Archive for category General
Foot Health Tips for Summer
Posted by drchrismilkie in General, Orthotics, Toenail fungus on July 4, 2010
I would like to share with you my Top Ten Summer Tips for Foot Health. Obviously, we expose our feet much more during the summer season, and have less support in our summer shoes. Add to that the heat and sun… well here goes:
1. Apply sunscreen to the top of your feet. Whether it’s going barefoot at the beach or around the pool, or wearing flip flops, our feet are much more exposed to direct sunlight. Applying sunscreen is easily forgotten but just as important as any other part of the body. Since the skin on our feet is less exposed to sunlight throughout the year, it is important to use at least 30 SPF sunscreen. Don’t let the fun of a day in the sun be ruined by the pain of sunburned feet.
2. Wear flip flops in public places such as pools, showers, and hotels. it is great protection against fungus and warts.
3. If you have othotics, wear them in the summer just as you would any other time of year.
4. Don’t go into a pool or lake with a suspected foot infection.
5. Wear a high quality pair of walking or running shoes at all our wonderful festivals and the State Fair.
6. Treat sweaty feel with an over-the-counter anti-fungual foot powder such as Zeasorb.
7. Avoid flip flops, bare feet and sandals when walking and standing for along period of time.
8. Wearing water shoes in lakes provides protection against injury form broken glass or sharp sticks or rocks.
9. Stress injuries to the feet increase in the summer, so ease into any outdoor exercises and activities.
10. Most foot problems can be fixed without surgery, so don’t wait to be seen because you are afraid of being laid up in the summer.
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!
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!
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
WALK YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH
If someone told you there was a way to exercise that doesn’t require a pricey gym membership or athletic skill and is actually relaxing, what would you say? No doubt, the answer would be, “Sign me up!”
Walking is the singular most popular form of exercise, but may be taken for granted since it is an act that many of us do each day without considering it an aerobic activity. However, the results of walking are physically rewarding–leading to a trimmer body and enhanced general health.
One of the wonderful aspects of starting a walking routine, known as exercise-walking, is that it can be done almost anywhere and at any time, regardless of weather. You can walk to the store, in a mall, around your neighborhood, with your dog, with a group of friends, or on your own. In addition, it is a great form of exercise for those who have a long history of inactivity, problems with obesity or who simply don’t like strenuous activity.
Before you get started on your new walking routine, Dr. Milkie recommends finding sensible, comfortable walking shoes to ensure proper foot health. Wear thick, absorbent socks and footwear that is stable from side to side and well-cushioned. Since buying shoes is the only real monetary investment you need to make for your walking regimen, don’t try to cut costs. Buy your shoes for quality, comfort and fit.
If you are free of any serious health problems, then your walking routine is ready to hit the road immediately. Dr. Milkie suggests a checkup if you are over the age of 60, have a disease, disability or are taking medication. A medical exam is also recommended if you are 35 to 60, substantially overweight, easily fatigued, an excessive smoker, or physically inactive.
Dr. Milkie has a few tips for getting started. Begin by taking 20 minute walks, moving at your own pace but brisk enough to make your heart beat faster. Walk with your head and back straight and stomach tight, keeping your legs out front and knees slightly bent. As you are walking, try to land on the heel of your foot and roll forward to push off on the ball of your foot. Don’t forget to cool down by stretching at the end of each session.