Is Nail Salon Hygiene a Concern?

Walk into any suburban shopping centre these days and you are bound to find a very busy nail salon. It looks like such a relaxing and pampering experience. The girls are all having a great time, chatting and laughing with their friends. The "Mani-Pedi" has become the perfect gift certificate to give someone you love...or more appropriately, to your worst enemy.

Nail salons have been cropping up everywhere. They cater to our desires for beauty - a perfect manicured hand and summer sandal worthy feet. However, for many people they are becoming a nightmare, due to the increasing risks of infections & diseases that are readily passed on by untrained, unlicensed and unscrupulous nail technicians. The health risks can range from minor irritations to serious problems that require proper medical attention. The costs of these health risks are not only physical, but can be emotionally and financially detrimental to repair.

The most common health risk to be aware of is the development of a fungal infection in the nail. Known as Onychomycosis, the fungus that affects nails can range from dermatophytes, yeasts (eg.Candida) and moulds, with the most common pathogen being the dermatophyte species Trichophyton (T.Rubrum and T.interdigitale).

When nail acrylics are applied, the natural nail is typically filed very thin, with little barrier to the underlying nail bed. When the acrylic is applied, there is the possibility that an improper seal allows air pockets to form. Moisture may become trapped between the acrylic and the natural nail and will form the perfect environment for a fungal infection to take hold. A dark, warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for those "Fun Guys" to host a party on your fingernails and toenails. You may not even be aware that a fungal infection exists until you remove the coloured nail polish weeks or months later.

The fungal nail comes in an assortment of colours. The nail may appear to have a superficial, white, flaky discolouration, or it can be a rainbow spectrum of golden yellow, orange, green, blue, brown or black streaks. The nail may appear to have infection along one side of the nail, or it may spread to cover the entire nail and extend under the skin fold to the very base of where the nail forms. The nail may also typically become brittle, powdery, thick and crumbly or deformed in appearance. It may start in one nail and end up spreading into all of them. The more severe the infection, the harder it can be to treat and the longer it will take to resolve.

Fungal nail treatment can be difficult and should best be done under the advice of a Podiatrist or suitably qualified health care professional. My next article will focus on the treatment of fungal nails.

Is Bunion Foot Surgery in Your Future?

Bunion foot surgery is a common procedure, but even so, nobody wants to have surgery of any kind if they can help it. As with any surgery, you have some serious issues to face if bunion foot surgery is in your future. Going to the hospital for surgery even if it's on an outpatient basis, takes a big bite out of your important schedule. Plus, there's always the concern of how much your insurance will pay. Another major consideration is recovery time, which unfortunately is not always what your doctor leads you to expect.

Surgery on your feet has it's own particular implications, in that you have to stay off your feet for what might be an extended period of time afterward. This is never a good situation, unless you are content to spend lots of time - perhaps weeks or longer - in bed with your laptop or a pile of books. Of course, this situation means that someone trustworthy has to be around all the time to wait on you to bring you lunch, help you to the bathroom, etc.

These are good reasons to avoid surgery on your feet it at all possible.

The most common type of foot surgery is surgery for bunion removal. Bunion foot surgery, also called a bunionectomy, is usually performed on an out-patient basis, but nevertheless all the concerns mentioned above are the same. Keeping the swelling down is of paramount importance after bunion surgery, and this requires ice packs and keeping your feet elevated. If you don't take care of your feet properly and keep the swelling down, then your bunion surgery recovery can last for months. No one is happy in this situation, but it is one many people have to deal with one way or another.

Of course, avoiding getting bunions on your feet in the first place is a guaranteed way to avoid surgery for bunions. Many doctors in the field of podiatry believe that the tendency to get bunions is inherited, but the whether or not a person actually develops bunions is due primarily to the kinds of shoes she wears.

Notice that I wrote "she" in the last sentence above. This is because over 90% of the people who get bunions are women. And women are the ones who wear shoes with high heels and pointed toes. So...whereas bunions have a genetic component which relates to abnormal bone structure, many if not most women could go their whole lives without even knowing they have something different about the bones in their foot (around the big toe joint) or by ever being bothered by bunions.

Avoiding surgery is a goal for any reasonable person, but unfortunately, most surgeries are unavoidable. Illnesses, diseases, and accidents place thousands of people everyday on the operating table. We are blessed to have such advances in the medical profession that allow for life-saving medical procedures.

Bunions are by no means life-threatening, but they can certainly put a major dent in your life-style when they become severe. The experience of debilitating bunion pain whenever you put on a pair of shoes will definitely curtail your activities and diminish your enjoyment of life. Bunion splints and other bunion aids help a lot of people, but if you are not among those who are significantly helped by non-surgical bunion treatment, you will most likely end up having bunion surgery.

Certainly, shoes with high heels and pointed toes have a certain sexy appeal... why else would women subject themselves to wearing these shoes that are murder on their feet? Of course, wearing sexy shoes occasionally will not cause any lasting harm, but if you wear them on a regular basis, you are issuing an invitation for bunions to make their ugly appearance.

All of this leads to one question for the reader: Is bunion foot surgery in your future?

Ethical Considerations Surrounding IVF Treatments

Couples around the world seeking infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are often concerned regarding medical ethics, guidelines and mandates in regard to procedures. For example, some of the most common questions that couples investigating IVF procedures ask include:

• Are donors screened? What types of guidelines are followed to make sure donors are healthy?


• Are donors as well as recipients anonymous? How do I, as a donor, guarantee confidentiality of my identity?


• Does an egg donor or surrogate have the right to take away a baby if she changes her mind?


• Do prospective parents have rights in regard to donors who don't take medications or follow medical guidelines during the in vitro process and a resulting pregnancy?


• What happens if donors or surrogates don't pass genetic, psychological or medical evaluations?


• What happens if my child develops a medical problem and I need to contact my egg donor in the future regarding family medical history?

These are just the tip of the iceberg. The legalities involved in a donation and surrogacy vary from state to state and from country to country. What's allowed in Argentina may not be allowed in the United States and vice versa.

Couples considering IVF or other fertility procedures should take the time to research everything about such treatments and legalities in their region, as well as region where IVF treatments are offered. Do this before signing on the dotted line. Ask questions of your doctor or fertility specialists.

Dealing With Legalities

In many states throughout the United States, the legal rights of a donor (in regard to the child produced) are not recognized. For example, in California, donors are not allowed to claim legal rights of parenthood unless the recipient mother and father don't claim their parenting rights.

However, in Great Britain, Australia and other countries around the world, laws are changing, and future egg donors may no longer be protected by anonymity. The rules, guidelines and legalities of becoming an egg donor or surrogate in the state of New York may differ from the rules, guidelines and legalities of doing so in India, South Africa, or South America.

It's important for prospective parents as well as potential egg donors or surrogates to be aware of legal, ethical and moral considerations and obligations regarding in vitro fertilization treatments and procedures.

For example, is age a consideration in regard to donors? Depending on culture, location and upbringing, the moral and ethical considerations of egg donations and surrogacy also differ. Today, cryopreservation and storage of eggs and ovarian tissues has brought such topics to the forefront of debates seeking to establish universal guidelines and considerations in this field. Sometimes, there are no black-and-white answers to such questions.

In most fertility clinics around the world, a woman's ethnicity, medical background, health and physical features are offered in a profile for prospective parents to look through. In many cases, and through third parties (which may include the fertility clinic), it's possible to determine the donor's educational background and family history. However, prospective parents should understand that screening processes are not perfect and there can be no guarantees.

Most prospective egg donors are given psychological, physical and medical evaluations to ensure a safe egg donation process. Women are also screened for hereditary conditions that may adversely affect a developing fetus. If such conditions are found, the donor or surrogate is (or should be) rejected.

The ramifications of an egg donor or surrogate who refuses to follow guidelines regarding medication, health care and a healthy pregnancy are enormous. Such situations are handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on facility policy and legalities.

Sof Sole Airr Benefits: Common Foot Injuries That Can Be Prevented

Sof Sole Airr is the revolutionary shoe accessory that integrates encapsulated air into the insole portion of your shoes, so that adequate support is provided to the feet during any physical activity. This footwear was designed to relieve stress on the joints, and afford extra heel and forefoot cushioning to lessen accidents or injury. In addition, it also enables the surface of your foot to breathe and feel comfortable during prolonged shoe use. Sof Sole shoe inserts come in different sizes to match men and women's needs, and are compatible with any dress option, whether formal, casual or athletic.

The foot is composed of 24 bones that form two crossing arches - the transverse and longitudinal arch. They are connected together by fibrous tissue known as ligaments, and these muscles provide secondary support structure. Along with fat pads, the foot is able to withstand weight, pressure, and impact, without breaking or straining. But, there are times when the body is too tired or unprepared to receive the burden, in which case, certain conditions arise that impair the physical mobility of a person.

One of these is known as Plantar Fasciitis, which is caused by extensive running, which precipitates the tearing and inflammation of the plantar fascia - the main adhering muscle of the foot that runs along the length of the bottom. It is characterized by pain in the sole area, which can directly affect comfort and one's lifestyle. It usually is more magnified in the morning and reduced by movement. However, it does not enable the foot to regain the same function.

Another common injury is Achilles Tendonitis, which is caused by the overuse of the Achilles tendon, which is the muscle that runs along the posterior area of the leg. This injury is usually caused by repetitive and excessively stressful lower extremity exercise, which leads to the tightening of the calf muscles, pain, and inflammation.

And then of course, there are ankle sprains, which are brought about by the twisting of the muscles surrounding the ankle joints. Like the previous two conditions, they can also be chalked up to the extensive stretching and twisting of the foot. An intense basketball game or a simple exercise routine can allow these to happen, even without warning, and they can cause severe pain and permanent muscle damage if not treated immediately.

Lastly, one might also experience stress fractures during physical activity, and get their metatarsal bones cracked, due to excessive weight-bearing exercises. Again, there will be pain, but swelling may not be evident. Treatment for this injury is usually external fixation. Activity may be have to be halted for at least a month, to give the bone time to heal.

All of these ailments can happen abruptly, and since they are hardly life-threatening, there's really no need to worry. But, the given circumstances should not discourage you from trying to prevent them through the use of Sof Sole Airr insoles. Although they may not pose an injury-free guarantee during any physical activity, Sof Sole Airr shoe inserts will, at least, help you minimize the damage, if injuries do develop.

Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

A stress fracture can occur in the ankle or foot, as well as a multitude of other places. Usually caused from overuse, the injury causes a small crack in the bone that generates from significant amount of stress over time to the area.

Many patients report an increase in activities, such as exercise, which brought on the symptoms associated with a stress fracture. These activities can be as mild as walking or as intense as running or lifting weights.

Excess stress can be put on the region, such as the foot or ankle, which results in a crack in the bone. The foot and ankle are among the most common places on the body for these fractures to show up.

Stress Fracture Causes

While the most often seen causes of these fractures to the ankle and foot are from an increase in physical activity, other causes are prominent. These causes may include osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes weak bones through decalcification. A person with osteoporosis may become highly susceptible to breaking a bone even with a small amount of activity.

Athletes who perform high impact sports and repetitive movements may also be afflicted with a stress fracture because of the continued stress over time of the body part.

Long distance runners, basketball players, gymnasts and soccer players are among the most common athletes who develop these fractures in their feet or ankles.

How to Determine if You Have a Stress Fracture?

Pain is the most common symptom seen. If you have recently increased your activities and as a result are experiencing pain in your ankle or foot, you may have developed a stress fracture. The pain typically worsens as activity is initiated but may feel better with rest.

Isolated pain may also occur in the specific area of the fracture. You may notice that if you push on the affected area that significant pain occurs.

It is important to immediately stop the activities that are causing pain. If the symptoms carry on for several days, even after rest, it is important to see your podiatrist for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

An x-ray will reveal the fracture most of the time. In some cases an MRI or bone scan may be ordered to provide further insight into the fracture and the depth of the issue. Often an MRI will reveal more detail than an x-ray; however, x-rays are a great way to provide an initial diagnosis. At times the x-ray is negative and the fracture is only seen on the MRI.

Treatment is typically nonoperative, and may involve a brace, rest, ice, or a bone growth stimulator for healing of the fracture.

Make Your Feet Feel Better With Arch Supports

Plantar fasciitis is regarded as a health issue where the foot has been affected by the overuse of the tendons within the feet and from around the heel. This condition can occur because of the extreme pressure placed on the tendons during intense physical activity, and in many cases as a consequence of physical inactivity. Whether you are physically lazy, or an extremely dynamic athlete, this problem can affect either of these two extremes equally. This is the reason why plantar fasciitis is the most common problem out of all the various foot problems. The wrong use of arch supports may aggravate this problem.

The majority of athletic footwear manufacturers put extreme focus on the heel and the arch of their shoes. There is a valid reason for this focused attention, as both of these two areas of the feet are overly stressed, and therefore, do need to get the most attention. The role of arch supports is to protect and preserve the arch, and at the same time disperse the pressure on the arch equally across the foot's entire base. This is achieved by making use of cleverly engineered soles in shoes. Due to this equal distribution of stress and pressure, the odds of you experiencing an ailment such as plantar fasciitis could be significantly reduced. This can end up being crucial to the career of athletes or sportsmen who might otherwise be temporarily sidelined as a result of foot pain.

You can reduce the likelihood of over-stressing the tissues in your feet by choosing shoes that come equipped with arch supports. These supports are nothing more than springy padding to ensure that your entire foot is pressed up against the wall of your footwear allowing the shoe to apply tension all over the foot equally. By reducing the pressure on any one place on the foot, the wearer should have the opportunity to have maximum use of their feet at the best safety level possible.

It is commonly thought that when your feet feel better, it will directly affect the well- being of your whole body. Because of this, it is crucial for you to take proper care of your feet. If you do, you might very well find that both your operating capability as well as your productivity level will grow, and this will permit you to become a much more efficient employee on the job. Athletes have already discovered the importance of utilizing arch supports in the hopes of making their feet feel better.

Arch supports permit you the luxury of obtaining a greater degree of comfort and at the same time, substantially enhance your walking experience. These supports are usually made of a durable plastic material that is molded from the cast of a human foot. As a result, they are well customized to fit the individual's sole, as well as provide additional comfort.

Health and Fitness: Foot Health Article Category

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the connective tissue that travels on the bottom of your foot from your heel to your forefoot. It can also be known as a heel spur although they're not necessarily the same. You may experience pain in your heel or in your arch, usually worse first thing in the morning, that gets better once you take a few steps. The pain may come and go throughout the day. So what's causing this?

Our tendency is to locate the source of pain and then - rub it, poke it, heat it up, cool it down, inject it, or cut it out. While any of these may be effective, they are treating the end result, and not the source of the problem. This is akin to replacing your right front tire of your car every 3 months because it keeps wearing down. The problem is that your front end is misaligned and the worn out tire is the outward symptom.

The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is a subluxation (mis-alignment) of the joints in the lower half of your body. Now I know that the first thing you thought of was "the bones of my foot are misaligned?". Ah, ah, ah...We need to go further up the chain. Although the source of the misalignment may be in your foot, it is significantly more common for this to be occurring in the low back or pelvis. When your low back or pelvis become subluxated, it alters your gait (walking or running pattern). This causes 2 things: leg-length differences leading to muscle-length differences. This leads to excessive pull on the plantar fascia due to the altered mechanics. One leg becomes longer, there is reduced dorsiflexion (bringing foot up towards shin) in the leg, the achilles tendon becomes tight, the arch of the foot begins flattening, this creates increased distance between the forefoot and heel and increased tension on the plantar fascia. If this added tension on the fascia is not lessened, the body begins to change the soft tissue of the fascia into stronger tissue - bone. Voila! A heel spur develops on the front of the heel bone because this is where the fascia inserts and is its weakest link. A heel spur can not be removed except by surgery, so it is imperative to receive proper treatment at the onset of symptoms to prevent spur formation.

The major medical treatments are surgery and cortisone injections. I don't need to tell you the complications associated with surgery. Cortisone, on the other hand is a steroid. As with any steroid, continued use can lead to high blood sugar, diabetes, osteoporosis, personality changes such as anxiety or depression, and increased chance of illness or infection. Cortisone is also used to suppress the immune system. In fact, it works so well that it is often used following an organ transplant to prevent rejection of the organ. It works by beating down the immune system to the point where it can form an attack against the foreign organ.

Here's what to do if you start to feel the symptoms of plantar fasciitis:

1. Get adjusted - if your pelvis or low back is out of alignment, you're putting increased stress on the foot, you may not have proper nerve supply to the muscles of the foot and leg, and your walking/running biomechanics can be off. This step is critical because it gets to the cause of the problem and doesn't just mask the symptoms.


2. Fill a small water bottle (the standard 16.9 oz. size) with water and freeze it. Then, take it out and roll it under the bottom of your foot, front to back. This does 3 things: it breaks up the scar tissue which has formed and the ice reduces inflammation & and decreases the pain.


3. Take omega-3 oils - Fish or krill oil are nature's greatest natural anti-inflammatory.


4. Get a gel heel cup - This gives your heel some cushion and raises your heel slightly which takes tension of the plantar fascia. If you know you already have a heel spur (from a previous x-ray), get a U-shaped heel pad which puts a small gap between the center of the heel and your shoe.


5. Try a natural topical analgesic - 4X/day. Something with menthol works great, like Sombra or Biofreeze.


6. Stretch the plantar fascia - Do this by bending your toes back towards your shin. First, while sitting, second while standing, if symptoms persist you made need a brace that will do this while you sleep.


7. Stretch the achilles tendon. Do this by putting your foot in a toes up position against a wall or cabinet then leaning forward until you feel a stretch in your calf. Alternate with your leg straight and with your knee bent - this works both muscles in the calf.