FOOT CARE

Footsie Fitness...


Be kind to your feet...
Years of wear and tear can be hard on feet. So can disease, bad circulation, poorly trimmed toenails, and wearing shoes that don't fit right. Foot problems are sometimes the first sign of more serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and nerve or circulatory disorders.

Step in the Right Direction
 Practice good foot care. Check your feet often, or have a member of your family check them.

One easy step to take is to remember to put your feet up when you are sitting down. This helps keep blood moving to your feet. So can stretching, walking, or having a gentle foot massage.

A warm foot bath is also helpful, but make sure your feet are dry before you put on your shoes. Try to avoid pressure from shoes that don't fit. Don't sit for a long time or keep your legs crossed for too long. Don't smoke.




Make Sure the Shoes Fit
 Protect your feet by wearing shoes whenever you go outdoors. Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can prevent many foot problems. Here are some tips for making sure your shoes fit:

  • Shoe size may change as you age so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
  • Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other; fit your shoe to your larger foot. Walk in the shoes to make sure they feel right.
  • Stand up when trying on shoes to make sure there is about ½ inch between your toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
  • Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and hope that they will stretch.
  • The heel of the shoe should not slide up and down on your heel when you walk.
  • The upper part of the shoes should be made of a soft, bendable material to match the shape of your foot.
  • Soles should give solid footing and not slip. Thick soles cushion your feet when walking on hard surfaces.
  • Low-heeled shoes are more comfortable, safer, and less damaging than high-heeled shoes.

REFLEXOLOGY

Research in massage therapy has been ongoing for more than 120 years.

 Massage therapy is for everyone that is if you don't mind being touched. The weekend warrior or the elite athlete, the corporate executive or the stay at home parent, infants, children, teens and seniors can all benefit from massage therapy.

Body, Mind & Soul
 Massage and touch therapy is beneficial for a variety of health conditions including stress-related tension, cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and depression. It does not involve invasive procedures nor does it involve drugs. It is a natural and humanistic approach to healing the body and mind. The feeling of being touched in a safe, caring and compassionate manner can be a very powerful and therapeutic experience.


What is reflexology?
Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance. Reflexology is a serious advance in the health field and should not be confused with massage.

Is Reflexology New?
 The idea behind Reflexology is not new - in fact, it was practiced as early as 2330 B.C. by the Egyptian culture. Reflexology as we know it today was first researched and developed by Eunice Ingham, the pioneer of this field. Her first book on the subject was published in 1938. And since 1942, Reflexology workshops have been conducted year round.