From the Editor
preventive therapy, treatment of foot problems, and referral to specialists can reduce amputation rates by 45 percent to 85 percent (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse). In addition, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), a large prevention study of people at high risk for diabetes, showed that lifestyle intervention to lose weight and increase physical
activity reduced the development of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent during a three-year period. The reduction was even greater, 71 percent, among adults ages 60 years or older (National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse). Clearly, amputees should have hope in the ability to prevent and/or deal with the threat of many secondary conditions. In this issue, we discuss
Gaining weight was easy. Losing it's a lot harder...
but very much worth the effort.
You have to work at losing weight. Every day. But with every step, you lower your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Because many of the nearly one million deaths each year from type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke could be prevented with a few lifestyle changes, including weight loss, regular physical activity and healthier food choices.
It’s not easy. But it is worth it.
two major problems that amputees might need to prevent and/or deal with - the risk of losing an additional limb if you have diabetes and the deterioration of muscles and bones. If you can prevent and/or deal with these problems, your life as an amputee and your ability to “amp up” your life to a higher level will be improved. It’s difficult to thrive when you’re dealing with the fear of losing another limb or frailty. Dr. Mark Hinkes, a renowned podiatrist, will tell those of you who have lost a limb to diabetes how to keep from losing a second limb to the same dreaded disease. And you’ll also learn how to prevent the deterioration of your muscles and bones through strength training. In this issue, we’ll also tell you about Scott Odom and Katy Sullivan, two amazing amputees. Scott is the co-founder of Amp 1 Stand Up Amputee Basketball. His story is about pursuing a dream through difficulties and succeeding and making a difference in other people’s lives. Katy is a Paralympic athlete and a talented actress. This young man and woman are two more excellent examples of what “amping it up” is all about. Although they are excelling in sports, their lives are much more than that. They epitomize the fact that amputees can live an “ordinary” life or an “extraordinary” one. Nothing is wrong with an “ordinary” life if you are happy. But, if you want an “extraordinary” life, amputation should not have a major say in whether or not you get it.
Rick Bowers
Editor-in-Chief
Learn how you can help stop diabetes by losing weight, eating healthy and staying active. Visit checkupamerica.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.
4
Amp it atup! MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012 One Step a Timemagazine 7x10 V5a.indd1 1
7/13/10 8:46:09 PM