Perfect Pedi

Leonardo da Vinci said that the foot is the greatest engineering device in the world. Your feet are your foundation, providing stability and balance. But if you’re like most people, you forget about these extremities until they hurt. And that’s doing these important appendages a disservice.

Since the average pair of feet takes 10,000 steps per day, even normal wear can lead to swelling, calluses, dry skin, chipped nails, and minor infections such as athlete’s foot. More complicated-but still fairly common-foot problems include heel pain, nail fungus, and pain in the balls of the feet. If you’re diabetic, any injury to your feet is an open invitation for infection. And infection can cause higher blood sugars, which can interfere with the healing process and lead to ulcers and potential amputation.

Many common foot problems can be alleviated-or avoided-by simply taking the time for some basic care. And, let’s face it, these hard-working supports deserve at least as much attention as we give to our hair and teeth. Pampering our feet really is a vital indulgence.

Soften and hydrate rough and callused feet with Natralia Heel Balm. Centipeda cunninghamii-an anti-inflammatory Australian herb that nourishes dry skin-safflower oil, shea butter, rosemary oil, aloe, and tea tree oil deeply penetrate into feet for visible results
in three days.

Nourish your nails while removing old nail polish with Priti NYC Soy Polish Remover. Derived from soy and coconuts plus the refreshing scent of lemon grass essential oil, it’s non-toxic, acetone-free, non-drying, and leaves your cuticles conditioned. It’s ideal for all 20 digits.

Revive achy, swollen, fatigued feet with Derma E Intensive Therapy Foot Crème. This rich, soothing treatment helps improve circulation, relieves pain, and moisturizes dry, cracked skin. Pycnogenol, peach seed, and ginkgo help support circulation, while yarrow and arnica resolve swelling, and peppermint and menthol relieve pain and itching.

Hydrate and heal cracked cuticles and brittle nails with Jason Tea Tree Natural Nail Saver. A blend of sesame, safflower, soybean, and evening primrose oils with aloe and tea tree oil helps strengthen nails, prevent hangnails, and heal infection.

Feet Treat

Follow these steps for a natural, do-it-yourself pedicure that’s also safe for diabetics:

• Wipe off old nail polish using a cotton pad soaked in an acetone-free polish remover.
• Soak your feet for 5-10 minutes in warm water and ½ cup Epsom salts to relax your feet. Then pat your feet dry with a towel.
• Slough away dead skin using a pumice stone. Rub gently in a circular motion, paying extra attention to your heels and the balls of your feet.
• File your toenails with an emery board. File straight across, and gently round the edges.
• Rinse your feet with warm water to wash off any dead skin. Use the flattened end of an orange stick to push back cuticles.
• Rub a drop of oil into the nails and cuticles to prevent drying or cracking. Try: TheraNeem Nail & Cuticle Oil Pen from Organix-South, with nourishing organic oils.
• If you polish your nails, look for a polish that is free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde-all known carcinogenic ingredients. Try: Honeybee Gardens, No-Miss, and Suncoat all-natural polishes.
• Massage a rich foot lotion into your feet. Concentrate on your heels and the balls of your feet, as these areas are especially prone to calluses.
• Put your feet up and relax!