9 Tips For Moisturizing Your Feet

Skin is an important barrier that prevents infections in the body. Skin that is dry is more prone to itchiness, rashes and infection. Extremely dry skin, especially in the heel area, can develop painful cracks called fissures. These fissures are susceptible to bleeding and becoming infected.

Source: McDermott Footcare

Dry skin is also more prone to developing painful calluses.

For these reasons, moisturizing the feet is very important. Here are 9 tips for adding much needed moisture to the skin:

1. Wash feet daily with a mild soap and warm water.

2. While feet are still damp use a pumice stone to gently scrub areas that are dry and flaky, especially the heels and callused areas.

3. Dry the feet and immediately apply moisturizer. For moderately dry skin, a regular moisturizer is effective. For extremely dry skin, including skin that has cracks (fissures), use an extra rich moisturizer that contains urea. These moisturizers are available over-the-counter in well-stocked drug stores and department stores.

4. Do not apply moisturizer between the toes. Excess moisture that builds up between the toes encourages the development of athlete’s foot fungal infection.

5. Soaking the feet once to three times a week in a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar in a shallow basin of lukewarm water helps to improve the condition of the skin. Soak for only 10 -15 minutes since soaking for long periods dries out the skin. Apply moisturizer after towel drying.

6. For an effective night treatment try this: apply a rich emollient moisturizer to your feet and put on breathable cotton socks. The heat from the socks will help skin soak in the moisture.

7. For people who have difficulty reaching the feet, try this trick: put some moisturizer on a plate or other suitable tray. Move your feet around the plate or tray being careful to rub the moisturizing cream into the feet. Step on a towel and gently blot your feet to wipe off excess cream.

8. Alternatively, apply moisturizer to feet using a long-handled paint brush. Wipe off excess cream.

9. Ask your certified foot care nurse to recommend an effective moisturizer.

Related posts:
Vinegar is GOOD for your feet?
8 Tips for Dry, Cracked Heals


Post by: Terry McDermott, RN, Certified Advanced Nursing Foot Care and Diabetic Foot Care Owner of McDermott Footcare

Live in the Toronto area? McDermott Footcare nursing foot care offers clients a moisturizing foot rub as part of their services. 

5 Silent Heart Symptoms You Should Know

You may know the well-publicized signs of heart attack. But are other forms of heart disease creeping up on you or a loved one?

"When we think about heart disease, most people jump right to heart attack -- waking up clutching the chest with chest pains. But that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to heart disease," says cardiologist Lawrence Phillips, MD, assistant professor in the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York.

It's a myth that all symptoms of heart disease are obvious. The following stealthy symptoms might seem far from your heart, but they way warrant a trip to your doctor.

1. New Aches and Pains

You've probably said to yourself, "I used to be able to....(fill in the blank), but now I have to stop because I get (fill in the blank)." Though this sounds benign, this could be your body's way of telling you something.

A change in function from what's normal for you is one of the key symptoms of heart trouble. Look at it this way: Your heart is your body's engine, pumping blood to fuel all your movements. If you notice a different reaction to an everyday activity, consider it like a warning light on your car dashboard, but in this case a sign of something potentially amiss with your heart's valves or electrical system.

Next steps: Don't dismiss a change in your response to physical exertion by saying, "Oh, I'm getting old" or "I must be out of shape." Find out for sure what the cause is. Especially if you see a pattern, get a physical exam. "There has to be a reason for the change," says Dr. Phillips.

2. Erectile Dysfunction

Trouble getting an erection is often blamed on age or disinterest. Often, however, the problem is an issue of adequate blood flow. Men who have this symptom are far more likely to have another kind of artery problem concerning the heart.

In 2013 a study done in Australian tracked more than 90,000 men. The study found that the worse the erectile dysfunction, the more heart disease and risk of early death a man had. Even those with mild or moderate erection problems were found to be at greater risk of heart attack or early death. Other studies have echoed this: Men with erectile dysfunction are twice as likely to also have cardiovascular disease or to die of a heart attack, according to a study of more than 1,500 men published in the journal Circulation in 2010.

"Arteries are arteries -- problems with blood vessels can affect blood flow to the heart as well as the penis," says cardiologist Lawrence Phillips.

Next steps: Don't be shy about getting erectile problems checked out by your doctor. Viagra treats the symptom but doesn't resolve the underlying issue. (Women: Unfortunately there is less research on sexual response and heart health.)

3. Holiday-Heart Syndrome 

Many people notice a sudden jump in heart rate during exercise, which is normal. However, have you ever had that feeling of a fluttery heart following a bout of drinking? So-called "holiday heart syndrome" -- overdrinking, overeating, and getting too little sleep -- can lead to atrial fibrillation or an irregular heart beat. 

"You might feel it that same evening, or within the next 12 hours," Langone Medical Center's Lawrence Phillips says. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can cause fluttering in the chest and dizziness that lasts more than a few seconds.

Next steps: If you notice this happening repeatedly, mention it to your doctor. Try to find a pattern of when the symptoms start and report that to your doctor as well. 

4. Swelling Feet and Ankles 

Notice puffy ankles and feet after a long day at the office? Do your shoes seem tighter than they were earlier in the day? The accumulating fluid is an excess that is being pushed out from your vessels and into the skin.

While the swelling can be a temporary problem caused by things like hormonal changes (including pregnancy), a salty diet, or medications, it may also reflect faulty pumping action of the heart. When blood can't be pushed forward, it tends to back up into the veins. Gravity then brings it to the legs.

Next steps: Keep an eye out. If swelling is a change for you and you aren't sure why, get it checked by your doctor. People with diabetes should take special caution; since diabetics are at increased risk for heart disease.

5. Dizziness

While feeling dizzy can happen for many reasons, heart disease is actually close to the top of the list. An irregular heart beat or more advanced valve disease may be the cause. The valves of the heart need to open and close to move blood, however when calcium deposits narrow the aortic valve it can't open more than a crack. This lack of sufficient blood to the brain can lead to feeling light-headed.

Some people feel especially feel dizzy when they stand up (a rapid drop in blood pressure called "orthostatic hypotension"). People with orthostatic hypotension are more likely to develop heart disease, according to research in the journal Hypertension in 2012.

Next steps: Pay close attention to whether you're also having these other symptoms along with your dizziness. Things like shortness of breath, feeling faint with physical exertion, passing out, or having chest pain. Although a one time bout may not be any cause for worry, an ongoing pattern is worth a visit to the doctor. 

Seeing Pink? It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Websites, networks, blogs and social media pages around the globe are gearing up and going Pink for October!  It's our way of helping out and spreading the word about breast cancer. 

This video gives some background information on what to look for and who is most at risk:

Want to know what you can do to help?

Check out Nationbreastcancer.org! They have programs seeking volunteers, an easy way to donate towards research, even a link to get involved with friends and family to start or join a fundraiser. There's even a program that provides women with free mammograms, education, and support for early detection. 

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. So spread the word. You may save a life.  

Other sites that may be helpful:

Susan G. Komen: ww5.komen.org

Cancer.org

PinkForOctober.org

   

Simple tips for Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.

Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. You might think your vision is fine or that your eyes are healthy, but visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to really be sure. When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses. In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.

During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, your eye care professional places drops in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil to allow more light to enter the eye the same way an open door lets more light into a dark room. This enables your eye care professional to get a good look at the back of the eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or disease. Your eye care professional is the only one who can determine if your eyes are healthy and if you’re seeing your best.

Know your family’s eye health history. Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.

Eat right to protect your sight. You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy, too.iResearch has also shown there are eye health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut.

Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma. If you are having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.

Wear protective eyewear. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Protective eyewear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards specially designed to provide the correct protection for a certain activity. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do some sporting goods stores.

Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.ii, iii

Be cool and wear your shades. Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

Give your eyes a rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.

Clean your hands and your contact lenses—properly. To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.

Practice workplace eye safety. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment. When protective eyewear is required as a part of your job, make a habit of wearing the appropriate type at all times and encourage your coworkers to do the same.

Source: Mahalife.com

Good News for Caregivers

Family caregivers live longer than their peers

Caring for a disabled family member can be emotionally taxing, physically draining, and financially challenging. However, for those who bear such responsibilities, comes great joy, fulfillment, and memories. Not to mention, possibly a longer life. It's true! New research has brought to light a new positive to being a caregiver. 

In a nationwide study, adults who provided care for a chronically ill or disabled family member had a lower death rate than a similar group of non-caregivers. 

The finding was actually a completely surprise.

"(We want to) emphasize the positive message that caregiving is a healthy thing that we should be doing in our families," says lead study author Dr. David L. Roth, director of the Johns Hopkins University Center on Aging and Health, to Reuters Health.

Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, who directs the Geriatric Education Center at Stanford University School of Medicine in California told Reuters Health the current study's findings are "surprising… because prior studies did find an association between caregiver stress and mortality."

Gallagher-Thompson pointed out that the caregivers included in Roth's study were not heavily stressed, however. They didn't all have their ill family member living with them full time. Some caregivers may have just visited their charges, the report indicates. "Previous studies that have reported high stress and increased mortality have focused on dementia," said Gallagher-Thompson.

In the past, researchers have found just the opposite - an increased risk of poor mental and physical health among people caring for their spouse or a person with dementia, for example. However, these were isolated cases of small sample size. Moreover, in contrast, this study did not distinguish between caregivers of people with dementia and those with other conditions.

Roth noted that poorer health among caregivers is "undoubtedly true" in some cases, especially among those caring for people with dementia. However, he highlighted that "caregiving stress has been over exaggerated". 

Of the 3,503 caregivers included in the study, over 80% said they were experiencing either no mental or emotional strain or only a moderate level of such strain. Only 578 - or less than one in five - felt their caregiving caused them "high strain." Roughly two thirds of the caregivers were female. About a third were adult children, and about one in five were spouses. Slightly more than half provided care for less than 14 hours a week.

During the nine years the study was conducted, about 7.5 percent of caregivers died, compared to about 9 percent of the same number of non-caregivers. This averages to an 18% lower death rate among caregivers than among their non-caregiving counterparts.

"In a way you can say this is good news," said Gallagher-Thompson, who was not involved in the study. "If you‘re caring for someone with long-term (illness or disability in some cases), it may actually provide you with some health benefits."

Reasons for the lower rate of death among caregivers may have to do with their own self-selection, Roth said. Considering the low number of spouse caregivers included in the study, the non-spouse caregivers who chose to provide care to their family members "may be healthier, better adjusted people who have their own house in order," he said.

Gallagher-Thompson thinks maybe altruism, spirituality, and resilience among caregivers also played a role. "Some caregivers are able to roll with the punches," she said.

So keep it up caregivers! 

SOURCE: bit.ly/H6ejhF American Journal of Epidemiology

Looking for a Good Laugh?

Here are what some of your favorite actors, actresses comedians, and politicians are saying about aging: 

Roy Acuff, a US country music singer and songwriter

Lived 1903-1992

Billy Joel, US Singer and Songwriter

Born 1949

John Paul Getty, US oil Magnate

Lived 1956-2011

Jackie Mason, US Comedian

Born 1931

Oscar Wilde, Irish poet

Lived 1854-1900

Ronald Reagan, US President

Lived 1911-2004

Albert Hubbard, American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher.

Lived 1856-1915

View more on the Healthy Now and Later Pinterest Page

Do you know a funny quote about aging? Let's hear it!

Breakthrough: Scientists make Giant Leaps to Cure Alzheimer's and Parkinson's

Scientists have taking a large step in the search for a medicine that could beat Alzheimer's disease, after a drug-like compound was used to halt brain cell death in mice for the first time.

Although the prospect of a pill for Alzheimer's remains a long way off, a recent British study provides a major parting of the seas for future drug treatments. The compound works by blocking a faulty signal in the brain that is affected by neurodegenerative diseases, which shuts down the production of essential proteins, leading to brain cells being unprotected and dying off.

A Computer image of the brain of an Alzheimer's patient
                       (credit: Science photo library)                  

It was tested in mice with prion disease - the best animal model of human brain degeneration. Scientists say they are confident the same principles would apply in a human brain with regard to diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.

The study was carried out at the Medical Research Council's (MRC) Toxicology Unit at the University of Leicester  and published in early October of 2013 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

“It's a real step forward,” team leader Professor Giovanna Mallucci told The Independent. “It's the first time a substance has been given to mice that prevents brain disease. The fact that this is a compound that can be given orally, that gets into the brain and prevents brain disease, is a first in itself… We can go forward and develop better molecules and I can't see why preventing this process should only be restricted to mice. I think this probably will translate into other mammalian brains.”

In devastating brain diseases like Alzheimer's, the production of new proteins in the brain is turned off by a build-up of misfolded proteins called "amyloids". This build-up leads to an over-activation of our brains natural defense mechanism that stops other essential proteins from being produced. Without these proteins to protect us, the brain cells die off slowly on their own, leading to the progression of the disease and eventually presenting symptoms.

The compound used in the study works by inhibiting an enzyme, known as PERK, which plays a key role in activating this defense mechanism. In mice with prion's disease, it restored proteins to protect brain cells “stopping the disease in its tracks”. Over time, it actually began to alleviate symptoms and reduce memory loss.

Unfortunately the compound also produced significant side effects in the mice, including weight loss and mild diabetes. Professor Mallucci said it would “not be impossible” to develop a drug that protected the brain without the side effects and that work towards doing so has been “very promising”.

The breakthrough has been very well accepted by neurologists, although some caution that although this may be significant proof of principle and a possible basis for new treatments, it does not guarantee an cure for Alzheimer's will be revealed in the near future.

Professor Roger Morris, acting head King's College London's department of chemistry, said: “This is the first convincing report that a small drug, of the type most conveniently turned into medicines, stops the progressive death of neurons in the brain as found, for instance, in Alzheimer's disease. True, this study has been done in mice, not man; and it is prion disease, not Alzheimer's, that has been cured.  However, there is considerable evidence that the way neurons die in both diseases is similar; and lessons learned in mice from prion disease have proved accurate guides to attenuate the progress of Alzheimer's disease in patients.”

“From finding the first effective drug in a mouse, to having an effective medicine in man, usually takes decades to bring to fruition, in the very few cases in which it is successful. So, a cure for Alzheimer's is not just around the corner. However, the critical point of principle made by Professor Mallucci's study is that a drug, given orally, can arrest neurodegeneration caused by amyloid in the brain. This finding, I suspect, will be judged by history as a turning point in the search for medicines to control and prevent Alzheimer's disease.“ 

David Allsopp, professor of neuroscience at Lancaster University said that the study had thrown up ”very dramatic and highly encouraging results“, but said that more research was needed to overcome the "problematic side-effects" and to prove itself as a realistic treatment against diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are more than 5 million people in the U.S. who have Alzheimer's disease today. In fact, it is listed as the 6th leading cause of death. In 2013, Alzheimer's will cost the nation $203 billion. This number is expected to rise to $1.2 trillion by 2050. 

5 Things that will make the most of your next doctor visit

A trip to the doctors office can be either a time lost out of your day or an enriching moment that will change your life from then on. With the proper resources, your physician is able to make more definitive diagnoses in a much shorter time and send you on the right path to treatment or proper management of your condition. This becomes especially important if you are seeing multiple doctors or establishing care with a new doctor.

Here are the 5 most important things to do that will turn your doctor visit into a productive consultation:

1. 1. Make sure all test results are in the hands of the physician you are seeing by checking ahead with his or her staff and if need be going to pick up the X-rays or lab results and taking them with you.
2. 2. List your medications, including all over the counter medications and supplements you are presently taking.  Knowing who prescribed the medications is also helpful.
3. 3. Gather your health history including previous hospitalizations, and any medical conditions even if they are not the reason why you are going to doctor this time.  Include your family medical history as well.
4. 4. Prepare a list of questions so that you don’t leave the appointment with lingering concerns about things you forgot to ask about.  Most appointments last between 10-15 minutes, and this can help you stay on track and ensure you address the most pressing issues first.

5. Take a friend or family member to give you support and so that between the two of you, you'll know exactly what was discussed and what the doctor recommended. 

Making the most of your doctor’s appointment is not only efficient use of your time but will give you the peace of mind that you know exactly what was said and what the plan of care will be.

My Story

Looking back it's feels only weeks ago when I sat in the nursing lounge clutching my phone. My eyes filled with tears as I fought to keep them from spilling over. My entire body shivered with unexplained chills and my chest and belly filled with utter dread. My breath refused to let go.

In an instant, I was completely overwhelmed with fear and ineptness.

The day before, my life was pretty normal. It was 2010 and I was happy to be a nurse working on my dream unit; Neurology. I gladly took care of individuals after their back surgery, stroke, aneurism clipping, or tumor debulking. This particular shift was no different, until the point when I received a call at four in the morning that would redefine my normal.

On the other end of the phone, my Grandma was in an Emergency Room three hours north with my Grandpa. Her voice quivered as she tried to explain what had happened through her fear of what might happen to my Grandpa. They had been there for two hours and she wanted me to speak with the doctors because she didn't understand my Grandpa's diagnosis. 

It soon became clear that my Grandpa was having a stroke. As I spoke to the doctor, he asked if my Grandpa was taking the medication his doctor had prescribed for cholesterol and to thin his blood. Among his questions were medical history, social history, family history; he finally asked "Don't you visit them pretty often"?  

The worst part about it all, being three hours away I felt powerless. And as I looked out the window at the first blizzard of the season, I knew that I wasn't going to be getting to my Grandpa's side any time soon. 

My Grandpa

For the remainder of my shift, I cared for the patients under my care as though they were my Grandpa or my Grandma and I vowed to do so for the remainder of my nursing career. On the day that the roads were clear enough, I made the drive up to my Grandparents and asked to move in with them as their “roommate”, to which they agreed. Thankfully, after a few months my Grandpa was back on his old routine as well.

I’ve always been proud to be a nurse, and now I can say I’m a proud caregiver.

Can't sleep?

Instead of counting sheep, here are four common causes of sleep disturbances. 

Sleep is a biological imperative, famously described as “of the brain, by the brain and for the brain.” However, according to the National Sleep Foundation, more than half of men and women over the age of 65 complain of at least one sleep problem. 

Several factors may contribute to the inability to sleep well as we get older. Some common causes include:

Irregular sleep habits: Irregular sleeping schedules can affect an individual's internal clock, or "circadian rhythm". Instead of making your way to bed when it's convenient, set a goal on what time to hit the pillow. Get into a routine of tasks right before bed may help as well; for example, without any thought, before I go to bed I be sure to brush my teeth, use the toilet, wash my face, and apply lotion to my feet. It's just become habit. Even if I don't feel tired before I start my routine, by the time I'm on to the last step I find that I'm yawning. 

Medications: Some drugs may impair a person's ability to fall asleep or may even wake you up during the night. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that you are taking your medication during the recommended time of day.

Psychological distress or psychiatric disorders: With age comes change and although some of this change is welcome, others aren't as much. In some people these changes may lead to psychological problems or psychiatric disorders that will affect the quality and quantity of sleep.

Sleep disorders: In some cases, sleep disorders may be the reason behind interrupted sleep. This includes sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. In either case, these are easily diagnosed and managed.