September is Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) Awareness Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of the disease as well as share new tools to help patients with the disease live better. P.A.D. - or clogged arteries of the legs - affects approximately 9 million Americans and can lead to heart attack, stroke, amputation and death.
To help patients with P.A.D. live better with their disease, the P.A.D. Coalition has launched the Interactive Workbook on P.A.D. This new tool works like an online booklet, with turning pages, narrated text, videos, graphics, printable handouts and quizzes. It covers P.A.D. risk factors, symptoms and diagnosis and the key components of disease management to improve cardiovascular health and walking ability. The workbook also reviews what to expect if you require surgery or other special procedure for P.A.D.
"The Interactive Workbook is an essential resource for patients living day to day with P.A.D.," stated Marge Lovell, RN, Chair of the P.A.D. Coalition and clinical trials nurse at the London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario. "The unique format not only engages and empowers patients to learn more about managing P.A.D., but it also urges patients to take charge of their health and be better informed when talking to health care professionals."