The podiatrists at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, Alabama have some succinct words of advice specifically for men:
Respect your body and your health.
Why are we singling out men’s bodies? Well, because we’re observing National Men’s Health Week, which happens every year during the week leading up to Father’s Day (this year it’s June 12-18). Men have a reputation for putting off their own health care until the situation is dire. Chest pain goes on for days before a man will call a doctor. A throbbing ankle, excruciating heel pain, or a throbbing big toe is ignored until such time as somebody else yells at you to make an appointment with a podiatrist.
We should all view Men’s Health Week as an opportunity to make health a priority. Some tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services include
- Quitting smoking
- Getting enough rest
- Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugary and salty foods
- Staying active
- Managing stress – and seeking help when you can’t
- Making and keeping your doctor’s appointments
Our experienced podiatrists, Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts and Dr. Heidi M. Christie, think these DHHS tips are spot on. It’s excellent advice for your feet as well as the rest of you. In terms of daily care, people don’t think too much about their feet, especially men, who generally don’t spend as much time grooming their feet as women do. But the fact is that we should always be tuned in to what are feet are telling us. Some illnesses manifest themselves through foot problems.
For example, an unexplained fracture in a foot bone is often the first clue that you’re suffering from osteoporosis (weakened bones). If the hair on your toes stops growing or disappears, you may be experiencing PAD – a buildup of plaque in your leg’s arteries that’s preventing proper blood flow to your feet. Got sores on your feet that won’t heal? – It could be a sign of high blood sugar, meaning you have prediabetes or diabetes.So, for clues to your general health, don’t overlook your feet. Men especially should take the time to focus on their feet as part of an overall strategy to stay on top of their health. For more tips and strategies for caring for your feet, make an appointment with Dr. Day-Houts or Dr. Christie. Our number in Montgomery is (334) 396-3668.