Diabetes complications are the leading cause of lower-leg amputations. They account for almost 86,000 amputations each year. Doctors estimate

Nearly half of these amputations could be prevented if someone took better care of their feet.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for a person with diabetes to pay rigorous attention to their feet. Foot infections are the most common issue for a person with diabetes and are more severe and take longer to heal than in a person without diabetes,”Dr. Alan Farber, a podiatric physician certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

Farber added, “Proper foot care is simple and includes things like using an antifungal daily, not only to heal, but also to prevent fungal infections, and using a moisturizer daily to heal and prevent dry, cracked skin.”

Are you thorough enough with your foot care? Continue reading to find out.

* Whether indoors on plush rugs or outdoors on white sand, never walk barefoot. Podiatrists recommend that you wear wide, closed-toed shoes with well-fitting socks. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight. “breaking in.”

* Clean feet daily with warm water and mild soap, but don’t soak them for more than three or four minutes. If skin is left submerged for too much time, it can become macerated and make it more susceptible to bacteria.

* Cracks in dry skin provide ideal openings for bacteria. L-Arginine can be found in moisturizing creams like DiabetiDerm Foot Remeending Cream. L-Arginine is known to stimulate healthy blood flow and help heal cracked, dry skin. This cream can only be purchased in the diabetic section at your favorite superstore or drugstore.

* Under no circumstances should you shave or attempt to remove calluses or corns. Show them to your podiatrist, and they will recommend shoes. Make sure to get a cream specifically for diabetes, which can be used every day.

* Meticulously inspect feet, toes and toenails for swelling, cuts, blisters, redness, fungal buildup or any type of irritation on a daily basis. To check for fungus if your toenails have become thicker, consult a podiatrist. A prescription for an antifungal is likely to be given if there is fungus. Walgreens and Rite Aid carry DiabetiDerm Antifungal Cream With L-Arginine in their diabetic section. L-Arginine stimulates blood flow which speeds up healing.

Learn more about footcare at www.diabeticproducts.com.

The pace of life today is rapid. The rise of digital technology has allowed people to communicate with each other via the internet and simultaneously check their children’s soccer scores. With the advent of the Internet, consumers can expect the same conveniences from all services and businesses except their insurance companies. For many people struggling to pay their medical bills, this can seem like a long wait, even though 98 percent of claims for health insurance are processed in 30 days.

It is no longer enough to be insured, as nearly two-thirds of American households have less income than 2002. It is important to find out how fast and easy your insurance company processes and pays claims. This is critical for both financial recovery and physical recovery.

Recent research found that 66% would not be able to adjust to the high financial cost of serious illnesses or injuries. Only 49% have enough money to cover out-of pocket expenses. Additionally, rising healthcare costs have forced employers to take cost-saving measures that are putting employees under greater financial pressure.

* Increasing employees’ health care insurance copayments.

* Increasing employees’ share of premium.

* Implementing high-deductible health plans with health savings accounts.

Some people might have to wait as long as a month to receive their insurance payments. Many insurance companies are able to offer fast service because they have better technology and an understanding of today’s consumer needs. This is just one example. AflacIt is almost rare for insurance companies to offer policies that include claims processing, approval, and payment in a single day.

Fast payment policies are no longer luxury items of the past. It is now a necessity. It is vital to have funds readily available for serious illness or injury. You should ensure that your insurance company can move at your pace.

Aflac’s One Day Pay guarantee can be found on aflac.com/onedaypay.