04/30/2022
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month!
Did you know there are about 185,000 amputations a year in the United States? There are more than 2 million people who live with limb loss. In addition, about 1,900 babies are born each year with a limb difference.
A significant portion of my (Dr. Hayworth here) practice is seeing amputees. Let me tell you, these are some inspiring folks! I have people who get back to work in factories, as truck drivers, or in construction. I have people who hunt, fish, bowl, run, camp, and ride motorcycles. I see people who have been amputees their whole life and others who become one in their 70s. It is by no means easy to live without part of an arm or leg. But with resiliency, persistence, attention to whole body and mind health, and a great prosthetist, many find a successful new normal. One of the best coping strategies? Humor - see attached 😉