Why Wound Care Education Matters
When people think of wounds, they often picture a small cut or scrape. But for some, wounds don’t heal like they should. Chronic wounds—often caused by diabetes, poor circulation, or injuries—can last for months. If not treated early, they can lead to serious problems like infections, amputations, and long-term pain.
Dr. Vera Vanderkraan has seen this firsthand—and she knows that education is the key to changing that.
“Many people don’t realize how important early care is,” she says. “We could prevent so much suffering if patients and providers knew what to look for and when to act.”
A Story of Hope and Healing
One woman came to Jovive Wound Care after struggling with painful leg ulcers for over a year. The wounds had become so severe they covered more than 200 square centimeters—making it hard for her to walk or do everyday tasks.
But she was ready to get better. “She said, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes,’” Dr. Vanderkraan remembers. “That kind of hope, combined with the right care and education, changed everything.”
With a personalized treatment plan—including wound cleaning, dressings, and skin treatments—her wounds shrank in just a few weeks. Her life started to change, too. She gained her strength back, started walking more, and even smiled again.
Know When to Get Help
If a wound isn’t getting better after four weeks, it’s time to see a wound care specialist. Waiting too long can lead to serious problems.
“Many of our patients didn’t know how bad their wounds were until they ended up in the ER,” says Dr. Vanderkraan. “We want to reach people before it gets to that point.
Wound Care in the Community
Jovive Wound Care is all about bringing care to the community. Dr. Vanderkraan and her team host events and partner with local groups to help people learn how to take care of wounds—and how to prevent them in the first place.
And yes, they have a mascot: Al the Alpaca. Al helps make wound care a little less scary—and a little more fun. Kids love him, and adults appreciate the friendly way he starts important conversations.
“Wound care is serious, but it doesn’t have to feel intimidating,” says Dr. Vanderkraan.
Visit Us at the Total Wellness Health Fair!
Want to learn more—and maybe meet Al the Alpaca in person?
Come see us at the Total Wellness Health Fair on April 12th in Rialto, CA!
Jovive Wound Care will be offering:
- Free diabetic foot checks
- Blood sugar screenings
- Helpful tips on wound prevention and care
We’re here to help you and your loved ones stay healthy and informed. Whether you’re managing a chronic wound or just want to learn more, we’d love to meet you.
To explore why wound care education is so important, Dr. Ed Cho, National Physician Director of Outpatient Medicine at Vituity, sat down with Dr. Vera Vanderkraan, Medical Director at Jovive Wound Care. This conversation is part of our ongoing series on advanced wound care. Dr. Vanderkraan and Dr. Cho share insights on how wound care education is transforming lives, one patient at a time.
Check out the full interview here: Wound Care Education: Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities.
