Samaritan Healthcare | The Samaritan | Winter 2018

Join us in welcoming Arezou Amidi, DPM, a podiatrist at Samaritan Healthcare. Dr. Amidi is fellowship trained, specializing in surgery and reconstruction. She is now happy to offer her foot and ankle expertise to the residents of Moses Lake and the Columbia Basin. Dr. Amidi’s parents were both doctors, so she grew up understanding how meaningful it is to bring healing to others. When she chose a career in health care, she was attracted to podiatry because it is more focused than some other spe- cialized areas of medicine. “I appreciate being able to spend time with a patient and really learn what their needs are,” says Dr. Amidi. “Above all, I want to be able to sincerely care for my patients so they have the best possibilities to achieve success in healing.” Dr. Amidi specializes in foot and ankle trauma, fractures, sports injuries, and reconstructions, as well as wound care, diabetic complica- tions, orthotics, and much more. “If it’s a foot or ankle problem, I want to help,” says Dr. Amidi. “Patients often don’t realize that foot or ankle problems can affect posture, ligament stabilization and other issues.They also need to understand how important it is to follow through with the treatment plan.” We call it podiatry. You’ll call it life-changing. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Amidi by calling 793-9783 . 7 questions for your surgeon Before going ahead with any surgery, be sure to ask your doctor these questions: 1. Why do I need this operation? 2. What will happen if I don’t have this procedure now? 3. Are there other treatment options—and is this surgery the best option for me? 4. What are the risks and possible complications of this surgery? 5. What is the success rate for this procedure? 6. Will I need any special preparation for this surgery, such as medical tests, a blood donation or a change in my medicines? 7. What can I expect for my recovery—for instance, will I need home care and when can I return to work or drive again? Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American College of Surgeons 16” THE HUMAN FOOT AND ANKLE HAVE 26 BONES & 33JOINTS. SHOULD YOU FOOT IT TO THE DOCTOR? If you have foot or ankle problems, talk with your doctor. Or call 793-9783 for more information. In 2014, a young Venezuelan man claimed the title of largest feet (male). His feet measured nearly 16 INCHES LONG. That’s a U.S. size 26 or roughly the diameter of an extra-large pizza. AS WE AGE, OUR FEET BECOME LONGER AND WIDER. F A S T FACTS A B O U T FE E T NEW SHOES should NOT need to be broken in. You want them to be comfortable from the first step. Shop for shoes at the end of the day. That’s when your feet are largest. QUICK TIP Sources: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society; American Podiatric Medical Association; Guinness World Records Podiatry Caring for feet and ankles We l come , Dr. Ami d i ! Butts out before surgery Are you a smoker who needs elective surgery? Then here’s some crucial advice: Make every effort to quit before your operation. Smoking raises your risk of potentially serious complications from surgery, including having a slow-healing wound or infection. But quitting four to six weeks before surgery and staying smoke-free for four weeks afterward cuts your risk of wound complications in half. And quitting for good can add years to your life. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American College of Surgeons Winter 2018 7