Controlled Breathing

Why controlled breathing?

When you are short of breath, your breathing can become too fast, too shallow, or jerky. Because of this you may not get as much air into your lungs as is possible. 'Controlled breathing' will help you to get as much air as possible to your lungs, which may help to ease shortness of breath.

Controlled breathing technique

Your doctor or nurse will explain how to do controlled breathing. The following is a reminder. Practice it when you are relaxed so that you can do it whenever you need to.

1. Sit upright, if possible
Sitting upright is usually better than lying down, or 'slouching', as it can increase the capacity of your lungs to fill with air.

2. Control the rate of your breathing
If possible, breath in through your nose and out through your mouth in a steady rhythm. Try to make your breath out twice as long as your breath in. This helps to empty your lungs of old air, and to make as much room in your lungs for fresh oxygen-rich air. To do this you may find it helpful to count "one" as you breath in, and "two, three" as you breathe out.

3. If possible, mainly use your diaphragm (lower chest muscle) to breathe
Your diaphragm is the big muscle under the lungs. It pulls the lungs downwards which expands the airways to allow air to flow in. When we become breathless we tend to forget to use this muscle, and often use the muscles at the top of the chest and our shoulders instead. Each breath is more shallow if you use these upper chest muscles. So, you tend to breathe faster and feel more breathless if you use your upper chest muscles rather than your diaphragm.

You can check if you are using your diaphragm by feeling just below your breastbone (sternum) at the top of your abdomen. If you give a little cough, you can feel the diaphragm push out here. If you hold your hand here you should feel it move in and out as you breathe.

4. Try to relax your shoulders and upper chest muscles when you breathe
It is best to 'take the weight' off your shoulders by supporting your arms on the side-arms of a chair, or on your lap. Gentle massage of your shoulders by a friend or relative may help you to relax. They can stand behind your chair and gently rub your shoulders and encourage you to relax.

5. Try to relax your mind too
Anxiety can make breathing problems worse. So, if possible, try to distract your mind when you are short of breath. For example, shut your eyes and try to concentrate on pleasant, peaceful thoughts. Some people find it easier to distract their mind by watching TV, or listening to music. If persistent anxiety is a problem which you think is making your breathing worse, then see your doctor. He or she may be able to advise on relaxation exercises or other treatments for anxiety.

Drink water on empty stomach

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .... the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ...not cold water. maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.

**Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about..

Important for Health

HEALTHY JUICES

Carrot + Ginger + Apple - Boost and cleanse our system.


Apple + Cucumber + Celery - Prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, and improve stomach upset and headache.



Tomato + Carrot + Apple - Improve skin complexion and bad breath.



Bitter gourd + Apple + Milk - Avoid bad breath and reduce internal body heat.



Orange + Ginger + Cucumber - Improve Skin texture and moisture and reduce body heat.



Pineapple + Apple + Watermelon - To dispel excess salts, nourishes the bladder and kidney.



Apple + Cucumber + Kiwi - To improve skin complexion.



Pear & Banana - regulates sugar content.



Carrot + Apple + Pear + Mango - Clear body heat, counteracts toxicity, decreased blood pressure and fight oxidization .



Honeydew + Grape + Watermelon + Milk - Rich in vitamin C + Vitamin B2 that increase cell activity and strengthen body immunity.



Papaya + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin C, E, Iron. Improve skin complexion and metabolism.



Banana + Pineapple + Milk - Rich in vitamin with nutritious and prevent constipation

Spices with Health Benefits

These five hot spices can be good for everything from easing arthritis pain to keeping your heart healthy. Recent studies suggest that when it comes to cuisine, kicking it up a notch can be as good for your health as it is tasty for your palate. Some spices, particularly hot ones, contain phytochemicals that may help ward off cell damage associated with chronic diseases.

Chili Powder Potential health perk: Relieves achy joints. Research shows that capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help ease arthritic swelling and pain. Hot way to dish it: Sprinkle a few shakes of chili powder and salt on baked French fries.

Cinnamon Potential health perk: Protects against Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A 2003 study found that about half a teaspoon lowered blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Hot way to dish it: Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon into your coffee, or jazz up whipped cream with a couple of pinches.

Curry Powder Potential health perk: Safeguards your brain. The yellow curry pigment curcumin may fight Alzheimer's by thwarting development of the disease's signature amyloid brain plaques, says a study. Hot way to dish it: Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder into mayonnaise to dress up sandwiches.

Garlic Potential health perk: Improves your heart's health. Brigham Young University researchers found that garlic consumption can lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by an average of 10 percent. Hot way to dish it: Add minced garlic and chopped cucumber to plain yogurt for a light dip or salad dressing.

Wasabi Potential health perk: Prevents ulcers. A South Korean study suggests Japanese horseradish can kill ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Plant chemicals may also prevent tooth decay. Hot way to dish it: Mix a smidgen of wasabi paste with mashed avocado for a snappier guacamole.

Diet Changes Help Knee Pain

Simple diet changes can help chase away knee pain. Learn which foods can help ― and hurt ― knee health. by Jan Sheehan

Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH
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Looking for a natural way to relieve knee pain? You may want to tweak your diet. A growing body of research suggests that small dietary changes can add up to big benefits for knee health. "A number of foods have powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that may be as effective as some prescription medicines for arthritis and other types of knee pain," says Beth Reardon, RD, MS, an integrative nutritionist and medicinal foods expert at Duke Integrative Medicine Center in Durham, N.C. Read on to learn how mealtime may be affecting the health of your knees.

Diet and Knee Pain: Go Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are natural anti-inflammatories. Calming joint inflammation can often help ease knee soreness, according to Steven Stuchin, MD, director of orthopedic surgery at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City. In randomized clinical studies, omega-3 fatty acids were found to ease pain and reduce the duration of morning stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The best sources of omega-3s are salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, cod, and mackerel, as well as fish oil supplements. Another benefit of adding fish to your diet: "Fish is safer than anti-inflammatory medication, which may have side effects," says Reardon.

Diet and Knee Pain: Drink Orange Juice

Orange juice is a top-notch source of vitamin C, a nutrient that may guard against knee osteoarthritis. A 10-year Australian study of almost 300 middle-aged adults found that those getting high amounts of vitamin C were less likely to suffer the kind of bone degeneration associated with knee osteoarthritis. "Drinking a glass of orange juice provides about 25 percent more vitamin C than eating an orange," says Reardon. Other good sources of vitamin C to prevent knee pain are green peppers, grapefruit, and strawberries.

Diet and Knee Pain: Eat Spinach and Onions

Follow Popeye's lead and add spinach to your regime. Australian researchers found that getting high amounts of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin (found in green veggies like spinach) can help relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. Several studies have found an additional benefit of lutein and zeaxanthin, as they can help prevent vision-related diseases.

Don't forget to add some onions to your spinach salad as well. Adding onions to salads, sandwiches, stews, and casseroles may help put the brakes on knee pain. Onions are a rich source of quercetin, a flavonoid with strong anti-inflammatory properties, says Reardon. In studies of arthritic mice, quercetin resulted in significant decreases in arthritis symptoms. Apples, red grapes, and tea are also good sources of quercetin.

Diet and Knee Pain: Order Indian Food

A helping of curry could do wonders for your knee pain. That's because turmeric, a spice used in curry and other Indian dishes, contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory. "Curcumin works similarly to COX-2 inhibitors ― drugs that reduce the COX-2 enzyme that causes the pain and swelling of arthritis," says Reardon. A 2006 Canadian study of the effects of both curcumin and quercetin found that curcumin reduced the inflammation of arthritis in animals. Quercetin (the flavonoid in onions) worked too, but not to the extent of the curcumin.

Diet and Knee Pain: Use Ginger Generously

The herb ginger traditionally has been used to relieve upset stomach, but researchers recently discovered that it also reduces knee pain by decreasing inflammation. In a study of 261 patients with moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis, ginger extract significantly reduced knee pain during standing and walking. Cooking with this spice can increase the flavor of meals while decreasing knee pain.

Diet and Knee Pain: Avoid Refined Carbohydrates

Some research suggests that diets high in refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation, says Reardon. She recommends steering clear of white bread, pasta, and baked goods ― taking these foods out of your diet can have an added bonus of helping you drop excess pounds.

Because changing your diet is a relatively easy step, it makes sense to try some ― or all ― of the foods listed above. You may find some relief from knee pain and get some added health benefits to boot.

Cures from Cucumber

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6.. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish
essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not
only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!

Health Benefits of Eggs

1. Eggs are great for the eyes. According to one study, an egg a day may prevent mascular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other sources.

2. In another study, researchers found that people who eat eggs every day lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs.

3. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 essential amino acids.

4. According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, according to one study, regular consumption of eggs may help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat.

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative impact on cholesterol. In fact, recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring vitamin D.

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 44%.

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in foods containing sulphur or B12.

Sweet potatoes and its Benefits

Did you know that SWEET POTATO (kamote) far exceeds the nutrition and health values of rice? Here are the benefits of substituting rice with kamote: 1. Sweet potato is more filling and suppresses hunger pangs longer. It is also cheaper than rice. 2. Unlike rice, it is easy to grow. It grows in backyards with or without fertilizers. Local government executives can provide their poor communities with idle government land for planting kamote which the entire community can share. 3. Unlike rice which needs to be eaten with a dish, Sweet Potato tastes good and can be eaten by itself. Thus, substituting rice with sweet potato saves money for other needs. 4. Rice cannot match the nutritional values of potato. Because rice converts to sugar in the body, the Philippines registers as a top producer of diabetics in the world.The poor tends to load up on rice and less on the dish which are more expensive. That makes them vulnerable to diabetes, an ailment known in developed countries as a rich man's disease. 5. The nutritional values of a 3 oz. baked sweet potato are: calories 90, fat 0 g, saturated fat 0 g, cholesterol 0 mg, carbohydrate 21 g, protein 2 g, dietary fiber 3 g, sodium 36 mg, vitamin A 19,218 IU, folic acid 6 micrograms, pantothenic acid 1 mg, vitamin B6 <1 mg, vitamin C 20 mg, vitamin E 1 mg, calcium 38 mg, manganese 1 mg, carotenoids 11,552 mcg, potassium 475 mg and magnesium 45 mg. Compare that to a 100 g serving of white rice with: calories 361 kcal, water 10.2 g, total fat 0.8 g, dietary fiber 0.6 g, calcium 8 mg, phosphorous 87 mg, potassium 111 mg, sodium 31 mg, vitamin B1 0.07 mg, vitamin B2 0.02 mg, niacin 1.8 g, protein 6 g and carbohydrates 82 g. 6. Too much rice consumption can make you sick, but sweet potato(kamote) can bring you to health and keep away some health problems. These have been proved medically. In a medical documentary I watched recently on KBS World (the South Korean TV Network), I was awed by the results of the research the Koreans conducted on the nutritional and medicinal benefits of kamote (which they refer to as sweet potato). In that Korean medical documentary I watched (which I followed through the English subtitles), they presented the research findings on people with established health problems who were placed on a kamote/sweet potato diet. Believe it or not – Sweet Potato (kamote) lowers hypertension, bad cholesterol and even blood sugar when eaten as SUBSTITUTE TO RICE! The purple sweet potato (kamote) is particularly effective for lowering hypertension. Not only that, the Korean medical documentary credits the sweet potato (kamote) as high fiber and is one of the best foods that one can eat to prevent cancer!

Diabetes: Foot Care

Diabetes: Foot Care

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person's body doesn't make enough of the hormone insulin or can't use insulin properly. There are 2 types of diabetes.Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body's pancreas doesn't produce any insulin.Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin or your body's cells ignore the insulin. Between 90% and 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.

How does diabetes affect our body.

When we digest food, your body changes most of the food you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). Insulin allows this glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy. When you have diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly, so the glucose builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Over time, too much glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body.

Damage to your nerves means that you may have burning pain or lose feeling in a part of your body (this is called diabetic neuropathy). Damage to the blood vessels that some areas of your body (usually the feet) may not be getting a good supply of blood.

All of us are likely to have problems with our feet, but diabetics may develop serious problems more quickly and have more complications, especially when circulation or nerves are impaired.
The key for the diabetic is to view all foot problems as potentially dangerous and to prevent them and seek podiatric care as soon as they occur. Except for blindness, the complication most heard about diabetics is loss of a leg. This widespread concern is realistic.

--30% of all diabetics have peripheral vascular disease.
--Of all non-traumatic amputations, 50% to 70% are performed on diabetics.


Diabetes may cause
Poor circulation often happens in diabetics, which can lead to serious complications. Chronically tired or painful feet may mean circulation is poor. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, cold or blue feet, and swelling that will not go down indicate poor circulation. Cramping may occur at night, during rest, or while walking a short distance. Smoking and stress usually increase the severity of the symptoms. Examination by a podiatrist will reveal any circulatory deficiencies.

Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss in ability to feel pain, heat or cold. If precautions are not taken, a hot bath can be a potential for a burn. Position sense is often lost in neuropathy, so the feet scrape objects in their path. Diabetic neuropathy can also affect the muscles of the feet causing deformity such as hammertoes. When insensitivity is present, serious problems, such as ulcers and gangrene, can occur without pain. The infection may go unnoticed and appropriate care may be delayed until too late. By the time the trouble is discovered, amputation may be necessary to save the person's life. Daily observation of the feet is necessary by a diabetic or a responsible family member or other party.

Ulcers can be caused by lack of blood circulating to the foot, lack of soft tissue protection, excessive callus tissue, infection, and pressure points caused by deformities. Some causes of injury and ulcers are wearing ill-fitting shoes, performing self-surgery, applying electric heating pads or hot water bottles, and using ingrown toenail and corn remedies. If the circulatory response is adequate, most diabetic ulcers can be healed if diagnosed and treated early.

Skin changes in the foot can be caused by diabetes. Dehydration is common since the diabetic has less natural lubrication than the non-diabetic. Fissures and cracks in the skin develop and often itching can become severe. Scratching can cause breaks in the skin that may become infected. Dryness can be helped by using a good skin cream daily on every part of the foot except between the toes.

Cuts, Scrapes, Blisters, and Puncture Wounds can cause serious problems. To prevent such injuries, diabetics should always wear some kind of footwear. If foreign bodies, such as splinters, become lodged in the foot, or if an infection or puncture wound occurs, the diabetic should be treated promptly by a professional.

Ingrown Toenails can cause infections, which tend to be especially severe in diabetics. To treat the problem, the podiatrist may drain the infection to relieve the pressure, prescribe an antibiotic, and recommend special home care to help the infection heal.

Athlete's Foot is a fungal infection common in diabetics. If it or other skin rashes are not promptly treated, secondary bacterial infections that require vigorous treatment with antibiotics may develop.

Structural changes in the feet of healthy adults may also occur in the feet of diabetics and these problems can be far more serious because the disease causes changes in the nervous system. These changes in turn may prevent the diabetic from experiencing or expressing pain or discomfort and will require evaluation on a continuous basis to prevent serious bone and joint changes.


Why do I have to worry more about my feet.

People who have diabetes often have trouble with their feet. The loss of feeling in your feet can make it hard for you to tell if you have a blister or sore. If little sores aren't taken care of, they can get worse and turn into ulcers (serious, deep sores). If these ulcers become infected, you may have to go to the hospital or, in very serious cases, have a foot amputated (removed).

Protect Your Feet

Keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. Also, follow your doctor's advice on diet and exercise. Take your insulin or medicine exactly as prescribed. Here are some other ways to protect your feet:

• Wash your feet every day with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap.
• Dry your feet well, especially between the toes. Use a soft towel and pat gently; don't rub.
• Keep the skin of your feet smooth by applying a cream or lanolin lotion, especially on the heels. If the skin is cracked, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.
• Keep your feet dry by dusting them with no medicated powder before putting on shoes, socks or stockings.
• Check your feet every day. You may need a mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet. Call your doctor if you have redness, swelling, pain that doesn't go away, numbness or tingling in any part of your foot.
• Don't treat calluses, corns or bunions without talking to your doctor first.
• Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. It might help to soak your toenails in warm water to soften them before you cut them. File the edges of your toenails carefully.
• Don't let your feet get too hot or too cold.

How often will my doctor check my feet.

Your doctor or nurse should check your feet periodically when you go in for a visit. If you are having any problems, such as numbness, sores or ingrown toenails, tell your doctor right away.

Diabetic Foot Care.

1. Do not ever walk barefoot.
2. Do not wear any shoes with open toes, soles or heels. Be sure to wear shoes or slippers with firm soles, especially outside of the house, in your yard or at the beach or pool.
3. Wear shoes that fit snugly but not tight. There should be ½ inch between the big toe and the shoe. The toe-box should be round and high to allow space for toe deformities. The upper portion of the shoe should be soft and flexible. The lining should be smooth and free of ridges, wrinkles and seams.
4. Rotate your shoes every day and keep your shoes in good condition.
5. Break in new shoes gradually and wear for only a few hours at first to prevent blisters and sore spots. Check your foot for red areas indicating too much pressure.
6. Check inside your shoes daily for sharp edges and foreign objects.
7. Do not soak your feet. This causes too much moisture between the toes and Athlete's foot.
8. Carefully and gently pat your feet dry (DO NOT RUB). Use a soft towel and remember to get in between all your toes.
9. Use moisturizing cream in small amounts and massage into feet well twice a day. Do not apply between toes.
10. Do not pull off loose pieces of skin.
11. Wear clean socks, change them daily and discard when worn out.
12. Inspect the socks daily for signs of drainage from an open sore that you may not realize you have because you cannot feel it.
13. Keep your toenails trimmed. Since you are diabetic, it is recommended that you visit a podiatrist regularly for cutting of your nails.
14. Do not attempt to trim you own corns or calluses.
15. Do not use commercial corn or wart remedies. These contain harmful acids that are very dangerous to diabetics.
16. Avoid extremes, such as cold or heat, and if your feet are cold, wear warm boots. Never use hot water bottles or heating pads.

What should I look for when choosing shoes and socks.

· Don't wear shoes without socks.

· Don't wear sandals or other open-toed shoes.

· Avoid high-heeled shoes and shoes with pointed toes.

· Wear well-padded socks or stockings that are 1/2 inch longer than your longest toe. Don't wear stretch socks, nylon socks, socks with an elastic band or garter at the top, or socks with inside seams.

· Don't wear uncomfortable or tight shoes that rub or cut into your feet. If you've had problems before because of shoes that didn't fit, you may want to be fitted for a custom-molded shoe.

· Talk to your doctor before you buy special shoes or inserts.

· Shop for new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are a little swollen. If shoes are comfortable when your feet are swollen, they'll probably be comfortable all day.

· Break in new shoes slowly by wearing them for no more than an hour a day for several days.

· Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can switch pairs every other day.

· Look inside your shoes every day for things like gravel or torn linings. These things could rub against your feet and cause blisters or sores.

· Change socks and shoes every day. Have at least 2 pairs of shoes so you can change.