TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: There are so many things that need to be done for my older brother but I don't even know where to start. Please suggest something that's pretty easy for me to do for him since I'm now his caregiver. Henrick in Ontario, Canada

ANSWER: Dear Henrick,

It might sound strange, but every caregiver needs to pay serious attention to their loved one's feet. When your feet are happy, you are happy. The feet take a person's full weight, and if your brother's feet hurt, there's a good chance he might just stop walking altogether. Being sedentary can result in all sorts of other ailments, so you have to do all you can to avoid this.

Purchase comfortable shoes for your brother on a regular basis. His socks need to be clean and without holes or worn-out sections. Also arrange regular visits to the podiatrist for toenail cutting and pedicures. Any calluses and/or growths must be attended to as soon as possible.