Health Tip: Diabetics, Examine Your Feet
Diabetics are prone to foot problems that can be serious enough to require amputation.
Good hygiene and regular inspection of the feet can help catch potential problems early.
Here are suggestions for diabetics on how to care for the feet and prevent injury, courtesy of the U.S. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse:
* Thoroughly wash your feet each day in warm -- not hot -- water. Make sure you dry them completely after washing.
* Inspect your feet every day, looking for blisters, calluses, cuts, sores or any signs of redness.
* For dry skin, apply lotion -- but never between the toes.
* Gently file down corns and calluses with a pumice stone after washing your feet.
* Cut your toenails regularly, and file the edges with an emery board.
* Avoid walking barefoot, make sure shoes fit well, and always wear socks or stockings with shoes.
Health Tip: Prevent Injury From Raking Leaves
Any time you rake leaves, don't forget that you're sneaking in some exercise. Just as you'd prepare for a trip to the gym, you need to ward off possible injury by taking precautions before you rake.
Here are some suggestions, courtesy of AARP:
* Dress warmly but in layers. You can peel off a jacket or sweatshirt as you start to get warm.
* To prevent muscle injury, do a light warm-up before you pick up the rake. Try taking a quick walk, bending and moving your limbs, or do some light stretches.
* Don't twist your back when you rake. Maintain good posture, and move your whole body rather than twisting to one side.
* Alternate which side of your body you're raking on to prevent an overuse injury.
* Drink plenty of water, and take breaks about every 10 minutes, especially if you don't normally get much exercise.
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