Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, December 23, 2023

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SPORTSSPORTS

Mountain View News Saturday, December 23, 2023 

CONGRATS SMGSA PHILLIES FOR A GREAT YEAR!


Congrats to SMGSA’s 12u silver Select team, the Phillies, on wrapping up their season at the 
Slugging for Santa Tournament this weekend! This special shout out comes from the Mountain 
Views News Editor who hails from......where else, Philadelphia!


HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS TO PROMOTE 
HEALTHY, HAPPY FEET

(StatePoint) Want to show your loved ones you truly care? Treat their feet 
this holiday season.

“Feet work hard. They carry our weight and get us where we need to go. They deserve some 
extra care and attention,” says Gretchen Lawrence DPM, AACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon 
and Associate Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

To help inspire you, here are six holiday gift ideas that promote healthy, happy feet from the 
foot and ankle surgeons of ACFAS:

1. Winter footwear. Outfit your loved one with the footwear they need for the season. Just 
keep in mind, safety doesn’t have to come at the expense of fashion. While boots featuring 
tall, spiked heels and narrow, pointed toes can lead to slips, falls and sprains on ice-covered 
surfaces, there are plenty of practical options that are also stylish.

“A low-heeled winter boot is always going to be more fashionable than a cast and crutches,” says 
Dr. Lawrence. “Include some soft merino wool socks for toasty toes and to wick away moisture 
that can cause issues like athlete’s foot.”

2. Healthy food subscription services. Did you know that certain foods support healthy feet? 
Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like leafy greens and dairy products, promote strong 
bones (there are 26 of them in each foot!) and healing in the event of a fracture. Look into food 
box subscriptions that will send fresh produce, cheese or nuts to your gift recipient, so they can 
enjoy delicious foods that can help build strong bones.

3. Indoor footwear. Slippers provide cozy comfort, support and traction while indoors, making 
them a great gift for any pair of feet. However, if you’re shopping for someone living with 
diabetes, this is an especially thoughtful option as they must take extra care to avoid scratches 
and cuts on their feet. Because the condition sometimes reduces blood flow to that area, it’s 
harder to heal from an injury or resist infection.

“People with diabetes should never go barefoot, not even at home. A great pair of slippers is a 
perfect holiday gift to protect their feet,” says Dr. Lawrence.

4. Ice packs. Ice packs make great stocking stuffers for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, 
a common condition that can cause stabbing heel pain. One of the first-line strategies foot 
and ankle surgeons recommend is icing the heel for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce 
inflammation and pain. Get creative by looking for ice packs in fun shapes and colors.

5. Be a workout buddy. Weight-bearing exercise, like walking, can decrease your risk for 
diabetes and cardiovascular disease and promotes good overall health, especially for your feet. 
Make a plan to go for regular walks with your loved one. They’ll appreciate your special time 
together while you both benefit from the gift of good health.

6. Foot massage. A foot massage can alleviate muscle pain, improve circulation and soothe tired 
feet. Manual massage is the safest approach, so ask your foot and ankle surgeon for referrals 
to a qualified massage therapist and purchase a gift card for a professional therapeutic foot 
massage.

With holiday gifts that promote healthy feet, you can help your loved feel comfortable, pampered 
and safe at home and on winter streets.

For more healthy feet inspiration, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of 
the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com