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Home > Weight Loss News > Podiatrist Offers Foot Care Tips for Walking, Now the Most Popular Exercise for Seniors
Podiatrist Offers Foot Care Tips for Walking, Now the Most Popular Exercise for Seniors
(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 drugstore.com and 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 drugstore.com and xenna.com. To order NonyX Nail Gel or Callex Ointment online, find a store near you.
Xenna Corporation is a privately-held company which develops and distributes natural personal care products for skin, hair and nails.
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