FOOT HEALTH WEEK 2003
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	Fit feet - the foundations of health and fitness Are your feet fit? The Australasian Podiatry Council will be asking Australians and New Zealanders during Foot Health Week, 12th-18th October 2003. According to President of the Australasian Podiatry Council, Carol Mioduchowski, fit feet are essential to maintaining health and mobility. Yet research has consistently shown that people ignore their feet, even when they hurt, and that they take better care of their cars, even though they will probably travel further on their feet in a lifetime, on average 128,000 kilometres, than in any one car. "The state of our health is reflected in our feet and vice versa. If our feet are not fit, it's unlikely we will be, either," she says. "When people think about getting in shape or improving their health, they rarely think about the condition of their feet or deal with any foot problems they may have, which concerns us." During Foot Health Week, the Council is promoting a 'Fit Feet Quiz' to identify people whose feet may be at risk, while encouraging everyone to take a trip to the podiatrist for a Foot Health Check. "The first signs of many diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and coronary heart disease, show up in the feet," Ms Mioduchowski says. "And foot problems have a big impact on general health, leading to an increased rate of workplace foot injuries, falls in older people and an increased risk of sporting injuries." Daily wear and tear also take their toll on feet. Many people would be surprised to learn that feet can wear out in a fashion, Ms Mioduchowski says. By the age of fifty, a person's feet have lost up to half their shock-absorbing ability, due to the fatty pads in the soles of the feet thinning out. "Don't ignore your feet because they might be trying to tell you something," Ms Mioduchowski says. "Wounds on the feet that won't heal may be a sign of diabetes, for example. This can lead to ulceration and, ultimately, amputation, if not addressed." Check your foot health by taking the 'Fit Feet Quiz' where you can find more foot health information and a guide to your nearest podiatrist