Healthy Feet for Improved Mobility

Did you know that there are over 300 different foot conditions? While some are inherited, many stem from ageing and years of use. The good news is that there’s no need to resign yourself to living with painful feet. Most of these conditions can be treated successfully, relieving foot pain and discomfort, and allowing you to get back in step!

Preventive care is an important part of ensuring healthy feet and mobility as we age. Our feet can actually change size over the years, so making sure you have the proper fit and adequate support is a great place to start. Bathe your feet daily in lukewarm water and mild soap, then moisturise afterwards. Keep your nails trimmed and filed just short of the end of your toe. Developing these simple habits can help with common issues, such as dry skin and brittle nails. Regular walking, with proper footwear, is also a great option for most people, keeping you and your feet active and mobile. Taking care of your feet has many benefits, including increased comfort, less chance of infection and other medical problems developing, and continued mobility as we age.

As our feet grow older, they naturally develop more problems. Seeing a Podiatrist at least once a year can help reduce foot problems and address any issues you may have, including help with stubborn or hard to cut nails and appropriate self-care. Podiatrists provide services that will help to keep you on your feet, and they can catch any issues before they become uncomfortable.

Treeview is fortunate to have our very own visiting Podiatrist. Michelle (Shelby) McMillan is the Principal Podiatrist at Blue Mountains Foot Clinics. She established her practice in the Blue Mountains in 2011 and has clinics in Blackheath, Springwood, Wentworth Falls and Oberon, and has been working with Treeview residents for three years. She has more than 10 years of experience as a podiatrist having previously practiced in the Sutherland Shire and Inner West of Sydney. Shelby holds a Bachelor of Podiatry Medicine from the University of Newcastle.  

Resident testimonial

I have been a client of Shelby the Podiatrist for the past three years. I find Shelby to be friendly, caring and very good at her job. If you need any podiatry work and a foot massage as well, then take a short walk to the Lifestyle Centre and you will come away feeling like you are walking on air. So a big thumbs up to Shelby. — Suzanne Long

Treeview Estates is on the western edge of the gorgeous Blue Mountains, with so many reasons to get outdoors and enjoy the summer sun. Whether it’s a day trip to explore the region, or an afternoon in the garden, we definitely spend more time outdoors during the summer months here. While the sunshine boosts our Vitamin D and our mood, it’s important to remember to take precautions when you’re out in the summer sun and heat.

The summertime heat can have significant risks for older people, such as dehydration and sunburn. Dr. John Dearin has run General Practice Lithgow since 2000 and has practiced medicine for 45 years. We asked him for some practical advice for staying safe in the summer weather.

Hydration

It is important to remain well hydrated in summer, especially if you’re taking anti-hypertensive medications. The combination of dehydration and blood pressure medication can cause significant reduction in blood pressure, possibly causing people to faint and potentially injure themselves.

Signs of dehydration include thirst, fatigue, headache, and muscle cramps. Be sure to have water on hand when you’re outdoors, especially if you’re being active.

Cover Up

Covering up in summer is also important, with the risk of sunburn and chronic skin damage. This long-term damage increases the risk of skin cancer. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world due to our love of the outdoors and excessive sun exposure. You should wear a broad-brimmed hat in summer so as to protect the entire face and not just the nose with the baseball caps which I call “cancer caps” because they provide very little protection and leave the sides of the face and ears fully exposed. You should also wear long sleeved shirts and trousers along with liberal application of sunscreen to areas of skin exposed while outdoors.

Light coloured clothes are best to wear as they will help to keep you cooler out in the heat. You can ask your pharmacist or physician which sunscreen is best for you, but the Cancer Council recommends a waterproof, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Remember that sunscreen can wipe off, so reapply every two hours or so if you’re outdoors all day. Seek out a shady place to sit when possible.

Taking the necessary precautions before heading out for the day will allow you to get the most out of the summer sun without suffering any of the possible side effects. 

Thank you to Dr. Dearin for sharing his expertise with us!