world travel

(NewsUSA) - One perk of a beach-bound vacation is knowing
that you can lounge happily, shoe-free with the sand beneath your soles. However, being barefoot on
the beach comes with its own set of troubles.

"Even if you are just lying still on your
back soaking up the rays, your feet are still vulnerable," says American Podiatric Medical
Association member Dr. Jane Andersen. "You can seriously sunburn your feet, and no matter how
upscale your hotel, athlete's foot can lurk in all public pool areas."

Here are some tips
to protect your feet on your next vacation:

* Pack a foot-care kit containing flip-flops,
antibiotic cream, sterile bandages, blister pads, toenail clippers, emery board, pumice stone,
sunscreen and aloe vera.

* Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, the beach, the locker
room, even in your hotel room. This will limit walking barefoot to minimize the chances of
athlete's foot, ringworm and other infections or injuries.

* If you injure your foot or
ankle while on vacation, seek medical attention from a podiatric physician. To find one in your
travel area, visit www.apma.org.

* Apply
sunscreen all over your feet, including the tops and fronts of ankles, and don't forget to reapply
after you've been in the water.

* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the
day. This will help to minimize any foot-swelling caused by the heat.

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

* Wear shoes that are
suitable to the activities you are doing. If your shoes get wet, make sure they dry out completely
before wearing them again to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungus.

# posted by Webmaster @ 3:23 AM