Silver and Gold Magazine Winter 2107-2018

Senior-Focused Foot Care Available Tips for balance-focused footwear Balance is important in all aspects of life, and good physical balance can help mature adults to reduce falls and their potentially-immobilizing complications. Falls are a serious issue for mature adults, with an estimated 1 in 3 suffering from a fall every year. Falls can disable an individual, cause mental distress, and can often result in serious loss of independence. Preventing falls is a top priority, and improved balance can help reduce the risk of a fall. Proper footwear can help improve balance. When selecting a shoe to improve balance, keep these suggestions in mind: • Always put shoes to the 1-2-3 test: 1: Press on both sides of the heel area to ensure the heel is stiff and won’t collapse. 2: Bend the shoe to check for toe flexibility. The shoe shouldn’t bend too much in the toe box area, but it shouldn’t be too stiff and inflexible either. 3: Try twisting the shoe; it should not twist in the middle. • Have your feet professionally measured every time you shoe shop, as the size of your feet can naturally change over time. Measure both feet late in the day; shop for the larger foot. • Bring the type of socks you plan to wear with the shoes, and before your purchase them, be sure to walk around the store with them on. • If you don't feel comfortable or steady in the store, don't buy them. Shoes should feel comfortable and supportive right away, but if they don’t, breaking them in won’t improve things. • If you wear orthotics (biomechanical inserts that go into your shoes) take them with you when you shop and try them out with the shoes you’re considering. • If you have specific health challenges or foot issues, talk to your Chiropodist at Omnifoot about the best footwear for your needs. BURLINGTON FOOT CLINIC Burlington Professional Centre 3155 Harvester Rd., Suite 103 905-333-8555 As always, no doctor referral is necessary - call us! Foot care & Orthotic Centre Physiotherapy Chiropractic Relieve joint and muscle pain Restore and maintain functional movement and pain relief Sports Injury Rehabilitation One-on-one water based, assisted by our professionals BURLINGTON REHAB CENTRE Inside Cedar Springs Health Club 960 Cumberland Avenue 905-635-5711 www.omnifoot.com Acupuncture Relieve pain, improve sleep, digestion and more Aqua-Therapy MILTON OMNI Health and Rehab Centre 310 Main Street E., Suite 108 905-876-8885 www.omniclinic.ca

Silver and Gold Magazine Winter 2107-2018 | Page 3