* FOOT CARE


Take a Load Off


Pamper the parts of your body that carry you everywhere


As you age, just about every part of your body experiences some wear and tear. But perhaps no part of your body has worked harder for you over the years than your feet. Think about it: Wher- ever you’ve been, your feet have taken you there. Whether you’ve spent your life running, dancing,


biking, playing tennis, wearing fashionable heels or just chasing after your kids, you’ve put a lot of hard miles on your feet. Now, more than ever, it’s im- portant to take care of them. Tips from the National Institute on Aging for good foot care follow.


* Keep your feet moving. Exercising your feet is important for maintaining good blood flow. Walking


38 | MATTERS OF HEALTH


is a great way to keep feet moving without abusing them, but there are also exercises you can do while sitting down. For example, rotating your ankles in alternating directions or curling your bare toes and spreading them outward will help with blood flow and balance.


* Keep an eye on your feet. Check your feet for cuts, blisters, ingrown toenails and other changes


often, and have any conditions treated. If you have diabetes, daily feet checks are especially important, as nerve damage may make it harder for you to feel when something is wrong.


* Give your feet TLC. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes; wear clean socks;


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