Happy Feet

Winter Foot Care Basics

During winter you need to work on your skin and toenails, and keep calluses in check. Because you’re not barefoot or in sandals as much, you may forget to check your feet as often as you do in the summer. In addition, be watchful for dry skin. The cold, snow and ice make it important to wear good socks and keep your feet warm. The thick socks can make your feet sweat more so be watchful for athlete’s foot. The use of anti-fungal foot powder can help prevent problems. Winter is a good time to go through your sock drawer and toss old and worn socks. Do the same with shoes, replacing old insoles, laces, and if necessary, tossing the shoes too.

Toenail Tip

If I had to guess, I’d say that most women are really good at trimming their toenails – and most guys are not. Maybe I’m wrong. If so, let me know.
     Unless you pay attention to your toenails when you get out of the shower and put on your socks, the state of your toenails is probably the furthers thing from your mind. So, here’s an idea.
     When you are in bed, tossing and turning, you know – in that state of not yet asleep, run your toenails up your opposite leg. Or against the bottom of the opposite foot. Or against your opposite heel. What do your feel?
     If you toenails are too long or need trimming, or are rough, you’ll know right away. Now I don’t think you’ll hop out of bed and trim your nails right then, but at least make a note. Then in the morning, take a few minutes and trim the nails and file them smooth.

A Different Kind of Tip

Yea, I know this blog is about keeping your feet happy. But please bear with me for this post. This tip can help you enjoy Christmas more and be safe at the same time.
     Christmas trees need a lot of water – a seven-foot tree can take a gallon of water per day. If you have just bought your tree, add two ounces of antibacterial mouthwash to warm water for the tree’s first watering. While the mouthwash kills bacteria, the warm water helps open up the tree’s circulatory system so more water is absorbed. For later waterings, use room-temperature water.
     We all know how, in time, the tree’s needles will start to drop. To help needles last, when doing the 3rd or 4th watering, add one ounce of maple syrup to the water. The sugar in the syrup makes the needles more green.
     If this tips help prevent one fire from a dried out tree, it will be worth it. The tip came from the book Bottom Line’s Household Magic at www.BottomLineSecrets.com.
     I'll be back with another tip for happy feet in a few days.