As the last day of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month 2024 comes to a close, the mission to combat this life altering disease continues. Dr. Gary Jones, a cardiovascular surgeon with over 35 years of experience and the owner of Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute (LACVT), has dedicated his career to preventing amputations and improving the quality of life for his patients. His passion for saving limbs led him to create the KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING initiative, a program focused on raising awareness, promoting education, and driving early detection and intervention for PAD.

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease and Its Risks
Peripheral artery disease affects millions of Americans, many of whom are unaware they are at risk. PAD occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the limbs—most commonly the legs. Left untreated, PAD can lead to severe complications, including wounds that do not heal and even the need for amputation.

For patients with PAD, amputation is not just a physical loss—it also profoundly affects emotional and mental health. Losing a limb can lead to decreased mobility, isolation, and significant lifestyle changes. That’s why Dr. Jones advocates so strongly for early intervention to stop PAD in its tracks before it leads to such devastating outcomes.

KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING: A Lifesaving Initiative
Through his KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING program, Dr. Jones aims to spread awareness about the importance of early screening and treatment for PAD. The program emphasizes the critical need for people to recognize the early warning signs of PAD, such as leg pain while walking, slow-healing wounds, or a change in the color of their legs. With regular checkups, appropriate lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, PAD can be managed, and amputations can be prevented.

“Peripheral artery disease doesn’t have to lead to amputation,” says Dr. Jones. “With the right care at the right time, we can help people keep their limbs and maintain a high quality of life.”

Year-Round Awareness: Every Day Is Important
Although PAD Awareness Month shines a spotlight on this disease every September, Dr. Jones stresses that raising awareness must be a year-round effort. Education is key to preventing amputations, and his goal is to make sure every Louisiana resident knows the risks of PAD, the importance of early detection, and the options available for treatment.

At LACVT, Dr. Jones and his team provide comprehensive care for PAD, from screenings to advanced treatments. They are committed to ensuring that patients, especially those in high-risk groups such as people with diabetes or those insured by Medicaid, receive the best possible care to reduce the likelihood of limb loss.

Take Action Now: Get Screened for PAD
If you or a loved one is at risk for peripheral artery disease, call 318-442-0106 today to schedule a quick, noninvasive screening. If you’re experiencing symptoms like leg pain, tingling, or non- healing wounds, DON’T WAIT! – make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Jones and his expert team.
Early detection can save limbs, and every step counts toward keeping Louisiana walking. Dr. Jones and his team are here to support you through every step of your PAD journey. Let’s work together to KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING—not just in September, but 365 days a year.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against PAD.

About Dr. Gary Jones: Dr. Gary Jones is a highly experienced cardiovascular surgeon and the owner of Louisiana Cardiovascular & Thoracic Institute in Alexandria, LA. With a special focus on peripheral artery disease and diabetic wound care, Dr. Jones is committed to improving patient outcomes and preventing amputations through education, early diagnosis, and advanced medical treatments. His KEEP LOUISIANA WALKING initiative is dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the impact of PAD across Louisiana.