Page 10 - Scene Magazine 43-06 June 2018

Health Scene
BY SHEENA LEDBETTER, AGNP-C
Imagine a summer worried about a wound that won’t heal. Did you know that oner in four families has a family member living with a chronic wound? For most people, wound healing happens quickly and without worry. But for oth- ers, wounds can take much longer to heal or don’t heal at all.
As your body’s crucial barrier against infection, any damage to the skin can leave your body open to attack. Whether caused by an accident, disease or due to a surgical procedure, it is important to be aware of how wounds are healing.
We mark Wound Care Awareness Week the first full week of June each year. The week is focused on raising awareness of chronic wounds and the advanced treatments available for those who struggle with non-healing wounds.
It is estimated that chronic wounds af- fect 6.7 million people in the U.S. With an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as dia- betes and obesity, this number is grow- ing each year. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 29.1 million people
or 9.3 percent of the population have di- abetes, with over a quarter of those in- dividuals undiagnosed. Lifestyle factors and medicines can also complicate the wound healing process.
Neuropathy is another medical con- dition that can affect both the awareness and prompt, proper care of wounds. Neuropathy is the loss of feeling, espe- cially in the hands and feet, caused by damage to the nerves. Because of this nerve damage, people with neuropathy can be unaware of developing wounds until they become serious.
Regardless of whether or not you are prone to developing non-healing wounds or are living with diabetes, everyone’s skin can benefit from extra care and atten- tion no matter the time of the year. Here are a few tips that can help you better care for your skin and pay attention to the health of this mighty yet delicate organ.
• Check your skin daily for dryness, cracks, sores, bruises, reddened areas, and blisters. Have someone help you if you are unable to do it yourself.
• Treat the skin gently without stretching, tugging or pulling on it unnecessarily.
• Cleanse the skin with a mild, pH-bal-
anced product.
• Use warm to the touch (elbow or in-
ner wrist) water for cleansing/bathing. • Rinse well. Make sure no soap is left
on the skin.
• Dry all skin folds and creases.
• Moisturize the skin after cleansing. You
may leave a light film of moisture on
the skin just prior to applying lotion. • Lubricate overly dry, sensitive skin with a heavier barrier cream. These
specialty creams, available at most pharmacies, will help to retain moisture and provide protection for sensitive skin that is prone to damage.
• Wear soft clothing.
• Drink plenty of water.
Lastly, don’t suffer with wounds that don’t heal. Advances in wound care provide great promise for those living with non-healing wounds. If you have a wound that has not improved with traditional methods of treatment, you may benefit from a visit to the Bronson Wound Center & Hyperbaric Medicine in Battle Creek. With no physician re- ferral needed, it’s as easy as calling our office for an appointment. Learn more about the wound and hyperbaric services provided at bronsonhealth.com/wound or call us at (269) 245-8560.
Be Kind to Your Skin This Summer
Everyone’s skin can benefit from extra care and attention no matter the time of the year.
Sheena
Ledbetter, AGNP-C, is an adult-ger- ontology nurse practitioner with
a special interest in wound care at Bronson Wound Center & Hyperbar-
ic Medicine in Battle Creek. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Mich. Ledbetter also provides wound care services at Bronson Wound Center & Hyperbaric Medicine in South Haven, Michigan
10 SCENE 4306 I SUMMER FUN!