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Tips to Healthy Summer Feet

Whether if you decide to do a pedicure at home or at the salon, here are some tips to follow to reduce your risk of foot-related infections:-
Dos
  • Ideally, schedule your pedicure in the morning as salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day.
  • Bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon. Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn’t use proper sterilization techniques.
  • Use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin (aka calluses) on your feet.
  • When trimming nails, use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. This will reduce your risk of getting ingrown toemails.
  • To smooth nail edges, use an emery board and file lightly.  Be careful not to be too abrasive when doing so.
  • Gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean in order to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Maintain the proper moisture balance of the skin on your feet by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.
  • If toenails are healthy, you can use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly using non-acetone nail polish remover.
Don’ts
  • Resist the urge to shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter.
  • If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure, don’t use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes.
  • Do not allow salon technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed.
  • Don’t round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases the chances that painful ingrown toenails will develop.
  • Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Don’t share nail files so be sure to bring your own to the salon or ensure that they are using new emery boards for every client.
  • Don’t use any sharp tools to clean under nails as you can puncture the skin and cause infection.
  • Be sure that you don’t leave any moisture between toes. Anything left behind can promote the development of athlete’s foot or a fungal infection.
  • Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria, don’t ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker.
  • If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, don’t apply nail polish to cover up the problem. Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn’t allow the nail bed to “breathe.” Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists, be sure to visit your Chiropodist.

If you are diabetic or have circulation problems, it is best to consult a Chiropodist for more customized advice on how to take care of your feet before you visit a salon.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Sun Safety for the Summer

Sun protection is important as summer is just around the corner, but there is more to consider then just shopping for a new sunscreen. Here are a few tips to keep you covered safely this summer:

  1. Reduce your exposure to the sun, especially during the peak sun hours 10am-4pm.
  2. Use clothes to shield you from the sun. Light cotton long sleeves, linen pants, maxi dresses/skirts, hats and UV protective sunglasses are a must.
  3. Apply a safe and effective sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. Make sure to re-apply after water exposure and sweating, which breaks down the effective sun protection compounds.
  4. There’s a lot of effective sunscreen options now, including more natural ones which have a lower chance of causing unwanted health concerns. Click on this link to the Environmental Working Group’s Free Sunscreen Guide so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Enjoy a fun and healthy summer,

Odette Bulaong, ND

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Getting Your Toes Sandal-Ready For the Summer

Toenails often serve as barometers of our health; they are diagnostic tools providing the initial signal of the presence or onset of systemic diseases or conditions. For example, yellow or darkly discoloured, crumbly and thickened nails can be manifestations of a fungal infection.

Ingrown nails, the most common nail impairment, are nails whose corners or sides dig painfully into the side of the nail, often leading to irritation, redness, and swelling. Usually, toenails grow straight out. Sometimes, however, one or both corners or sides curve and grow into the flesh. The big toe is usually the victim of this condition but other toes can also become affected.

Here are some prevention tips to get you started for the summer season:

  • Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal nails.
  • Washing the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly, is the best way to prevent an infection.
  • Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
  • Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed daily.
  • Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
  • Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
  • Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promote moisture.
  • Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.
  • Disinfect home pedicure tools.
  • Don’t apply polish to nails suspected of infection—those that are red, discolored, or swollen, for example.

For more customized advice regarding your foot health, feel free to book a consultation with Jennifer Lam, the Chiropodist at the Form and Function clinic.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Maximize Your Fertility…as a Couple

Did you know that for Canadian couples experiencing infertility concerns, 30% are found to be due to male fertility factors, 40% are found to be due to female fertility factors and 30% are due to a combination of male, female, and unknown factors? With this current statistic, why is it that it is often only the woman that gets treated for infertility?

In order to truly maximize your fertility potential as a couple it is important for both the man and woman to take an active role in optimizing their reproductive and overall health. Take a look at the following tips to see if you and your partner are doing everything that can be done to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.

 Nutrition Tips:

  • Choose whole foods at each meal (i.e. food that does not come out of a box).
  • Eat a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, including bright & dark coloured vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants help protect the egg and sperm from DNA damage.
  • Get individualized recommendations for nutritional supplements to support reproductive health, especially if there are diagnosed or suspected reproductive conditions (e.g. polycystic ovaries and fibroids in women; low sperm count and motility in men).

 Lifestyle Tips:

  • Ensure you are getting restful, restorative sleep every night. Develop a sleep routine and consider acupuncture if you are having trouble.
  • Do activities that will encourage relaxation on a regular basis (e.g. acupuncture, breathing exercises, meditation).
  • Address any mental & emotional obstacles to fertility, including age-related fears, work burnout, and relationship strain. Make use of lifestyle counselling and acupuncture to help you manage these concerns effectively.

The above tips are a great start to evaluating your fertility health, however there are many other important issues to consider. To truly maximize your fertility potential, consider making a complimentary 15 minute appointment to learn about the Optimal Fertility Program that was developed using research and clinical experience to enhance your ability to get pregnant as a couple.

Wishing you optimal health and fertility,

Odette Bulaong, ND

By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Relieve Neck Pain by Proper Breathing

Breathing with our diaphragm has been shown to reduce activation in some of the bad posture muscles such as the scalenes and upper trapeziusbreathing. Those muscles are typically the overactive muscles seen in people with chronic neck pain and bad posture. A great way to relax those muscles is by simply working on utilizing your diaphragm when breathing. You will want to make sure that you are expanding your stomach, as well as your ribs laterally when taking in a deep breath, instead of lifting your chest. Try putting one hand on your belly, and the other hand on your chest, and take 10 deep breaths without lifting your chest. This is a great way to relax those bad posture muscles, activating your diaphragm, while reducing stress.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Spring Season Footwear Tips

As we anticipate the warmer weather, everyone is eager to bring out their spring/summer footwear and ready to set aside the bulky footwear that they have been wearing for all those winter months.

Flip flops are usually the most popular and convenient choice for footwear, however, they can increase your risk of developing foot problems.  They lack the proper support to the arches of your feet.  There is also a lack of stability to the back of your foot as the flip flop has no ability to hold your foot in a stable position.  Blisters and calluses can form in certain areas of your feet due to the constant friction.  Your toes are exposed, making you more prone to injury.

Ballerina flats are also a popular trend but unfortunately they do not provide the adequate support your feet needs.  They may feel light on the feet and are easy to wear but it may be better to consider wearing footwear that would provide more stability, cushion and support to the feet.  You can increase your risk of foot pain at the heels and balls of the feet.

Flip flops and ballerina flats can be worn for short distances, but should not be worn on a regular basis.  Be sure to switch up your footwear from time to time, as you can develop fungal infections!

For more information, regarding your foot health and whether you are wearing the proper footwear, feel free to contact Jennifer Lam, the Chiropodist at the Form and Function Clinic.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Spring Season Footwear Tips

As we anticipate the warmer weather, everyone is eager to bring out their spring/summer footwear and ready to set aside the bulky footwear that they have been wearing for all those winter months.

Flip flops are usually the most popular and convenient choice for footwear, however, they can increase your risk of developing foot problems.  They lack the proper support to the arches of your feet.  There is also a lack of stability to the back of your foot as the flip flop has no ability to hold your foot in a stable position.  Blisters and calluses can form in certain areas of your feet due to the constant friction.  Your toes are exposed, making you more prone to injury.

Ballerina flats are also a popular trend but unfortunately they do not provide the adequate support your feet needs.  They may feel light on the feet and are easy to wear but it may be better to consider wearing footwear that would provide more stability, cushion and support to the feet.  You can increase your risk of foot pain at the heels and balls of the feet.

Flip flops and ballerina flats can be worn for short distances, but should not be worn on a regular basis.  Be sure to switch up your footwear from time to time, as you can develop fungal infections!

For more information, regarding your foot health and whether you are wearing the proper footwear, feel free to contact Jennifer Lam, the Chiropodist at the Form and Function Clinic.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Relieve the stress from your desk

Does your desk cause you pain?  What can I do to relieve the tightness in my shoulders or neck?  If you have asked yourself these questions, I have a few suggestions that can help.

  • Raise your monitor.  The top of your monitor screen should be at eye level.  This will allow you to sit in an upright posture without looking down.  When the monitor is too low it pulls your head forward which increases the strain on your neck.
  • Support your forearms/elbows.  When you have to constantly hold up your arms your shoulder/trapezius muscles are always on.  Use your desk or the arm rests on your chair to give your shoulders a break.
  • Take a break every 45 min.  Change postures (recline in your chair, shift in your seat, etc.) or get up out of your chair.  This will not allow you to build up the stress in your tissues that can lead to tightness and pain.
  • Get more strategies and treatment from your healthcare professional.  I always give my patients specific strategies to help them with the stress from their desk.  The key is not to let the tension build up in the tissues and utilize strategies (i.e. stretching, postural changes & movement strategies) that can break the stress building cycles.

For more information please contact me.

Dr. Paul

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Relieve the stress from your desk

Does your desk cause you pain?  What can I do to relieve the tightness in my shoulders or neck?  If you have asked yourself these questions, I have a few suggestions that can help.

  • Raise your monitor.  The top of your monitor screen should be at eye level.  This will allow you to sit in an upright posture without looking down.  When the monitor is too low it pulls your head forward which increases the strain on your neck.
  • Support your forearms/elbows.  When you have to constantly hold up your arms your shoulder/trapezius muscles are always on.  Use your desk or the arm rests on your chair to give your shoulders a break.
  • Take a break every 45 min.  Change postures (recline in your chair, shift in your seat, etc.) or get up out of your chair.  This will not allow you to build up the stress in your tissues that can lead to tightness and pain.
  • Get more strategies and treatment from your healthcare professional.  I always give my patients specific strategies to help them with the stress from their desk.  The key is not to let the tension build up in the tissues and utilize strategies (i.e. stretching, postural changes & movement strategies) that can break the stress building cycles.

For more information please contact me.

Dr. Paul