National Running Day

Today, June 1st, is National Running Day. Here in New Jersey, it is a beautiful day to run. I ran my six miles. Why do I run? I run for me. Running clears my head and makes me feel good. After a good run I am more motivated and creative and definitely in a better mood.

Besides the mental benefits, running keeps my heart strong, gets rid of excess fat and can make you a lean, mean, fighting machine. Today is a wonderful day to get a group of people together to run. Running with others will make the run easier and is also an excellent way to increase the bond of friendship with the people you like.

If you are not a runner and would like to start, remember to go slow initially. Maybe start with a fast pace walk and then run a little. Always warm up your muscles and stretch and make sure you stretch afterward your run. There are excellent books on running. I recommend a book titled, “If Your Running Feet Could Talk,” by Dr. Marybeth Crane. Go to: http://www.faant.com/reports/.cfm and get a copy.
Now, how about you? Why do you run? Let me know. Happy running.

Buried Alive and STILL on his Feet!

Five hours, 40 minutes, and 51 seconds is how long it takes to run a marathon after training underground. Edison Pena was one of the 33 men who survived trapped underground in a mine for 69 days. He was known as “the runner,” because he filled the days underground by running through the mine tunnels and signing Elvis. Not even a dark hole of abyss stopped him from keeping his running spirit. What have you done lately?

It is all too easy to start making excuses to not hit the pavement, go to the gym, or attend your weekly yoga class. Are any of our excuses any good? The Chilean miner had only work boots, mining clothes, a bummed knee and dark tunnels and he found a way. What’s the secret to keeping up with the running spirit?
2 hours, 8 minutes and 14 seconds is how long it takes to win the New York Marathon. Gebre Gebremariam won the marathon while a former marathon champion Haile Gebrselassie announced retirement leaving the race after only 16 miles with an injury. Running professionals, these men make a living by concurring world records and finishing in times unfathomable by the hobby runner. Does it have to be your source of income to stay dedicated?

The first couple weeks of training are strenuous, mortifying, painful and agonizing, yet so many make it through with one goal in mind: finishing the 26 mile, 385 yard race. Nearly 45,000 runners had that common goal in New York City this year. Whether your goal is a marathon or a mile on the treadmill, it takes self motivation and determination to get to the end of your race. No one will do it for you and only you can get yourself there.

The Chilean miner stated he did this to motivate others. Hopefully he motivated you. The only way we can keep ourselves healthy and decrease the growing rates of obesity and diabetes is to become more heath conscious and active. There is a solid link between obesity and diabetes, heart disease and a number of other illnesses. Going to the gym or hitting the pavement is more than a hobby, it is a life saving activity. Every day I see patients who let go of their running hobbies because they got too busy. Not only did they lose an enjoyable hobby, but they also lost their health and are now trying 10 times harder to reverse the consequences of an inactive lifestyle. Let Pena, Gebremariam and Gebrselassie’s running accomplishments be your motivation to get up, get out, and run!

The Stink in Your Feet!

Are you embarrassed about the stank that comes from your feet. Do your husband’s feet stink? What about your children’s feet, especially your young athlete? Stinky feet have been plaguing man kind since the stone age! Thus, you can only imagine all of the home remedies. I once heard of one that consisted of soaking your feet in 7-up then barbecue sauce and then finishing off with a blow dryer. Sounds ridiculous to me but some people swear by it! So, what is it that instigates that odor and how do you really get rid of that smell?

The number one reason for stinky feet is perspiration. Your foot has many sweat glands on the bottom of the foot. Some people have more than others. It is just like the rest of your body. Some people just sweat more than others. It is estimated that there is over a quarter of a million sweat glands in your feet. So when your body heats up it releases heat via sweat from sweat glands.

Warm wet areas are a haven for bacteria. The bacteria live, reproduce and feed off of the foot, shoes and socks. The bacteria produce chemicals that cause an odor. Thus stinky feet are actually caused by bacteria!

To treat stinky feet we have to tackle the root of the problem: the sweat. The first line of defense is to wash your feet at least twice a day! Changing your socks to a dry pair in the middle of the day will also cut down on the bacteria because they need a warm, moist place to grow. It is also recommended to wear sandals often in the warmer months to allow your feet to breath. When choosing what shoes to wear, try to stay away from black shoes. Chose shoes that are lighter colors and that has a lot of mesh compared to all leather. It is also strongly recommended to never wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. This allows the shoes to dry and eliminate some of the stinky bacteria. Sometimes, these precautions are not enough or are impossible because of work or lifestyle restrictions. So then what?

There are products that can help dry the foot and decrease the sweat. These products must be recommended and monitored by a podiatric physician. There are different products for adults and children and thus you should never use products you receive for your husband on your children. Other products that a doctor can provide you with is anti-fungal and/or anti-bacteria powders. It is common for people with sweaty feet to acquire athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. What starts out as stinky feet can quickly turn into ugly feet!

There is a negative stigma with stinky feet. No one wants to have them, no one wants to marry them, and no one wants to give birth to them, but sometimes stinky is just the way they come. Well, it is not as doom and gloom as it sounds. There are a number of simple treatments and other more advance treatments that decreases the stinky stigma and the chances of athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. I don’t know about you, but I think talking to your podiatrist about your or your family’s unfortunate smelling problem is worth a shot!

Walking for Cancer: How to Save Your Feet!

Throughout the summer and into the fall, many hit the city streets to walk for breast cancer, arthritis, and many other devastating medical conditions. If you have ever participated in a Breast Cancer walk, you know the emotional drive behind finishing the race for yourself, and loved ones. Nothing stands in the way of a herd of women and men in pink. Well, maybe foot pain. Many of these walks are 20+ miles a day and for most of us, we don’t normally put that kind of millage on our feet. Even if you are an avid runner, walking applies different kinds of forces on your feet compared to running so don’t be surprised if you have some aching feet. Is there anything to prevent the blisters, aches, and pains during and after the walk? Here are some helpful hints to prepare you for your walks against cancer!
Train, train, and more training!
You may think that walking doesn’t take too much training, but it does! Just as marathon runners prepare for the big race, walkers should train for their big walk. Some walks are 50+ miles long. When was the last time you put that kind of mileage on your body? The best way to prevent injury is to build up your body’s endurance and appropriate muscle support. Walk daily and slowly increase the distance daily and weekly.

Don’t Forget Your Shoes!
Most walkers wear the wrong size shoes which can cause blisters, loss of toenails, and aches and pains. Proper fit is one of the most important factors in finding the correct shoes for your walking adventure. Make sure you try both shoes on and walk around in them before you buy them. While standing (not sitting) you should have about a fingers width between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Make sure the shoe is wide enough. You should be able to freely wiggle your toes inside the shoe. Buy your shoes several months before the walk and train in them. Never wear brand new shoes on a long distance walk.

Grease Up!
Most walkers get painful blister! Luckily, there are ways to prevent these fluid filled monsters! Vaseline or products such as Body glide decrease the friction of your skin with your shoe and sock. Applying such products to “high risk” areas of your feet will decrease the chances of a blister. Apply the product regularly along your walk or when you feel a blister coming on. If you have a blister, seek help at a medical tent. They can pop the blister and provide padding to relieve the pain.

Don’t Ignore the Pain!
There is so much emotion and drive in these walks that people stop listening to what their body is telling them. If you are experiencing pain, there are medical professional at every pit stop to help you. Something as silly as a blister can be cared for and you won’t have to stop walking, but some pains may be serious. Drinking lots of fluids and paying attention to how often you urinate is very important. Dehydration is the most common complication on these walks! If you want to finish the walk it is best to address your aches and pains on the way so you don’t end up with a more serious problem!

Enjoy Yourself
No matter what you are walking for or who you are walking for, remember to embrace the experience. You are making a statement for you community and the ill across the nation. The walks are long and hard, but stay positive and focused on the real meaning and purpose of this community gathering. WALK ON!!!