Senior Health Connection news e t t e r 4 intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital Center We have all been told; • Put your best foot forward! Would your feet qualify? (Information taken from www.nia.nih.gov) It is amazing to learn that by the time we're 50 we have walked around 75,000 miles, just about 3 times around the earth. Experts say that "Feet degenerate just like tires, we lose flexibility • and elasticity and our shock absorbers just don't work as well as they use to." Like the • rest of our body, our feet spread out, muscles weaken, and skin thins. We all need to pay attention to our feet; but if you have diabetes or arthritis, it is crucial! Practice good foot care to keep your feet healthy. • • Take care of your diabetes. Work with your doctor to keep blood sugar in target range. • Take a look at your feet every day. Don't forget to check the bottoms for swelling, blisters, or red • spots. Be more active to help with circulation. It also can help to do mild stretching, a gentle foot massage , or just wiggle your toes. If you cross you legs, reverse or uncross them often. If you are sitting for long periods get up and move around every now and then. Don't smoke! ^ Ask you doctor about Medicare coverage for special shoes. Wash your feet everyday. Dry them carefully especially between the toes. Put a thin coat of lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes. Make sure your feet are dry before putting on shoes. If you can see and reach your toenails, trim them. Trim your nails straight across so that the corner of the nail can be seen above the skin and then file the edges gently with an emery board. Wear shoes and socks at all times to prevent injury. 107 August 2011 Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and are comfortable. Here are a few tips to follow when you shop for shoes. • Shoe size may change as you age, so always have your feet measured before buying shoes. • Don't buy shoes without trying them on first. • Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit right. The heel should not slide up and down when you walk. • The ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of your shoe. Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and hope they will stretch. • Soles should give good solid footing and not slip. Good foot care and regular foot checks are an important part of your health. Your doctor should look at your feet often. If you have foot problems, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.