The Right Steps for Diabetes & PAD As someone with diabetes, diabetes develop some neuropathy, which may contribute to foot problems and the risk …
Keeping in circulation
the official newsletter of the Vascular Disease Foundation
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VASCULAR DISEASE FOUNDATION
FALL 2002 VOL 2 NO 3
our mission
The Right Steps for Diabetes PAD
inside this issue
After a long day of walking in a new pair of shoes, Brenda Ross became concerned when she noticed an open sore on the inner side of her foot As someone with diabetes, The Vascular Disease Foundations she knew that she was at risk for serious complications from foot-related problems mission is To reduce the widespread Curiously, Brendas open sore was not painful, even though the skin around it was red prevalence and affects of vascular and raw Though her foot didnt hurt, she knew to call her doctor and an appointment was made for later that day diseases by increasing public awareBrenda had been diagnosed with diabetes more than ten years ago and had been ness of the benefits of prevention, carefully managing her condition with attention to her diet, regular exercise, and medprompt diagnosis, comprehensive ication Her doctor regularly checked her feet and had mentioned that she needed to pay management and rehabilitation special attention to foot problems When she saw her doctor, he
examined the sore and checked her blood sugar He explained that the remarkable lack of pain was not because the sore was not a serious problem Rather, the lack of pain was due to diabetes-related nerve damage, or neuropathy Although circulation problems from peripheral arterial disease PAD can affect any individual, those with diabetes have a higher risk of complications because of the Diabetes Control–You Can Do It increased possibility of nerve disease or damage About 60 to 70 percent of people with Frequently Asked Questions diabetes develop some neuropathy, which may contribute to foot problems and the risk Glossary of Medical Terms of amputation Partner Spotlight–SVN Although pain is not something people want to experience, the sensation of pain is Letters to the Editor essential in recognizing potential injuries Without pain sensation in the feet and toes, it is easy to sustain a foot injury without feeling it Diabetics with neuropathy may fail to In the News recognize an injury until it is too late For example, people have been seriously burned A Daily Dose of Walking by electric blankets or heating pads because they could not feel the heat Wendy johnson–Running for VDF
Brendas problem was not unusual Apparently, her new shoes did not fit as well as DiabetesWhats the Big Deal? they should have Neuropathy had caused her to lose her feeling of pain, allowing the Q A About Neuropathy shoes to rub a raw spot at the side of her foot, at the base of her big toe It is especially important for people with diabetes to carefully check their feet each Did You Know? day Shoes should be checked to make sure they dont contain stones, staples, rough orthotics may be needed to accommodate the feet if there is any type of deformity New shoes should be broken in with great care People with deformed feet and toes should never try to force them into regular shoes Skin needs good care, as dryness, cracking, and infections may be a result of changes that occur with diabetes Feet should be washed and dried daily, and the remaining skin moisture should be sealed in with a thin coat of a lubricant, such as plain petroleum jelly, unscented hand cream, or other such products Oils or creams should not be applied between the toes, as the extra moisture may lead to infection Soaking the feet is not useful and may be harmful Small calluses may be treated with a pumice stone
and lotion, but thick calluses may need to be trimmed by a trained health care provider Bathroom surgery is never a good idea Never try to cut your own calluses or corns, as this may lead to a skin ulcers or infection Also, a health care provider should be seen whenever cuts or breaks in the skin occur, or when ingrown nails, changes in color, shape, or sensation are noticed People with diabetes need regular and complete foot examinations and they can help remind their provider that a foot exam is needed by removing their socks and shoes while waiting for a physical examination Any break in the skin has the potential to lead to the development of an ulcer An ulcer is an open sore These can be superficial or deep and can allow entry of infection-causing bacteria Most wounds heal on their own if properly cared for An ulcer may not heal, however, if there is recurring injury, infection, dead tissue, or poor blood flow to the affected area Dead tissue must be trimmed away and any infection should be treated with appropriate antibiotics Ulcers need to be protected from pressure Continued walking on an ulcer can enlarge it and lead to a more serious infection In some cases, a special
cast may be applied to protect the foot continued on page 6
YOU CAN DO IT
Dissolving Common Barriers to Diabetes Control
SIGNIFICANT ADVANCES in the past few years have expanded the number of tools health care professionals have to assist in reducing complications associated with diabetes Prior to 2000, the focus was on lowering blood sugar levels to lessen complications of the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes and organs Now, attention suddenly has also been placed on lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and other blood fats, and lowering weight It seems like overnight, people with diabetes now have to concentrate not only on lowering blood sugar levels, but also on removing saturated fat from their dietary choices; increasing the consumption of foods high in monounsaturated fats and increasing exercise to a minimum of 150 minutes each week But the fact remains that we are falling quite short of achieving optimum reduction in blood sugar and blood fat levels The average blood sugar levels for persons with diabetes as measured by Hemoglobin A1C in the US is now 9, much higher than recommended by the American College of Endocrinologists ACE and the American Diabetes Association
ADA We know for sure, the higher the A1C value the higher the risk for developing a preventable complication Despite all the tools we have at our fingertips, we are not winning the fight against complications MONITORING blood sugar is important for achieving good blood sugar control One barrier to achieving control has now been eliminated with newer, faster alternative site monitors Besides traditional fingertip testing, these monitors allow testing on hands, forearm, leg, calf and fingers After a year of using alternative site testing, a very important discovery was made There is approximately a 40 mg/dL difference in blood sugar levels obtained in the forearm and fingertip during times of rapidly fluctuating blood sugar levels, like after a meal or when blood sugar is dropping rapidly If you have an alternative site monitoring system, be sure to read the owners manual and operating instructions carefully to understand where to test during these times, or call the toll free customer service number on the back of the monitor to ask for assistance Non-invasive blood glucose testing is also slowly coming into use with one wrist-watch system now available and several others expected
in the next 1218 months Instead of pricking the fingers for a blood sample, blood sugar levels are continuously monitored during the active period of the glucose sensor Although more expensive, if the barrier for testing is the need to prick a finger or body part, your testing solution may well be here DIETARY recommendations have changed significantly over the past 10 years Many people believe that they cannot eat sugar once they have diabetes A common therapy recommendation 20 years ago, this rule was dissolved in 1993 with newer dietary recommendations Today, there is no single ADA diet that applies to everyone with diabetes Emerging research strongly suggests that a healthy diet is one based on food patterns and not on elimination of single nutrients It is well known that dietary changes can lower hemoglobin A1C levels by as much as 1-2 points That means that if you were able to follow an individually designed meal plan and your Hemoglobin A1C level is currently 9, you could LOWER that value to 7-8 over the next 90 days Sadly, most individuals with diabetes have never seen a certified diabetes educator or dietitian to learn how to eat well, and avoid the fad diets being
followed that may lead to dangerous long-term health complications Many people dismiss the need for this type of appointment because of the myth that the food they enjoy will be taken away from them, or that the dietitian will remove all the fun of eating It is true that if you are currently consuming too many calories each day, your meal plan could well disappoint you The reality is most people in the US consume 30-50 more calories each day than they need Over consumption of food, particularly carbohydrates, is the leading cause of high blood sugar levels in people with poorly controlled diabetes Sugar-free products are commonly consumed in large quantities, with the belief that they have no impact on blood sugar control Consider this: a carbohydrate is a carbohydrate It does not matter the source of the carbohydrate, because once digested 100 of all carbohydrates turn into blood sugar in your bloodstream Specifically what this means is that if the sugar-free product you are eating contains carbohydrate, more than likely it is negatively affecting your blood sugar control Become a savvy label reader and you will begin to see that you may have been unintentionally hurting your
blood sugar control by consuming foods that effect your blood sugar control Common foods that fall into this category include sugar-free brownies, pies, cookies and candy Remember: the total amount of carbohydrates in meals and snacks is more important than the source of carbohydrate in regard to the effect on blood glucose levels INSULIN therapy has long been considered by doctors and patients alike to be a last resort in treating blood sugar levels that remain too high For many people, the suggestion of beginning insulin therapy seems like a failure or punishment Some have even been assured that if they will follow a diet, exercise daily and lose weight, they can avoid the use of insulin all together As difficult as it is to hear and accept, the majority of people with Type 2 diabetes will ultimately have to use insulin in order to adequately treat high blood sugars This is based on research and clinical practice that shows that diabetes is progressive and the progressive destruction of the cells that make insulin in the body leads to the need to supplement and replace insulin in order to lower blood sugar levels Each year, thousands of people with diabetes ignore medical advice
to start insulin This decision can lead to progression of complications that rob people of healthy, vital lives Many myths surround the use of insulin and serve as additional obstacles to adequate diabetes control The reality: Insulin does not make you fat Insulin does not cause blindness or kidney failure or heart attacks Insulin use does not necessarily mean a lifetime of use Oral pills are not insulin You cannot live a healthy life without adequate insulin levels in your body It is difficult to let go of a fear or a failed expectation when insulin is the right answer If you have done everything you can with diet, exercise, stress reduction and medication and your Hemoglobin A1C remains higher than 7, insulin can not only save your life, it can preserve your quality of life Diabetes self-management can at times seem daunting Ideas you have commonly held may well be the things that are hindering you from achieving the type of control you need or want Information regarding diabetes therapy changes and advances occur rapidly It is important to recognize that self-management is a lifetime of learning There are numerous books, periodicals and web sites that can help keep you up to
date with these changes You are the key to your success It has been suggested that 85-90 of the outcome of diabetes rests in the hands of the person with the disease Health care providers can assist you in achieving your goals, but you are key to help you live a life free of complications Keep trying Keep doing the best you can do If you struggle, lose ground or interest, start again Each day is another opportunity to try You can do it
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberley Krapek, RN, MS, CDE has been a nurse educator and clinical nurse specialist helping people learn to control diabetes for over 20 years She is president of Diabetes Solution, Inc of Aurora, Colorado
L For more information on diabetes on the internet, visit wwwvdforg, wwwdiabetes org, wwwniddknihgov, or wwwaadeorg L For more information over the phone, call the ADA at 1-800-DIABETES
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Drawing Winner
Congratulations to Sharon Crebs of Lakewood, Colorado Sharon stopped by our booth at a Colorado Diabetes Expo and participated in our drawing by completing a short survey on PAD awareness Shes the lucky winner of a 5000 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstores Happy reading, Sharon
Words beginning with R through T
You
can view these terms and others used in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease on our web site Weve made them easy-tounderstand to help you in talking with health care professionals Each newsletter will cover a section from our glossary Rest Pain: Constant pain, particularly at night or when lying down, found in the toes or foot Caused by poor blood flow Revascularization: Any procedure to restore blood flow to an artery Stents: Wire mesh tubes that are inserted within the artery via a catheter threaded through the artery It is opened up expanded to form a rigid support to hold the clogged artery open to potentially prevent recurrent narrowing
PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLET VASCULAR
From our Glossary
Partner Spotlight
The Vascular Disease Foundation is unique because key vascular professional societies serve on our Board of Directors and help direct the Foundations activities To help you know more about these wonderful organizations, Keeping in Circulation will highlight them in upcoming issues
Toe Pressure Index: A blood pressure measurement taken to help diagnose peripheral arterial disease Normally used when the Doppler method of measuring the ankle pressure is inaccurate
due to artery calcium buildup, typically seen in diabetics This technique uses a special blood pressure cuff placed on the big toe Triglycerides: The chemical form in which most fats exist in foods
OUR FIRST FEATURED SOCIETY
Society for Vascular Nursing SVN
Frequently Asked
Questions
Q A
I have heard that ginko biloba helps blood circulation to the legs Is that true? Ginkgo was recently reported in the American Journal of Medicine to have a modest effect on someones ability to increase the distance walked without pain However, it did not help as much as a regular exercise program or conventional drug therapy Because ginkgo seems to make blood less likely to clot, it increases the risk of bleeding if you are using aspirin, blood thinners such as Coumadin warfarin or clot-busting medications As with all herbal products and vitamins, let your health care provider know what you are taking They are not controlled in terms of potency and may interfere with medications your doctor has prescribed My feet and legs have been tingling and they hurt when I walk, but when I rest they feel better I am a little scared How do I know if its bad enough to be amputated? Only a doctor can
determine if you will require an amputation However, please do not delay Visit your doctor as quickly as possible to make a proper diagnosis, and begin treatment Be assured that amputation is never taken lightly by any health care provider Earlier determination, however, will help you achieve a better result
The Society for Vascular Nursing, founded in 1982, is a not-for-profit, international, professional nursing organization dedicated to nurses caring for individuals affected by vascular disease SVN promotes excellence in compassionate and comprehensive care by providing quality education, fostering clinical expertise and supporting nursing research contributing to the prevention of vascular disease SVN collaborates with other professional groups to address the unique needs of the patient with vascular disease Currently, SVN has 750 members and continues to grow SVN has some patient education materials available at low cost For information about the organization, or becoming a member, visit SVNs web site at:
Q A
wwwsvnnetorg
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Im walking every day its never easy but I do it With any luck and lots of persistence I will keep my leg Keep up the good work
and keep us informed June R My personal leg problems started in Dec 2000 It started as just a constant cramp in my right calf I thought I had pulled a muscle I wound up going to every doctor in the state to find out what was wrong I had given up hope when I saw an ad in my local paper about free PVD testing along with a list of symptoms I made an appointment and hobbled up to the hospital for the testing They took the pressure in my arms and legs and were astounded I was in tears because I finally knew what was wrong I was relieved that I didnt need surgery, and that a good exercise program would help I will never forget the great care I received from my doctor and his staff I still struggle with smoking but am walking pain-free now I look forward to your newsletters Cynthia E Thanks for a great web site Its a relief to know of such a dedicated organization for PAD and I wish it was available three to four years ago when I was diagnosed Robert L
Symptoms of DIABETES
Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless, and many experience no symptomsRecent studies indicate the early detection and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the
complications of diabetes
CAN YOU HELP?
1 Do you know of any future health fairs in your community? We
may be able to send materials that can be shared with others to help increase awareness about vascular diseases
Some of the symptoms of diabetes are: I Frequent urination I Excessive thirst I Extreme hunger I Unusual weight loss I Increased fatigue I Irritability I Frequent infections
2 Matching contributions can make donations worth more If you or
a relative work at a company that matches donations, ask them to add the Vascular Disease Foundation to the list Contact us for details It will help us greatly
3 We now accept the American Express card Donations can be
made as a one-time contribution, or on a monthly basis, on VISA, MasterCard and now, American Express
FUTURE ISSUES–SEND US YOUR STORY
Future topics for Keeping in Circulation will focus on abdominal aortic aneurysm, deep vein thrombosis and leg revascularization with stents If you have a personal story to share on one of these topics, please send it to us by letter, fax or email Wed love to hear from you, and it may become one of our feature stories
I Blurred vision I Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal I
Tingling/numbness in the hands or feet
Visit the Vascular Disease Foundation Web Site at wwwvdforg
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IN THE NEWS
FREE PAD SCREENINGS
September is National Peripheral Vascular Disease Awareness Month Legs For Life is sponsoring hundreds of free PAD screenings for those at risk for PAD, September 22-28 To find out if there is a site near you, go to our web site wwwvdforg and link to the Legs For Life web site Or, call 877-357-2847
GROWING ARTERIES
A recent study in The Lancet medical journal reported some improvement in endurance on treadmill tests after patients received protein injections to stimulate new blood vessel growth in the leg arteries Although many years of research are required, it is still encouraging that some day this may provide help to people suffering from PAD
DIAB 
ETES MONTH
November is Diabetes Awareness Month Contact your local ADA chapter to find out about participating in activities in your area
A DAILY DOSE OF WALKING: ITS GOOD MEDICINE
This is a new feature section, written by Mitzi Ekers, to help you improve your vascular health through exercise
1 Variety is the spice of life While its good to have a regular walking route to measure
improvement, you
may get bored A change may give you new motivation to keep walking Try a different neighborhood, the mall, a park, along a lake
2 If the shoe fitswear it around the block If it doesnt, throw it out Treat yourself to
some really good walking/exercise shoes It will keep you feet protected and make the walk easier
3 Leave your cigarettes at home One of the best ways to help yourself quit smoking is to
go for a walk when the craving strikes That craving will pass even if you dont smoke WALK Breathe in some good oxygen instead of tar and nicotine Your arteries will be happier and healthier
, Author, Mitzi Ekers, MS, ARNP is a nurse practitioner who has been working with vascular patients for more than 30 years She is Director of Vascular Services at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida in St Petersburg She helped start both the Society for Vascular Nursing and the Society of Vascular Technology
RUNNING FOR VDF
Wendy Johnson of Park City, Utah, qualified to run the Boston Marathon But Wendy wanted to do more than just run, she wanted to run for a cause Since her mother recently had vascular surgery, she contacted people she knew asking for donations for the Vascular Disease
Foundation Wendy raised 1,275 from her generous friends, colleagues and relatives Crossing the finish line was more meaningful for Wendy, and helped the Foundation, too THANK YOU
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Questions and Answers About Neuropathy
Q A
What is neuropathy? Diabetic neuropathy is actually a group of nerve diseases affecting the nerves to the limbs–beyond the brain and spinal cord All three types of peripheral nerves may be affected: motor, sensory, and autonomic o Motor nerve fibers carry signals to muscles, and motor neuropathy can cause muscle weakness and unbalanced forces on joints This can cause hammer toes, bunions, and other foot deformities o Sensory nerves take messages from the extremities to the brain, including information about pressure, pain, or potential injury Symptoms of sensory neuropathy include loss of feeling or abnormal sensations, such as prickling, tingling, burning, aching, sharp pain, or pain in toes or feet o Autonomic nerves, which are not consciously controlled, affect heart rate, blood pressure, and controlling of sweat ing and skin glands People with diabetic neuropathy can have dry skin that cracks easily What treatments are available for the condition? At
present, there are no effective medications that reverse the nerve damage of diabetic neuropathy, but there are treatments that may improve some of the symptoms of neuropathy Good foot care is especially important and early treatment when a problem is detected is critical Also, those with neuropathy may have to avoid weight bearing exercise, like walking or running, or use special shoes or orthotics Can neuropathy be prevented? Yes, at least in some cases Good control of blood sugar appears to be helpful One scientific study, the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, studied complications in people with tight glucose control and those using regular diabetes treatment Only one-third as many people in the tight-control group developed neuropathy compared to those in the standard-treatment group Also, careful blood glucose control may even heal some of the early changes of neuropathy Avoiding alcohol and cigarettes may help protect nerves from damage, as well
Q A
Q A
The Right Steps continued from page 1
Circulation problems from PAD reduce the ability of the skin to resist injury, fight infection, and to heal In some cases, however, circulation problems may not be recognized
until an ulcer forms Because diabetes may cause arteries to harden from calcium in the artery wall, some tests for PAD may yield unreliable results Special tests in a vascular laboratory, however, can provide information about the presence and severity of a circulation problem in someone with diabetes Brendas tests showed that she had mild PAD, but her circulation was probably adequate for healing Had she been found to have more severe circulatory problems further evaluation, and possibly surgery or angioplasty, would have been necessary to improve blood flow With good care, Brendas foot ulcer healed within two weeks, but she remains aware that her feet need special care Scar tissue under the healed wound may break down easily She now has special shoes that protect the area of the healed ulcer, preventing the ulcer from coming back Brendas outcome was good, but many people with diabetes-related foot problems may not be so fortunate A minor problem like Brendas can lead to serious infection, gangrene, and may ultimately lead to the need for an amputation Foot problems related to diabetes can be prevented and managed The keys are proper foot care, attention to proper diabetes
management and establishing a good relationship with a knowledgeable health care provider
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr David L Dawson is a vascular surgeon with special interest in the medical, surgical, and endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease He is Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis
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DIABETESWHATS THE BIG DEAL?
Okay So I have a touch of sugar Doesnt everyone over the age of 65?
Not according to the American Diabetes Association ADA Diabetes affects 17 million Americans and about 1 out of 5 over the age of 65 Having high sugar or glucose levels, even a little high, can take a toll over time on your body High sugar levels can lead to serious degenerative changes in the eye, nerve and kidney and make you more susceptible to infections And per the ADA, high sugar levels can blur your vision or make you feel tired or thirsty all the time People with diabetes also are more likely to develop other health problems, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and fat levels, and heart disease Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure, but it can be treated and complications avoided or minimized when patients are informed of, and comply with,
proper treatment Diabetes mainly occurs in two forms: Type 1: the pancreas does not make insulin Type 2: the body does not effectively use insulin Ninety to ninety-five percent have Type 2 diabetes, often called adult onset diabetes, and most people who develop it are in their middle years or older People with Type 2 diabetes should try to reach their ideal weight, follow a regular exercise program, and control their blood sugar levels, as well as lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol Another category is called Impaired Glucose Tolerance or pre-diabetes In the past, the term borderline diabetes was used These individuals have an abnormal blood sugar glucose response to an oral glucose tolerance test a glucose challenge but normal fasting blood sugar According to the ADA, pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition because one is likely to develop diabetes and may already be experiencing the adverse health effects of this serious condition People with pre-diabetes are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease The good news is that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes by making diet changes and increasing physical activity While some
medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise have better results Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10 reduction in body weight, produced a 58 reduction in diabetes Treatments to control blood sugar typically involve working with a health care team to learn management of diet, oral medications and insulin injections There are several oral medications or pills that help the body use insulin more effectively Although daily insulin injections may be uncomfortable, many advances in insulin delivery have made insulin shots a more effective tool to reduce and control sugar levels Insulin needles now are very tiny, and almost painless Other options include pen injectors Insulin comes in various acting times: short, medium and long making them more effective in glucose control The overall goal is to keep sugar levels as near normal as possible However, it is a daily task and one that requires monitoring by you and your health care team The results pay off with a healthier body
the following for providing unrestricted educational grants for this newsletter:
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Our Mission:
The mission of the Foundation is to reduce the widespread prevalence and effects of peripheral arterial disease and other vascular diseases by increasing public awareness of the benefits of prevention, prompt diagnosis, comprehensive management and rehabilitation
Vascular Disease Foundation Annual Report
2001
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The Vascular Disease Foundation is entering an era that will bring vascular disease information to the forefront The recognition that vascular disease is serious is increasing, and will continue to expand Many key partners have joined with the Foundation to help spread the important messages of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of those suffering from the wide range of vascular diseases It is with extreme pride that we present this first Annual Report, highlighting our activities from 2001 and to acknowledge and thank our sponsors and contributors, that made these successes possible Your continued investment and support
will keep our momentum going and help make a difference for those affected by vascular disease On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and Vascular Disease Foundation staff, I would like to thank you for your support and involvement
Contributo
Thank you to our Contributors and Sponsors from 2000 through 2001 We couldnt do it without you We sincerely apologize if we have inadvertently missed a contributors name, or misspelled it Please let us know so we can correct our records The Vascular Disease Foundation is tax-exempt under section 501c 3 of the Internal Revenue Code It is eligible to receive donations as deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes
Sheryl Benjamin, VDF Executive Director
Dennis Newman, Chairman of the Board
2001 Highlights:
Friends
Annual Gifts Under 100 Ms Elizabeth Barton Mr Harvey Baughman Mr Vincent Bellitte Mr Mrs Marvin Bellows Dr Michael Beezley Mr Lawrence Bishop Ms Julie Ray Breuer Ms Frances Collins Ms Valerie Crain Mr Santo DiPietro Dr Magruder C Donaldson Mr Roger DuPont Ms Judith Dyer Ms Gloria Fine Mr Frank Flynn Ms Joann Gorrell Ms Joan Grierson Ms Dolores Hanson Dr Denzil Hawes-Davis Ms Elizabeth Howard Dr Michael
Hummel Dr Stephen Hurst Mr Frank Jappel Ms Thelma Jill Jillson Dr George Khoriaty Ms Alexander Klein Ms Barbara Leifer Mr Mrs James Linkhorn Mr Gene McCord Ms Muriel McHugh Dr K Mehta Ms Fannie Moore Ms Alyce Pickens Ms Catherine Rizzo Ms June Ryan Dr Barnett Sapurstein Dr Robert Schainfield Ms Viola Schwab Ms Nancy Shebel Dr David G Stanley Ms Jeri Stevens Ms Norma Stordahl Dr Paul Svigals Dr Philip Thomason Mr Joseph Valente Vascular Consultants, Newark, Delaware Mr Thomas Wayne Ms Melba Winegar
Web Site Development:
wwwvdforg the web site with information you can trust The Foundation embarked on an aggressive program to design and implement an enhanced web site It was launched in May 2001 and had over 65,000 visits in its first few months Its features are an easy-to-surf format, easy-to-understand information, pictures, and shared personal stories There are video clips on several topics plus resources for further information It has been listed as a resource by Readers Digest, Remedy, JAMA, and the BBC to mention a few, and over 200 other web sites list us as a link
Educational Materials:
The Foundation published its first educational brochures to help answer many questions
about the Foundation, PAD, and intermittent claudication These brochures and leaflets are sent to those requesting in formation from the Foundation They are also distributed at meetings and exhibits and posted on the Foundations web site
Newsletter:
Keeping in Circulation a newsletter for the public Two issues were printed in 2001 with great acclaim Our distribution list has grown dramatically and numerous health care professionals request extra copies to share with their patients, or place in their waiting rooms or distribute at health fairs Several readers have thanked the Foundation for providing such an invaluable resource which helps them understand vascular disease For many, it is difficult to find credible information about vascular disease and Keeping In Circulation fills that void
Colorado PAD Awareness Campaign:
The Foundation launched its initial public awareness campaign in our home state of Colorado in September 2001 with a Keeping in Circulation Walk and an educational presentation at the Denver Botanic Gardens Partial funding was supplied by local grants and corporations Public Service Announcements were aired on a local television station, as were interviews
Screening for PAD was offered at several sites The Foundation was able to share the message about PAD symptoms to over 2,500,000 homes in the Denver metro area Results from this campaign are shaping plans for similar awareness campaigns in the future
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rs and Sponsors
Donors
Annual Gifts 100 - 249 Dr Lisa Alford Dr Eric Chino Thomas Church Family Trust Dr Gustav Eles Ms Victoria Fahey Dr Max H Faykus, Jr Dr Gregory E Guy Dr William Mrs Susan Hiatt Dr William Mrs Ann Krupski Ms Pamela McKinnie Dr William J Miller Dr Stephen Murray Dr Landy P Paolella Dr Judith Regensteiner Mr Kenneth Schneider Dr Scott Savader The Southeastern Heart Vascular Center Greensboro, NC Dorothy Cederberg Rugg: Eileen Marr Florence Chichester: Patricia Bosco Justine Chichester Ruby Merryman Mitchell, Nancy, Terry Patti Thiel Nathalie White Larry Davis: Wayne Connie Johnson Joan E Deeter: Eric and Tammy Deeter James Ervin: Beverly Ervin Elaine Ervin Marsha Rehm Christaville Hamm: Jo Berry Desmond Allen John H Milliken: Mr Mrs Lee R Hughes, Jr Sonny Kaye Krietman Judith Milliken R B Katherine Morgan John OConnor Mr Mrs Howard Ogles Katherine Ann Ogles Miriam Sanders Charles Mary Watts Joanne
Symonds: Arthur Barbara Hardy Austin Wilberta Hardy Roy Claire Hill Flora Wiebusch: Joyce French Jeffrey Pash The National Football League Gary Wiebusch John Wiebusch
In Memory of
Corporate Foundation Donors–2001
Platinum Sponsor 100,000 and above Colin Medical Gold Sponsor 50,000 and above Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Silver Sponsor 25,000 and above Bristol Myers Squibb/Sanofi-Synthelabo Bronze Sponsor 10,000 and above AstraZeneca, LP Sigma Tau Research Supporting Sponsors 1000 - 10,000 W L Gore Nicolet Vascular Hutchinson Technologies Osborn Medical Program Donations Channel 7/KMGH TV Colorado Athletic Club Concepts Unlimited Denver Botanic Gardens Frontier Airlines KEZW King Soopers Legs For Life Medical Communications Media Porter Adventist Hospital Vascular Institute of the Rockies Grants from Foundations Rose Community Foundation
Supporters
Annual Gifts of 250 - 499 Dr Alain Drooz Ms Lissa Carter Vascular Medicine Program, University of Minnesota Dr Tracy Napp J
Sustainers
Annual Gifts of 500 - 999 Dr, Alan Hirsch Ms Laurie E Curtis Dr Charles Guidot Dr Gary Lemmon
Patrons
Annual Gifts of 1000 - 49,999 Drs Gary Patricia Becker Byron Mary Chrisman
Corporate
Foundation Donors–2000
Gold Sponsor 50,000 and above Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Supporting Sponsors 1000 - 10,000 Connectics Corporation Nicolet Vascular Hutchinson Technologies Sanofi-Synthelabo Sigma Tau Research Program Donations Colin Medical Concepts Unlimited GE Medical Systems Medical Communications Media Primestar Grants from Foundations Rose Community Foundation Melvin and Elaine Wolf Foundation, Inc
Benefactors
Annual Gifts Over 50,000 Dennis Patricia Newman
In Honor of
Linda Janzen: Dorothy Holstrom Theodore Ryan Sr, Scott Heather Ryan: Irene Ryan
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NHLBI Meeting for Vascular Disease:
In June 2001, several members from the Board of Directors and staff of the Vascular Disease Foundation held a joint meeting with the director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and representatives from several key departments of the National Institutes of Health to discuss the importance of increasing public education about PAD This meeting was a unique and extraordinary opportunity to discuss future collaborative efforts that will increase attention and publicity about the disease and encourage its prevention and early treatment Current NHLBI programs and scientific
meetings offer several ways for working together to increase awareness Our hope is that this first meeting will result in long-term collaborative efforts between the NHLBI, vascular professionals and the Vascular Disease Foundation to benefit the 8-12 million Americans with PAD
Dr Greg, Dennis Newman and Dr Lenfant at NHLBI Meeting
Conferences and Meetings:
The Foundation attended and exhibited at several key meetings in 2001 At public health fairs and seminars we talked with people affected by vascular disease At medical meetings of our vascular society partners, we talked with those who treat vascular disease Sharing information, encouraging involvement with the Foundation and spreading the word that the Foundation is the best source of vascular disease information is our goal
2001 Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors volunteered their time to help the Foundation in its direction and programs during 2001 Gary Becker, MD Ruth Cato, RVT Byron R Chrisman, JD Mark A Creager, MD Alain Drooz, MD Ruth Edwards, RN William Flinn, MD Peter Gloviczki, MD William R Hiatt, MD Alan T Hirsch, MD Robert Hobson, III, MD William Krupski, MD Claude Lenfant, MD Pamela McKinnie Mark R Nehler,
MD Dennis Newman John Porter, MD Judith G Regensteiner, PhD Robert B Rutherford, MD Kerry Stewart, PhD
2001 Statement of Activities
Revenues
Contributions, legacies bequests Other income Interest Income Total Revenues 261,068 16,780 3,093
280,941
Expenditures
Program services Administrative Fundraising Total Expenses 134,690 42,580 177,277
unaudited statement A4
Non-Profit Org US POSTAGE PAID Boulder, CO Permit No 94
VASCULAR DISEASE FOUNDATION
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Keeping in circulationTM
This issue focuses on diabetes because of the strong relationship between atherosclerotic vascular disease and diabetes Diabetes affects 17 million Americans, and many of those with longstanding diabetes have PAD In addition: h h h h There are more than 56,000 diabetes-related amputations annually in the USA1 About 20 will be hospitalized for foot problems1 Diabetes is the most frequent cause of lower limb amputations outside of injuries1 Prevention and early detection of foot problems is the best way to avoid life- and limb-threatening complications2
People with diabetes are: h Seven times more likely than those without diabetes to have an
amputation2 h Five times more likely to have PAD2 h Two to four times more likely to have a stroke1 h Two to four times more likely to have coronary artery disease1 Sources: 1American Diabetes Association; 2 Vascular Disease Foundation
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2002 Vascular Disease Foundation Newsletter designed by Concepts Unlimited
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Source:vdf.org
