MEDIA ADVISORY - Patient interactive program to curb preventable loss of
lives and limbs to diabetic foot wounds will be unveiled November 4 at
Calgary health care conference

CALGARY, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - Media and the public will get a first look this Thursday morning at a new interactive patient education program specifically designed to address the rise in Canada of diabetic foot wounds and lower limb amputations.

'Diabetes, healthy feet and you' was developed by the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) with the support of the Public Health Agency of Canada. The multi-media program will provide information and education for effective self-monitoring, early detection, treatment and prevention of costly and life-threatening diabetic foot wounds among Canadians with diabetes. The program takes an innovative approach and is backed by the publication of the majority of the materials in 18 different languages that meet the needs of all Canadians.

The program is being unveiled in a simulated health care setting on the opening day of the CAWC's 16th annual professional conference in Calgary, Alberta:

		Date:	Thursday, November 4
		Time:	10:30 a.m.
		Place:	Room GLEN 204, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre 120 Ninth Avenue SE
		Spokespeople:	Karen Philp - CAWC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mariam Botros - Chiropodist, CAWC Board Director Dr. Richard Belley - family doctor, CAWC Board Director
		Backdrop:	The four-day CAWC Conference brings together a broad cross-section of more than 600 health care stakeholders dedicated to improving wound prevention and treatment in health care delivery including physicians; nurses; allied health care professionals; administrators; researchers; patients; caregivers; government officials; social workers; and industry representatives.

(As the unveiling of the 'Diabetes, healthy feet and you' program coincides with other CAWC Conference activities, additional attractive visuals and interview opportunities will be available to media in the same location. Details and arrangements can be made in advance by contacting the undersigned.)

"About one in three Canadians is diabetic or pre-diabetic," said Dr. Karen Philp, CAWC Chief Executive Officer. "People living with diabetes are 23 times more likely to be hospitalized for a limb amputation, accounting for 85 per cent of all preventable limb amputations.

"Foot ulcers, wounds and related diabetes complications take a needless toll on Canadians with diabetes who suffer in terms of lost limbs and, in some cases, their lives. The CAWC's innovative program is for patients with diabetes who want to live healthy and contribute to their families and community.   Engaged patients in the care of their feet may make a significant contribution to improving their quality of life, but also relieves the time constraints faced by health professionals and frees up precious health care dollars for other uses."

Dr. Mariam Botros, a chiropodist and member of the CAWC Board of Directors, noted that it was particularly appropriate that the CAWC initiative was launched during Diabetes Awareness Month.  "As a front-line care provider, I often witness the catastrophic and heart-breaking results of patients lacking necessary foot care knowledge.

"There is now a national 'go to' place that patients can use to find the credible information and education they need for effective self-monitoring early detection and treatment of potentially devastating and costly wounds."

The Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAWC) is a non-profit organization of healthcare professionals, researchers, corporate supporters, patients and caregivers dedicated to the advancement of wound care in Canada since 1995.

For further information:

Contacts:

Alan Pryde Media Relations, CAWC Cellular: 613-293-4174