Be kind to your puppies!

Be kind to your puppies!
Ok ladies, listen up, and you manly men! It’s time to take a few minutes and be kind to yourself. Lets take care of our “puppies”. Im not talking about our pets but our feet. They do so much for us and sometimes we do so little for them. We tend to ignore our feet and they bear the brunt of our entire body weight. Sometimes we stuff them into closed tight environments called shoes that may not fit well. We give them blisters, bunions, and ingrown toenails. We expect a lot from them and take so much for granted.

Wouldn’t it be nice to go for a pedicure after a hard day at work? Well, thats not always possible. Taking care of our feet is very important, even more so if you are a diabetic.

I want to tell you about a simple, inexpensive treatment anyone can do for themselves. If you are as old as I am, Im sure you heard your grandmother or someone talk about the foot bath. I want to remind you about the great foot bath.

All you need is 15 to 30 minutes to relax. You will need a basin large enough for both feet. I just bought a basin, or bucket for $1.97 at Walmart, but most any stores will carry it. Other things you need are: a towel, 1/2 cup of Epsom Salt, a loofa or pumice stonecoconut oil, and a pair of white socks. Peppermint oil and lavender oil is optional.

Ok, are you ready to read, watch TV, meditate, or just sit on the porch and watch the birds fly by? I hope so. This needs to be a few minutes for you and no one else.

Get your bucket out and add warm water. Do not fill it up completely or it will run over when you put your feet in. Add the Epsom salts and let dissolve. Remember I said peppermint and lavender oil is optional? Heres why. Not everyone likes the fragrance but the reason I wanted to list it is for the medicinal benefits. A few drops of peppermint oil is a nice addition for increased circulation. The oil I really want to talk about however is the lavender oil.

Seven out of ten people have toe fungus. Not only is toe fungus ugly, but toe fungus can be a hazard to our health. Anytime we have any type of fungus, our immune system is trying to take care it and get rid of it. This means that our immune system is being over taxed doing something it would be better at like keeping the viruses and cancer away.

Lavender essential oil is very aromatic and is known for it’s antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. A word of caution though, pregnant women should stay away from lavender oil as should diabetics. You only need a couple of drops for the true essential oil is very strong.

One other thing about toe fungus. I am a strong believer that if you can put your feet in the sunlight for a few minutes each day, that may help the fungus to go away. I have seen this work for many people. Yes, ladies, you will need to have your polish off for the sun to work. Most ladies who wear dark polish on their toe nails for a long period of time will develop toe fungus. Fungus among us loves to grow in dark damp places.

Once you have your water ready, put your feet in and make it a point to enjoy it. Play the mind game and think of all the good things in your life. Do not let the bad thoughts creep in. This is your time.

This could be a good time to cut your toe nails. Always cut your toenails straight across. Cutting toe nails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails. I have never had one but we have had patients who have before and they tell me it can really hurt.

After your feet have been soaking for a few minutes, take the loofa or pumice stone and scrub the rough soles, heels, and other areas on your feet that need a little extra attention.

When you are finished soaking, rinse your feet in cool water. Have your socks close by and lather your feet with coconut oil. Coconut oil has many great benefits and is not expensive to have on hand. I would suggest that you do some research on coconut oil and learn the benefits for yourself. I plan to do an article soon on this fantastic oil. Now put your white cotton socks on. Cotton socks help hold the moisture in. You can wear them to bed (not very sexy) or just for the next 30 minutes.

Make this a habit and put it in your calendar. You deserve it and your puppies will love you.

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