Shoe Shoppers : Size Does Matter

The stars of “Sex and the City” made the world safe for shoe lovers everywhere with their unapologetic obsession with famous footwear designers like Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. So if you follow in their footsteps, foot-care experts say you should make sure to get your feet measured before buying your next pair.

A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that 66 percent of Americans do not have their feet measured when purchasing new shoes. In fact, 34 percent said they have not had their feet measured in more than five years, and 6 percent admitted they last had their feet measured more than 30 years ago.

Every day, we put a tremendous amount of pressure on our feet, with an average day of walking bringing a force equal to several hundred tons upon them. Additionally, our feet are open to more injury than any other part of the body.

Even if your feet are not giving you any trouble now, you should still consider comfort and fit when purchasing shoes. Here are some shoe-shopping tips from APMA.

* Shop in the afternoon because your feet tend to swell during the day and it’s best to find the right fit for them then.

* Have your feet measured while standing up.

* Don’t succumb to the myth that shoes need to be “broken in.” They should feel comfortable and be easy to walk in immediately.

* Always try on both shoes and walk around the store.

* Be sure the shoes fit well in the front, back and sides. Buy shoes that don’t pinch your toes.

* Because manufacturers’ sizes vary, don’t rely on the size of your last pair of shoes.

* Try on shoes with the same type of sock or stocking you plan to wear with the shoes.

It’s equally as important for children to have their feet measured as it is for adults. It may be necessary to change shoe and sock sizes every few months to allow room for your child’s feet to grow. Never “hand down” footwear from one child to the next.

Whats Cool About Coconuts

A switch to a raw, vegan, natural foods lifestyle requires a little creativity and a lot of getting used to. It may feel at first as if we are giving up more than we are gaining.

I am blessed to live in a tropical climate where coconuts grow in abundance. I’ve heard amazing things about the healing properties of coconut oil.

You can’t keep a good oil down!

The false and misleading information that has been widely distributed marking coconut oil, or saturated fats, as bad was pushed by the corn oil industry. As we know, whenever huge profits are at stake, the truth is hidden and replaced with lies to support the profit agenda.

However, coconut oil which is far more nutritious and beneficial than corn oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, and even olive oil- contains no dangerous trans-fatty acids. Trans-fats can raise LDLs, commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and lead to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.

Coconut oil increases metabolism and supports healthy weight loss.

Coconut oil’s saturated fat is a medium-chain fatty acid which means it is digested more easily than other fats. Whereas, other fats are stored in the body’s cells, the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are rapidly broken down and converted into energy putting less strain on the liver, pancreas, and digestive system. By activating the metabolism, coconut oil is outstanding for those with thyroid issues.

Coconut oil is antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-cancerous. It enhances the immune system by destroying lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, influenza, and various pathogenic bacteria.
There are many uses for pure, virgin coconut oils

Uses of Coconut Oil:

* As a stable cooking oil
* salad dressing
* shakes, smoothies, juices
* skin moisturizer
* massage oil

I feel the best and most complete benefits come from the whole, natural coconut eaten regularly as a part of a natural foods diet. But if you don’t happen to have a coconut tree in your backyard then you must make sure you are getting the highest quality virgin coconut oil.

Some requirements to look for would be:

* certified organic, USDA standards
* low-level heating to preserve natural nutrients
* made from fresh coconuts, not dried
* no chemical additives
* no refinement
* non-GMO
* no hydrogenation
* no hybridized coconuts

Superior quality makes a big difference, not only in regards to health and safety, but also in regards to taste and cooking quality if you use it in sautees and stir-frys. However you use your coconut oil, you can be assured that you are fortifying yourself with healthy, natural foods that taste good and are good for you!