H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S
Proper Foot Care
for Diabetics
NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL AMERICAN DIABETES
Month. This disease affects nearly 30 million children and
adults in the United States. Another 86 million Americans
have prediabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The
American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost
of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. is $245 billion. One in 10 health
care dollars is spent treating diabetes and its complications. Healthy
feet are essential for overall good health, no matter your age, fitness
level, or physical challenges. For people with diabetes, however, taking
care of their feet is especially vital.
The leading cause of hospitalization among people with diabetes
is foot ulcers and infections, but most of those problems are largely
preventable. While ulcers, open sores on the foot, are the most common
diabetes-related foot problem, several others are also serious
in prevalent, including neuropathy, skin changes, calluses, poor circulation,
and infection. The nerve damage that diabetes causes may
mean a person with an ulcer or injury may be unaware of it until it
becomes infected.
It has been proven that regular care from a podiatrist can help
reduce diabetic complications, according to the American Podiatric
Medical Association. You are taking a step in the right direction by
having your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist. Dr. Savidakis
uses a wellness approach with his recommendations and focuses on
prevention. He offers the latest treatment options available in order
to reduce the risks and prevent complications that can come from
diabetes.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. John Savidakis and the Suncoast Podiatry and
Wound Care Center is located at 2701 Park Drive, Suite 6,
in Clearwater, (727) 796-1490.
COUNTRYSIDE DERMATOLOGY
& LASER CENTER
The skin’s natural ability to
produce vitamin D in response to
sunlight decreases with age.
By the age of 60 years old, the
skin’s ability to synthesize
vitamin D in response to sunlight
is inadequate to support bone
health. The Institute of Medicine
recommends 400 to 800
international units of vitamin D
daily. Wear your sunscreen to
prevent skin cancer, and take
vitamin D for your bones.
Susan S. Roper M.D.,
F.A.A.D. Director
Countryside Dermatology
and Laser Center,
Clearwater, Fl. 33763
(727) 791-1411.
The Quality of
Life Hormone
Andropause (male menopause) is
real, although more subtle than female
menopause. With men, there is a
gradual decline in androgens, male
sex hormones, usually starting in their
forties, or sooner if associated with stress
and a lack of sleep.
The loss of testosterone contributes
to the familiar “pot belly” and declining
muscle tone in middle-age men. The
symptoms of male menopause include
a waning interest in sex including
decreased sexual satisfaction and
difficulty in having and maintaining an
erection, increased fatigue, depression,
irritability, aches, pains, stiffness and
decreased mental acuity.
Andropause is a common progression
in the aging process. By taking positive
steps to restore normal balance, many
men can regain vitality and zest for life
and enjoy their mature years fully and
healthily. Youthfulness can be a choice!
Dr. Linda Mc Clintock
AGE-LESS MEDICINE
(813) 286-4404
4830 W. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 110
Tampa, FL 33609
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 79