I think we’re all guilty of this at some time or another. It could be that you’re embarrassed. Or you feel rushed. Or you’re afraid of what your doctor will think about you. So you keep quiet.

But it’s important to be truthful when talking with your doctor, especially if you want to improve the quality of care you receive. And in some cases, telling your doctor the truth may even save your life.

Here are 6 things you should always discuss with your doctor.  

1. Your complete health history. In order to diagnose your health better and prescribe the best treatment for you, your doctor needs to know all of your background health information. This includes: a) All of the medications you’re taking, including vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements. Some medications can interfere with the proper absorption of others or cause serious side effects; b) Major illnesses in your immediate family. Your doctor may want to have you screened for these conditions as a preventative measure, and identify possible steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting the same condition; c) Past surgeries – even if you were a child; d) current conditions and symptoms; and e) recent X-rays and medical tests.
2. Substance abuse. If you smoke, drink excessively, and/or take illegal drugs, tell your doctor. He/she can’t accurately diagnose and treat you if you’re hiding this info. HIPAA privacy laws prevent your doctor from sharing your information.
3. Diet and exercise. While this is a common thing that people aren’t always truthful about, being overweight or obese is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, like heart attack and diabetes. Talk to your doctor about ways you can  develop better eating and exercise habits.
4. Issues with urination or bowel movements. People are often too embarrassed to talk about problems with peeing or pooping. Or if they notice blood in their stool. But these issues may be a sign of a more serious problem like colon cancer. Cancer that’s caught early enough is treatable. Otherwise, if you wait too long, it may be too late.
5. Stopping treatment or medications. If you have stopped following your doctor’s treatment plan or you’ve quit taking your medications, tell your doctor. You’re not going to be punished. Your doctor can talk with you about other treatment options. If your medications cost too much, your doctor may be able to prescribe another drug that costs less.
6. Seeing another health care practitioner. If you’re seeing another doctor, chiropractor, or an alternative healer, tell your doctor. It’s not going to hurt his/her feelings. Your doctor needs to know, so he/she can ensure the treatment plans
   work together. Also, if you’re receiving medications from another practitioner, you want to make sure that you’re not going to have any drug interactions.

Foot Pain Isn’t Normal 

Have you been experiencing foot pain? Maybe you think foot pain is just a way of life and there’s nothing you can really do about it. Painful foot conditions, like bunions, hammertoe and plantar fasciitis can be treated. Have your feet and gait evaluated by a certified professional. She can advise you on possible treatments.

One treatment option you may want to consider is wearing custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics. These orthotic devices are designed to strategically raise the medial, lateral, and trans-metatarsal arches of your feet – providing you with proper biomechanical alignment and support. ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics have been proven time and time again to actually realign and rebalance the feet in less than 1 year of continuous wear, providing better overall health while reducing the stress and strain on painful foot conditions.

For more information on how our custom orthotics can improve painful foot conditions, visit our website. Click here to order your pair of ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics. 

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^®

However, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an expert gardener, it’s important to stay safe while working in your flower beds, yard and garden. Here are a few safety tips to protect you and your family from injuries.

• Wear safety goggles when handling chemicals and using power tools.
• Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation, cuts and contamination from chemicals.
• Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes/work boots when using lawn mowers and other machinery. Make sure your shoes/work boots have adequate padding to absorb shock. Shoes/work boots with deep tread or cleats can help prevent slips and falls, especially on wet grass or mud. To ensure your shoes/work boots fit properly, follow our Shoe Fitting Guidelines for more information on how to correctly fit your shoes.
• Protect your hearing by wearing earphones when using loud machinery.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect yourself from insects, flying debris, and the harmful effects of the sun.
• Follow instructions and warning labels on chemicals and lawn and garden equipment.
• Don’t tamper with or remove safety guards or devices on equipment.
• Ensure all equipment is in good working order before using.
• Keep harmful chemicals, tools and equipment out of reach of children.
• Sharpen tools carefully.
• Limit distractions while using power tools and machinery.
• Drive riding mowers at slower speeds, especially when turning.
• Use extra care when mowing on slopes or pulling a mower towards you to avoid foot injuries.
• Never allow children to ride with you on riding mowers.
• Avoid uncomfortable positions when planting and weeding.
• Rotate your tasks to avoid repetitive movements.
• Bend with your knees when lifting heavy objects.
• Avoid long gardening sessions to avoid back pain and overuse injuries.
• Rest frequently and relax in the shade with a drink of water.

Gardening and Yard Work Can Cause Foot Pain

Gardening and yard work can exert a lot of pressure on your feet. It can also lead to other foot problems like bruised or ingrown toenails, foot and ankle swelling, arch or heel pain, and plantar fasciitis.

If you shoes/work boots don’t provide proper arch support, consider wearing custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics. Unlike over-the-counter arch supports which are produced as mirror-matched images of each other, ezWalker^® orthotic devices are custom made to the exact specifications of each of your feet – providing you with the right support you need. These custom orthotics realign your body by providing your feet with a proper foundation. Plus they guide your feet to a better biomechanical gait with each step you take. With ezWalker^® custom orthotics, your feet will feel more comfortable with less general foot fatigue. Proactive use of ezWalker^® custom orthotics can safeguard your feet against strains, sprains and other gardening injuries.

By taking a few precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy your yard and garden with less foot pain this spring and summer. For more information on ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, visit our website. To order these ultra thin, ¾ length custom orthotics today, click here.

Put a smile on your face and spring in your step with ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^®

Here are a few suggestions to follow to help you stay active with RA:

1. Talk with your doctor about your physical activity goals. What do you hope to accomplish? How do you plan to achieve your goals? Your doctor can help you develop a plan that’s realistic, given your fitness level and the severity of your arthritis.
2. Make wise activity choices. Certain sports, like running, jumping, tennis or softball, aren’t the best choices for people with RA since they can increase the deterioration of your cartilage. Walking, biking, swimming, tai chi and yoga are better low-impact choices. Check out the Arthritis Foundation for more tips on staying active.
3. Wear properly fitted footwear. RA can cause foot pain and deformity, leading to pain in your legs, knees, hips and lower back. A good fitting pair of shoes made of quality construction is recommended for proper support and to best relieve RA pain. Refer to our Shoe Fitting Guide for more information on properly fitting your footwear. Custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, can minimize problems caused by RA in your feet and ankles by correcting the biomechanics of your feet and realigning your body.
4. Begin slowly. Don’t try to do too much, too soon. First, you need to develop your core strength, range of motion and aerobic capacity before you tackle anything more strenuous.
5. Work with a physical therapist. He/she can evaluate your fitness level and help you develop a safe exercise program – one that escalates your activity level slowly. Also a physical therapist can teach you strength and stretching exercises to do before, during and after physical activity.
6. Adapt your activity to your RA. While fatigue is a common symptom of RA, you can address it by participating in a regular exercise program that builds your strength and endurance. But you also need to make sure you get plenty of rest, too. Additionally, talk with your doctor to see if any of your medications may limit the activities you want to do. For example, some medications can thin your bones, so activities that can lead to falls may not be recommended.

ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics Can Help Reduce RA Pain  

RA can cause deterioration and discomfort of the joints in your feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. However, by wearing ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, your weight will be more evenly distributed over the bottom of your feet, reducing pain from any sore spots.

Depending upon your individual needs, the WalkEZStore.com offers two levels of custom orthotic support:

• Functional support – Recommended for active individuals with flexibility or those wanting to achieve better health and comfort throughout their day. Functional orthotics are designed to guide your feet into a better biomechanical position with every step you take.
• Accommodating support – Recommended for people with arthritis, diabetes, joint mobility restrictions, lack of foot flexibility and anyone with a chronic illness who lives a more sedentary lifestyle. Accommodating orthotics are designed to reduce pressured areas without changing your gait, allowing your feet to rest.

To determine which type of support you may need, contact us.

ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics are ultra thin, ¾ length, and easily transfer from shoe to shoe. Plus, they can be worn in almost any type of footwear. You’ll no longer need special shoes to wear with your custom orthotics. Additionally, ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics come with a 90-day, money-back guarantee. So you’ve got nothing to lose, but your pain. Order your ezWalker^® Custom Performance Insoles today.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^®

Morton’s toe is named after Dudley Morton, an American orthopedic surgeon in the 1930s, who first described this hereditary condition. With Morton’s toe, the first metatarsal (the big toe) is congenitally shorter in length in comparison to the second metatarsal (the second toe). Also, the space between the first and second toes appears to be deeper than the space between the second and third toes.

Symptoms 

Some common symptoms of Morton’s toe include:

• Pain and tenderness in the area between the base of the big toe and second toe in the midfoot to the second metatarsal head in the ball of the foot. This pain and tenderness is due to the constant pressure placed on the second toe when walking and standing.
• Callusing on the bottom of the foot at the second and third metatarsal heads.
• Bruising of the toenail due to shoes that don’t accommodate the longer second toe.

Morton’s toe also causes mechanical dysfunction of the foot which leads to changes in your posture and the way you walk and run. These changes can result in a variety of other problems including bunions, metatarsalgia, metatarsal stress fractures, and pain of the ankles, shins, knees, back, shoulder, and neck.

Treatment   

Proper treatment of Morton’s toe includes:

• Selecting footwear with a wider toe box. Also you may need to buy footwear that’s a half size larger to accommodate your longer second toe and keep it from pressing against the shoe. Also, make sure your shoes fit properly. Refer to our Shoe Fitting Guide for more information.
• Wearing a metatarsal pad under the first metatarsal to reduce stress on the ball of your foot.
• Wearing custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, that redirect the loading force of the foot onto the big toe joint for a proper biomechanical step. It may be necessary to use a Morton’s toe extender to achieve complete redistribution of weight to the big toe. A Morton’s toe extender is a firm, lightweight plate added to the ezWalker^® Custom Orthotic to give more loading power to the big toe. This redirection of loading force to the big toe will reduce pressure to your second toe, giving you pain relief.
• Possible surgery, in severe cases, to make the big and second toes more equal in length and to restore the proper alignment of your foot.  

With simple steps, you can reduce the pain and discomfort of Morton’s toe.

For more information about ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, visit our website. ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics are ultra thin and ¾ length to fit most shoes. Plus they come with a 100%, money-back guarantee. So all you have to lose is your pain. Order your ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics today.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^® 

Note: If you follow these guidelines and your pain persists, you should see a physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. If Morton’s toe pain is left untreated, it can lead to a serious breakdown of the joint structure, leading to a lack of mobility and arthritis conditions.

This Health and Fitness Expo will help Hoosiers learn ways to improve their health through several free or discounted health screenings (such as blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, vision and more), interactive demonstrations and attractions like Boomer’s Boot Camp, IU Health Eat Fresh Corner, and NFL Play 60 Zone. The expo also features appearances by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, Olympic Gold Medalist David Boudia, and national television personalities Bill and Giuliana Rancic.

Kathy Carandang, the WalkEZStore’s certified pedorthist, will be there in booth #447 providing free foot gait analysis, so you can learn how your feet are actually functioning. You’ll be able to find out where the pressure areas are on your feet and if you have normal, high or flat arches. Kathy will also explain how your gait may be affecting other areas of your body and why you’re suffering from foot, leg, knee, hip or back pain.

By wearing ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, your feet will be guided to better alignment. These custom-made orthotics also provide you with greater stability and balance, reduce the stress and strain on your knees, hips and lower back, and help to improve your overall posture. ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics are proven to improve foot health in 6 months to 1 year of continued use.

By reducing your foot pain, you’ll feel more like being active again.

Special Prices for the Show 

• ezWalker^® Basic Arch Support Insoles (our over-the-counter option) – $89.00 (plus tax).

• ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics – $274.00 (plus tax). And you can get a second pair of custom orthotics for only $99 (plus tax). This is a limited time offer that’s only good at the WTHR Health and Fitness Expo.

If you’re a first-time customer and you bring a friend to the WalkEZStore booth, both of you will receive 10% off of your orders.

Plus, if you purchase your custom orthotics at the expo, you’ll pay no shipping and handling charges.

Remember, ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics come with a 90-day, money-back guarantee. So you have nothing to lose, but your pain.

Referral Bonus

If you’re already a customer and you bring a friend who purchases our custom orthotics, you’ll receive a $100 gas rebate card.

Admission Prices

General event admission: $5.00 at the door (all proceeds go to Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure)

Parking: $5.00

Get FREE TICKETS to the event by clicking here.

This will be a fantastic show, so don’t miss it! The WalkEZStore looks forward to seeing you there! Stop by booth #447 and say “hi.”

Can’t Make It to the Event

If you can’t come to the WTHR Health and Fitness Expo, visit our online store today. Our ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics turn ordinary shoes into extraordinary shoes. Contact customer service or call 888-392-5539 to order your pair of ezWalker orthotic devices today.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good!^®

Kathy also discusses why people seem to complain about pain more often.

“Nowadays, people seem to be so busy multitasking – taking care of everyone and everything around them. But, speaking from experience, if you don’t take care of yourself first, you’ll soon be stressed and in no condition to take care of others. Stress can take a toll on our daily ability to cope, causing real physical pain to develop. Therefore, it’s important to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Plus, you need to realize that pain is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. So, you need to uncover the source of the pain since the problem will likely just get worse – making your recovery longer.”

To read more of her response and her answers to the other questions, click here to see the full digital edition of the magazine. You’ll find Kathy’s article, “We Ask the Expert II: Questions Answered by the WalkEZ Woman,” on page 12.

For more information about ezWalker® Custom Performace Orthotics, visit our website.

Our bodies each function differently, and we don’t all run with a biomechanically efficient gait. If you’re choosing shoes that aren’t made well or don’t fit well, you can be setting yourself up for injuries and time off from running. However, by choosing a quality shoe that fits properly, you’ll be able to compensate for gait inefficiencies, maximize your training efforts, and help prevent overuse injuries. Plus, a good pair of running shoes will last longer – potentially saving you some money.

Steps for Choosing the Right Shoes  

1. Have your feet examined by a certified professional. They can analyze your gait cycle and determine how you pronate as you walk or run. Pronation describes the movement of the foot from heel to the toe through the foot strike. During proper or neutral pronation, your foot hits the ground on the outside of the heel and you roll the weight of your foot up to the ball of your foot evenly across the front. Proper pronation reduces the stress of impact on your foot. However, if your feet are out of alignment due to structural issues, you may be overpronating or supinating when you walk or run. When you overpronate, the outside of your heel strikes the ground first and your ankle rolls inward excessively. Overpronation can lead to overuse injuries. During supination, your ankle rolls outward. Supination can cause pain and injury in your ankles. Also, your legs will absorb most of the impact while running instead of your arches.
2. Have the professional measure your feet with a Brannock device to determine the arch height of both of your feet. Each foot can have a different arch height – normal, low/flat or high. A foot with no or low arches is considered a flat foot. If your arches have fallen, you’ll tend to overpronate as you run. If you have high arches, you’ll tend to supinate when you run.
3. Choose running shoes for your arch height and gait type. If you have a normal arch with a neutral stride, choose a stability running shoe that offers moderate pronation control. If you have low or flat arches and overpronate as you run, choose a motion-control running shoe. If you have high aches and supinate as you run, choose neutral cushioned running shoes.
4. Determine what kind of cushioning you need. If you’re a large runner, you’ll need more cushioning since you have more body weight impact to absorb. If your heel absorbs most of the impact as you run, you’ll need more cushioning in the heel. If your feet strike the ground at midfoot, your midsole area will need extra cushioning.
5. Pick the right shoe shape for your feet. Look at the bottom of the shoe to figure out its shape. Choose a running shoe with a semi-curved shape if you have a normal gait. Choose a shoe with a straight shape if you overpronate. Choose a shoe with a curved shape if you supinate.
6. Make sure your running shoes fit properly. Refer to our Shoe Fitting Guide for more information on foot measurements, shoe sizing and how to obtain a proper shoe fit.

By following these steps, you should be able to find the right running shoes that fit comfortably. However, some runners may find they need additional foot support for issues with overpronation or supination. Or, they may suffer from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis or heel or arch pain. If this is the case, you may want to consider getting custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics. These custom orthotics are made specifically for each of your individual feet. These orthotic devices will align your feet into the proper biomechanical position your feet need as you run. With ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics, you’ll find that you run more efficiently. Plus, your body won’t have to compensate for poor positioning and decreased stability, so you’ll have less pain in the joints of your feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

Ultra thin and ¾ length, ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics fit in running shoes with ease. So for maximum comfort when you run, order your pair today.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^® And you’ll run even better.

1. Choose a physical activity that you really like to do. Start out exercising for 15 or 20 minutes. Gradually increase your time and intensity.
2. Replace ground turkey for ground beef to lower the amount of saturated fat in your diet.
3. Wear a pedometer. You may be surprised to find out how much you walk a day. Gradually increase your steps every 2 weeks.
4. Use less salt. You need less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day. Use herbs and spices instead.
5. Listen to music while exercising to make it more fun.
6. Add more fiber to your diet such as apples, carrots, peas, oats and beans.
7. Do yard work to get some exercise.
8. Use lower fat substitutes, like low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream, eggs whites instead of whole eggs, fat-free milk instead of whole milk, or low-fat salad dressing instead of regular salad dressing.
9. Order your salad dressing on the side. Dip your fork in your dressing first before spearing your salad.
10. Walk in place or around the office or house while you’re on the phone.
11. Do lunges while you vacuum.
12. Park further away from your destination and walk the rest of the way.
13. Eat sugar-free, fat-free frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
14. Act like a kid again by jumping rope.
15. Reduce the size of your portions when you eat.
16. Keep a record of everything you eat. It’ll help you stay on track and watch for problems.
17. Request a smaller serving size when dining out. Or, immediately put half of your meal in a take-home container to keep you from eating too much.
18. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
19. Use vegetables oils like canola or olive oil instead of other fats like butter or Crisco.
20. Wear ankle weights while you walk to give your legs a workout.
21. When dining out, ask for vegetables or fruits instead of chips, French fries or other high-fat side dishes.
22. Work out with a friend. You’ll be more motivated to keep going.
23. Drink iced water with lemon or orange slices instead soft drinks.
24. Enjoy your food by slowly chewing it. Stop eating before you feel full.
25. Reward yourself with non-food-related treats when you achieve short-term goals.

Don’t Let Pain Keep You from Getting Healthier  

Does pain from bunions, plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis keep you from being physically active? Consider wearing custom orthotics like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics. These custom orthotics are specifically designed for each of your feet to ensure you receive maximum support of your feet’s arches. ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics guide your feet into proper biomechanical position, so your body will be better aligned from your feet up. Better alignment means your feet, legs, hips and lower back will experience less stress, stain and pain. So you’ll feel more like getting up and getting active. Plus, ezWalker^® Custom Orthotics provide greater stability and balance while you’re walking, running, playing tennis or performing other physical activities.

Never lose a step to foot pain. Visit our website for more information on ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics. Click here to order your pair today, so you can get moving.  

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^®

Your high school prom can be a magical time

If you want to feel happy and confident throughout your big night, follow these tips to help you choose the best shoes that will look great and feel comfortable into the wee hours.

1. Keep the length of your dress in mind when choosing shoes. If you’re wearing a long dress, you can get away with wearing flats or kitten heels (1 to 2 inches in height). However, if you’re wearing a shorter dress, you may want to wear a higher heel.
2. Your shoe style should always complement your dress style. If your dress is more glamorous, you don’t want your shoes competing for attention. For more formal-style gowns, a simpler pair of shoes may be a better choice. For a simpler dress without a lot of pizzazz, you may want a fancier shoe with beading or rhinestones to make your ensemble look more stunning. Also, a embellished shoe can look great with a shorter dress.
3. Find the right color to harmonize with your dress color. As a general rule, shoes should be in the same tone or darker than your dress. Classic colors like black, navy, white or nude are more likely to go with more dresses. Gold and silver colored shoes can also make your ensemble look a little more glamorous.  However, if you want your shoes to match your dress exactly, you can always have a pair of white shoes dyed to your dress color. But if you want to stand out in crowd, you can add a splash of color to your outfit by wearing a colorful shoe that complements the colors in your dress. Or, you may want a colorful shoe that contrasts with monotone dress, such as red shoes with a black dress.
4. Consider your shoe height. While high heels are often a popular choice, they may not be the right choice for you. Remember you’re probably going to be dancing a lot during the evening. Plus, high heels can be more dangerous on the dance floor, especially if you’re not used to wearing them. So pick a heel height that you’re comfortable with. Also, be considerate of your date’s height when picking your shoes. You don’t want to make him self-conscious by towering over him.
5. Keep your shoes on your feet. If you decide to go with high heels or sandals, opt for styles with straps to keep your shoes firmly on your feet while you’re on the dance floor. Also, if your feet begin to hurt, don’t take your shoes off on the dance floor. Otherwise you may end up with an injury from someone stepping on your foot.
6. Get a pedicure if you’re wearing open-toed shoes, so your feet and toes look pretty for the occasion.
7. Choose comfortable, properly fitted footwear. Otherwise you’re going to be miserable. Avoid buying shoes that are too small or pinch your feet. Refer to our Shoe Fitting Guide for information on how to properly fit your shoes to your individual feet.
8. Give your feet a proper foundation for added comfort. Consider wearing custom orthotics, like ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, in your shoes. These custom orthotics are biomechanically designed to give each of your feet the proper support they need. So not only will you walk (and dance) more efficiently, your feet and entire body will experience less stress and fatigue. ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics are ultra thin and ¾ length, so they fit any type of footwear. They can even be made to be concealed in your sandals, so only you know they’re there.
9. Practice wearing your shoes before prom. Start wearing your new shoes a couple weeks before prom for a few hours each day – especially if you’re not used to wearing higher heeled shoes.
10. Take extra shoes with you. If you think your feet may hurt later in the evening, pack a pair of flats or other more comfortable shoes that you can change into.

By following these suggestions, you’ll hopefully find a pair of shoes that not only look amazing with your dress, but also feel great on your feet throughout the night.

For more information about ezWalker^® Custom Performance Orthotics, visit our website or contact customer service today. To order your pair of ezWalker^® custom orthotics, click here.

Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.^® And who doesn’t want to look and feel fantastic for their prom!