Foley's Feet

Welcome Aboard Dr. Ornelas!

2011-07-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Connie Ornelas to our practice. Dr. Ornelas joins the team highly qualified after attending UCLA as an undergrad, followed by four years at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago. It was during a three-year residency at Lakewood Regional Medical Center that Dr. Connie met, and eventually worked with Dr. Foley. “Dr. Ornelas was one of the best residents I’ve ever worked with,” said Dr. Foley. The Northern California native has performed over 1,000 podiatric surgeries and will work two days a week in the Long Beach office. “Dr. Ornelas brings a high level of dedication, energy and expertise to our patients,” Dr. Foley said.

Dr. Ornelas begins August 1.

The High Heel Dilemma

2011-05-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

It’s a constant battle when it comes to high heels-fashion vs. functionality. Luckily for many, there can be a happy medium. One local shoe store we work with in Long Beach is Foot Solutions, which was recently featured on CBS-2 News.

It’s a terrific story, take a look.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2011/05/12/learn-how-to-take-the-hurt-out-of-high-heels/

Children’s Foot Care

2011-04-25T22:11:00.000-07:00

This Kelton Research Study indicates a lack of parental attention to issues with their children's feet.

Children’s Foot Health

2011-04-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions: Children’s Foot Health...

1. When should I put my baby in his/her first pair of shoes?
2. When is a child’s foot fully developed and why is this important?
3. Why should I take my child to see a podiatrist?

Read more...

Common Childhood Foot Conditions

2011-04-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

"As early as birth, foot conditions can present themselves in children."

Shoes for the Right Sport

2011-04-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

Great information from Today's Podiatrist

Foley's Foot Notes

2011-03-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Click below to read the lastest issue of Doctor Vikki's Newsletter "Foley's Foot Notes" -- Fun ~ Informative ~ Delicious and Healthy!

Easy Ways to Keep Feet Healthy

2011-03-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

I may sound like a broken record sometimes when it comes to to “taking care of your feet”, so maybe it’s time for a different ‘messenger”. Below is terrific story from STYLELIST.com on common challenges and remedies for fit feet.

http://www.stylelist.com/2011/02/19/common-foot-problems-remedies/

New Help in Office

2010-08-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

We’d like to welcome Allison and her best friend, Trixie, to our staff. Allison will be working part-time, providing administrative support. Trixie will sit around looking adorable.

What Athletic Shoe is Best?

2010-07-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has tried to figure out what "athletic shoe" is BEST for them can relate to this excellent article recently published in the N Y Times.

Some Diabetic Side Effects Can Be Prevented, Reversed.

2010-05-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

When people hear the term “diabetic”, they normally think of a blood sugar imbalance. A shot of insulin, a better diet and things are should OK. Not so fast. What many diabetics don’t realize, there are serious side effects to this disease, which, left untreated, can be debilitating. Over the years I have dealt with dozens of patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy, a numbness in the feet and toes, which can often be traced to diabetes. A podiatric colleague, Dr. Robert Kornfeld, has written a thorough article on how to prevent and in some cases, reverse of the damage of Diabetic Neuropathy. It’s an excellent article for those seeking more information about diabetes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-robert-a-kornfeld/diabetic-neuropathy-preve_b_527647.html

Foot News 4 U

2010-04-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

The American Podiatric Medical Association publishes a terrific quarterly newsletter which I will post on my blog. There is wonderful information on common foot problems for women and tips for keeping feet healthy in the Spring and Summer.

Walking 4 Fitness: A Safe Aerobic Exercise for Everyone!

2010-04-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone seems to be looking for the next great exercise, video or gadget to help burn calories, lose weight and get in better shape. Few exercises can been as effective and safe as walking. As always, it’s good to start slowly and build up the time and distance walked. Also, if you’ve been inactive for a prolonged period and have had serious health issues, please consult a physician before starting a walking program.

Benefits from walking – aerobic conditioning, weight control, safe exercise, low-impact sport, stress management, and social rewards.
Aerobic conditioning- lungs use oxygen more efficiently; you strengthen your heart, and condition your muscles.
Weight control – diets alone don’t work, walking can burn as much fat as jogging, at about 100 calories per mile. Burns fat and keeps it off!
Safe exercise – it’s gradual, controlled excretion; it is safe if you are under medical care for heart disease, diabetes, or other conditions.
Low-impact sport – your feet land with less impact, reducing likelihood of muscle, bone and joint injury.
Stretching – you should gently stretch and prepare your muscles for about 5 minutes prior to walking. Stretching should be slow and easy, never bounce. Calf and quadriceps stretch 3 times for 20-30 seconds.
Walking briskly – warm up by walking normal for about 5 minutes to increase your heart rate slowly. For 20-45 minutes walk briskly. Remain erect, taking full strides and swinging your arms easily.
Cool down – last 5 minutes slow walk to lower our pulse safely. Remember to stretch after you walk. This prevents muscle stiffness and increases flexibility. Side reach and hamstring stretch recommended.
Walking program – gradual increase in frequency, time and distance.Begin 15minutes 3 -4 times per week. Increase 5 minutes per week until reach your goal. Try to walk 4-5 times per week for 45 minutes to 60 minutes.
Safe training – most injuries are caused by overuse- walking too fast and too far on hard surfaces. To protect your feet and legs, wear quality shoes, socks, and practice good walking form. Allow your body to adapt slowly. Try to walk on soft, flat, level surfaces.
Anatomy of a good walking shoe – padded heel with good heel support, good arch support, flexible sole and plenty of toe room. Choose leather or nylon uppers. Socks should be high bulk (75-80%) Orlon, reinforced heel and toe padding, i.e. Thorlo.
Target heart rate – maximum aerobic benefits – take a 10 second pulse 220 – age = maximum heart rate x .60 for beginner, .7 for intermediate = training rate. Note: take pulse at neck (carotid) or wrist (radial).

Not So Fast On Laser Treatment for Toe Fungus!

2010-04-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Patients have been asking about laser treatment for fungal nails. The laser podiatrists are using is the Pinpointe. According to this linked article (see below) it was approved for use in denistry by the FDA. So doctors using this process for toe nail fungus are using it off label. One doctor is quoted in this article says the only risk with using the laser is financial. Treatment IS expensive and NOT insurance approved. Any treatments for onychomychosis or toe nail fungus have a high reoccurance rate. Anywhere from 40-50%. Most of us who live in Southern California want to wear sandals in the summer. Fungal nails are not attractive. I assess my patients risk vs. benefit of using an oral or topical medication. I also have my patients bleach their white socks, clean their rubber sandals with lysol, put powder in their closed shoes, and clean their shower/bathtub with chlorine bleach.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/business/20fungus.html

Be SUN SAFE This Spring and Summer!

2010-04-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Now that Spring is here and the weather consistently sunny, everyone must think about protecting their skin from excessive UV damage. I see patients with thin or fair skin on their arms and legs who ask what I recommend. They need protection from the sun and protection from abrasions on the arms and legs. A good sunscreen applied BEFORE you go outside is a excellent start. I recently discovered a new sports apparel line called Moeben, which helps protect the skin even more. (http://www.moeben.com -very cool website) This stylish clothing includes arm and leg sleeves that have a SPF of 50. The founder of Moeben, Shannon Farar-Griefer, is an ultra marathon runner (events of up to 100 miles) who needed to protect her skin. Even high quality sunscreen does not last long enough for distance runners and often perspiration breaks it down. Most dermatologists recommend applying fresh sunscreen every two hours you’re exposed to the sun. Another company with clothing over 30SPF is Solumbra (another excellent, website-http://www.sunprecautions.com/). It’s more common for women to get skin cancer on their legs because of wearing dresses. We all love the sun. Just takes the requisite steps to truly enjoy it !

Is Running Barefoot For You ?

2010-03-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

There is a movement a-foot (sorry for pun ) in the fitness universe that’s picking up steam- running barefoot. Various fitness/running experts contend that running barefoot, or in most cases with minimal protection to the feet, actually creates less anatomical stress on the foot/ankle/leg/hip. The decision to run barefoot should be an educated one. Please consider things fitness level, the health of your feet and the locations where you normally run. In Southern California, we’re blessed of hundreds of beaches where thousands already run barefoot. Running in the sand is an unbelievable work-out. It’s the other areas which may cause challenges like trails and streets/sidewalks.

I’ve researched this topic and would like to pass on some helpful links: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/barefoot-running-harvard-study/#more-10569.

For specific product info, please log onto http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

What the HEEL !!!!!!!!

2010-03-24T06:46:00.000-07:00

Cracked Heels Can Turn Bothersome, Serious

Most people don’t pay much attention to “cracked heels” The skin in that area of the foot is usualy “tough” and a little lotion or cream oftens does the trick. For many patients, this is a serious issue. For more information please link to an extremely enlightening overview of the problem. http://www.epodiatry.com/cracked_heels.htm

The Bariatric Surgery Option For Type 2 Diabetes In Obese Patients

2010-02-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

I’ve had a few patients who have undergone this surgery. Recovery is difficult, both physically and mentally. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take foot pain away. Foot pain may decrease after losing weight, but many times there is a biomechanical problem causing foot pain. This specific problem must be addressed to stop foot pain. If you or a loved one is considering bariatric surgery, please be sure to have a strong support network of friends and family for a successful outcome. The below link covers the various options more thoroughly.

http://www.podiatrytoday.com/can-bariatric-surgery-be-a-cure-for-type-2-diabetes-in-obese-patients

One More Way to Help

2010-01-29T12:18:00.001-08:00

In the wake of the Haitian earthquake people nationwide have answered the call to help. Everything from money, food, medical supplies and much more. A supremely worthy cause we promote is Souls4souls, a philanthropic organization dedicated to putting shoes on the millions of shoeless worldwide. When going to your closet today please see if there are any shoes, in useable condition, you don’t wear and donate them to this wonderful cause. For more information please log onto http://www.soles4souls.org/. This informative website lists local donation centers.

Try Walking Poles To Your Fitness Regimen

2010-01-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

Balance has become a new buzz word in the fitness industry. There are shoes on the market that can help you improve balance and burn more calories. Many older patients are challenged with less than ideal balance, which often leads them to avoid walking altogether. We KNOW that’s not good. The below link features equipment that can make exercise safe and fun.

http://balancewalking.com/equipment-needed/

Healthy Feet Make the Best Dancing Feet Don’t Ignore Foot Pain on the Dance Floor

2010-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

You can’t channel surf for more than a couple minutes before coming across a “dancing” reality show. Classical, ballroom, hip hop and more. It looks like so much much fun ! Being ‘light on your feet’ when dancing is not entirely true; dancing the night away can take a toll on feet and ankles. If you enjoy social dancing or have gotten serious enough to take a class, don’t let foot injuries stop the show, be sure to protect your feet and ankles. The most common types of dance-related foot and ankle problems are overuse injuries, which occur due to the repetitive movements in dance. Over 50 percent of dance injuries occur in the foot and ankle. The severity of the damage is often determined by a dancer’s age, strength and flexibility and the type of shoes worn when dancing. Other common types of injuries related to dancing can include:

stress fractures (hairline breaks in the bone) from repeated jumping and landing
foot neuromas (thickening/irritation of the nerves in the ball of the foot) resulting from repetitive pivoting
shin splints (pain and swelling in the front of the lower legs) which can be aggravated by recurring activities
tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons in the foot) from over exertion
corns, calluses or blisters—all painful skin irritations resulting from repeated rubbing of the skin on the feet. What’s the best defense to protect your feet and ankles?
Wear appropriate shoes to properly support your feet and ankles
Perform dance moves that best fit your skill level

If you do suffer an injury, it is important to make an appointment with our office as soon as possible. Prompt medical attention by a foot and ankle surgeon can make all the different in a proper rehabilitation. Most dance injuries can be treated with conservative care as long as they are not ignored. Don’t dispel foot pain even if you can walk on it; remember it is possible to walk on a seriously injured foot. Common injuries, if left untreated, may require surgical intervention to ensure proper healing.

New Year; New Healthier You

2010-01-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

Let 2010 be the year of a healthier you. If you’ve been putting off having foot surgery to correct bunions or hammertoes, make a commitment to yourself for fit feet this year. Something simple as having healthier, pain-free feet can make a huge difference in your overall health and well-being. Many patients don’t realize, in most cases, advances in surgical techniques have made bunion and hammertoes correctable with outpatient surgery and patients return home the same day. I can’t tell how many times I’ve heard, “If I knew it was this simple I wouldn’t have put it off so long.” Don’t let painful foot conditions slow you down another year. Call our office to schedule an examination to determine the best treatment approach and make this your year of healthy feet!

Healthy Nail Polish Available at Office

2009-09-19T06:14:00.001-07:00

If you’re one of the millions of women looking for a safe and healthy alternative to “over the counter” brand nail polish, we now offer a terrific alternative at the office.

Dr.’s REMEDY is a stylish nail polish with naturally occurring antifungal ingredients like tea tree oil and garlic bulb extract, as well as vitamins C & E and wheat protein. This enriched polish, free from harsh toxins, promotes healthier, stronger nails.

Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish appeals to people suffering from brittle / discolored nails, pregnant women, people with allergies to chemicals in commerical nail polish, children, or anyone looking for a healthier alternative.

Dr.’s REMEDY Nail polish comes in many exciting colors and available at our Long Beach office for just $12 per bottle. The non- acetone nail polish remover enriched with anti fungal ingredients, vitamins and wheat protein is only $5. If you buy three bottles, you get nail polish remover free.

For a complete review of this terrific product please download the attachment above.

NO SCAM.........FREE HEALTH CARE SERVICES !

2009-08-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

FANTASTIC news for people without health coverage.

From Tuesday August 11 through August 18, FREE Health Care Services are available at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood.

Services are provided by Remote Area Medical http://ramclinic.info/ for the uninsured, underinsured, unemployed, and those who cannot afford to pay. Services are provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, dental hygeinists, dental assistants, ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians, and other trained health professionals from the State of California .

How to Receive Treatment: All of our services are free and are provided by volunteers. The doctor is free; the dentist is free; the eye doctor is free. Please arrive early, bring a snack, and be prepared to wait. Your wait may be long; chairs will be provided for your comfort.

Services:
DENTAL: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals. Everyone receives a free dental exam. Pediatric dentistry is available.
VISION: Vision exam and free prescription glasses made onsite. (NOTE: May not be able to make glasses for everyone.) Cataract surgery.
MEDICAL & WOMEN'S HEALTH: Mammograms and Pap smears; pediatric exams; adult physicals & medical consults (including diabetes and hypertension); chiropractors; acupuncture; blood lab work; chest X-rays; medication assistance; and many other medical specialties available.

ACFAS Newsletter

2009-07-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

Summertime and the livin' is easy ! I want to make sure everyone has a safe and healthy summer so please download the following attachment about important things like skateboard injuries, sunblock for your feet and why it's essential to wear SHOES when participating in outdoor activities ! I hope you’re having a GREAT summer!

“Special” Weekend in Long Beach !

2009-06-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2009-02-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

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:

Make sure skates, ski boots or snowboard boots fit properly. Lace up skates tightly enough to give your ankle proper support.
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

2009-01-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-30T09:39:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-30T09:37:00.001-08:00

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.

One of the Many “JOYS” of Pregnancy

2009-01-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

There is no such thing as an “easy” pregnancy. It’s nine months where your body is undergoing so many changes that you can’t keep up. In the later stages when the fetus is getting larger, your feet can become just swollen and painful. Please link onto another terrific article, which can help you deal with those “aching feet”... http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/feet/index.php

Toenail Fungus Breakthrough

2009-01-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

One of the most frequent and stubborn ailments I treat is toenail fungus. There are countless reasons why and how this problem develops. The good news is that it’s curable and there are new treatment options being introduced regularly. Please link onto one of the best articles I’ve come across recently for an excellent overview. http://www.medicinenet.com/fungal_nails/page4.htm.
Please contact me with any additional questions.

FITNESS-New Year’s Resolution

2008-12-27T07:48:00.002-08:00

After we enjoy the holiday party season and possibly put on a few pounds, many of us resolve to a new fitness regimen for the new year. Some people even receive fitness equipment from Santa. I’m all for anything that gets people up and moving, Don’t start a walking, jogging or running routine without checking the status of your shoes. Badly worn shoes will lead to blisters and even more serious foot, toe and ankle problems. There are dozens of quality shoes out for everything from tennis, cross training, walking and running. Take some time to find out what shoes are best for you. Just as important are quality socks. I recommend something made with Cool Max, like Wright Socks double layer anti-blister socks. Do some research. It will be time well spent. You can also check my shoe review link on my home page.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-12-27T07:48:00.001-08:00

I’m extremely pleased and excited to report that I’ve purchased the practice Louis Mahairas D. P. M. Dr. Mahairas decided to move to Florida to be closer to his family and pursue other business interests. Dr. Mahairas assisted me in surgeries at Long Beach Memorial for many years. The great thing for his former patients, is that my office is only two doors down from his old office. I look forward to meeting and treating everyone in the new year.

Holiday Hello

2008-12-27T07:47:00.000-08:00

Just a moment to wish everyone the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons. This is a wonderful time to connect with family, friends and be thankful for the gifts we already have. I look forward to seeing patients, old and new, in 2009 !

Healthy Toes

2008-12-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

Because they're so small and don't look like they do anything important, toes are often overlooked or taken for granted. (except for nail polish) Did you know there are actually simple exercises to keep toes healthy ?

Below is a complete chart and photos to make sure that all those lil' piggies always get to market. http://www.apma.org/s_apma/bin.asp?CID=253&DID=20948&DOC=FILE.PDF

Children's Feet

2008-12-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

I examine hundreds of children's feet during the course of the year. Some problems are more serious than others. What I do find that the earlier you diagnose and treat the problem, the higher probability the child will make a full recovery.

Below are some warning signs and possible treatment options. http://www.apma.org/s_apma/bin.asp?CID=252&DID=22767&DOC=FILE.PDF

Pregnancy and Your Feet

2008-12-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

Nothing is more amazing than becoming a mother. Unfortunately, the nine months of pregnancy is often tough on a woman's body, which includes the feet.

Below is critical information about what to look for and how to maintain healthy feet. http://www.apma.org/s_apma/bin.asp?CID=252&DID=22768&DOC=FILE.PDF

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Boots

2008-12-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when stylish boots are part of the fashion scene. Here is a good overview of what to look for when considering buying a pair.

Shortcut to: http://www.apma.org/s_apma/docs/22500/22409.pdf

Supplements

2008-10-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Supplements: how much is enough......too much.............what supplements are right for you ?

Q: I want to make sure I’m getting enough vitamin D. I read an article about how spending more time in the sun can raise vitamin D levels and prevent some cancers, but I'm worried about skin cancer. What should I do?

There's no doubt that exposure to ultraviolet radiation, a component of sunlight, is a risk factor for skin cancer. But, as you suggest, the picture has gotten more confusing lately. That's because some studies have linked sun exposure to a lower risk of other types of cancer, including colon, prostate and breast cancers.

Sunlight's possible protection may stem from the fact that when our skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, it makes vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. (That's why D has been dubbed the sunshine vitamin.) And because vitamin D helps regulate how cells grow and mature, it may also put the brakes on runaway cell growth associated with cancer. There's also evidence to suggest that it improves neuromuscular function.

But vitamin D is relatively scarce in the average diet. To get 400 IU of vitamin D, the current recommended daily amount for people ages 50 to 71, you'd need to eat a 6-ounce can of tuna or drink 4 cups of milk a day. Few people consume that much, and many experts recommend getting significantly more vitamin D -- 800 to 1,000 IU a day.

Casual exposure to sunlight provides a person with most of their vitamin D. Sunlight contains two forms of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB provides the energy the body needs to generate vitamin D. For example, if you sat outside at the equator on a sunny day in the middle of summer wearing only a swimsuit, your body could create 20,000 IU of vitamin D per hour.

But a number of factors affect how much UVB reaches your skin, including the season, the time of day and where you live. Except during the summer months, people who live at latitudes above 37 degrees north or 37 degrees south of the equator don't get enough UVB to make all the vitamin D they need.

Age and skin color play a role, too. Older people can't synthesize vitamin D as well as younger people. In fact, an average 70-year-old can produce only about one-quarter of the vitamin D of a 20-year-old. More melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, affects the skin's ability to make vitamin D. That's why black Americans have, on average, half as much vitamin D in their blood as whites Americans. Sunscreen use can also influence vitamin D production.

Getting more sun is certainly one way to increase vitamin D levels. But doing so means ignoring the advice to avoid the sun and wear sunscreen to protect against skin cancer (including deadly melanomas) and sun damage, which makes skin look wrinkled and old prematurely. You could also boost levels by eating more foods rich in vitamin D, but just a few foods are natural sources: Salmon, mackerel, sardines and other kinds of oily seafood are about it. In the United States, milk and some brands of orange juice are fortified with vitamin D, as are some breakfast cereals. But you'd have to eat a lot to raise the amount of vitamin D in your blood.

So how can you safely up your vitamin D intake to the often-recommended level of 800 to 1,000 IU a day? For most people, a vitamin supplement is the answer. Most multivitamins contain 400 IU of vitamin D, but you shouldn't just take two. That's because you might get too much of other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and folic acid.

That leaves vitamin D pills. A daily 1,000-IU supplement should take care of your needs. Or, if your usual multivitamin contains some vitamin D but less than 1,000 IU, you can take a separate vitamin D supplement to make up the difference. Don't overdo it, though. Excessive doses of vitamin D can build up to toxic levels, but doses up to 2,000 IU a day are considered safe.

Please contact the office, as we’re happy to help you design a supplement plan right for your body and lifestyle. We offer the premier brand of all natural supplements from Pharmanex.

Kinoki Foot Pads

2008-10-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone. Your favorite podiatrist checking in.........

There isn’t a week that goes by that a patient hasn’t asked about the Kinoki Foot Pads, which “reportedly”, when placed on the bottom of your feet and worn overnight draw toxins from your body.....welllllllllllll not so fast...........

It turns out that Kinoki Foot Pads are a Scam !!
The nice folks at NPR have done us all a favor and taken some used Kinoki foot pads to be tested to see if they'd drawn anything out of a guinea pig reporter's body. Guess what? They didn't.

Reporter Sarah Varney bought some Kinoki foot pads and wore them to bed.She also subjected her husband to the (alleged) detox treatment. In the morning, they both awoke to the stinky brown mess that the advertisement had promised. Not convinced that the brown stuff had actually come from their bodies, our hero took the foot pads to a lab and had them analyzed and compared with unused pads.

"Compared to the blank that's almost identical," said the scientists. "It looks like three of the same sample, basically."

A doctor from UC Berkeley confirms the scam diagnoses. Your body already eliminates "metabolic waste" and "toxins" through, um, other means...

"For many hundreds of thousands of years we've been successfully eliminating them through the usual means, which is urine and feces, and there has been no demonstrated need to accelerate that."

So what is all that gunk in the pad? We're not really sure, but it shows up if you hold the pad over a pot of boiling water. Who knew steam had "metabolic waste"?

More Costa Rica

2008-07-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. Foley's mom, Pam, left Costa Rica having been named the Mud Spa Queen !

Costa Rica

2008-07-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

In May, Los Alamitos Medical Center sponsored and organized the annual physician conference in Costa Rica. Let me tell you, there are WORSE places to hold a conference. What a beautiful island. Tom and I took part in as many "activities" (see photos) as we could--between various medical conferences, of course. My mom and her husband, Paul, also made the journey and totally enjoyed themselves.

WHY NUSKIN?

2008-07-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Over the past 9 months I've become involved with a terrific company called NuSkin/Pharmanex. Just like millions of other baby boomers, I want to stay looking and feeling young-- safely. I don't want to have Botox, collagen injections and other procedures. I realized that I had to find a company that had science behind their products. NuSkin/Pharmanex is that company. I take the vitamins because they absorb better and are standardized with the amounts and quality of the ingredients. I've included a link on my home pageif you're interested in learning more or purchasing any products--http://www.doctorvikki.mynuskin.com/

Huge Reponse to Recent Antioxidant Screenings

2008-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

We’ve had a terrific response to our Antioxidant Screenings. Over 30 people have come in during our special evening screenings in May, June and July. Our Pharmanex Scanner measures the carotenoid antioxidant levels in a person’s skin. Checking the body's antioxidant levels is important because the amount of antioxidants maintained in your body is directly proportional to your lifespan. The BioPhotonic scanner score gives a more accurate picture of one's eating habits and lifestyle choices within the last 6-8 weeks. The score may also indicate if the vitamins you're taking are working or being absorbed properly. This non-invasive procedure, takes five minutes and costs just $20. Please call 562-420-9800 to sign-up for the July 16 screenings. You can also register online to doctorvikki.com.

Dr. V PodCast Now Features Info on Ankle Sprains

2008-07-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

One of the most common injuries, but often times overlooked, is the sprained ankle. It can be far more serious than you think. In this month’s Dr. V Podcast, Dr. Foley offers her overview. Download today !

Special Olympics Always a “Special Weekend”

2008-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

With the 2008 Bejing Olympics just weeks away, many people don’t realize that every June the Special Olympics are held at Cal State-Long Beach. For the 6th year, it was my privilege to serve asDirector of Fit Feet, which features volunteer doctors who offer free foot treatment and shoe analysis to the hundreds of dedicated athletes. More than 76,000 health professionals and health professions students, inall categories, have volunteered at Healthy Athletes events from 1997-2007. Special Olympics has conducted screenings for more than 689,000 athletes at more than 3,000 events during that time. My involvement with thiswonderful organization has provided me with some of the most emotionally gratifying times of my medical career.

Auri Footwear.com

2008-07-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

One of the newest shoe lines creating a major buzz in Hollywood and beyond is Auri Footwear. I’ve been chosen to serve as technical consultant, as this Laguna Beach-based company looks to establish a “foothold” in the competitive shoe industry. The quality and styles offered are outstanding and also feature cutting edge technology. The Auri line features Outlast Technologies, which absorbs excess body heat and releases it to maintain a more constant body temperature which acts as a buffer against extreme temperature that builds up inside footwear, Outlast Technology reduces sweat and keeps feet drier and more comfortable. Check out the informative website, http://www.aurifootwear.com/

Ask Dr. V

2008-07-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

If you have a question regarding a foot, toe or ankle injury, you can always e-mail me at drfoley@doctorvikki.com. I can always direct you to general information, but to be specific, I do require you to make an appointment and come in for a full examination. It’s the “ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” theory.

Greetings everyone ! This is my first official blog posting. Wish me luck !

2008-05-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

First of all I hope everyone has had an opportunity to fully check out our new website. If you have any comments-good or bad-we want to hear about it. We want to make sure all the technical elements are working, like the streaming video as well as our podcasts. Shoot me an email if you get a minute.

It’s been a busy four months with a nice balance of business and pleasure. My most recent journey took my husband Tom, my mom and myself to Costa Rica. The trip was organized by Los Alamitos Hospital. I’ll file a full report when I get back.

May is shaping up as a busy month as we’re offering Antioxidant Screenings on May 21 and 28, from 5-7 pm at our Long Beach office. The non-invasive screening is only $20 and takes just 15 minutes. It’s afantastic way to find out about your vitamin absorption level and if your vitamins are really helping you. Contact the office if you’re interested in being screened.

In other news, Dr. Richard Graves is now sharing office space with me in Long Beach. Dr. Graves specializes in Sports Medicine and will be seeing patients on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Dr. Graves, aLakewood native, is an avid runner, who still holds a number of track records at Lakewood High. Welcome aboard.

Also, my “never a dull moment”, Mom is retiring at the end of May. Something tells me she still will be around occasionally. At least I HOPE so.

If you get a chance please log onto www.aurifootwear.com and see some truly innovative and stylish footwear. OK, I’m a little biased, the company has hired me to work as a consultant as they design some high quality, cutting edge footwear. Trust me, you won’t see Auri Footwear on everyone at the mall !!!!!