Cold Weather Foot Care

As the temperature dips, the extremities of the body (hands and feet) are the first to feel the chill. Your feet are especially vulnerable since they are furthest from your heart and are in close contact with the cold ground. This winter, do yourself a favor and give your feet some extra care.

• Avoid exposing your feet to extreme heat or cold which can damage blood vessels and skin. (For example, don't dash barefoot down the snowy driveway to pick up the newspaper or soak your feet in extra-hot water to warm up.) This is particular critical for diabetics, who frequently experience sensation loss (neuropathy) in their extremities and are unable to feel the warning signs of pain.
• Reduce or stop using nicotine and caffeine when in cold weather. Both constrict the blood vessels in the hands and feet and can put you at further risk for cold induced injuries.
• When active in the cold, wear heavier socks that have some acrylic or other synthetic fibers that help draw away sweat from your feet. Avoid wearing cotton socks in boots. Cotton absorbs moisture but doesn't wick it away from your skin, making your feet feel damp.
• Adjust your winter shoe size for thicker socks or stockings. A comfortable fit will mean better blood circulation to your feet.
• Wash and dry your feet daily. Check for blisters, corns and bunions and any changes in the skin.
• Moisturize your feet, especially around the heel and sides to prevent cracking. Avoid putting lotion between the toes, as this is a prime spot for fungal infections.
• Massage your feet after wearing heavy winter shoes or boots. Gently rub the sole and arch to increase blood circulation.
• If you are experiencing chronic foot problems, talk to your primary care doctor or see a Dean foot specialist (podiatrist).

Learn more:
Dean Podiatry - Specializing in Foot Care
Winter Sports and Your Feet | Exercise Walking and Your Feet
General Foot Health | Diabetic Foot Ulcers

World AIDS Day, Dec 1

HIV/AIDS* touches the lives of millions of people everywhere. AIDS is one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. It has already killed more than 25 million people. UNAIDS 2006 data estimates 39.5 million people are living infected with the HIV virus, including 2.3 million children. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 1.4 million HIV-positive individuals, with approximately 43,000 new infections occurring nationally every year.

World AIDS Day, on December 1 is dedicated to raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS pandemic. We encourage you to:
• Learn about HIV/AIDS.
• Get tested, if you are at risk for HIV/AIDS.
   Find a testing site near you.
• Support efforts for prevention, treatment and research.
• Advocate for all people with HIV/AIDS.

*HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus. AIDS = Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome

More Resources:
Dean HIV/AIDS & Infectious Disease Specialists
How HIV is Transmitted
Mother-to-child (Perinatal) HIV Transmission & Prevention
AIDS Network (South Central WI) | AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin
UNAIDS: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS

Healthy Holiday Recipes

The holidays are a wonderful time of sharing meals and family recipes. In this issue we offer some healthier options for your holiday feast. As you enjoy the season of Thanksgiving and end-of-year celebrations, we hope some of these healthier recipes will find a place among your holiday favorites and be enjoyed for many years to come!

Get Recipes:
Pear and Celery Salad
Apple-Shallot Roasted Turkey
Maple Pumpkin Custard

Contributed by Dean Dietitian Julie McLaughlin