Feb. 1, 2013 is National Wear Red Day!

Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 is National Wear Red Day. The point of this day is to remind people about the need to keep their hearts and bodies healthy. Exercise, healthy diets, maintaining a healthy weight, and knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke are all important for everyone. Additionally, many women do not realize that heart disease can affect women also, and this campaign brings awareness to everyone about the fact that heart disease can be a silent killer. Visit www.goredforwomen.org for great information and facts about keeping your heart, and the rest of your body, healthy. A healthy body keeps the circulation going to the feet and is part of keeping the feet in good working order! Dr. Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302, 708-763-0580, oakparkpodiatry.com

Cold weather and your FEET

As the weather turns very cold in Chicago and throughout the country, it is important to protect your feet from the low temperatures. People with diabetes, cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic illnesses, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others, are at higher risk for frostbite. Other people that are at risk for cold injuries are smokers, people that work outdoors, and the homeless. It is important to limit your time outside when the temperature drops. Also, protect yourself with warm socks and warm shoes or boots that are insulated. If you are stuck outside for a long period, it is important to seek shelter as soon as possible. Do not use an open oven to warm up when in the house. Also, do not put your feet directly on a heating source, like a space heater. If your toes change color or develop numbness that does not go away after warming up, it is critical that you seek medical attention. Further, if you develop open sores on your feet after being outside, it is essential to get medical care right away. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, drbender@oakparkpodiatry.com

More about Blood Clots

Calf pain, redness, and swelling can be a result of a blood clot or DVT. This is a very dangerous condition, as the clot can dislodge and travel to the lungs. When a blot clot travels to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. This is a life threatening condition. In the past blog, immobilization was discussed as a cause of DVT. Another cause is prolonged dependency of the leg, such as sitting for long periods in an airplane, train, or car without getting up to move around. The blood pools in the calf and is stagnant (not moving). This can cause the clot to form. Your chances are increased if you are over 60, on birth control pills, a smoker, or obese. When on an airplane or long car or train ride, it is important to get up and walk around. The muscles of the calf contract and help the veins to push blood out of the calves. This makes it less likely that a clot will develop. Dr. Bender, 708-763-0580, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL.