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Women are finding men’s feet a real turn off, particularly when they’ve been stuffed into the same pair of shoes for hours on end, day-in day-out. Some men are not even protecting their feet properly at work, despite the fact that every year foot injuries in the workplace cause 22,000 people to miss work for more than three days – it’s hardly surprising women refuse to go anywhere near their feet!
So, as part of the 2007 Feet for Life Month in June, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists are launching a ‘Working Feet’ campaign to offer men helpful foot care advice on how to have healthy, comfortable, sweet smelling feet at work and at home. The campaign urges men to be more aware of the dangers of hard working feet and keep them feeling good and fit for anything!
Partners are being put off by their men’s working feet because of problems caused by wearing the same shoes for long periods or wearing the wrong footwear. Problems range from horrendous pongs, itchy athlete’s foot, painful arthritic changes and even amputation. That’s why the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists want men to look after your ‘Working Feet’ this summer.
In terms of working feet hazards, some of the worst culprits are builders, warehouse workers, engineers, chefs, decorators and glaziers whose feet can be subjected to being crushed, treading on nails or sharp objects, knives being dropped and hot swollen feet. Leaving feet exposed to the dangers of the job can lead to painful feet, time off work and even serious injury, amputation, or death.
“Protect your feet at work” says Nita Parmar from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. “It’s important to wear footwear that is appropriate for your job and that protects your feet from hazards. Equally important is good foot hygiene to prevent problems and keep your feet fit for the job. Your health and safety officer at work should be able to advise you on the recommended safety measures at your workplace.”
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists top tips for safe and healthy working feet:
1.Wear the right shoe for the job
2.Always have two pairs of shoes on the go, alternating on a daily basis so the sweat can dry out properly
3.Leave shoes in direct sunlight when you can – this helps prevent nasties such as athlete’s foot and bacteria breeding inside them
4.Safety footwear such as protective toecaps can prevent toes being crushed. They’re not all ugly, some high profile brands now make good-looking safety boots
5.Where slips can occur – wear slip resistant soles
6.If there is a danger from nails or sharp objects – wear puncture resistant soles
7.Wear shoes that fit properly, allowing toes wiggle room (about 1cm). This also applies to footwear with steel toecaps – toes are vulnerable if they’re being squashed against steel!
8.Wash and dry your feet every day and wear clean socks
9.For any foot discomfort that is ongoing, see a registered podiatrist for advice and treatment if necessary.
For details of your local registered chiropodist or podiatrist, see www.feetforlife.org/cgi-site/chiropodist.cgi
Foot note:
The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists represents 83 per cent of registered chiropodists and podiatrists in the UK. It is the professional, educational and trade union body for chiropodists and podiatrists.
For further information or case studies information contact:
Nicola Bryan
Spink Consumer Relations
Tel: 01444 484888
Email: nicola@spinkconsumer.com
Soc Chiropodists & Podiatrists 13-Mar-2007
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