COMMON COMPLAINTS AND SOLUTIONS

   INCONTINENCE:  Television ads push drugs as the best way to deal with incontinence, but there are safer, cheaper solutions that might work just as well without the risk of serious effects.  Urinary leakage is brought on by stress.  Incontinence occurs when you sneeze, cough or laugh.  But you can help solve the problem with Kegel exercises.  To do them, squeeze muscles as if you were stopping a stream of urine preventing the passage of gas.  Do two types of squeezes, short ones lasting 2 seconds and longer ones lasting 5 to 10 seconds.  Practice each type 40 to 50 times a day, either all at once or at intervals, five to seven days a week.  An overactive bladder can often be retrained using techniques such as urinating at regular intervals and gradually holding your urine for longer periods of time.  In addition, some people respond to dietary changes, eliminating foods such as caffeine, carbonated beverages, acidic foods, and alcohol that can irritate the bladder.

   PROBLEM FEET:  Eighty percent of women regularly experience foot pain, according to a national study of 356 women.  In three-quarters of the participants, the study authors concluded that ill-fitting shoes contributed to multiple foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, pinched nerves, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), calluses, or ingrown toenails.  Much of the blame goes to high heels, which shift undue weight to the front of the foot.  But sandals and flip-flops that lack support can also cause problems such as heel pain.  Backless shoes expose your heels to the elements and allow them to flatten out, so frequent wear can leave your heels cracked and calloused.

   It is not too hard to find footwear that is fashionable and kind to your feet. Look for shoes made of a soft material and has some “give,” with a rounded toe box and a heel that can be 2 inches high or less.  Even when shopping for casual shoes, look for brands that have foot-friendly features, such as shock-absorbing soles and arch supports.  If you wear heels, alternate them with flats, and alternate sandals with closed-heel shoes.  You’ll find a list of brands approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association at apma.org, which have been found to benefit foot health when used in daily foot care and regular professional treatment.  Keep your feet happy when walking and running and it will benefit all other body muscles.