Keeping Up With Your Feet (NAPS)—You may be better able to put your best foot forward, whatever the weather, if you heed a few hints. The American Podiatric Medical Association has ten tips to keep busy and active people on their feet for many years: When you’re going to be on your feet a long time, wear comfortable, properly fitting shoes. Make sure that your shoes are not too short. A good rule to @ follow: while you are standing, your shoe should be a thumb’s width longer than yourbig toe. Never sacrifice good fit for fashionable shoes. e If the weather is bad, wear shoes that keep your feet dry and warm. Becertain that your shoes have a sole that prevents you from slipping. When carrying heavy pack- ages, distribute evenly to avoid undue stress on the feet and maintain balance. Feet tend to swell at the end of a day of heavy activity such as shopping, so elevate the feet and legs to reduce swelling. e If your feet are cold when coming in from the outdoors, warm them gradually. Put on dry socks and shoes. Never use hot water or heating pads to warm the feet. e If your feet perspire heavily or remain damp, take extra pre- cautions to keep them dry. Lightly Take extra steps to take care of your feet when the weather turns cold. powder your feet with talcum powder and wear dry socks and shoes. e Excessive dry skin that cracks can also be a commonproblem when yow’re running around more than usual. Use moisturizers to help avoid cracking, espe- cially around the heels that can lead to bleeding and infection. Select absorbent socks to keep yourfeet dry and warm. Don’t walk or stand around the house barefoot. It is easy to spill, step on, or drop things on yourfeet that can result in serious injury. To request a free booklet on foot health you can call 800- FOOTCAREand for more infor- mation visit the APMA’s Website at www.apma.org.
