Thought I'd "kick off" your Thursday with this unlikely press release that showed up in my inbox this morning:
Doctor Offers Tips for Healthy, Attractive Feet For the Barefoot SeasonNo offense to any of the involved parties, but I'm booting this one.
Topic Summary:
Warm weather means bare feet, but this can lead to trouble.
Millions of Americans struggle with foot fungus.
Foot fungus causes discomfort and embarrassment.
Individuals can pick up fungus infections, such as athlete’s foot, by walking barefoot in gym locker rooms, public showers or even hotel rooms.
·People with depressed immune systems, such as diabetics, have a higher risk of developing foot fungus. Diabetic patients can experience serious injuries as a result of sunburn, irritation from sandals, tight shoes, stepping on rocks and sharp shells in the surf.
·Athletes have a higher risk because of more wear in occlusive shoes combined with repeated nail trauma. This is especially true for hikers, runners, backpackers, as well as, soccer, basketball and tennis players.
Dr. Maureen Jennings, podiatrist and spokesperson for Pedinol Pharmacal’s Fungoid Tincture (www.fungoid.net) – a foot fungus remedy – says healthy feet are always important, but even more so during the warm weather months. She has a list of 11 simple tips that can help your listeners keep their feet healthy and free of infection during the barefoot seasons.
Discussion Topics:
-What are the 11 tips for keeping my feet healthy for the warm weather months?
-What are the first lines of defense that prevent getting fungus on your feet?
-Why should people wear “shower shoes” in public bathing areas?
-Why should people change their socks or hose at least once a day?
-Is there a technique for clipping nails that actually helps promote healthy feet?
-Does my brand of sock matter? Are there different types of socks or hose that are better for my feet?
-How often should I clean my nail clippers and cuticle scissors?
Topic Overview
At the beach, at the pool, or just walking in sandals, it’s the time of year when your feet get to breathe. But how do you keep your feet healthy as you expose them to dangers like athlete’s foot and other maladies that can make your feet itch, swell or just look ugly?
“It’s not enough just to keep your feet clean,”said Dr. Jennings. “A lot of people tend to ignore their feet, and as a result they expose them to all kinds of infections and problems that can cause them to be both unhealthy and unsightly. The last thing you want during the warm weather months is to be forced to hide your feet because they’re red, itchy or inflamed. And let’s face it guys, wearing socks with sandals is one quick way to make the ‘loser’s list’ with the ladies.”
According to Dr. Jennings, If you can follow 11 easy steps, you can have happy feet all year long.
-Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal infections.
-Clean and dry feet resist disease.
-Washing the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly, is the best way to prevent an infection.
-Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
-Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily.
-Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
-Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
-Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promote moisture-Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks.
-Disinfect home pedicure tools-Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection—those that are red, discolored, or swollen, for example.
“Another thing to watch for ladies, is the nail salon,” she said. “As times get tough, some salons are cutting corners on the sterilization of their tools and soaking tubs. Ask your salon attendant if they’ve washed their equipment before they start working on your feet. Germs and bacteria can grow in the tubs they use to soak your feet, so if it looks dirty, insist they clean it with soap and hot water before they refill it for your session.”
Dr. Jennings also recommends men be extra careful about foot care when visiting the gym.
“Those showers and locker rooms at the gym are breeding grounds for all kinds of fungus and bacteria, but you can fight it if you make sure you dry your feet thoroughly after you shower and put on a pair of clean socks after your shower. You wouldn’t put on the same shirt you used for your workout after showering, so why would you want to wear the same socks from your workout after you cleaned up?”
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