Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the U.S. and the incidence is expected to rise at a rate of 2 percent annually over the next decade, partly brought on by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy, according to Healogics, Inc., a provider of wound care services.
Untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. Approximately 30 percent of untreated chronic wounds result in amputation.
Healogics is sponsoring the third annual Wound Care Awareness Week through June 10. The company, along with its affiliated operations, manages nearly 800 Wound Care Centers in the United States, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
“Our mission is to heal as many patients as possible, everywhere we can, by the best means available,” Jeff Nelson, CEO of Healogics, said. “Wound Care Awareness Week is an opportunity for us to educate patients, caregivers and physicians about chronic wounds and advanced wound care treatment options. “By bringing awareness to the impact of chronic wounds, we can help change the lives of people suffering from them.” www.woundcareawareness.com