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Sheila Shares

Tired Toes? Wiggle Free

Founder of The Oaks at Ojai

Foot abuse! Yes, you may be guilty. Stop it now. Aren’t you ashamed? Are you blushing?

Foot abuse is rampant and if you’ve ever thought or said, “My feet are killing me,” you’re guilty as charged. Yes, your feet know the truth. Right now they might be screaming, “Let me out of these shoes!” Until they ache, painful calluses appear, or bunions burn, we practically ignore our feet but expect them to walk or run miles at each workout. We want them to be pretty when sandal time comes. And what do we do in return? We work them and think they can be forgotten.

Now you may be laughing at me. That’s quite all right. I’ve gotten your attention. It’s okay. It is time to give your feet some TLC so that the Foot Police won’t just come knocking at your door even if you wear high heels or the most pointed toe shoes on the planet.

Seriously take these tips to heart.

*Feet change as we grow older. Do not depend on buying one size as styles and manufactures have different sizing too. If you’re on your feet a lot, a shoe with a boxy toe (for toes to have wiggle room) and a low heel will save hours of sore feet.

*Get your feet in the action. Cycling and swimming are good fitness routines to increase circulation in the legs which will help your feet. Running however is an impact exercise and if you have foot problems it could only increase it, if you do not have a good fitting shoe..

*Reduce unwanted body fat. If you’re even five to seven pounds over a comfortable weight, you’re probably more tired when you’re walking than you should be. Think about how heavy bags filled with groceries weigh you down as you lift them out of the car to bring into the house. Most likely they weight less than ten pounds. Now imagine carrying those bags with you everywhere you go, including standing in line at the post office or walking from your car to your desk at work. That’s exactly why you may be feeling bushed at the end of your shift.

*Make some changes in your diet. If you are concerned about gout, talk with your physician. You need not be in pain. As you think about making changes in your food planning, trim down the fatter foods and those high in sodium. Starting tomorrow, brown bag it with soup, salad and whole wheat crackers and you may be able to lose a pound a week without ever using the word diet.

*Elevate your feet, when you can. At work, use a low stool or fat metropolitan telephone book so that your feet can rest about 6 inches above the floor. At home, take off your shoes, lie down on the floor and place your feet on the seat of a chair.

*Bare it all, at least in the house and where your feet are concerned, unless you have a foot injury that precludes this. By walking barefoot you will improve the flow of blood to your feet, you’ll exercise them, and you’ll quickly learn to enjoy that bare-naked freedom.

*Change your fashion look and select shoes for comfort. Even in our health-conscious world, shoes with huge heels and soles are all the rage. They might look cool, but they could be reducing your energy level and in turn, may be making you uncomfortable.

If you must wear dress shoes, change them the moment you finish work. Yes, you can keep walking shoes in your desk or car for just that purpose.

*Bathe those babies. Treat your feet to a professional pedicure. Don’t be shy because you’re feet aren’t perfect. Or you can give yourself a foot massage, foot soak and run down with lovely, rich creams. Do-it-yourself treatments are wonderful, too.

*Check your feet for ingrown nails, unusual spots or sores and talk with your doctor if you’re concerned, especially if you have diabetes.

*Use this hiker’s “rule.” Get off your feet when you can. If you can stand, you can sit. If you can sit (and your feet hurt) you can take your shoes off.

If your feet hurt on a regular basis, don’t ignore them. This is the way the body shouts, “Give me attention.” Seek the advice of a specialist and you’ll have happy feet and the bounce of someone who is determined to stay fit for life.

Take care of your feet and they'll take care of you, as you stay fit for life.

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Sheila Cluff, fitness expert, television celebrity and owner of The Oaks at Ojai, is the author of Take 5: How You Can Benefit from Just Five Minutes of Daily Exercise and The Ultimate Recipe for Fitness by Sheila and Eleanor Brown. Visit Sheila's Spa on the Internet and see all that's happening at the resort: The Oaks at Ojai www.oaksspa.com.