Jun 09

Important Do’s and Don’ts to Avoid a Summer “Flip-Flop Fiasco”Recommended Products from the American Podiatric Medical Association

Bethesda, MD – The heat of summer is rapidly approaching, and feet everywhere are happily stepping out into warm, sunny weather. Flip-flops, a summer clothing staple for many, have again walked their way off of the beach and into our day-to-day lives. However, opting for the wrong pair of this carefree kind of footwear can lead to blisters, tendinitis, and other foot problems. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) urges consumers to think before buying to avoid falling victim to a “flip-flop fiasco.”

“Just because a flip-flop has a fun look does not mean it is healthy for your feet,” said APMA President and podiatrist Dr. Kathleen Stone. “As a general rule, most flip-flops on the market should not be worn excessively during the day. Wearing them in moderation is key.”

Lack of support in a flip-flop can leave the wearer susceptible to sprained ankles and ligament injuries, and the limited protection offered to feet can mean a higher chance of cuts, scrapes, and stubbed toes. The following APMA flip-flop “do’s” and “don’ts” will keep consumers from falling victim to flip-flop related foot problems this summer:

  • Do gently bend a flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Flip-flops of any kind should never fold in half.
  • Do look for the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance on flip-flops. Many companies, such as FitFlop, Chaco, and Orthaheel, have certain flip-flops or sandals that have been awarded the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance for demonstrating proper support. For a full list of all APMA Accepted flip-flops, click here.
  • Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If severe signs of wear are found, discard them.
  • Don’t wear flip-flops if you have diabetes, as the footwear leaves feet susceptible to cuts and scrapes that may lead to serious injury. Instead, opt for lightweight footwear that covers and protects the toes.

For more flip-flop tips, visit www.apma.org/flipfloptips.

For more information:
Mike Kulick, Public Relations Specialist
(301) 581-9220
mskulick@apma.org

Follow APMA on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theAPMA
On Twitter: @APMAtweets

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation’s leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs).  DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency training.  APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists.  All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

written by admin

Feb 03

What type of Pilates clothing is best to wear? What you are looking for when shopping for your exercise clothing is something that is close-fitted (but not too tight) and something that can stretch and move along with your body through the exercises.

The most effective Pilates clothing is generally composed of the same three materials. It is a combination of cotton, nylon, and spandex. The cotton keeps the clothes comfortable for the movement your body will be doing.

The nylon and spandex are for flexibility and are essential in order to do the exercises. Without the stretch of these materials, you might as well be doing the stretches in the clothes you’re wearing right now! It would be very difficult and the clothes would not move with you, which is one of the most important aspects to remember when choosing your Pilates clothing.

If you are not comfortable while doing the exercises, you won’t want to continue them. Pilates is all about the physical and MENTAL parts of fitness. The exercise clothing needs to be breathable and have non-resistant.

Along with the stretch of the Pilates clothing, it is also very important that you do not buy clothes that are very loose-fitting. Of course, you don’t want them to be too tight, but in the same breath, it is important that they are close-fitting.

Why is this so important?

The foundation of Pilates has a lot to do with proper alignment. Snug fitting clothes gives you Pilates Professional the ability to clearly see your alignment while you are executing each exercise. A little bit out of alignment makes a big difference on the effectiveness of each exercise.

Also lot of the exercises are done on your back with your legs up in the air and your Pilates professional standing over you looking down. They are not interested in looking at you under garments. Men should ware bicycle shorts. You need something that won’t get in your way but also something that allows you to move.

Remove all fancy buttons, pins. belts and jewelry as they could become extremely inconvenient while bending, stretching and so on.

As in all other types of body and mind exercise regimes, it is important that you are comfortable with what you wear, while at the same time the clothing should permit stretching and bending without creating any type of inconvenience to yourself or to others. We have provided links to everything you will need at our online Pilates Boutique store powered by the worlds most respected online retailer Amazon and Gaiam…….Enjoy

written by admin