Clinic Battles To Lower Diabetes-Related Amputation Rates In Poor Neighborhood
Diabetics can lose sensation in their feet and not notice a small injury. The wound could stay open, eventually becoming infected.
Los Angeles Times:
The Amputation Rate For Diabetics In Poor Areas Is High. This Boyle Heights Clinic Is Trying To Change That
Diabetic amputations are preventable if problems are caught early enough. But poorer people tend to face more amputations; one study found that East L.A.’s amputation rate was eight times higher than in some of California’s richest neighborhoods. (Karlamangla, 5/1)
In other news from across the state —
The Desert Sun:
2 Concussions, 30 Doctors And 3 Years Of Hearing 'I Don’t Know.'
Two weeks after the second concussion, Morgan Decker, 19, abruptly dropped to the ground unconscious at cheer practice. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, given some Benadryl and sent on her way without answers or a simple explanation. It's the sort of medical mystery that is confounding physicians without a concussion or sports medicine specialty, at a time when concussions are one of the most researched topics in medicine. (John, 4/28)
The Mercury News:
Bay Area Twins Beat Young Adult Cancer, Together
Ali underwent a craniotomy, vigorous chemotherapy and radiation while her twin, Sara, played a large role in organizing this weekend’s CancerCon — a conference held in Denver for young adult cancer survivors, caregivers and health care professionals. Beaming with the strength of two, the twins hope to inspire and provide support for others who have been affected by young adult cancer. Cancer affects about 70,000 young adults between the ages of 15 and 39 every year, according to the National Cancer Institute. It is the number one killer of young adults, excluding violent accidents. (Saplakoglu, 4/28)
Los Angeles Times:
Tea Made From Deer Antlers May Cause Botulism; Health Officials Issue Alert
Tea made from deer antlers may have sickened two Orange County residents with botulism, a serious illness caused by a bacteria that can cause paralysis, breathing difficulty and is potentially deadly. One adult has a confirmed case of botulism, and the other has a suspected case, the Orange County Health Care Agency said Friday. An investigation by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health suggests the botulism illnesses may be connected with drinking deer antler tea obtained in March. (Lin, 4/29)