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Healthy Feet = Healthy Summer

  • Category: Blog
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Kirby Medical Center

Feet

According to Mayo Clinic, the average person takes about 4,000 steps per day – that’s over one million steps per year!

With summer here, check out some tips to keep your feet healthy and on their toes:

  • Walking barefoot exposes your feet to the sun. Limit walking without shoes on to prevent sunburn, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, ringworm and other infections. In addition, walking barefoot increases your risk of injury. Important: If you have diabetes or suffer from neuropathy, we recommend that you never walk barefoot.
  • When at the beach or pool, wear flip-flops or water shoes to decrease your chances of contracting any bacterial infections. Also, always wear sunscreen on your feet when they are exposed to the sun. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours.
  • Remember to always stay hydrated by drinking water frequently throughout the day. Drinking water will not only help your overall health, it will also minimize any swelling in your feet that is caused by heat.
  • Try to keep your blood flowing when being active in the sun. This includes toe wiggles, calf stretches, ankle flexes, and more.
  • Consider bringing an extra pair of shoes when participating in activities at the beach or lake. If your shoes will be getting wet, they should be dried out completely before you wear them again; this will prevent bacteria from growing.

It’s always good to have the following items stocked up at home or packed with you on vacation to protect your feet:

  • Sunscreen to protect your feet from getting sunburned
  • Aloe Vera to relieve sunburns
  • Nail clipper to keep your toenails trimmed
  • Flip flops for the pool, beach, and hotel
  • Bandages for minor cuts
  • Blister pads to protect your feet from getting blisters
  • Lotion to keep your feet hydrated and moisturized
  • Ibuprofen in case your feet swell from the heat

Remember to take these extra steps to keeping your feet healthy this summer. If you are experiencing a wound of any type that is not healing or is of concern, contact our Kirby Wound Care for further evaluation and treatment.

KMC Wound Care

2 Sage Crossing Boulevard, Suite A
Monticello, IL 61856
217-817-9400