The Central Australia Health Service has created a series of videos that promote healthy feet.

Acting Manager of Podiatry, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Steve Hancox said the videos aim to educate people to take care of their feet to prevent wounds that can result in infection and amputation.

“The videos have strong messages about foot care,” he said.

“Too often we see patients with foot lacerations that lead to amputations, which could have been avoided with basic foot care.

“The key messages in the video are to check your feet and to be aware of your own conditions. If a patient has numb feet due to diabetes, then that person is more likely to develop a wound, so it is essential to show people how to look after their feet.

“Patients with foot wounds or diabetes are urged to visit their local clinic to keep their feet healthy.”

The video has been translated into five different languages and features local people.

“We have translated the English version into Alyaware, Anmatjiere, Pitjatjantjara, Walpiri and Western Arrernte and the Alice Springs Hospital’s Aboriginal Liaison Officers assisted us with translating the messages into language,” he said.

“We hope that people living in remote communities who visit the health centres, will watch these videos and become more aware of the need for healthy feet.

“Our aim is to improve the health of our patient’s feet because many people are not aware of the association of a numb foot with diabetes. People with diabetes are more susceptible to feet infections that can lead to amputations.”

The videos will be distributed throughout the Central Australia Health Service to health centres on communities and at the Alice Springs Hospital as a tool for educating clients about preventing complications caused from neglected feet.

Media Contact: Nicole Ogilvie on 0410 114 113