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

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Recovery Tips from the Winter Season

As we all know, the cold temperatures and dry winter season can wreak havoc to our body.  This includes drying out the skin on the hands and face as well as our hair.  Even though our feet are not directly exposed to the environment during the winter, the winter boots and socks can either dry out our feet or cause our feet to perspire more.

Dry feet can lead to itchy, rough heels and toes.  On the other hand, sweaty feet can lead to blisters, fungal infections and athlete’s foot.  Here are a few tips to remember:

1) purchase natural materials e.g. leather for winter boots to allow your feet to breathe as opposed to synthetic materials e.g. rubber.

2) apply urea-based moisturizers to the feet especially to dry, cracked heels and also after your shower so your skin will absorb most of the moisturizer.

3) purchase socks with natural fibers such as cotton to help wick away moisture and/or even keep an extra pair of socks to change in case of excessive perspiration to the feet.

4) this last tip is for the ladies:  if you are applying nail polish to the toenails year round, it may be best to give your toenails some breathing room as consistent application of nail polish to the toenails will reduce air flow to the nail thereby increasing your risk of getting a fungal toemail infection.

For more personalized information about your feet health, please feel free to book a consultation with Jennifer Lam, the Chiropodist at the Form and Function Clinic.

 

By Administrator 0 Comments Uncategorised

9 min clip to better health

This youtube clip is about the best way to impact your health.  Dr. Mike Evans – a medical doctor from Toronto, uses an effective method to get his point across.  The clip already has 3 million views.  I have recommended this video to many of my patients, friends and family.  His message is simple and powerful.  9 Min well spent.

What do you think?

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Health Tip: Battle of the Bulge!

Have you ever wondered why those veins around your legs are progressively bulging and protruding from the skin?  These varicose veins and they can be unsightly and bothersome.  Normally, these veins have valves to prevent the backflow of blood to the heart.  In varicose veins, the valves become weakened which causes blood to pool within the veins.  Hence, you will see varicose veins as being gnarled and enlarged.

They tend to occur most often in the legs and feet due to increased pressure to the lower portion of your body.  Some of the risk factors include age, pregnancy, family history, obesity and prolonged standing and sitting for long periods of time.  Varicose veins as well as spider veins can sometimes be just a cosmetic issue; however, for others, it can present to be painful, aching and uncomfortable.  They are also a sign of circulatory problems and can lead to more serious problems in the future.

While there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, compression stockings can help to improve blood circulation to the feet and prevent blood from pooling at the legs.  They can also help to prevent blood clots and help to relieve symptoms of heaviness, swelling, aching and pain.  Compression stockings come in a variety of different styles, strengths and sizes.

For further information, please book a consultation to see Jennifer Lam, Chiropodist at the Form and Function clinic.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Health Tip: Battle of the Bulge!

Have you ever wondered why those veins around your legs are progressively bulging and protruding from the skin?  These varicose veins and they can be unsightly and bothersome.  Normally, these veins have valves to prevent the backflow of blood to the heart.  In varicose veins, the valves become weakened which causes blood to pool within the veins.  Hence, you will see varicose veins as being gnarled and enlarged.

They tend to occur most often in the legs and feet due to increased pressure to the lower portion of your body.  Some of the risk factors include age, pregnancy, family history, obesity and prolonged standing and sitting for long periods of time.  Varicose veins as well as spider veins can sometimes be just a cosmetic issue; however, for others, it can present to be painful, aching and uncomfortable.  They are also a sign of circulatory problems and can lead to more serious problems in the future.

While there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, compression stockings can help to improve blood circulation to the feet and prevent blood from pooling at the legs.  They can also help to prevent blood clots and help to relieve symptoms of heaviness, swelling, aching and pain.  Compression stockings come in a variety of different styles, strengths and sizes.

For further information, please book a consultation to see Jennifer Lam, Chiropodist at the Form and Function clinic.