— from Lena Kassa for Orcas Senior Center —

When your feet hurt, you hurt all over. The human foot contains 26 bones plus 33 joints. Good foot health is essential as your feet serve as the foundation for the rest of your body structure. If your feet are painful or not mechanically sound, that affects the knees, hips, and even the lower back. So it’s important to take care of your feet.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding to get professional foot care:

  • People with diabetes, poor circulation, and peripheral neuropathy can have a trained health professional make an assessment of foot health and make recommendations or referrals.
  • Arthritis, poor eyesight, and balance problems make it difficult for elders to safely accomplish adequate foot care themselves.
  • Corns, callouses, and thickened nails can be reduced making it less painful to walk.
  • Fungal nails, ingrown toenails, and other nail deformities can be assessed and treated.
  • It’s good to be pampered! It’s been said that a person may walk up to 100,000 miles in a lifetime!

Under the direction of Sally Coffin, RN, MSN, three nurses provide foot care services: Diane Keller-Batter, RN, Erica Bee, LPN and certified foot care specialist, and Valentina Rivera, RN. Valentina provides services in English and Spanish, and she is the latest of the nurses to join the team. Appointments are offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and other days by arrangement. For an appointment, call Orcas Senior Center at: 360.376.2677

Through the Spring OICF GiveOrcas campaign, Orcas Senior Center (OSC) Nonprofit is working to increase service and support the foot health of seniors. Your donations will provide free or reduced-cost foot care services to seniors, purchase necessary instruments, and improve foot care facilities. Make your donations online at: www.giveorcas.orgfrom May 1-17 and assure that professional foot care is there when you need it!

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