world travel

(NewsUSA) - Whether hiking the Rocky Mountains or
roller-coaster hopping at Walt Disney World, traveling can take its toll on your feet. Painful feet
can ruin the pleasures of a great vacation.

For an all-around footloose vacation, being
prepared is key. Kick up your feet in comfort this vacation season with a bit of preventive advice
and a few packing tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

* Ban bare
feet. Pack your flip-flops for the pool, spa, hotel room and even airport security checkpoints.
Walking barefoot exposes feet to sunburn, warts, athlete's foot and other uncomfortable infections.

* Stay sterile. Remember to pack the items you'll need in case of injury: a box of sterile
bandages for covering minor cuts and scrapes; antibiotic cream to treat skin injuries; and blister
pads. Bring along some Motrin or Advil, both with anti-inflammatory agents, to ease tired, swollen
feet.

* Don't forget sun protection. Protect your feet against the scorching rays with
sunscreen, especially the ankles. Just in case, bring along aloe vera or Silvadene cream to relieve
sunburns.

* Primp and pamper. After a long day at the beach or touring the sites, your feet
need a little vacation, too. Pack an emery board to smooth rough edges or broken nails and a pumice
stone to soften callused skin. If you're planning a long vacation, remember the nail clippers. Each
night before you turn in, take a little time to lather and hydrate your feet with an
emollient-enriched cream.

* Stretch and flex. A long flight can take a toll on your feet.
It's important to keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles and calf stretches.
Also, drinking lots of water and avoiding excessive salt in foods will help ease foot swelling
caused by heat.

* Seek foot care. If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek
medical attention from a podiatric physician. You can find a podiatrist in your travel area by
logging on to www.apma.org.

# posted by Webmaster @ 3:45 AM