National I Love My Feet Day is this week. The holiday is about recognizing the value of your feet and practicing good foot care. This holiday might be especially important for people with blood sugar concerns.
Often when we talk about quirky holidays, we say we have no idea where they came from. But in this case, we know that Carolyn D. Jenkins asked that it be added to the Registrar of National Days in May of 2015. Ms. Jenkins is a foot health advocate. She also wrote the book “My Feet: An Ode.” In 2016, she founded the Jenkins Donelson Foundation (JDF). The JDF promotes good foot health for underserved populations and provides shoes, socks and foot care supplies to those in need. They also recruit podiatrists to volunteer their services.
To celebrate National I Love My Feet Day, go to a podiatrist and get a checkup. Over 75 percent of adults have a foot problem. Improper footwear causes most of the problems. But a podiatrist can evaluate your concerns. Foot massages, shoes with good arch support and regular pedicures can reduce foot pain.
If you have blood sugar concerns, you are at a higher risk for certain foot conditions and complications. You can be at a heightened risk for infections and sores. If that happens, early treatment is essential, so it’s important to keep an eye on your feet for sores and blisters to make sure you treat any injuries so they don’t get infected.
If you go to a podiatrist, tell them about all of your health concerns so they get a clear picture of who you are and your health needs. Your needs as someone with a blood sugar concern are different than someone without blood sugar concerns.
Pamper your feet in small ways, like always wearing shoes when you are outside to protect them. Elevate your feet when you’re sitting. Not only is it nice to take a load off, but it also reduces swelling. And actions like stretching, walking, warm baths or getting a foot massage increase circulation.
Celebrate your feet this week and all year long by taking good care of them so that you can keep moving and enjoy all your days.
