32 The Courier sun • health • JUNE 6, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com ▶health Facts about your favorite hot weather footwear It’s easy to understand why we all love flip-flops: They’re cute and comfy, keep your feet cool in warm weather, and are great for showing off that fab pedicure you just got. But no matter how much you adore your flip-flops, they shouldn’t be all-occasion footwear. Sometimes, they can lead to sore feet or even severe injury. “Flip-flops are hugely popular, but it’s important to remember they’re not appropriate for everyday wear or for all occasions,” says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. “Every spring and summer, podiatric offices see an influx of patients with injuries and ailments directly related to wearing flip-flops at the wrong time or wearing the wrong flip-flops altogether. The secret to safely enjoying flip-flops through summer is two-fold, Garoufalis says. First, find the right style, and second, know when to wear flip-flops and when to wear something else. How to choose flip-flops Some styles of flip-flops may cause blistering and pain, and increase your risk of injury in certain situations. It is possible to find a better flip-flop. The APMA offers some tips: • Choose a flip-flop with soles that bend at the ball of the foot. If you can bend the sole completely in half or wring it like a wet rag, the sole will not provide proper support. • The thong part of the flip-flop should fit comfortably, neither too loose nor too snug. Straps that are too tight could rub and cause blisters. Too loose straps may result in you losing the shoe at a critical moment - resulting in injury. Consider a flip-flop with extra padding on the part of the strap that fits between your toes. • Your foot should fit perfectly on the sole. Your heel should not hang off the back, nor your toes off the front. • Dispose of worn flip-flips, no matter how much you loved them last year. Old shoes lose their ability to support and protect your feet, and it’s easy to find a new pair to replace old ones. When to wear flip-flops A shoe style that was once relegated to beach or poolside is now considered acceptable in a variety of settings. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing flip-flops to the mall or grocery store, when they’re out for a stroll, or even in the office. Flip-flops have even made inroads into the bridal scene, with some comfort-minded brides wearing them for their weddings and receptions. Deciding whether wearing flip-flops is socially appropriate for the occasion is up to you, but there are some times when you should not wear them for safety reasons. • When doing yard work - such as mowing the lawn or working in the garden - it’s best to wear shoes that cover and protect your entire foot. Flip-flops don’t offer sufficient support or protection. • For long walks, opt for a good walking shoe. Even the sturdiest styles of flip-flops don’t offer sufficient arch support and shock absorption for extended walking. • Playing sports calls for the right footwear. Choose a shoe that is designed for the sport you’re playing. Flip-flops don’t offer adequate support or protection for hard play and may come off your foot at a crucial moment. They might lose you the game at best, and leave you with a foot or ankle injury at worst. Courtesy BPT PLAN. PROTECT. PRESERVE At Ronald Fatoullah & Associates, we believe in the three P’s. For more than 30 years, we have been advising New Yorkers about the challenges of aging, the benefits of Estate Planning and the three P’s; How to Plan, Protect and Preserve the assets they’ve worked so hard to save. As people live longer, the costs of healthcare and nursing home care continue to rise. We create longterm care plans that protect your assets and ensure that your long-term care needs will be met. We are recognized for our unparalleled service and our commitment to the highest form of professional and ethical standards. Our attorneys are accomplished in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Medicaid Eligibility/Applications, Preparation of Wills & Trusts, Probate, Special Needs Planning, Guardianships, Veteran’s Planning, Planning for Same-Sex Couples and Real Estate. So, if you’re dreaming about hitting a hole-in-one in sunny Florida, bragging about catching the “big one” off the coast of New Zealand, tracking Tigers in Tanzania or just spending time with the grandkids, planning can help you accomplish these goals. What’s more, it will give you peace of mind. Come in for a consultation. Ask us to review your current estate plan. You’ll thank us. 1-877- ELdER LAW 1-877-ESTATES Queens • Long Island • Manhattan • Brooklyn ATTORNEy AdVERTiSiNg
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