Pedicure Pointers For Prettier, Healthier Feet

(NAPSI)-An at-home pedicure can be an economical way to pamper yourself when preparing for a warm-weather event such as a wedding, graduation or outdoor party.

A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) found that 73 percent of women groom their feet once a month and 41 percent of women moisturize. However, the survey also found that women tend to have more problems with their feet than men.

"Grooming your feet should be done frequently, as it promotes good foot hygiene and overall foot health," said Dr. Ronald Jensen, APMA president. "If you have diabetes or poor circulation in your feet, consult with an APMA podiatrist to recommend a customized pedicure that you can follow for optimal foot health."

Here are a few pointers on achieving a proper, pampering, at-home pedicure:

• If you are giving yourself both a pedicure and manicure, be sure to use separate tools from those used for the manicure. This will help ensure that you don't transfer fungus and bacteria.

• Begin by soaking your feet in warm water. Stimulate circulation by massaging one foot at a time.

• Never use a razor to remove dead skin from the bottom of your feet. When eliminating skin build-up such as calluses, use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub.

• When trimming nails, use a toenail clipper with a straight edge. Don't round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases your chance of developing painful, ingrown toenails.

• To smooth nail edges, use an emery board. File lightly in one direction only.

• To clean your nails, gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails. Don't use sharp tools that could puncture your skin and leave it vulnerable to infection.

• Keep feet moisturized but don't leave moisturizer between toes. This can lead to the development of athlete's foot.

• Apply polish only if you have healthy nails. While it looks pretty, nail polish locks out moisture and keeps nails from breathing.

• If you have diabetes or poor circulation in your feet, consult a podiatrist so he or she can recommend a customized pedicure that both you and your salon can follow for optimal health.

• On the eve of your special event, gently wrap cellophane around each foot to help lock in moisture. By morning, your feet will be soft and smooth.

For more information, visit www.apma.org.

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Time-saving Fixes for Hectic Mornings

(ARA) - From taking the kids to school to packing your husband’s bag for his overnight business trip, women often find that they don’t have enough time to take care of their own beauty and health needs. With so many things on their plate, it can be easy to let personal hygiene and fashion fall by the wayside. However, despite a jam-packed schedule, there are plenty of time-saving fixes that busy moms and women can incorporate to indulge themselves, while still getting the kids to school on time.

* Plan Ahead: Set up tomorrow’s breakfast and bagged lunch before going to sleep tonight. Setting out fruit and cereal or packing up leftovers can be done easily following dinner cleanup. Evening preparations will give you a few extra minutes in the morning to actually sit down and enjoy a healthy start to your day, rather than eating in a rush over the counter.

* Wardrobe Ready: One of the most common reasons for being rushed in the mornings is figuring out what to wear to work. Stop standing aimlessly in the closet for 20 minutes by taking time on Sunday to pick out your outfits for the rest of the week. This will give you time to indulge your fashionista on Sunday rather than rushing your choices in the mornings. Also, buy a fabric steamer instead of an iron for quick and easy wrinkle relief. It releases wrinkles faster, and is actually one of the safest, gentlest ways to remove wrinkles from your clothes.

* Get Pick-y: You don’t have to neglect your oral care regimen when you’re in a hurry. New Oral-B Advantage Floss Picks are designed with an easy-to-grip handle and TextureSlide fiber so you can incorporate daily flossing easily and comfortably. If you’re crunched for time during the morning rush, toss a couple of Picks in your purse for on-the-go oral care. If you want a great minty taste following your morning coffee, try the Cool Mint flavor.

* Double-Duty: Being busy isn’t an excuse for not looking presentable. Two-in-one beauty products that simplify morning routines will save time and space in the medicine cabinet or shower. Shampoo-plus-conditioner combinations and daily facial moisturizer with SPF will streamline the time between waking and work.

* Accessorize: Even the most basic of outfits can look dressier when you accessorize the right way. If you don’t have time to pull together a fabulous outfit, throw on some fancy earrings or a nice belt and instantly dress your outfit. The small details can make it look like you took the time to dress up in the morning.

Saving a couple of minutes here and there definitely adds up! Incorporating time-saving fixes into daily routines allows for added “me” time, alleviating stress and boosting self confidence.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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