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With 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons in each foot, there are plenty of things that can cause problems with your feet. Your choice of footwear can certainly make a difference when it comes to keeping your feet healthy — or putting you at risk of damaging your feet.

Flip-flops are certainly the go-to footwear of choice during the hot summer months. They are a convenient and comfortable alternative to gym shoes or dress shoes, and — with so many colors, styles and heel heights to choose from — can make quite a fashion statement. But when not worn in moderation, flip-flops or sandals also may contribute to a wide range of foot problems.

  • Toes – The repetitive gripping of toes to keep the shoes on can cause overuse of the muscle, which might lead to tendinitis or hammer toes, or make bunions worse.
  • Bones – Too much time in flip-flops could cause fractures in foot bones due to repetitive trauma without any cushioning or shock absorption.
  • Skin – Bare skin can rub against sandal material and cause blisters.

You can wear flip-flops for short jaunts without causing harm. Here are some tips about choosing a better pair so you can keep your feet healthy.

  • Avoid one-size-fits-all sandals. Choose ones that fit properly, without the heel or toes hanging over the edge.
  • Choose shoes that bend at the balls of the feet, not in half.
  • Select ones with a thicker sole, little bump in the middle for arch support, and have a strap across the back.
  • Shop for ones made of soft leather, not materials that can cause irritation or blisters.

To learn more about how to take good care of your feet, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/FootHealth.

Photo credit: Blend Images/Thinkstock


Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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With the recent celebration of Mother's Day, you probably thought to get your mom flowers and candy. But, another way to express your love and appreciation is to encourage her to have a mammogram.

Mammograms can be a very powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, except for skin cancer. Based on current incidence rates for breast cancer, a woman born today has approximately a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with the disease at some time during her lifetime.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women over 40 have a mammogram once a year. Women ages 50 to 74 should have one every two years, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Mammograms are believed to contribute to decreases in death rates from breast cancer since 1990 due to earlier detection through screening, as well as increased awareness and improved treatment.

At Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, women over the age of 40 can schedule their own screening mammogram without a referral from their primary care physician. The hospital is a Certified Softer Mammogram Provider that uses the MammoPad®, a soft foam cushion that decreases overall discomfort and is designed to provide a softer, more comfortable mammogram. Convenient evening and weekend hours are available for appointments by calling 214-324-6220. Have your screening mammogram by May 31 and receive a free summer tote bag* that is perfect for your summer outdoor activities. For additional information, visit DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/MothersDay. 

MammoPad is a registered trademark of Hologic, Inc.

* $6 retail value. Offer good while supplies last.

Photo credit: Stockbyte/Thinkstock


Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com