FOOT CARE GUIDELINES:

• Wash and dry feet well every day
• Wear well fitting shoes and clean, dry, cotton shocks.
• Never walk barefoot.
• Follow the contour of toe when trimming toe nails. To prevent ingrown nails, do not cut into the corners.
• Apply moisturizing lotion daily.
• Avoid using lotions that are perfumed or that contain alcohol.
• See a podiatrist regularly for removal of corns, warts and calluses.
• A yearly foot evaluation is recommended.
• Buy shoes mid day, when feet are their largest. Break in new shoes gradually.
• Leather shoes will stretch and mold to the foot and provide less pressure areas.
• Notify your health care provider within 24 hours if your foot becomes infected or injured.
• Keep the area clean, dry and covered.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and gauze wrap as needed. Try to stay off the foot as much as possible until it is evaluated.

In many developing countries, children with diabetes suffer because insulin and other diabetes supplies are not affordable or sometimes not even available.
The International Diabetes Federation's Life for a Child Program supports the care of close to 1000 children in the following countries: Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Uzbekistan, Bolivia, Mali, Ecuador, Sudan and Cameroon.

Participants in the Life for a Child Program partially-sponsor the neediest children at diabetes centers in these countries. This sponsorship enables the children to receive the clinical care and diabetes education they need to stay alive. The centers provide thorough clinical and financial feedback.

The goals of the Program are to provide:
* Sufficient insulin and syringes
* Blood glucose monitoring facilities
* Appropriate clinical care
* HbA1c testing
* Diabetes education
* Technical support for health professionals (if requested)

Some centers need support for all these areas; others need support for some components.
Many children with diabetes in developing countries die soon after diagnosis. Many others face the burden of complications while still young. Life for a Child encourages governments to establish appropriate care to safeguard the future of children with diabetes.

Funds are donated by the International Diabetes Federation through sale of World Diabetes Day merchandizing, individuals, associations, Rotary International, and companies working in diabetes. Most individual donors contribute a dollar a day. Support is provided to recognized diabetes centers to purchase insulin and syringes, and provide monitoring and education. Financial trails and the health outcomes of the children are carefully monitored.
Our goal is to double the number of children supported by the end of 2008. Help us save children with diabetes. Donate online at http://www.lifeforachild.org/ or through the purchase of World Diabetes Day merchandize.
Source: www.lifeforachild.org
Disclaimer: All opinions and Information published here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. If you are a patient, please see your doctor for evaluation of your individual case. Under no circumstances will the authors be liable to you for any direct or indirect damages arising in connection with use of this website