| Back to School Shopping Tips |
It's back to school time already. For those parents out there that can't wait for school to be back in session, take this time to prepare for the upcoming school year while the kids try to squeeze out every last minute of summer vacation. One important purchase to put on your child's list for the new school year is a new pair of shoes. Your child may want the latest fashionable shoes but before purchasing, keep in mind these important tips:
- Children's feet change with age. Shoe and sock sizes may change every few months as a child's feet grow.
- Shoes that don't fit property can aggravate the feet. Always measure a child's feet before buying shoes, and watch for signs of irritation.
- Never hand down footwear. Just because a shoe size fits one child comfortably doesn't mean it will fit another the same way. Also, sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete's foot and nail fungus.
- Examine the heels. Children may wear through the heels of shoes quicker than outgrowing shoes themselves. Uneven heel wear can indicate a foot problem that should be checked by Dr. Vittori.
- Take your child shoe shopping. This may seem like a no brainer, but every shoe fits differently.
- Always buy for the larger foot. Feet are seldom precisely the same size.
- Buy shoes that don't need a "break-in" period. Shoes should be comfortable immediately.
|
| Take the 1-2-3 Test for your Shoes |
1. Look for a stiff heel. Press on both sides of the heel counter. It shouldn't collapse.
2. Check Toe Flexibility. The shoe should bend with your toes. It shouldn't be too stiff or bend too much in the toe box area.
3. Select the shoe with a rigid middle. Does your shoe twist? Your shoe should never twist in the middle.
|
| Tips for Protecting Feet from the Heat |
|
Our minds may be looking forward to the start of the new school year, but summer isn't over just yet. Many still have vacations planned and trips to the beach. Follow these precautions to prevent future foot predicaments from the sun and heat.
- Limit walking barefoot. Walking barefoot exposes your foot to a number of infections as well as plantar warts, athlete's foot, and ring worm.
- Wear shoes or flip-flops around pools and at the beach. It is also a good idea to wear them on carpeting in hotel rooms. This will limit the likelihood of contracting bacterial infections.
- Remember to put sun screen on your feet. Most people forget this part of the body. Feet can burn from the sun as well.
- Drink plenty of water. Feet and ankles tend to swell in the heat.
- Periodically do ankle flexes, toe wiggles and calf stretches to keep blood flowing.
- Be prepared for the activities you may be engaging in during the day. Some activities may require different types of footwear to be worn. It never hurts to pack an extra pair of shoes.
|
|
On the Go Foot Gear
It seems like every time you go on vacation, you forget something back at home. It happens to all us. We put together an itemized list of foot essentials so that on your next vacation, your feet will thank you and you spend more time enjoying your vacation rather than shopping for items you left back at home. Even if you are not going on vacation, you should have these foot essentials on hand at your home.
Flip Flops - for the pool, spa, hotel room, and airport security check points
Sterile bandages - for covering minor cuts and scrapes
Antibiotic Cream - to treat any skin injury
Emollient-enriched cream - to hydrate feet
Blister pads or Moleskin - to protect against blisters
Motrin or Advil (anti-inflammatory) - to ease tired, swollen feet
Toenail Clippers - to keep toenails trim
Emery board - to smooth rough edges or broken nails
Pumice Stone - to soften callused skin
Sunscreen - to protect against the scorching sun
Aloe Vera - to relieve sunburns
|
