Up With Feet

You eat and drink smart. You balance exercise with rest, and you avoid habits that harm your health. But have you neglected your feet?

Foot doctors tell us that the average 50 year old has walked nearly 75,000 miles, nearly three times the distance between San Francisco and New York City. Feet deserve some respect.

• So change your socks at least daily. If your feet sweat much, look for socks that wick away excess moisture.
• Use sun screen on any parts of your feet that are exposed, whether you’re wearing sandals or open-toe shoes or are just lying barefoot on the beach. A note on sunscreen: keep to the ones that use titanium or zinc oxide for protection and avoid the lotion and sprays with PABA and Tolamine salicylate.
• Moisturize your feet daily. When possible, use a urea-based cream rather than one containing alcohol.
• Think twice before donning flip-flops. They can cause your heels to slide, they offer no arch support, and they leave your feet exposed to the bacteria that abound in public places

This month we are focusing on self-care. Times are tough. We encourage everyone to take measure to support and give health to your body, mind and soul.