Author: jesse@optimizedigitalonline.com

Old Man Winter has already come knocking and many of us are bracing for what’s to come. But just because the cold air is nipping at your nose and the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean your regular walking practice needs to change. In fact, here are 9 reasons why winter walking is actually quite good for you.

 

  • Lift your mood naturally. There’s nothing that can match the power of fresh air and sunshine. Both are good for your mood and help to stave off the winter blues. Plus. that burst of cold air helps you clear your mind and lower your stress levels.

 

  • Sunlight does a body good. Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones, and since it’s not an easy vitamin to get through your diet, sun exposure is key. Research shows that just 5-30 minutes of sunlight each week helps you get the Vitamin D you need, and since you can’t get it through windows, an outdoor walk is key!

 

  • Zap the calories. Now, we are into this walking thing for our overall wellness and fitness, but hey, burning a few more calories isn’t bad. Because your body is also working to stay warm, research suggests that a cold weather walk burns more calories. So if you’re walking for weight loss, pick up the pace and pack a punch with your winter walk.

 

  • Activate your immune system. Studies have shown that walking outside in winter can wake up your immune system and decrease inflammation. Just 30-45 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each day can increase the number of immune system cells in your body needed to fight off those pesky winter colds.

 

  • Boost energy without the caffeine. A cold weather walk has been shown to result in a meaningful energy boost that lasts for hours after your walk. So, when those eyelids start to droop mid-day, ditch the brew in exchange for a brisk walk.

 

  • Alter your body fat. During the winter, our bodies work hard to stay warm, and what helps with that is brown fat. This study shows that extended exposure to cooler temperatures helps change our obesity-causing white fat to the warming and metabolism-boosting properties of brown fat. Now there’s a fitness challenge we can get behind!

 

  • See a different world. There’s something about a fresh snowfall or a chill in the air that helps us take in a new perspective. When you’re out for your winter walk, take note of the change in scenery. The sound of your footsteps. And the critters that may be frolicking in their warm winter coats. You just might rediscover why you love your surroundings.

 

  • Breathe easier. Winter often provides us with cleaner air. Fewer pollutants and outdoor allergies give us the chance to really take a deep breath and restore our bodies with a fresh, calming and cleansing breath.

 

  • Fall asleep faster. We all know that cooler temperatures help you sleep better, and winter walking allows your body temperature to take less time to cool down. You just may notice it a bit easier to nod off at the end of the day resulting in a more restful night’s sleep.
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Source: Mid-Hudson Newsletter NYSPMA
walking in the winter is good for you

Podiatrists are doctors whose specialty is treating foot and ankle issues. There are certain conditions and injuries that may require medical care that a primary physician isn’t trained to offer. At the same time, chronic or long-standing pain in your lower leg, ankle, foot or toes is a sure sign that scheduling a podiatrist appointment is in your best interest.

Below are 10 things to consider when deciding whether you should see your podiatrist.

 

1) People with Diabetes Should Regularly See Podiatrists

Diabetes often causes nerve damage and accompanying circulation problems, resulting in diabetic foot problems. On top of that, numbness is another issue that makes some people less aware that their foot condition needs attention.

Diabetics should schedule an appointment with their podiatrist once a year. And if you’re experiencing pain, ulcers, wounds that won’t heal, or swelling, don’t hesitate to call your foot doctor.

At Westchester Foot Care, we participate in the Diabetic Shoe Program, which is a great way to help maintain foot health and use insurance to pay for your footwear purchase.

 

2) If You Get a Sports Injury that Needs Special Treatment

It’s pretty common for athletes and active people to get foot or ankle pain from time to time. But see a podiatrist if the pain becomes chronic, or you have medical conditions like shin splints or athlete’s foot.

If you’re a runner, keep your eye out for problematic calluses, joint issues, or bunions caused by stress on your feet.

Even if you’re in physical therapy for an injury to your foot or ankle, a podiatrist can help you determine how the healing process is progressing in ways that physical therapists often can’t. If surgery is needed, rest assured your podiatrist will talk to you about the best options and the proper surgical procedure.

 

3) Podiatrists Help When Starting a New Fitness Regimen

If you’re starting to take up a new active lifestyle or exercise routine like running or HIIT workouts, you could experience lower leg pain due to issues like shin splints, plantar fasciitis or flat feet.

Seeing a podiatrist to help find you athletic footwear or inserts to prevent or even treat these conditions will get you on the road to success with your new fitness goals.

 

4) Don’t Put Off a Visit to Treat Your Foot Joint Pain or Arthritis

Swelling of your joints caused by arthritis is a common issue for many people’s feet. If you see redness and feel swelling, don’t hesitate to reach out for a visit to your podiatrist.

Whether from an injury or from arthritis, your podiatrist is has the training and knowledge to treat your issue and get you back to your normal everyday activities without such foot discomfort.

 

bunions treatment westchester

 

5) Lingering Athlete’s Foot Could be Caused by an Underlying Infection

Sometimes your regular physician’s treatment for athlete’s foot doesn’t improve the condition. A podiatrist can provide an expert second opinion and offer suggestions on how to move forward.

Although fungus is the primary cause of athlete’s foot, there are cases where bacterial infections imitate athlete’s foot symptoms. A podiatrist can diagnose your condition and prescribe a treatment to alleviate your itchiness, redness and pain in your toes or feet.

 

6) Ingrown Toenails Require Podiatric Care 

The pain caused by an ingrown toenail doesn’t go away unless you receive the appropriate treatment. When ignored, an ingrown toenail can cause an infection.

A podiatrist can prescribe a treatment that reduces pain and swelling. If needed, they can perform a minor procedure to cut a portion of the toenail and alleviate the issue.

 

7) If You Have Heel Pain

Heel pain can be caused by an injury to the plantar fascia, a bone spur or other bone conditions, or arthritis. Your podiatrist will have X-rays taken and perform an exam. While bone spurs don’t go away without surgery, custom orthotics and laser therapy can help relieve discomfort while you recover.

 

8) Corns and Calluses Mean Call Your Podiatrist 

Built-up skin causes calluses and corns, and when they get too thick they can hurt. There are topical medications that can relieve the problem, but a minor podiatric procedure may be necessary to fully treat the issue.

 

9) Bunions Don’t Go Away Without Treatment

Bunions get inflamed and painful when they get bigger, which makes it tough to do your daily activities and responsibilities. When the hard bump on the outside of your toe joint begins to affect your well being, give your podiatrist a call. They’ll perform an exam and talk with you about the best way to treat your bunion.

 

10) Please Don’t Avoid Dealing with Foot Pain

There are many of our patients who ignore foot issues for too long, making the condition or injury worse over time.  Scheduling a foot care appointment sooner rather than later gives you the best chance to get back to your everyday lifestyle more quickly.

An experienced podiatrist will help improve your health and wellbeing, whether you have a health condition like diabetes or arthritis, you suffered an injury, or you have an ingrown toenail.

The podiatrists at Westchester Foot Care will make you feel welcome, and their state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment will help diagnose and treat your foot, ankle, and lower leg issue.

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All Toes on Deck: Tips for Protecting Feet from the Heat

Protect Feet from the Heat! One perk of a beach-bound vacation is knowing that instead of snow soaking through your shoes or having your feet feeling toasty in sweaty UGGS, you can lounge happily with your toes dangling in the warm weather, shoe-free with the sand at your feet. But alas, the dream does come with its own set of tootsie troubles.

“Your feet are still vulnerable even if you are soaking up some rays while just lying on your back,” says American Podiatric Medical Association member, Dr. Afsana Qader. “Prolonged periods of sun exposure can seriously sunburn your feet and public pool areas can be ripe with fungus and viruses.”

Wouldn’t you rather spend time collecting seashells than doctor’s bills? No worries. There are ways to prevent these future foot predicaments so you can go back to your sun-kissed dreams and enjoy a liberated foot experience.

  • Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as ringworm, athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other infections and increases risk of injury to your feet.

 

  • Wear flip flops or shoes to the beach, around the pool, in the locker room, in your hotel bathroom, and on the carpeting in your room to limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections and prevent injuries.

 

  • Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the front and top of feet and ankles.  Don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.

 

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. This will minimize any foot swelling caused by heat and help with overall health.

 

  • Keep blood flowing with periodic calf stretches, toe wiggles, and ankle flexes.

 

  • Some activities at the lake, river or beach may require different types of footwear to be worn so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe, always pack protective water shoes or an extra pair of shoes.  Wet shoes must be dried out completely before your next wearing to prevent fungus or infections.

 

  • Seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician if you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation.  Contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home.

 

  • In case of minor foot problems be prepared with the following on-the-go foot gear:
    • Flip flops – for the hotel room, airport security check points, spa, and pool
    • Sterile bandages – for covering minor scrapes and cuts
    • Antibiotic cream – to treat any opening or skin injury
    • Emollient-enriched cream – to hydrate feet
    • Blister pads or moleskin – to prevent blisters
    • Advil or Motrin (anti-inflammatory) – to ease swollen, tired feet
    • Toenail clippers – to keep toenails trimmed
    • Emery board – to smooth broken nails or rough edges
    • Pumice stone – to soften calluses on skin
    • Sunscreen – to protect against sunburn
    • Aloe Vera or Silvadene cream – to ease burning pain from sunburn

     

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how to keep your feet healthy in the summer heat

Westchester Foot Care, located in Yonkers, NY announces the immediate offering of laser therapy in Westchester County and the New York metropolitan area. The addition of this exciting and effective technology is part of Westchester Foot Care’s continued investment in advanced technologies and progressive procedures in the podiatric field.

Laser therapy has been used effectively for many years, but advances in technology have produced “the next generation of laser therapy” with the new MLS (Multiwave Locked System) Therapy Laser which uses specific wavelengths of light to treat painful and debilitating conditions. With laser therapy Dr. Blank and Dr. Qader can offer relief to those suffering with both chronic and acute ailments such as ankle and foot pain, tendonitis, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and sprains and strains without the use of painful injections or potentially habit forming drugs.

“We are very excited to be able to offer this new and dramatic treatment option to patients,” Dr. Qader said. Laser therapy is painless, with treatments usually lasting several minutes, and most patients see positive results in just 1-3 treatments.

“When a physical condition or injury affects mobility or quality of life, there is one goal: a rapid return to everyday activities. We now have the most advanced equipment on the market to deliver these results; results that include a very rapid reduction in pain, strong anti-inflammatory effect, and immediate improvement of local blood circulation,” states Dr.Qader. “More and more, our patients are looking for effective treatment options that are less invasive, have no side effects, provide rapid results and speed the healing process. Laser therapy provides us with an opportunity to meet the needs of our patients, and offer the highest levels of care possible.”

Dr. Qader summarizes, “We pride ourselves on staying on the leading edge of technology, and educating our patients on the various levels of care available. Laser therapy is the future of the podiatric industry, and we feel our patients deserve to have that option when choosing the best care for themselves.”

For additional information about laser therapy, contact the staff at Westchester Foot Care at (914) 327-3390.

 
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COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS:
Westchester Foot Care is taking the following measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-
19.
– Everyone is screened for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors before being seen.
– All staff members and physicians are screened daily. They do not go to work if there is
any sign of symptoms related to COVID-19.
– All staff members, patients and visitors must wear masks in the facilities (except
children under age 2).
– Our treatment rooms are cleaned and disinfected frequently, including before and after
each patient.
– Hand sanitizer is always available.
– Our doctors and staff members sanitize or wash their hands before and after interacting
with patients.
– All pamphlets, magazines and toys are removed from waiting areas.
– For now, we are limiting the number of people entering our facilities.
–> One care partner at a time may accompany a patient with a disability (ADA) who needs assistance.
–> One parent/guardian may accompany pediatric patients; no one else (including
siblings) may accompany the parent/guardian and patient to the visit.