Podiatrist Offers Foot Care Tips for Walking, Now the Most Popular Exercise for Seniors
As part of a regular exercise regimen, walking enables older Americans to stay fit longer and increase their physical stamina and longevity. However, as we age, our feet need more attention and care. To help keep feet in top condition, many podiatrists are recommending natural foot care products from Xenna Corporation.
(PRWEB) July 12, 2005 -- As part of a regular exercise regimen, walking
enables older Americans to stay fit longer and increase their physical stamina
and longevity. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association,
walking is the number one exercise activity for seniors aged 55 and over.
However, as we age, our feet need more attention and care.
The American
Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) wants to educate consumers about the impact
walking can have on the feet. Dr. Lloyd Smith, former president of the American
Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) pointed out the importance of foot care
during the APMA's 2005 "Podiatrists Keep America Walking" campaign, saying
“Walking is such a beneficial exercise, but unfortunately the feet are often
ignored."
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, podiatrist Dr. Bruce Bitcover, says,
"Healthy feet and the proper shoes are essential to obtaining the benefits of
walking, especially for older individuals. Dr. Bitcover offers the following
tips for seniors who want to start a walking regimen, or for those who have
already started on one:
1. Get a physical exam and medical clearance
before starting any exercise program, including walking.
2. Start slowly.
Push ahead gradually, building up to a brisk walk, doing one-half hour stints at
least four times a week.
3. Walk on an even surface, not on rough trails
which may have hidden holes or other obstacles which could cause injury. If
possible, walk on a track rather than cement.
4. Vary the route you walk
each day, in order to avoid using muscles the same way all the time.
5.
Buy good, supportive shoes specially designed for walking. It's better to
purchase walking shoes from a specialty athletic shoe store, where staff is more
knowledgeable about style and proper fit. Buy shoes that are comfortable, and
wait until afternoon to try on new shoes, since feet tend to swell as the day
wears on.
6. If feet are thin or bony, or if arches are high or low,
orthotic inserts may be needed to provide extra cushioning and/or control the
position of the foot as it hits the ground (pronation or supination).
7.
Do a foot self-inspection every day to check for blisters, discolored toenails,
cracks, calluses or other problems. If needed, see a podiatrist for regularly
scheduled foot care.
For dry, cracked heels or calluses caused by
walking, Dr. Bitcover recommends acid-free Callex® Callus Ointment from Xenna
Corporation. Newly patented Callex has been shown in consumer studies to
significantly reduce callus, dry, flaking skin and cracking on soles and heels
within 15 to 30 days. Safe for diabetic use, Callex moisturizes dry, rough or
flaky skin, and exfoliates and thins callused areas, while leaving normal skin
unaffected. Dr. Bitcover says, "Eighty percent of my patients have some type of
foot callus. There are no side effects and the ointment is easy to use. I
recommend Callex for use anywhere on the feet where thickened skin
exists."
Another common problem for seniors is discolored or yellow
toenails. For this embarrassing problem, many podiatrists recommend NonyX® Nail
Gel. NonyX Gel exfoliates the dark, yellow or thick granular material called
keratin debris, which can build up under nails over time. With regular use, the
gel softens, breaks down and then clears out unattractive keratin debris under
the nail using natural ethanoic acid, and permits it to be scraped out from
under the nail after about four weeks. Once keratin debris is removed, NonyX Gel
keeps nails looking clear and attractive with regular use.
NonyX Nail Gel
can be purchased in the footcare section of Walgreens, Rite Aid, Longs, Drug
Emporium, Brooks, Duane Reade and most Medicine Shoppe drugstores. You’ll also
find it at HEB, Roundy’s and Brookshire grocery stores, through podiatric
physicians, independent pharmacies and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com. Callex Ointment is
now available in the footcare section at Longs Drugs and most Medicine Shoppe
pharmacies and from podiatric physicians and online at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com. To order NonyX Nail
Gel or Callex Ointment online, find a store near you or to view clinical photos,
click on www.xenna.com. For
more information from the APMA, go to www.apma.org.
Xenna Corporation is a privately-held
company which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin,
hair and nails.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb260085.htm