health Fair is Thursday, May 8 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Tribal Business Center Dome Room.
The theme is “Celebrating Yourself – Women’s Day.” Living Well presentations are the Council Chambers. Session one is at 9 a.m., session two is at 10:30 a.m. Session three is at 1 p.m. and session four is at 2:30 p.m.
Iola Hernandez will conduct a noon fitness activity in the Dome Room. Lunch from Oliver’s will be provided to those attending Living Well presentations. There will be refreshments and door prizes.
The Tribal Health and Human Services Department, the Indian Health Services Joint Health Promotions and Disease Prevention Committee, along with the Arthritis Foundation are sponsors of the event.
In addition, a fun run/walk is Saturday, May 10 with registration from 7:30 to 8 a.m. A five-minute warm up will be provided. T-shirts will be given to those who participate. Refreshments will be provided.
For information and to reserve a booth, please contact the Health Education program at 478-3972.

Victims of Crime program seeking crisis line volunteers

FORT HALL — VOCA (Victims of Crime Assistance) program is in need of volunteers to assist with the crisis line - evenings and weekends.
Training will be provided. Other volunteer opportunities include helping with events, trainings and public awareness activities. It is a wonderful way to give back to the community and strengthen the support for victims of crime. VOCA is also taking a waiting list for women who are interested in attending a Domestic Violence support group. For further information, please contact Annette Pond/VOCA Coordinator at 478-3874.

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NCAI unveils meth ad campaign

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An ad campaign has been launched in hopes of raising awareness and curbing the use of methamphetamines in American Indian communities across the nation.
The National Congress of American Indians, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and federal officials unveiled the campaign at the annual Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Officials say it's the first national meth prevention initiative developed specifically for Indian Country.
According to officials, American Indians, Alaska Natives and native Hawaiians have the highest rates of meth abuse among all ethnicities.