Atlanta, Ga. (October 30, 2023)— Piedmont Newton wound care clinicians volunteered their time and talents again this year to provide foot checks and education to help with prevention and early diagnosis of potentially life-threatening health issues related to poor foot care.

Nearly every year since 2007, Lazarus Health Ministries has hosted an annual health day in downtown Atlanta in support of the homeless community. At this year’s event, a team of three Piedmont Newton wound care clinicians provided diabetic foot education and foot checks for more than 30 homeless people.

The Piedmont Newton team consisted of Susan Beacham, RN, Manager of Wound Care Services; Emily Dearing, RN, wound care clinician, and Sherrie Elias-Boakye.

"Piedmont is continually looking for ways to provide simplified access to care for all Georgians," Beacham said. "Our unhoused community members are among the most vulnerable for complications related to foot injuries, so this outreach is a perfect opportunity for us to fulfill our mission of making a positive difference in every life we touch."

A foot exam checks the feet for problems with the nerves and blood flow, damage or injury and changes in shape, including swelling. The exam includes an inspection, assessment of pulses in the foot and leg and testing for sensation loss. Clinicians are looking for areas that are warm to the touch, cuts, blisters, cracks, larger wounds or infection. A foot exam can help find problems that can lead to serious infection and even amputation if not found and treated early.

Foot inspection and overall foot care is increasingly important for people with diabetes because they are far more susceptible to developing foot issues that can worsen rapidly. The rate of diabetes among people who are homeless is nearly impossible to track, but researchers estimate that it is higher than among the general population, which has surpassed 11 percent, so offering this education, prevention and early diagnosis is critical.