[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORTING THE RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL FOOT HEALTH MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National 
Foot Health Awareness Month and the critical role that podiatric 
physicians play in our national health care system. Combined, two feet 
contain one quarter of all the bones in the human body, and an average 
day of walking puts the equivalent of several hundred tons of pressure 
on the feet. Given this degree of stress, it is perhaps no surprise 
that over half of all Americans experience foot pain at some point in 
their lives.
  Podiatrists are at the forefront of expert foot health care. 
Podiatrists are physicians who specialize in foot and ankle care and 
who have been trained to diagnose and treat foot and ankle ailments. 
Their scope of practice includes performing foot and ankle surgery.
  Throughout April, podiatrists will be engaged in a national awareness 
campaign titled ``Podiatrists Keep America Walking,'' timed to coincide 
with National Foot Health Awareness Month. This year's ``Podiatrists 
Keep America Waking'' campaign will focus on children's foot health. 
Consistent with this theme, podiatrists will educate expectant mothers 
about foot ailments experienced by pregnant women, and parents about 
steps they can take to protect their children from foot abnormalities.
  Foot pain is no mere inconvenience, and it should not be treated 
lightly or ignored. In many cases, persistent foot pain or recurring 
injuries can be the first sign of a serious condition, such as 
diabetes, anemia, arthritis, and certain circulatory disorders. Paying 
close attention to foot health, and taking regular advantage of the 
care provided by a podiatrist, can often aid in the early diagnosis of 
these and other conditions.
  Americans living with diabetes must be particularly mindful of foot 
health. Diabetes is a chronic and potentially life-threatening illness 
impacting approximately 21 million Americans. Foot care is especially 
important for those living with diabetes because the risk is great for 
developing a foot ulcer that could become infected, and might 
ultimately result in amputation.
  In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower 
extremity amputation, and experts estimate that 86,000 lower limbs are 
amputated every year as a consequence of diabetes-related 
complications. Among those living with diabetes, Native Americans, 
African Americans, Hispanics and older men are most vulnerable to foot 
ailments. However, regular and expert foot care can significantly 
reduce the likelihood of amputation by helping to ensure early 
diagnosis and successful treatment.
  The growing epidemics of diabetes and obesity and their concurrent 
complications are among many reasons why podiatric physicians are an 
important part of America's health care team. Madam Speaker, I applaud 
doctors of podiatric medicine for their vital contributions to the 
health of all Americans, and urge all Americans to be vigilant not only 
during National Foot Health Awareness Month, but throughout the year.

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