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American Podiatric Medical Association Helps Americans 'Love' Their Feet This Valentine's Day

Posted on: Thursday, 12 February 2009, 10:12 CST

Tips and Products to Pamper Tired Tootsies

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Valentine's Day marks the classic holiday of love and decadent pampering for countless men and women. While the old adage "a way to a man's heart is through the stomach" may still hold true, another body part is gaining affection from both sexes - the feet.

Although a recent American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) survey revealed 84 percent of women are embarrassed about the way their feet look, nine in ten women say they show their feet love by moisturizing them at least once a month. For those searching for moisturizers and other products to take care of their tootsies this Valentine's, APMA's Seal program is a great resource. The program recognizes products that set the benchmark for the footwear (Seal of Acceptance) and foot care (Seal of Approval) industries.

To show your feet some TLC, APMA recommends the following tips and Seal products:

• Massage. With either you or a partner cupping your foot, gently roll the ankles. Stretch and rub calves and arches with the thumbs to help relieve stiffness and tension.
• Exfoliate. Remove dry skin on heels and toes without using harsh chemicals or dangerous blades with the Artimis Woman Heel Smoother Pro.
• Pamper with a pedicure. If your partner wants to give you an at-home pedicure, make sure proper safety precautions are taken, including using a non-acetone nail polish remover and rubber cuticle pusher to gently push back cuticles, as well as trimming toenails straight across.
• Moisturize. Soothe cracked, dry heels by regularly applying a lotion that retains moisture, such as Amlactin's Foot Cream Therapy Moisturizing Lotion with alpha-hydroxy.
• Protect. Protect your feet with comfortable socks that reduce rubbing and irritation between the toes and on heels such as Crescent Inc.'s "World's Softest Sock" Sensitive Feet Collection. The socks densely cushioned, acrylic footbeds also help to keep feet dry and comfortable, inhibiting blisters and hot spots.
• Exercise. Point and squeeze toe muscles to stave off foot cramps and swelling.
• Watch heel height. If you're planning a romantic night out on the town, wear high heels that are less than two inches in height. Bring a pair of walking shoes if you plan to travel by foot to and from your destination to decrease the risk of injury.

For a full listing of products that currently hold APMA's Seal, visit www.apma.org/seal.

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is the nation's leading and recognized professional organization for doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). DPMs are podiatric physicians and surgeons, also known as podiatrists, qualified by their education, training and experience to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and structures of the leg. The medical education and training of a DPM includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of graduate education at an accredited podiatric medical college and two or three years of hospital residency training. APMA has 53 state component locations across the United States and its territories, with a membership of close to 12,000 podiatrists. All practicing APMA members are licensed by the state in which they practice podiatric medicine. For more information, visit www.apma.org.

SOURCE American Podiatric Medical Association

Source: PR Newswire

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