Archive for June, 2010
Discovering The Secrets Of Softer Feet
Posted by articlemanager in General on June 17, 2010
Are you tired of unsightly, rough feet and heels? Do you avoid wearing sandals or going barefoot in the warmer months due to your shame surrounding your imperfect feet? If you desire smooth, soft feet, then look no further: The secrets of achieving softer feet and heels aren’t that difficult to uncover! Furthermore, they definitely won’t break the bank, as most of these tips involve some inexpensive products that can be purchased at your local drugstore. If you want to finally have feet and heels that you can be proud to show off during the summer and spring months, then follow these simple and easy to do tips.
-Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate! One of the best ways to achieve beautiful heels and feet is by regularly exfoliating with either a chemical or manual exfoliant. A manual exfoliant is basically a scrub or a pumice stone, which works to gently remove the top layer of dead skin, leaving you with a smooth, healthy finish. Or, if you would prefer to use a chemical exfoliant, seek out an alpha hydroxy acid lotion or cream such as AmLactin. If you have especially stubborn dry or cracked heels, try using these two methods together for amazing results.
-Thick Creams. After you have used either one or both of the two exfoliation methods above, layer a thick cream over your dry feet and heels. While there are hundreds upon thousands of foot creams on the market, all that really matters is that the cream you select is of a thick consistency and has moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin E or jojoba oil. You don’t need to invest in one of the high-end creams to see results. Rather, just pick any inexpensive cream that has these moisturizing properties; the packaging doesn’t even need to indicate that the product is intended solely for the feet (no pun intended!). Some great and trusted brands are Eucerin and Dove.
-Always Wear Socks. Always wear socks when you are working out in athletic shoes. Although it may seem counterintuitive, nothing will dry out the feet quicker than being drenched in sweat with no absorptive material between your feet and your shoes. Ideally, you should coat your feet with a moisturizer before slipping into your shoes and socks. This will ensure the best chance of keeping your feet and heels nicely moisturized while you work out.
Just follow these beauty secrets, and you are sure to have lovely feet and heels in no time!
Learning To Say No To These Foot Disasters
Posted by articlemanager in Foot Pain, Toenail fungus on June 15, 2010
If you are a woman who strives to look her best, then chances are that your feet take quite a beating everyday! All joking aside, some of the most common foot practices of women can be quite detrimental to their long-term foot health. Between high-heeled shoes, locker room bathrooms, and public footbaths and spas, women put themselves at risk for foot problems nearly every day. To help you avoid several visits to your local podiatry clinic, here are some tips to help you avoid these foot care disasters. While some of them may seem like they are taking away your right to beautiful shoes and pedicures, believe this: your feet will thank you in the long run!
*Just Say No To High-Heeled Shoes. OK, so you probably think that giving up your high-heel collection would be a fate worse than death. But trust this: these high-heeled stiletto monsters are absolute torture on your feet. They can indeed cause a score of long-term foot problems, including everything from bunions, nerve damage in your toes, and ankle and heel pain. If you simply must keep high-heels as part of your wardrobe, strive to only wear high-heels that fall around one inch. And invest in some comfy gel inserts so you can create some much-needed arch support in these stressful shoes.
*Just Say No To Infection Hotbeds. If you workout or stay in hotels frequently, you are probably putting yourself at risk for warts and toenail fungus without even realizing it. Indeed, every time you walk on a gym locker room or hotel bathroom floor without shower shoes or flip-flops, you are seriously risking picking up the human papilloma virus (HPV, also known as the pesky little virus behind unsightly plantar warts) and toenail fungus. To ensure that you avoid these nasty little problems, always sport a pair of flip-flops or shower shoes when you walk in one of these public places.
*Just Say No To Spa Footbaths. Next time you are getting a pedicure, ask that the manicurist soak your feet in a basin of lukewarm water instead of submerging them in one of those public footbaths. The jets can be a hotbed of bacteria and viruses, all of which can cause a slew of foot and nail related problems.
It is pretty easy for the average woman to acquire a foot problem or condition thanks to the aforementioned culprits. But if you follow these easy tips, you are sure to keep your feet healthy and beautiful.
How To Never Get A Plantar Wart Again
Posted by articlemanager in Foot Pain, General, Kids & Teens on June 13, 2010
If you have had a plantar wart, then you know how unsightly and even painful they can be. These flat warts usually strike patients on the bottoms of their feet and toes, and can often make walking a painful experience. As you may know, removing and treating warts can often involve expensive laser treatments and repeated liquid nitrogen treatments. As with any other condition, prevention is always the best medicine. Plantar warts are no different than any other foot condition – while never one hundred percent preventable; there are indeed some great ways to almost ensure that you are never plagued with these unsightly warts again. Here are the best ways to avoid ever getting a plantar wart again.
- Keep Your Feet Dry – Warts thrive in moist shoes and socks. One of the best ways to ensure that you never get a wart again is to keep your shoes and socks as dry as possible at all times. If you are planning on working out or running, bring an extra pair of socks to change into immediately after you finish your exercise or activity. Never, ever workout without wearing socks, either. It is crucial that you wear clean socks during every workout, as this ensures that your shoes stay dry and clean. Clean socks are just as important as dry socks, too. Only wear socks that have been freshly washed.
- Public Bathrooms – Never walk barefoot in the bathrooms or locker rooms of hotels, public gyms, or in any other shared or public facility. Plantar warts are quite contagious, and they thrive in the moist and publicly shared environments such as these. Instead, invest in a cheap pair of shower shoes or flip-flops, and wear them at all times when you are using a shared locker room or bathroom. This will greatly diminish your chances of picking up plantar warts, in addition to helping you ensure that you keep your feet clean.
Remember: Cleanliness and dryness are the two main key points when it comes to avoiding picking up plantar warts. If you practice these “clean and dry feet” tactics, you are almost sure to never pick up any unwanted plantar warts. There is no way to absolutely guarantee that you will never pick up plantar warts – but if you practice these techniques, your chances will be greatly, greatly diminished. Remember – clean, dry feet are indeed happy feet!
Knowing When It Is Time To Visit The Podiatrist
Posted by articlemanager in Foot Pain on June 11, 2010
Believe it or not, many people do not have a podiatrist whom they see regularly. And while regular visits to the podiatrist’s office may not always be a necessity, there are some certain times when you should know that it is time to go give your local podiatry clinic a visit. Situations such as possible toenail fungus or plantar warts are a good indicator that it is time to seek professional help from an expert in the medical treatment of feet. To help you figure out when it is time to give the podiatrist a visit, here are some of the signs that let you know that it is time to seek professional medical intervention.
- Discolored or Crumbly Toenails – Discolored or crumbly toenails can be a very clean indicator of toenail fungus, and usually require medical intervention. Toenail fungus, contrary to popular belief, cannot be treated at home or with over the counter medications, as they are almost always completely ineffective. Rather, this problem needs medical treatments, such as the innovative and revolutionary laser treatment that is only available at the podiatrist’s office.
- Pain in your Heels – While pain in your heels can sometimes be a sign of an innocent and easily treated problem, it can also be a sign of a bigger and more serious problem, such as bone spur. A podiatrist will be able to determine the source of the problem, and help to work with you to figure out the best course of treatment and the best way to ease your pain. If you are feeling any pain in your heels, it is a good idea to take it easy and rest until you can get in to see a professional podiatrist. Remember, exacerbating these problems can only make them worse.
- Hard Lumps in the Pads of the Feet or Toes – Hard “lumps” in the pads of the feet or twos could be one of two things; they could either be unsightly warts, or painful bunions. Either way, it is crucial that you book an appointment with a podiatrist as soon as possible to ensure that your problem does not worsen. Whatever the condition may be, it can only get worse if left untreated.
If you ever suspect that pain or swelling in your feet may be a result of something serious, it is best to schedule a visit with your podiatrist.
A Technique to Elevate Your Mood in a Moment
Posted by rickschaefermd in General, Positive Thinking on June 9, 2010
Letter of Introduction from Dr. Milkie: I would like to introduce to you a friend of mine Dr. Rick Schaefer. He considers himself a “reformed anesthesiologist.” He now focuses on life coaching, and has published a wonderful program on Positive Thinking called Extreme Thought Makeover, which I have been through. I have invited him to contribute to my eNewsletter. I am proud to share his inspirations with you, and hope you will benefit in some way… I certainly have! – Chris
A Technique to Elevate Your Mood in a Moment Simply by Focusing Your Thoughts
Your mood correlates completely to your focus of thought in every moment. You know this because you can feel it change moment to moment as you go through the day. You win a contest, a date is canceled, your boss shows appreciation, your doctor tells you he found a lump, you leave work at the end of the day, your favorite sports team wins, your favorite player is traded away, etc. All of these examples are simply thoughts that are changing for you, and thus bouncing your feelings, emotions, and mood. I offer you here a simple exercise to elevate your emotional state in a moment. And it is so, so simple
The idea is to focus is on bringing up the feeling and energy of appreciation as strongly as possible. Simply put your attention upon all the things you really appreciate: your favorite daily moments, things, and people. Think about them, write them down, and appreciate all of the stuff that you appreciate.
For me, I love that first taste of my favorite iced coffee drink first thing in the morning. I love seeing the sun rising, blindingly bright as I drive downtown. I love the people I care about. I love that people love me. I love discovering something new that I am drawn to. I love slipping in under a puffy warm and cozy comforter on a cool evening. I love crawling into bed on nights I don’t have to set the alarm, because it really allows me to fall into the present moment, and melt into the bed. I love seeing deer walking through the yard. I love the luxury of taking a ten minute nap. I love my iPhone (oh my gosh, don’t get me started on that!) I love that I am a risk-taker. I love that I am always willing to say “YES!” I love the luxury of having an automobile, and being able to jump in and drive anywhere I want, any time I want, to be with any one I want. I love making a fresh salad from a grocer’s salad bar. Wait, I love the grocer for supplying it for me. Whoa, I love the farmer who grew the lettuce for me. I love the person who invented the hot shower. I love that there is truly an endless supply of things to appreciate in this world.
You get the idea… once you get going it is really hard to stop. This is called a Rampage of Appreciation. Practicing this way of thinking squeezes out any space in your thoughts to be annoyed or irritated with anything in your life. Go ahead, grab a pen and paper and start writing. Keep going and going, and see what you come up with. Most importantly, recognize the feeling that comes with it. The feeling of love and appreciation for your world will become overpowering.
Is the glass half empty or half full? The answer is what you want it to be. It is totally up to you, to your imagination, and to your thoughts. And thoughts become things. So choose wisely, and practice choosing appreciation!
Dr. Rick Schaefer
excerpt from Extreme Thought Makeover
www.rickschaefermd.com