Merit Health Aims to Educate the Community During Wound Care Awareness Month
6/20/2022
The wound care centers at Merit Health are helping raise awareness of the risks of chronic wounds during the ninth annual Wound Care Awareness Month.
Established in June 2014, this month long campaign helps bring attention to the growing need for wound care to the nearly 7 million Americans currently living with chronic wounds. Program directors across the nation are dedicating the entire month to educating physicians, patients and the general public about the prevalence of chronic wounds and the advanced wound care solutions that are available.
The incidence of chronic wounds is rising due to our aging population and increasing rates of disease. Various conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase the likelihood of a person having or developing a chronic wound. A breakdown of wound types, by prevalence, for those living with chronic wounds include:
- Pressure Ulcers (43%)
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers (31%)
- Venous Stasis Ulcers (12%)
- Surgical Wounds or Trauma (8%)
- Arterial Ulcers (6%)
If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only made matters worse, as many suffering from chronic wounds have not sought needed care during the past two years. The result has been a steep rise in amputations, according to a study from the American Diabetes Association.
With this in mind, now is the time for those suffering from chronic wounds to seek advanced wound care available at Merit Health.
To learn more about the wound care services at Merit Health, click here
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