Friday, July 24, 2015

Summer Foot Safety


Summer is arguably the best time of the year. Warm weather, sunshine and time spent outside are among the many things that make summers great. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your feet safe from the elements.

Sun Safety
Your feet may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about protecting your skin from the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of the feet and even between toes if you are going barefoot or are wearing sandals. Wearing shoes that cover the feet and avoiding peak sun hours when UV rays are the strongest are another way to keep feet safe. Check your feet frequently for any new spots or changes in moles and freckles.

Bug Bites
Getting bug bites on the feet are extra annoying due to irritation when wearing shoes. Help prevent bug bites by covering your entire foot when spending time outside at night. If wearing sandals, cover feet in bug spray. If you do get bitten, do not scratch the bite. You may open the skin leaving you prone to bacteria. You can use an anti-itch cream or a cold compress to relieve itching.

Flip Flops
Injuries such as twisted ankles and stubbed toes can occur from tripping over the front of flip flops. You can also develop blisters from the thong part of the sandal. Toes are overworked since they do all the work gripping. Keep in mind; sturdier is better. If the flip flop can bend in half, it is best to avoid them. Look for sandals that offer arch support and shock absorption. 

Image by Luke Ma. Lovely Beach - Sony A7R. (2014). Flickr.

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