A Better You at Work & Home

On average, Americans spend more than 7.5 hours working weekdays.  Our jobs can many times feel like our home away from home. So it’s important that employers recognize our commitment to the workplace and understand the need for balance and a healthy lifestyle. If you aren’t working as hard on your health and wellness, mental and physical ability diminishes over time. Many companies are working on plans to prevent employee health problems by creating health and wellness programs in the workplace.

Recently I talked with Shannon Muller, HR Generalist, of The Conti Group about their Building a Better You employee wellness program. Launched this year, the program has met with instant success. Part of that success is due to Conti’s partnership with employees—the program is designed with employee feedback and contributions. Building a Better You encourages employees to lead a healthier lifestyle at work and home, providing the tools, resources and support to make it happen.  

Happy Feet: When did Conti start a wellness program? 

Shannon Muller: Conti initially began researching and developing plans for a wellness program in 2010. After we were sure we had a good plan in place and management support behind us, the program was launched in early 2011. We surveyed employees to gauge their interests and make sure we were developing a program to which they would respond. We even opened up for program name suggestions from employees and selected Building a Better You, from a list of great suggestions.  

Happy Feet:  Explain how your wellness program works? 

Muller: The program is designed to attract the variety of personalities and interests of our employees. The idea is to educate and motivate employees to live healthier lives and there are a variety of ways to do that. We host lunch & learns on various topics, we distribute newsletters and healthy recipes, we spark the friendly competition amongst coworkers and we offer incentives for participation. As you know we have the Conti Walking Competition, for which, we provided pedometers to participants and they submit weekly step counts competing against coworkers. I have recently incorporated bonus point values for other healthy habits including eating fruits and vegetables or taking vitamins. 

We also recently held a Health Screening event at our corporate office to allow employees the convenience of being screened without leaving the office and plan to begin a Weight Watchers at Work program in the fall.

Here’s an excerpt from the Conti Newsletter discussing the company’s committment to its employees: Conti cares about its’ employees and wants to see each one of us live healthy, balanced lives. There are so many benefits to making healthier choices in your life such as, increased energy and motivation as well as decreased stress and tension.  Healthy choices improve your overall physical, mental, and emotional well being and can enhance your outlook on life.

Happy Feet: How have employees responded overall? I know the walk program has sparked a little competitiveness on the Whitestone Bridge project. 

Muller: Employee response has been great! As mentioned before, we surveyed employees to be sure the plan would catch their attention. Nearly 50% of employees signed up for the Walking Competition and are especially competitive.  The Health Screening appointments filled within 3 days of announcement. Employees respond to my various emails and announcements with excitement and suggestions. They offer their recipes and links for helpful sites on fitness and nutrition. It is great to see how many people appreciate and enjoy the program.

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Burn Notice

The sun never kisses me—it slaps me, holds me hostage for days.  

It forces me to endure excruciating burns with high fever and low energy. It gives me the chills. It poisons me, literally. The hardest lesson of all—courtesy of the Florida fun and sun. After years of debilitating sunburns and futile tanning attempts, I’ve finally accepted my role as a fair lady of the universe. No longer striving to be a sun goddess.  Along this fiery path I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge on sun exposure dos and don’ts. And most importantly, I abide by and share the wise words of Buz Luhrmann . . . “If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. ”

1.  Even when it’s cloudy, you can burn. Use the sunscreen and reapply regularly
2. Your scalp will burn just as easily as your body. And the peeling and flaking is beyond unattractive. If you know you’ll be spending a day at the beach or a long stretch of time in the sun, wear a hat. If you worry about hat hair, you can try powdered sunscreen, like Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45.
3. Avoid direct sun during peak hours – 10am and 4pm. After the crowds have hit the local oyster bar, the beach becomes yours and the sun’s fierceness diminishes.
4. Certain medications can intensify the sun’s rays. If you are on prescription medication, make sure to ask the pharmacist about sun exposure and any possible known reactions. 
5. Protect your lips. Wear sunscreen lip balm and reapply throughout the day.

If you’ve had to learn the hard way, like me, you can find helpful information regarding sunburn treatment at the Mayo Clinic and tips for dealing with a sunburned scalp from Livestrong.com.

But trust me on the sunscreen . . .

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The Dance of Life

June Guest Blogger: Ashley Boynes

Living with arthritis is a pain in the….well, everywhere…but many people who live with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, etc., tend to have a lot of trouble with their feet. It’s no wonder that those of us with chronic pain have tortured tootsies – many of us are on our feet all the time! But, it also depends on the shoes that we wear.

A recent piece of arthritis research showed that the shoes we wear can actually be contributing to rising levels of foot osteoarthritis! A poll in the UK claims that high heels can be blamed for increasing and/or worsening arthritis. They are facing an “arthritis crisis” and want to point the proverbial finger at fashionable stilettos, kitten heels, and other forms of high-heeled shoes, claiming, “the footwear alters the body’s posture and increases pressure on the foot, ankle, and knee joints.” The study also showed that ¼ of women wear high heels daily or at least frequently, and, when it comes to working out or being athletic, that 77% of  both men AND women do not wear shoes specifically designed for the sport that they are participating in. Naturally, this can cause increased risk for strains and injuries that can increase one’s risk for arthritis, too!

I’ve written a blog post on the topic of shoes before – I’m obsessed, with fancy, fashion-forward footwear, and yet, as irony would have it, I have RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and OA (osteoarthritis) pretty badly. It is quite disappointing for me not to be able to wear my gorgeous high heels on a daily basis. I’ve come to terms with it, though, and on a usual basis wear more casual shoes – sneakers, flats, etc. to prevent further damage to my feet, ankles, and knees. I save the heels for weekends and special occasions (against the advice of my doctors, who say I shouldn’t be wearing heels at all….shhh!)

To be honest, don’t follow my example. The best kind of shoe for an arthritis sufferer to wear is a supportive shoe with a shock-absorbent sole to help minimize stress on the joints. Your shoes should not put you at risk for falls or twisted ankles. Flat shoes or shoes with only a slight elevation are preferred. Your rheumatologist or physical therapist should be able to point you in the right direction.

For days when your “dogs are barking” consider foot massage, foot acupressure, yoga, or insoles to help promote foot health and comfort! Treat your feet to pedicures now and then, remember to stretch and exercise your toes, and check out products such as foot spas, or Happy Feet therapeutic massaging insoles.  Thank your feet for helping you walk through life and all of its struggles on a daily basis!

Remember: “The ultimate dance, the dance of life, is performed best and longest on healthy, happy feet.”

– Ashley Boynes a.k.a. “Arthritis Ashley”

BIO: Ashley Boynes, also known as “Arthritis Ashley,” is a writer best known for her inspirational self-help and health advocacy work in the chronic illness and arthritis communities. She blogs for the Arthritis Foundation’s Mid Atlantic Region and Let’s Move Together initiative, and moderates the Rheum to Grow Facebook page for young adults with rheumatic diseases. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 10, she is now 27 and in addition to the RA also lives with osteoarthritis, lupus, and celiac disease, as well as recently undergoing brain surgery for Chiari malformation. Ashley encourages living a positive and healthful lifestyle of overall wellness. Her interests include volunteerism and advocacy, social media, pop culture, the arts, philosophy, fashion, animals, and the Steelers. Soon to be married, she resides in Pennsylvania with her fiancé Mike, pug Maggie May, and new kitten, Jack-Jack. In addition to health blogging, Ashley also writes fashion and events pieces for Maniac Magazine, and is working on a novel.

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Dads Who Rock—We Salute You

We’ve all been there . . . racing to the store at the very last minute, rummaging through the leftovers, searching for some semblance of the “perfect” Father’s Day gift among the predictable—ties, wallets, cufflinks, and cologne. But it doesn’t have to be this difficult. Tap into that special dad in your life, and go with a gift that says you know him, you appreciate him and with this gift you salute him.

Adventure. Pull dad out of his every day rut with a wild and crazy adventure. A few years back, I noticed how much my once daring husband seemed to be simply going through the motions. He’s the kind of man who traveled the world, craved bungee jumping, and blew things up for a living. The spark was a mere flicker and it needed to reignite. I purchased a Pilot for a Day package at our nearby Flight Academy, and he and our daughter spent the day flying around Orlando—feeling the need for speed. For inspiration, visit XperienceDays. With gifts like balloon rides, Nascar driving, and surfing, there’s something special for every type of dad. Not sure? Give an Xperience Days gift card and let him choose.

Collection. My step-dad played the gut-bucket, retired to become a real cowboy, and entertained friends and family as if he were still in his 20s. He loved traveling off the beaten path in every aspect of daily living. Although these attributes endeared him to me, they also made life hard when searching for gifts for holidays, especially Father’s Day. Until, I found this crazy pair of socks in the mall. He wore those socks to business meetings, the bank, at parties, camping trips—they became his claim to fame, showing them off every chance he got. From Tabasco bottles to dancing reindeer, the socks’ silly, over-the-top, unique, and eye-catching allure brought us one step closer to our wonderful relationship. Start a collection for your dad. Whether it’s timeless pieces or zany ones, find something that fits him and the two of you.

Concert. Do you ever hear him talk about that one concert? The one he always wanted to see but never got around to? Yep, the one that got away. Well, make it happen. The “old” bands and artists are crawling out of the woodwork, giving it that old school try. Whether Dad experiences flashbacks of his own version of Bret Michaels hair or has morphed into a little monster and digs Lady Gaga, there’s something for every generation, every musical taste.  And there’s nothing like having permission to dance badly, scream loudly, and wave a lighter, uhm, cell phone  in the air. Check out Tickets Now for upcoming concerts in your area.

 Health. We want the dads in our lives healthy and happy for years to come. Why not say that with the gift of health? You can select one of these or put together a basket of healthful goodies. A healthy read, Laird Hamilton’s Force of Nature: Mind, Body, Soul (and, of course, Surfing), isn’t just about surfing but more about tapping into the surfer soul in all of us, finding our own passion and path in a crazy, busy life. (It’s a personal favorite.) A new exercise class, like SoulCycle or kickboxing, is a great way for Dad to enjoy a fitful experience working out with his family. iPods, engraved with a Father’s Day message, keep Dad moving to the beat of his own drum. And sweet relief for those tired dancing feet? You know it, a brand new pair of Happy Feet® Massaging Insoles.

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Heel-ing Power of Moderation

This past Wednesday night I ignored the drizzling rain and the crowded subway as I made my way over to Union Square. Joining an eclectic group of New Yorkers, we huddled around the stage like groupies awaiting a rock concert. But this wasn’t a chance to see The Rolling Stones or The Grateful Dead—this was the alter ego of Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw. Writer and producer Candace Bushnell glided up the stairs in her sparkly blue Miu Miu Platform Sandals—the same ones she wore to The Sex and the City 2 movie premiere. We were all mesmerized by her and those heels.

Bushnell talked as if we were old friends catching up. She was delightful, sexy, snarky and funny. After reading from her latest novel, Summer in the City, Bushnell started the Q&A portion of the night, which proved to be the most entertaining. She answered the probing questions candidly and humorously, and really, what more could fans want.

Eventually someone complimented her shoes and asked about the designer. She danced out from behind the podium, extending her slender leg so everyone could catch a better glimpse. Bushnell promised they were extremely comfortable and even claimed she could run in them if necessary, the kind of heel, she acknowledges every woman should own.

I wondered about that. I love the look of heels, but I struggle in a two-incher. It’s just not that often I find myself dressing up enough to fight the awkwardness of heels or the pain that follows. According to a recent review by Intelihealth and Harvard Medical School, “On average, women squeeze into shoes that are two and a half sizes too small for their feet.” Although it’s difficult to find flashy shoes that truly fit, it can be the deal breaker between comfort and excruciating pain.

Providence Foot Care recommends time limits on wearing heels. And in a recent interview, Bushnell started with a photo shoot, wearing incredibly high heels, her signature wear, but then slipped into a pair of “suede trainers.”  Ah, moderation. Even the most glamorous know when to say no to heels and yes to comfort.

So there seems to be a method to the madness. If you do wear heels to an event, always carry a pair of comfy shoes in your bag—just in case. When buying heels, select shoes that fit properly. Wear the shoes around the house to break them in and familiarize yourself with the feel and stride.  And most important, limit the amount of time you spend dancing the night away in your heels.  

You can find Tips for Wearing High Heels from The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

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The Reflex

Guest Blogger of The Month: Alacia Jordan

If your feet could talk, what would they say? I’m sure if they could, our feet would give us all an earful. A good part of the day we are either standing, running, walking, rocking, pressing or shoving them into  some uncomfortable shoes that offer little to no air flow or circulation. This leads to tight and tired feet that constantly hurt.

The good news? Our feet do have a way of communicating with us—and they send their message loud and clear. I’ve been a massage therapist now for 5 years and my secret weapon to helping my clients understand how to listen to their feet is through reflexology.

So what is reflexology? Reflexology is an ancient technique of applying pressure to reflex points on the feet or hands. This ancient healing art has been traced back to ancient China. Applying pressure to these points encourages the removal of waste from the body and the restoration of balance; reflexology can simply be used to improve overall well-being.

The daily wear and tear on our feet blocks these pressure points, causing many more issues than just sore and tired feet. I have found through my practice that I’m able to help with circulation, digestion, respiratory problems, and stress simply by applying pressure onto these reflex points and releasing the toxins that they are holding. As it helps the body to naturally maintain its balance, this therapy is thought to help prevent possible problems from emerging. 

During my reflexology sessions, I first apply hot towels to my client’s feet to help relax the tender points in the feet. Then I slowly stretch out the feet by flexing the feet back and forth. This action returns blood flow to the ankles and in the toes. Once I’m sure that the foot has enough flexibility I apply a small amount of oil and apply to both feet.

During this part of the session I will use light to medium press on the reflex points to remove any toxins I find in them. Usually a session lasts from approximately 30 minutes up to an hour depending on how blocked certain points are.  I truly believe that reflexology is a wonderful way to actually finding out what our feet are saying. It aims to bring about greater unity of mind, body and spirit, as well as being an excellent form of relaxation.

Alacia Jordan graduated from Florida College of Natural Health in 2006. She became a Certified LMT in 2007. Modalities include: Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Lymphatic Drainage, Sports Massage.

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A Badge of Honor

Guest Blogger of the Month, April 2011: Luis Bueno

Running is difficult. I forget that sometimes. I’m not exactly a gazelle prancing through races and long runs, but I’ve logged my share of miles over the last couple of years.

However, running 4-6 miles on any given day is not difficult. I finish those runs and don’t face too many mental or physical challenges.

Sometimes, though, I need a good reminder that running should be and is indeed difficult. And for that, I’ve got the San Francisco Marathon, slated for July 31. I’ve run three marathons in my life, and while the other two marathons were difficult and had their own sets of challenges, San Francisco was a snarling, hilly beast, prepared to do battle against any and all contenders. It was love at first sight.

Perhaps it’s the difficulties the San Francisco Marathon presents that seize my attention. Marathons are difficult enough. Getting to mile 20 is a challenge but the last 6.2 miles is mentally exhausting. The San Francisco Marathon sees those challenges and raises them quite a bit higher.

San Francisco is, of course, notorious for its hills. The mere mention of the city to runners can cause grimaces and shivers. Imagine, then, having to ponder such monstrous challenges that a marathon presents and having to play them out on a never-ending hill. The course is obviously not all uphill, but a sizeable portion is. It’s a steady wave of hills. However, there are also some amazing and unique sights – starting on The Embarcadero and running past Fisherman’s Wharf; smelling the freshly baked sourdough bread past the Boudin bread factory around Mile 2 instantly made my mouth water; houses overlooking the sea on the Presidio; an oasis of flowers that is the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park; trudging around AT&T Park at Mile 25 and of course running across the grandiose and historic Golden Gate Bridge.

The hills are the fun part of the race. Hills add spice to any run, and running up and over a hill can cause you to throw your arms up in celebration. Take that challenge and multiply it by 26.2. and you get the San Francisco Marathon.

Now, perhaps I’m a bit different. Perhaps I’m used to challenges and need a good challenge or three in order to feel like I accomplished something. You see, I used to weigh more than 300 pounds. For most of my life I was overweight but in my mid-20s, the weight skyrocketed and just got out of control. When I was 30, I was a father of two young girls (2 and 6 mos.) and feared setting a bad example for them. With the help of my wife I signed up for a trainer at the local gym, put all my trust and faith in him and off we went. By changing up my diet and exercising, I lost 60 pounds in 2006. In 2007, I lost 60 more all by myself. I was used to the monstrous challenges that weight-loss presents and I conquered them.

I slowly got into running and ran a 5K, a 10K and wanted more challenges. A half marathon followed in April 2009 and then I decided to go for the full, which I ran for the first time in February 2010. After running a marathon, what’s next? An ultramarathon? A triathlon? Short of tackling those superhuman challenges, I thought about taking on what I considered the ultimate marathon. On July 25, 2010 I ran the San Francisco Marathon in 4:37:51, beating my previous time by five minutes. I’ve since beat that time and when I go back to San Francisco for this year’s race, I won’t go there with a PR in mind.

The San Francisco Marathon isn’t where you go to get your PR. It’s where you go to get your Marathoner’s Badge of Honor. I got mine last year and I fully intend on getting another one this summer.

You can follow Luis’s adventures in running at his blog: Muddy Runner and on Twitter at Twitter.com/RunnerLuis.

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Courage of Your Lungs

“I always loved running… it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power.  You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” 

~Jesse Owens~

There’s no better way to start a fitness program than signing up for a 5k. It’s an unwritten contract with the healthy you who lurks beneath the surface. You can walk. You can run. You can walk and run. There’s no right way to do a 5k—it’s what makes sense for you. Whether you walk to earn funds or awareness for a non-profit or sign up for a marathon that pushes your limits, these events inspire a healthier you.

You can find events sponsored by a cause you already support or search for one you’d like to learn more about, like the Susan G. Komen for the Cure or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training (TNT). Although my 5k experience is limited, both 5k events I walked left me feeling accomplished and motivated. In an effort to reignite my fitness plans, I’m registering for the Purple Stride Manhattan, taking place May 22, 2011. My goal is to run this one.

As I work towards this May event, I’ll be reading all of the great Facebook and Twitter posts about upcoming walks, fitness, motivation, goals, and success stories. I’ve already found great information and tools there. After perusing the awesome Twitterverse, and getting a little help from my friends, here are a few upcoming walks you may want to check out, whether you do it this year or train for next year.

Celebrating its 40^th Anniversary: Portland Marathon 2011

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Sunday, October 9, 2011   

7:00 AM

Downtown Portland, Oregon

 

Runner Sarah Bowen Shea shares her Portland Marathon experience.

I ran the Portland Marathon in 2010. I’ve lived here 11 years and run numerous (now 7) marathons, yet it was first time I’d done the Portland Marathon.
 
The race is renowned for being incredibly well organized and very well supported. Both true. They introduced a new corral system in 2010 that worked very effectively, ensuring runners would not have to dodge walkers–and that walkers wouldn’t have to be jockeyed by runners. While Portland doesn’t have the crowd support of, say, NYC or Chicago, I felt the spectators were very enthusiastic (especially given it RAINED the entire time–only 3rd time in 39 year history of race that ANY rain has fallen during it) and fairly well spaced out along the route. The volunteers were incredibly helpful and energetic, and the water stations worked like clockwork.
 
The course has its scenic sections, and a few drab spots. The city has an industrial edge to parts of the Willamette River and the course spends a fair bit of time in this industrial district. But it also crosses a lovely bridge (designed by same man as Golden Gate Bridge) and then hugs a bluff for several miles.
 
The finish line area is top rate–a smorgasbord of healthy, enticing options and LOADS of eager, helpful volunteers. Each finisher gets a rose (Portland is the Rose City) and a sapling. It’s very memorable and charming.

Sarah is the co-author of Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity, dubbed “a bible for active parents” by the New York Times. She is also a contributing editor for Runner’s World and Shape magazines. On Twitter you’ll find Sarah @SBSontheRun and on Facebook at: Run Like a Mother: The Book.

 

  

The Overnight

June 4 – 5, 2011

New York City, NY

My family and I participated in the AFSP Central Florida Out of the Darkness 5k in 2008 and held every February. It’s a very upbeat, inspirational event. The Overnight is the signature “big sister” event. Although I personally have not participated, I’ve interviewed others who have, and it’s always the same story: a life changing event worth every mile, all 18. Registration is now open for the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in New York City on June 4th through 5th. The 18-mile, sunset to sunrise, walk raises funds to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a national organization that funds suicide prevention research, education, and advocacy initiatives as well as programs to support people personally affected by suicide and mental disorders. More than 2,000 people are expected to participate. To register, donate or learn more about The Overnight please visit www.TheOvernight.org or call 888-The-Overnight.

 

 

NYC Half 2011

March 20, 2011

7:30am

New York City, NY

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 Runner Tina Shoulders shares her excitement about the upcoming NYC Half.

I started running about spring of last year after run/walking for about 6 months and lost more than 50 pounds in the process. I started to fall in love with running and decided I would make it my superpower. I decided to run for a cause, so in November I signed up for the NYC half Marathon with Team In Training to raise money for blood cancers, one of which my father is in remission from lymphoma. I could have chosen a marathon but decided to go with a half because it is still a challenge, and I am a born and raised ,diehard New Yorker—I  want my first marathon to be NYC. I am half way there, doing the NYC half Marathon on March 20.

I am chronicling the journey and more at www.beautifulathlete.com. Make sure to check out the Heart & Soul Magazine post on Tina’s transformation. You can also find Tina on Twitter @laidbackchick.

 

The San Francisco Marathon

July 31, 2011

San Francisco, California

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Runner Luis Bueno shares an excerpt from his upcoming (Happy Feet) guest blog post, revealing his passion for running and The San Francisco Marathon.

Perhaps it’s the difficulties the San Francisco Marathon presents that seize my attention. Marathons are difficult enough. Getting to mile 20 is a challenge but the last 6.2 miles is mentally exhausting. The San Francisco Marathon sees those challenges and raises them quite a bit higher.

San Francisco is, of course, notorious for its hills. The mere mention of the city to runners can cause grimaces and shivers. Imagine, then, having to ponder such monstrous challenges that a marathon presents and having to play them out on a never-ending hill. The course is obviously not all uphill, but a sizeable portion is. It’s a steady wave of hills. However, there are also some amazing and unique sights – starting on The Embarcadero and running past Fisherman’s Wharf; smelling the freshly baked sourdough bread past the Boudin bread factory around Mile 2 instantly made my mouth water; houses overlooking the sea on the Presidio; an oasis of flowers that is the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park; trudging around AT&T Park at Mile 25 and of course running across the grandiose and historic Golden Gate Bridge.

The hills are the fun part of the race. Hills add spice to any run, and running up and over a hill can cause you to throw your arms up in celebration. Take that challenge and multiply it by 26.2. and you get the San Francisco Marathon.

 You can follow Luis on Twitter at @runnerluis and be sure to check out his blog at muddyrunner.blogspot.com

If you have a favorite walk or run that you would like to promote and tell our readers about, please feel free to post and include links. We’d love to hear all about it. 

 (Jesse Owens quote courtesy of Quote Garden.)

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The Extra Mile

 

With a recent move to New York City I’ve had to reevaluate the way I walk. For the past ten years my lifestyle has been pretty low-key living in Orlando, Florida. I lived in a suburban neighborhood where I took walks, runs, and the occasional stroll along palm lined streets where traffic remained nonexistent. Of course nothing was within walking distance. I drove my SUV all around the city, taking my daughter to school, picking up groceries, shopping at the mall or traveling over to the beach. Here in New York, my life couldn’t be more different—it’s a drastic 180.

I no longer use my car for transportation but rather I use the subway, tram and yes, always my feet. During those first few days of exploring the city and new surroundings, my feet throbbed nonstop. It had little to do with being out of shape and more to do with the new walking routine. And so I put my Happy Feet knowledge to good use as I adjusted the way I treat my feet.

It goes without saying that the pace here differs in every way with the sunshine state of mind. I had to discover my getting down to business groove for outings that included walking long distances for business and errands. Early in the morning, lunch time, and later in the evening, New Yorkers have places to go and people to see, and trust me they’re all business about getting there.

I’ve adopted a TCB, Taking Care of Business, attitude to complement a sharper, quicker walking pace for such occasions. I fit right in, go with the flow, and nobody gets hurt. Also I bought a pair of weatherproof winter boots to help me on those long treks during cold and snowy or rainy days. Yes, fellow Southerners, these types of shoes are more than a fashion statement. Who knew? And for now, my favorite pair of sparkly flip-flops collects dust in the back of my tiny closet.

On the weekends when I like to walk for my daily dose of exercise, I have a pair of Brooks running shoes that offer support and a fair amount of comfort while trying to keep up with the dedicated marathoners scattered about the city.

And on those casual outings where I may only be on my feet for a short period of time and nowhere near the hustle and bustle, keeping it to the side if at all possible, I pull out my Uggs wedges or my Clarks. Around the house, I wear socks or go barefoot. I also try and remember to moisturize my feet, preventing drying and soreness.  I’ve noticed a difference in my feet and legs already. I want to practice what I preach: Foot health effects overall health, making foot care an important part of everyday living.

Next on my NYC agenda, locate a great local salon for a monthly pedicure, giving my feet an extra-special treat, even if I have to walk miles to get there.

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All We Need is Love

Don’t get lost in the Valentine’s Day frenzy, neglecting the most important person in your life. You. It’s easy to become swept up in everyday living, taking care of others, leaving little if no time to take care of yourself. You’ve heard it said time and time again, you can’t be a good parent, spouse, employee if you don’t find those timeless moments to appreciate yourself first.  So take a few minutes today and show yourself a little love.

• Take a walk. Breathe in the fresh air and reflect upon all you’ve accomplished in your life. How often do you find yourself congratulating others on their accomplishments? Now think about how often you pat yourself on the back.
• Spend one hour reading a new book or an old favorite. You can pull down that old paperback from the bookshelf—you know the one, with the dog-eared pages and the worn out cover. Or you can check out a new read on your Kindle or i-Pad. What matters is taking that time to escape everything around you, immersing yourself into another world.
• Send out e-Valentine’s. Yeah, just like when we were kids. It makes you feel good to do something special for someone else. You can use a site like Hallmark.com or create your own Valentine’s cards, expressing your love and adoration for friends and family. In doing so, you tap into your deepest emotions which can prove therapeutic.
•  Enjoy a spa hour or day. Give yourself a manicure, pedicure or facial. There are a million great products out there. A new favorite is from MyFaceWorks. You may want to give it a try. Or if you prefer the super pampered route, schedule an hour today at a local spa. Go ahead, you are worth it.
• Watch a movie that makes you smile. Whether you pop into your local theater to watch one of the most recent films or you stay home and drop in that reliable, old DVD that always makes you laugh, it’s a reminder that laughter is the best medicine.
• Work out. It’s good for your heart, and isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? You can’t show the love any more than taking time for a daily workout. It doesn’t matter if you kick it with a DVD, take a class, run in the park, or sweat it out in the gym.
• Buy yourself a gift. Why not? You don’t have to sit back and wait for someone else to treat you right. Been waiting for those shoes to go on sale? Thought about updating that ancient iPod? Craving a little bling? Today’s the day to make that special splurge.  

(Photo courtesy of SXC.)

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