Harvey R. Danciger, DPM
74-000 Country Club Drive, Suite A-2
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 568-0108

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Posts for tag: amputation

By Dr. Danciger
February 25, 2012

Cleo Berry of New York  is a struggling actor who took a job posing for stock photos for $500. He was shocked when he found out his picture was being used for a public service campaign to raise awareness for dangers and high risks of type 2 diabetes in New York City. What was even more shocking was what was missing in the print ad: his leg.

The campaign was used to emphasize how consuming too much fast food or sugary sodas can lead to diabetes and the amputation of limbs. Berry was astonished to find the company had used Photoshop to crop out his right leg, making it look like he had an amputated leg. They had even added crutches in the background. Berry supported New York City’s efforts to educate people about the risk of developing diabetes, but he disagreed with the use of a manipulated picture of an able-bodied person, instead of a picture of a real victim suffering with diabetes.

A spokesman for the health department stated, “This issue isn’t about one actor but rather the 700,000 New Yorkers who struggle with diabetes, which kills 1,700 people a year and causes amputations in another 3,000. Advertising to warn the public about health concerns saves lives, and we will continue our efforts to warn New Yorkers about diabetes.”

Although the misunderstanding between Berry and the New York advertising company is complicated, the underlying purpose of the advertisement is true and beneficial for society to know about. Eating high calorie or high-sugar foods will increase your risk of developing diabetes. Obesity is a huge determining factor when it comes to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. When you put your health at risk by consuming unhealthy foods, you also risk damage to your feet. Diabetics have poor circulation throughout their feet which is called neuropathy. This causes blockage of blood flow and circulation decreases to the point where amputation may be necessary.

To prevent this tragic end, make sure you maintain a healthy weight and diet, whether you have diabetes or to lower your risk of developing the disease. Over 25 million Americans have diabetes. By health departments spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of the disease, hopefully we can help prevent this number from increasing.

If you’d like to get more information about the risks and dangers of diabetes, please call our office.

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By drdanciger
March 21, 2011
Category: Uncategorized

Peripheral Arterial Disease-Do You Have It?

Peripheral arterial disease, (PAD), is a disease where fatty deposits can build up on the inside linings of the arteries.  This causes a restriction or decrease of blood flow to the various organs and muscles of the body.   Especially vulnerable are the stomach, kidneys, arms, legs and feet.

Did you know that this disease, PAD, accounts for nearly 50% of all the amputations which occur in diabetics!  It is also a major cause of amputations in the non-diabetic population as well.

PAD affects 12-20% of the people in the United States who are age 65 years or older.  Diabetics over the age of 50 have a 3 times greater risk of developing PAD than non-diabetics.  The reason this is important is that PAD carries with it a five year mortality rate of 30%.

If this is not enough of a concern; a patient with PAD faces a six to seven fold increase in risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Not every person with peripheral arterial disease will have symptoms.  Diabetics, because of neuropathy, may not have any symptoms but have advanced stages of PAD.  The neuropathy is masking the symptoms normally associated with PAD.  Pain in the legs, thighs, or buttocks when walking; and is relieved by rest, is a symptom of PAD.  Pain in the legs or feet while lying in bed, that is relieved by hanging the feet down or getting up and standing is another symptom.

Early detection of peripheral arterial disease is important to helping you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and decrease the above risks associated with PAD.  Your podiatrist is often the first doctor to diagnose PAD as we are aware of subtle changes which occur in the lower extremities which can indicate the disease process.   If you have any symptoms of PAD, see your podiatrist for further evaluation.

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Podiatrist - Palm Desert, Harvey R. Danciger DPM, 74-000 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert CA, 92260 760-568-0108