Summer is here with a vengeance, and most Bahamians are busy planning or going on their next vacation. Whether you are planning to walk around amusement parks, shop until you drop, or explore one of the beautiful Family Islands at home, traveling can take a toll on your feet, and an injury can ruin your entire vacation.
Before you go on your next trip, here are some sensible travel tips to follow for good foot health while traveling. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet or ankles, visit a podiatrist before traveling to find out what's causing the problem and have it treated. Remember, foot pain is not normal and it can ruin your travel plans!
Shoes
Review your travel itinerary and the activities you have planned to decide on the kind and amount of shoes you will need to pack. As a general rule, wear comfortable, supportive shoes such as sneakers. They should fit properly, with good arch support and be worn with socks to prevent discomfort and blisters. Do not take new shoes that have never been worn on your vacation. It is a good idea to condition and prepare your feet and legs for the activities you plan to perform during your vacation. If you plan to walk a lot, several weeks before your trip, begin a regular walking program wearing the shoes you will take on your trip. This will help you to enjoy your vacation more and prevent aches, pains or injury that may accompany a new workout routine.
Preventing a blood clot
When flying or driving for long periods of time, there is an increased risk of developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT which is a blood clot in the legs) especially if you have risk factors such as a recent long surgery, confined to bed, cancer, older than 40 years of age, obesity and smoking. The risk of developing DVT from air travel is strongly linked to age. It is uncommon in young people and very common in the elderly. Studies estimate that three to five percent of travelers develop clots in their veins related to travel. In the United States it is estimated that there are one million cases of DVT related to air travel every year and that 100,000 of these persons die. To prevent this we recommend when traveling for more than four hours you should get up and move around every two hours, drink plenty water, stay hydrated, don't drink too much alcohol or caffeine, avoid crossing your legs and exercise your leg by flexing your feet and ankles, wiggling your toes and unlacing your shoes if your feet swells.
Don't go barefoot
Always wear shoes or sandals while walking on the sand to prevent foot injuries from the hot sand and puncture from objects that may be hidden beneath the sand. Walking barefoot exposes the feet to sunburn, as well as the virus that causes plantar warts, fungus that causes athlete's foot or nail fungus and many other infections. Persons with diabetes should never walk barefoot, in doors or outside.
Apply sunscreen
For persons with lighter complexions, be sure to apply sunscreen to your legs and feet while basking in the sun. Apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet and legs regularly at least every three to four hours to prevent sunburns and protect against the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Foot first aid
Take a foot first aid kit and be prepared in case of a minor foot problem. Pack Band-aids, foot pads, talcum powder, antibiotic or first aid cream and nail clippers in your toiletry bag. If you injure your foot or ankle while traveling, seek professional attention from a podiatrist.
Pamper you feet
After a long day of sightseeing, shopping, walking, hiking or whatever you have planned for your vacation, treat your feet well, massage them, rest them and keep them elevated. After all you will need them to do it all over again tomorrow.
o For more information email foothealth242@gmail.com or visit www.foothealth.org or apma.org. To see a podiatrist visit the Bahamas Foot Centre on Rosetta Street, telephone 325-2996 or Bahamas Surgical Associates on Albury Lane, telephone 394-5820.

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