Foot Health News Today
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IPFH Joins EU’s SOHEALTHY Footcare Initiative
07/3 - IPFH
The European Union recently invited the Institute for Preventive Foot Health to participate in SOHEALTHY, a research project financed by the European Commission. SOHEALTHY links to the IPFH website and IPFH staff and scientific advisory board members will be available for consultation and collaboration. The initiative focuses on foot problems associated mainly with diabetes, obesity and aging, and will help determine footwear solutions aligned to these problems and to the mechanical issues that cause them.
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Don’t Put Your Feet Under the Knife
07/1 - IPFH
Many women are turning to cosmetic surgery to fit their feet into high-fashion shoes. But the trend is "ill advised," according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, whose members specialize in foot surgery. The College has taken an official stand, asserting that cosmetic foot surgery should not be undertaken because it carries risks (chronic pain, scarring, infection, worsened deformity, bleeding, nerve damage, and a serious reaction to the anesthesia) without medical benefits. IPFH agrees and applauds and hopes that women will heed the warning.
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Medicare Footwear Benefit: Are You Eligible?
06/26 - IPFH
If you are a Medicare beneficiary with diabetes that affects your feet, you may be eligible for a pair of therapeutic shoes and/or inserts. Learn more about the benefit here. Print out IPFH's health care professionals article on this topic; ask your doctor if you are eligible and, if so, if he will do the required paperwork.
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Protect Your Feet While Playing Tennis
06/24 - IPFH
Tennis is in the news this week, so it's a good time to brush up on preventive foot health for this and other summer sports. In addition to our article, check out the US Tennis Association's advice--mostly good, but from IPFH's perspective, not enough emphasis on padded socks (not the same as wearing two pairs of socks) and fitting your padded socks, tennis shoes and any insert or orthotic using an integrated approach.
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Dog Lovers on the Move for their Pets’ Health
06/19 - IPFH
The majority of people who walk their dogs regularly might be more motivated to get moving for Fido's benefit than for their own health, says public health researcher Elizabeth Richards, an assistant professor of nursing at Purdue University. Richards (shown on IPFH's home page) heads up the Dogs PAW study, which evaluates methods to encourage dog owners to walk more often.
"The motivation is often for their pets' well-being, but owners benefit from the physical exercise, too. And the more we understand this relationship and behavior the better we can help people be more active," Richards says. Whether you walk your dog for his/her health or yours, get moving! To make sure your feet are comfortable when you're doing so, use IPFH's integrated approach to selecting and fitting your footwear.