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Hays, Kansas (June 5, 2017) Hays, KS—The HaysMed Wound Healing Center is highlighting Wound Care Awareness Week to help education the public on the chronic wound epidemic and raising awareness of advanced wound care treatments and its benefits.  The Wound Healing Center was recently named a Wound Center of Excellence for 2016.  In both 2015 and 2016 it was name a Center of Distinction which earned them the classification of Center of Excellence.

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the U.S. and the incidence is expected to rise at a rate of two percent annually over the next decade. An aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy contribute to the chronic wound epidemic. 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.

The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center treats approximately 300 patients per year which translates into around 2500 patient encounter visits.  Likely candidates for treatment at the center are those suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infection, compromised skin grafts and flaps and wounds that haven’t healed within 30 days.  The center treat these wounds and works to prevent reoccurrence by correcting contributing factors such as controlling infection and enhancing medical and nutritional status.

Treating wounds is a complex task.  Each case is unique and patients will heal at varying rates.  The Wound Healing Center staff is prepared to handle a variety of different wounds which includes:

•  Any wound failing to improve with multiple treatments or therapies
  •    Diabetic foot ulcers
  •    Lower leg ulcers
  •    Pressure ulcers
  •    Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
  •    Gangrene
  •    Skin tears or lacerations
  •    Late effects of radiation therapy
  •    Post-operative infections
  •    Slow or non-healing surgical wounds
  •    Compromised skin flaps or grafts
  •    Burns

There are many risk factors that may lead to chronic wounds including:

• Malnutrition and diet
  •    Circulation problems
  •    Infection
  •    Aging
  •    Diabetes
  •    Hyperglycemia – especially blood sugars over 150
  •    Arthritis
  •    Diabetes
  •    Kidney disease
  •    Certain medications
  •    Swelling
  •    Weight
  •    Smoking
  •    Inability to adhere to your individual plan of care

If you have a wound that has not healed in 30 days or have questions about chronic wound care please contact us at 785-623-6502.  We have two convenient locations, HaysMed and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, Kansas.  www.haysmed.com/woundcenter/