don’t put your shoes on until your feet are dry; don’t walk bare- foot outside; get up and move periodically; wear comfortable shoes that fit properly.


The National Institutes of Health recommends that you also:


* Rub lotion, cream or petroleum jelly on the tops and bot- toms of your feet each day (but avoid the area between your toes) to keep your skin from drying and cracking.


* Smooth corns and calluses gently after bathing. Do not cut corns and calluses. Do not use liquid callus removers, which


can damage your skin. Rub gently in one direction to avoid tearing your skin.


* Keep your feet away from fires, and avoid using heating pads on them. Wear socks to keep your feet warm.


* Keep your feet up when you are sitting, and do not cross your legs for long periods of time, to keep the blood flowing.


Wiggle your toes a lot.


* Don’t smoke. Smoking reduces the blood flow to your feet. * When you’re active, wear athletic shoes that are designed for your specific activity (such as shoes for biking or running)


and that fit properly and provide support.


* Trim your toenails regularly after you wash and dry your feet, if you can reach them easily. Have your healthcare pro- vider trim them if you cannot feel or reach your feet or if your toenails are thick, yellowed or growing into your feet.


If you do notice your toenails becoming thicker and discolored — or brittle and dry — you may have toe fungus. When this affects the area between your toes or the skin of your feet, it’s called athlete’s foot. Fungal nail infections are common in older adults and can be painful or lead to infection if left untreated. See your provider if you notice these symptoms, as the condi- tion may also signal a weakened immune system.


mattersofhealth.org


| 39


ISTOCK.COM


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44