Orthofeet Partners with American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) To Promote Foot Health and Mobility

NORTHVALE, N.J., Jan. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Orthofeet, a leading designer and manufacturer of specialty footwear for diabetes patients, announced a partnership with the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) to develop a grassroots educational campaign promoting foot health for adults with diabetes.  

"Our alliance with the AADE supports our corporate mission to help adults with diabetes maintain their mobility and lead healthy, active lives," said Steve Wasik, CEO, Orthofeet.  "Diabetes educators are on the front lines of caring for diabetes patients – and are uniquely suited to help prevent common foot health complications that may compromise quality of life for those patients."

Adults with diabetes are vulnerable to a condition called neuropathy, characterized by a loss of sensation in their feet.  For these patients, a minor irritation or cut can go unnoticed and develop into a blister, ulcer or much more serious problem, leading to amputations.  Clinical studies show that ongoing preventive foot care and therapeutic footwear can help patients maintain their foot health.

"Our network is excited about the Orthofeet partnership as it addresses a major need gap in patient care," said Bill Wald, Vice President Corporate Relations and Development, AADE.  "There are many teaching tools to help patients understand how to monitor glucose levels or eat a healthy diet – but there are very few resources that communicate the importance of daily foot care for this population."

The Orthofeet educational curriculum was developed under the guidance of Dennis Janisse, C.Ped, Director of Scientific Affairs, Orthofeet, in collaboration with the AADE.  The campaign is designed to 'educate the educators' on the role of daily foot care and therapeutic footwear in maintaining mobility.  Orthofeet will then provide educators with resources to teach healthy foot care practices to their patients at hospitals, senior centers and other institutions. Educators will also be able to partner with local authorized Orthofeet dealers to help qualified patients obtain therapeutic shoes covered by Medicare.

"Working closely with the AADE network, we're confident we can make a difference in improving foot health among diabetes patients," said Wasik. "Our goal is to help educators empower their diabetes patients to take charge of their mobility as part of the management of their condition, making foot health a daily priority."

About Orthofeet
Orthofeet develops and manufactures premium specialty footwear biomechanically designed to provide diabetes patients with ultimate mobility, comfort and protection for an improved quality of life.  The company pioneered innovations in footwear construction tailored to the special needs of adults with diabetes, including ergonomic soles and patented closure systems. Orthofeet shoes are approved for coverage by Medicare and most insurance companies for qualified diabetes patients.

About AADE
Founded in 1973, the American Association of Diabetes Educators is the leading association for diabetes educators.  With more than 14,000 members, AADE advocates on behalf of diabetes educators and the patients they serve.  We also work to ensure the professional growth of our members and promote widespread recognition of the benefits of diabetes education. 

SOURCE Orthofeet