Take Heart and Manage Stress is by Kelly Hassett of MedCOR Professionals.

February has been nicknamed “Heart Month” not only because of Valentine’s Day, but because the American Heart Association has been celebrating National Wear Red Day in February for the last 10 years. For everyone, but especially children of Baby Boomers who find themselves in the difficult position of working full-time while caring for aging parents, growing children and possibly even grandchildren, February is the perfect month to take stock and figure out better ways manage stress in everyday life.

If you are aged 35 – 54, you’re officially part of the “Sandwich Generation.” According to the American Psychological Association, “Nearly 40 percent of those aged 35 -54 report extreme levels of stress…not only on personal relationships…but also on their own well-being as they struggle to take better care of themselves.” This problem is a catch-22; caring for both children and parents while managing the responsibilities of everyday life can be stressful. This stress makes it difficult to handle responsibilities, which in turn, causes more stress.

Best Way to Manage Stress

The best way to manage stress is two fold. First, make time for yourself so you have the mental and physical energy to care for your loved ones. Second, get up and move. Take a walk, practice yoga, play softball or do whatever physical activity makes you happy.

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to join a gym, it may be time to invest in workout equipment for your home. Set aside a small space and visit your local equipment supplier. Consider a treadmill, an elliptical trainer, stationary cycle or a set of weights. Qualified specialists will not only sell you the equipment, they will teach you the best way to use it, and they’ll be there to answer questions even after the equipment is delivered to your home.

Yes, caring for loved ones can be challenging, but it is also life affirming, and “Heart Month” is the perfect time to improve the way you manage stress. After all, the memories you create today are the ones you’ll have for the rest of your life.

Are high heels bad for you?  Well, the answer is “maybe”.  In an article posted on MSNBC they quoted Dr. Brendan Brown, a podiatrist who sees about 500 women every year with problems caused by wearing heels.  He says that damage can be inflicted by high heels over a period of one day or 40 years. Each person is different and the effects of wearing heels will differ on everybody.  He says the reason high heel wearers suffer back pain is your body’s center of gravity is thrust forward.  High heels cause the forefoot to overwhelm the joints and the toes. Osteoarthritis can also be caused by high heels because the soft tissue overcompensates when under strain.  They also interviewed Doctor Casey Kerrigan, who is a Professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA.  Dr Kerrigan’s research shows that wearing a stiletto puts 25 percent more pressure on your poor old knees and hips, each time you take a step.  Surprisingly, wide heels aren’t a step up. “The fact that wide heels feel more comfortable and may have a wider forefoot, as well as a strap, you actually then trust the shoe more and therefore put more forces through the shoe,” she says.  At Lamey-Wellehan, we suggest staying away extended use of high heels (specialized occasions are fine).   For general wear, a dress shoe with a half inch or so heel  or wedge height will still look “dressy” while not over taxing your body.  Questions?  Just email a note to pedorthics@lwshoes.com and one of Lamey-Wellehan’s certified pedorthists will answer it!

Part of the toning and wellness craze, rocker-soled shoes seems all the rage now, but they have been around for decades.  The original reason for a rocker shape was to off-load pressures under specific parts of the foot.  The rocker design enhances a fluid heel-to-toe motion while reducing excessive metatarsal and heel pressure.  About 6 years ago the concept was rediscovered and tweaked a bit, and heavily marketed.   A design that was good for people with plantar fasciitis, foot flexibility and even ankle fusions now was promoted as a work-out shoe.  The fact is that an un-stable rocker sole design increase muscle activity by sparking normally neglected muscles.  They can even improve posture on most people.  However, note that rocker-soled shoes are NOT for everyone.   If you have balance issues, a leg length discrepancy or are prone to vertigo, you may want to stay away.  These shoes are not for heavy lifting.  The big thing to remember is that rocker soles are designed for forward motion – in a straight line.  They are not good for side to side motions or aerobic activities.  Beyond that, these shoes are a great product that may be perfect for you!  Questions?  Just email a note to pedorthics@lwshoes.com and one of Lamey-Wellehan’s certified pedorthists will answer it!

When do feet stop growing?   In general, feet stop growing a few years after adolescence.  However, your feet keep changing in size for many, many years after that.  For example, a woman’s foot can grow by a half size or more during pregnancy.   ”The same hormones that are released to relax the pelvic area also loosen the ligaments in the foot,” reports Bret Ribotsky, president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine.   ”In addition, the increased body weight of pregnancy lowers the arches, further adding to the foot’s length and width.   Actually, all people should remember that your feet size increases with increase in weight (meaning that shoes that fit when you are 20 won’t fit when you are 40).  One final fact is that with age feet change in shape… they will flatten out and elongate.   It’s estimated that many people over the age of 40 can gain half a shoe size every 10 years.   So, have your feet measured often and don’t get hung-up on the size on the shoe box but the actual fit of the shoe.” When do feet stop growing is a question shoe experts hear frequently. Other questions?  Just email a note to pedorthics@lwshoes.com and one of Lamey-Wellehan’s certified pedorthists will answer it!