Why is Footcare Important? A human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments. Your feet withstand the pressure of up to three times your body weight and provide you with shock absorption, balance, mobility and support. Years of wear and tear on your feet can be problematic. Make sure you have a daily footcare routine to get the best out of them!

What Problems Can Occur Without Regular Footcare? There are many issues that may occur with your feet that can cause a lot of pain and slow you down. Some of these include: fungal infections, dry skin, warts, corns and calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails, ulcers, heel spurs, etc…. Other problems that can be difficult to relieve without treatment include: plantar fasciitis, flat feet, hammertoes, claw toes Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, and more… If you are experiencing pain in your feet, the first step in your footcare routine is to see your doctor.

Footcare Daily Routine People often have daily routines for their skin or to watch their weight, however, a footcare routine is often neglected. Some of these tips are especially important for individuals with diseases such as diabetes or neurological disorders. Read the rest of this entry »

The ability to maintain your heart health is directly related to the overall well-being of mind, soul, and body. Here are some practical ways in which this can be achieved.

1. Reduce the intake of fat- Although a certain amount of fat is required as part of a well balanced diet, it is healthy to reduce one’s intake of fat, and be considerate of the type of fat that is consumed. Saturated fat in particular, affects blood cholesterol level and is found in dairy products such as cakes, cookies and pastries. It would be wise to switch to food that contains monosaturated fat such fruits and nuts. Polyunsaturated fat in regulated amounts help to moderate cholesterol, as such salmon, sunflower oil and soya oil will help to maintain a healthy heart.

2. Consume less salt- The consumption of salt in high levels is linked to high blood pressure. The recommended daily intake is approximately 6 grams a day.

3. Exercise regularly- Making time to exercise regularly enhances heart function and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It is prudent to introduce 30 minutes of moderate exercise into one’s daily routine.

4. Be on a weight watch- Not only does this lead to obesity, but it also adds additional stress and strain on the heart. Furthermore, this leaves you feeling drained and lethargic which negatively impacts self image and confidence. Measures that can be taken to achieve this include taking in more fruit, vegetables, unrefined carbohydrates such as cereal and pasta, and soluble fiber that is found in food such as oats and beans.

5. Stop smoking- Taking active steps to quit smoking is one of the most important measures one could take towards maintaining a healthy heart. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of having heart and respiratory diseases, emphysema, and cancer. Furthermore, those who have already suffered a heart attack can reduce the chances of a second occurrence by quitting smoking.

6. Couple a lifestyle change with dieting- It is integral that the measures captioned in this article be woven into one’s lifestyle and not be looked at as burdensome, or distasteful “must do”. Such a change in lifestyle increases self confidence, moral, energy levels leaving the individual concerned more confident and content. Read the rest of this entry »