“Special” Weekend in Long Beach !

The weekend of June 13-14 was another gratifying weekend for me serving as Director of Fit Feet for the Special Olympics at Cal- State Long Beach. It was especially exciting this year because it was the event’s 40th Anniversary. The attached photos feature a 2,000 cupcake- cake with icing on top. We all had just ONE cupcake at 11 a.m. Saturday. Honest, just one.The FBI’s swat team gear and truck were on display. We had a number for new volunteers this year who enjoyed the experience. My tireless staff and I screened over 165 athletes and 330 feet. Over 1100 athletes competed in the 2- day event. My office manager Terri and husband, Tom volunteered on Sun. Overall, we had 6 podiatrists, 1 podiatry student, 10 other volunteers. The Special Olympics is a wonderful organization. I’m proud to be part of it. There are a number of ways to take get involved. If you’d like to volunteer and coach, assist with sports or special events, or provide office help please contact Elyse Garcia, 562.570.1685. For more information go to www.sosc.org

Tai Chi

I recently told everyone the benefits of Tai Chi. This is especially directed to those suffering from arthritis. Please follow below link to a terrific article in Arthritis Today Magazine.
http://www.arthritistoday.org/fitness/other-exercise/tai-chi-arthritis.php

Another Great Way to SAVE YOUR FEET !!

An Anti-Fatigue Mat that Looks as Good as It Feels
Sometimes standing for long periods is as stressful on your feet as constant movement. Millions of people who love to cook experience pain in their feet and back from standing on hard, unforgiving kitchen flooring for extended periods of time. GelPro has solved this ergonomic problem with a line of stylish anti-fatigue floor mats manufactured with a soft, shock-absorbing gel core. The unique properties of the GelPro gel enable GelPro mats to provide the most comfortable surface to stand on, regardless of the type of hard flooring in your home.

Millions of individuals are especially susceptible to hard, unforgiving flooring. Whether at home or the workplace. Chief among them - young and old alike - are those with painful arthritis, lower back pain, foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes. According to Arthritis Today magazine, approximately 43 million Americans suffer from arthritis, and Newsweek reports that 65 million Americans suffer from lower back pain. These conditions, along with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes are all exacerbated by standing on hard flooring. GelPro mats have unique and unsurpassed ergonomic properties to help counter these irritating and disabling pains. I highly recommend these mats.

One of my favorite stores, Cookin’ Stuff in Torrance, carries these wonderful mats in stock. Call 310-371-2220 or log onto www.cookinstuff.com for more info.

Winter Sports Are Fun-But BEWARE

Southern California is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts of all kind. This time of year skiers and snowboarders head to the mountains to test their skills. Just as in any other sport, sometimes overuse leads to feet and ankle injuries. It may be a simple sprain or more complicated fracture or dislocation. With any injury it’s wise to get diagnosed and treated quickly, but because many of these injuries occur on trips, people put off treatment until they get home. Not a good idea. An untreated ankle sprain could lead chronic instability. If it’s a fracture, you don’t want the bones to start healing until they are aligned properly. A stretched tendon or an injured joint demand the same kind of quick medical attention.

Tips:

1. Make sure skates, ski boots or snowboard boots fit properly. Lace up skates tightly enough to give your ankle proper support.
2. If you haven’t engaged in these activities since last winter, start conditioning two weeks ahead of time doing specific exercises to condition the muscles used in that sport.

Yoga Toes - Product Tip

I have been asked by a few ladies about Yoga Toes. I do recommend them. You should wear them for one hour. They stretch the ligaments and small muscles of your feet. They are good to wear after being in high heels. I also recommend after wearing them to balance on one foot at a time with your toes spread. Try to have your big toe spread and balance for 30 -60 seconds. These exercises help align your toes especially if you are beginning to get bunions and hammertoes. http://www.yogapro.com/ts/toestretcher.html

Mid -Year Check-up for Kids’ Feet

Did you know that children’s feet can grow two sizes in as little as six months. ? With that in mind, realize that those brand spanking new shoes purchased in September may actually be too small for your child today ! Check for blisters, calluses on toes and back of the heels. Plus, always check the shoes for general wear and tear as shoes lose their absorption over time. When sizing a shoe for your child shoot for about a finger’s width of space between your child’s big toe and the front of the shoe. Don’t buy shoes that are too big because this will cause the foot to slide and jam the toes. Children’s feet are still forming so be extra diligent in their maintenance.

Be Aware of Injuries-Early

So we’re a month into 2009 and determined people are sticking with their NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION to get in shape. Sometimes during a workout a sharp pain may shoot through your heel or your feet become tender, numb or painful. Obviously, many people are reluctant to slow down after getting off to such a good start so here are a few tips. If the stabbing pain is in your heel, especially when your first get out of bed in the morning, you probably are suffering from plantar fasciitiis . To prevent this, wear athletic shoes that support the arch and cushion the heel or try orthotics. If the pain is in the ball of your foot or tingling the third and fourth toes you may have neuroma, which is a pinched nerve. This often occurs when people wear shoes that are too tight. Get your feet measured and wear the proper size in both athletic and everyday footwear. A third common injury is achilles tendonitis. This can happen when people don’t warm up properly or try to do too much without allowing the body to adapt to the increased workload. For achilles tendonitis use Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (R. I. C. E ) . If they pain from any of the injuries continues for more than five days, please call our office to make an appointment. The earlier the treatment the better chance of a quick and full recovery.