Diabetic foot complications are the most common cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations in the industrialized world. Jonano offers 12 Steps to healthier feet.

1. Blood sugar monitoring - work with your health care team to keep your blood glucose in target range.
2. Daily Foot Checks - inspect bare feet for changes including red spots, cuts, swelling and blisters. Be sure to check the bottoms of your feet, using a mirror if necessary.
3. Move - incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Discuss your excersize plan with your health care team.
4. Good Shoes - ask your doctor about insurance coverage for custom orthotics built just for you.
5. Clean Feet - wash your feet every day and pat dry, do not rub. Be gentle but thorough.
6. Moisturize - keep your feet soft and smooth by appling a thin coat of hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion over the tops and bottoms of your feet.
7. Pedicure - trim your toenails straight across and file the edges with an emery board.
8. Dress your Feet - wear shoes and socks at all times. Choose comfortable shoes that fit well and protect your feet. Check the inside of your shoes before wearing them to ensure that the lining is smooth and free from foreign objects. Choose diabetic socks with the comfort and  benefit of antimicrobial and moisture-wicking protection that kills germs that cause odor.
   
9. Protect from the elements - avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Sand on the beach, and pavement on a summers day can reach extremely hot temperatures. You can burn your feet without realizing it. In the winter, cold climates require layering with moisture-wicking, antimicrobial socks and comfortable thermal shoes.
   
10. Test the waters - don't put your feet into hot water. Test water before entering a hot bath.
11. Circulate - to keep your blood flowing to your feet, elevate your feet when sitting. Wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles. Avoid crossing your legs for extended periods of time, as this can cut of circulation. If you smoke, cut down or best of all, quit alltogether.
    
12. Be Proactive - remember that ONLY YOU can take the first step towards active participation in a healthier lifestyle. Create a 24 daily plan to take care of your most important resource - YOU!
    

Comfort With Benefit - jonano.com

Jonano ecoKashmere base layer clothing offers comfort with benefit:

• inhibiting the grouth of bacteria and fungi that cause odor;
• available in hypoallergenic alternatives for even the most sensitive skin;
• offering increased comfort through moisture-wicking;
• providing twice the moisture absorbancy of conventional cotton.

For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics including diabeties please visit the American Medical Association www.ama-assn.org and the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Go to jonano.com for ecoKashmere bamboo

published March 16, 2006
written by Bonnie Siefers
Owner/Designer
jonano
A division of Sami Designs, LLC


Copyright 2006 Sami Designs, LLC All Rights Reserved.
ecoKashmere trademark application pending.
Comfort with Benefit trademark application pending.