inMotion Magazine

May | June 2019 4 Enjoying and living life to its fullest is challenging in today’s world – but for people with limb loss, the physical challenges are even greater. And the stakes are higher. No one is more at risk for amputation than someone who has already lost a limb. For example, diabetes is the number one cause of nontraumatic amputations among Americans, with over 86,000 lower-limb amputations occurring each year. Although it may sound like the odds are against you, it doesn’t have to be this way. Common sense and good preventive care can preserve what you have. In fact, the Amputee Coalition believes that many amputations related to secondary conditions like diabetes can be prevented. This is a key reason why limb loss prevention is included in our mission statement. Health risks vary, depending on your age, family history, personal health history and habits, lifestyle, work and home environments. But no matter what age you are or at what point of life you became an amputee, it is important to make a commitment to your health by taking the time to exercise and schedule regular medical examinations. Instead of thinking about what you have lost, concentrate on taking care of what you have left. You may be missing limbs, but there is more than enough left to care about and maintain in order to function at the best of your ability. Although it may be more inconvenient and difficult to exercise, hop up on an exam table or balance during an X-ray, don’t use your amputation as an excuse to avoid taking care of yourself. Health is more than just a matter of not being sick – it’s the key to a happy life. It’s what gives us the ability to get out and about, to live and to work, and enjoy our families and friends. There are many things that can be done to prevent or repair the secondary conditions caused by limb loss. It’s not too late. The human body is very resilient. You just need to get started by taking the first step. While we may not be able to control all that happens to us, we can control what happens inside us. ~ Benjamin Franklin Editor’s Message LIVING HEALTHY IT BEGINS WITH THE FIRST STEP ~ Bill Dupes, Editor-in-Chief

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