Why You Should Have an Exercise Buddy

If your motivation for staying fit and healthy is waning, it may be time to partner up with a trusted friend! A regular fitness program can be hard to keep up with in the busyness of life and because it takes effort and discipline we don’t always have. Having an exercise buddy can help you bear the challenges of exercise and brings a few other benefits as well.

Whether it is your spouse, your child or a friend, having someone to team up with can make things easier. Dr. Jeff Bowman, a foot specialist in Houston, TX helps patients on a regular basis keep their feet healthy for exercise. Strong, healthy feet are a great foundation for exercise but having a buddy can also help in the following ways:

• A buddy helps you stay accountable. If you have a set time to workout, you may be less likely to use familiar excuses when someone is waiting for you.

• It makes things more fun! Having someone to talk with often takes your mind off the rigorous exercise and can make working out that much more enjoyable.

• Having a buddy can be motivating. As you provide support and encouragement to one another, you will be more motivated to keep it up!

• An exercise partner is another set of eyes that can keep you safe. A buddy can spot you when lifting weights, spot bad form, help you pace yourself accordingly during working out and identify when you may be pushing too far or too hard.

There are many avenues to find an exercise buddy, so try it if you are tired of being alone or bored with your fitness program. If you need any help in regards to your foot health, have pain during exercise or footwear advice, please call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886. You can also schedule an appointment online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Diabetes & Alcohol

Is Alcohol Safe if I have Diabetes?

Managing diabetes can be difficult. It often requires some serious lifestyle changes, specific dietary allowances and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. Knowing how certain foods or drinks affect your health is important when managing diabetes.

Alcohol is one thing that does have an effect on diabetes. Simply put, drinking alcohol can cause your blood sugar level to rise. Alcohol compromises how your liver is able to work. If your blood sugar level falls, your liver typically releases stored sugar to counteract that. If it is needed to metabolize alcohol in your body, your blood sugar level may not get the help that it needs to stabilize. This drop in blood sugar level can happen right after you drink and possibly remain that way for several hours.

Some of the other effects of alcohol to be aware of if you have diabetes include:

• Wine and beer contain carbohydrates that can raise your blood sugar

• Alcohol can increase your blood pressure

• Alcohol stimulates the appetite so overeating may affect sugar levels

• Alcohol can interfere with any oral medications you take

• Alcohol is a vasodialator and will make your feet swell

When it doubt, check it out! If you have diabetes and are unclear on the safety of alcohol, talk to your doctor about it. If you have your diabetes under control, it may be acceptable to allow one or two drinks a day.

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX sees the effects of diabetes on a daily basis. Foot care is vital if you have diabetes. If you have an injury or unusual symptoms, please contact us today to ensure your feet stay safe! Call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

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Exercises for After Foot Surgery

Winston Churchill once said, “Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” He definitely was not talking about foot surgery but the same principal can apply. The “tools” you use post foot surgery will make a big difference in its success.

When his patients have foot surgery, Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX, stays involved with each patient from start to finish. With his clearance, post surgery exercises are often an important part of the healing process as they can reduce swelling and provide strength and flexibility to the foot.

Some easy exercises to do after foot surgery include:

Work your toes. With a towel placed on the floor, sit in a chair and place your foot flat on the towel. Use your toes to scrunch the towel towards your foot. You can also use small objects such as coins or marbles to strengthen your toes. Put them on the floor and use your toes to pick them up one by one. These exercises can be done for a minimum of 10 minutes two times a day.

Strengthen your muscles. Sit on the floor with your healing leg straight out in front. Use a towel or an exercise band and loop it around the ball of your foot. Gently press your foot forward as you pull back on the towel or band. Try this 10 times for 3 sets.

Find your balance. This exercise also helps strengthen your foot muscles. When you are a bit farther along in the healing process, try balancing on the foot that is healing with your other foot slightly off the ground. Start with just 30 seconds. You can progress by holding the uninjured foot higher off the ground or by closing your eyes. Always be near something you can grab to prevent a fall.

If you have had bunion surgery, it is common for the big toe joint to be stiff.  Grab the big toe at the base and pull up holding it for 5 seconds then down for 5 seconds.  You will feel some discomfort which is normal. This should be done 30 times 2 to 3 times a day.

There are many more exercises and devices to use and Dr. Bowman will instruct you what is right for you post surgery.

The important thing to remember is that these types of exercises should only be done with Dr. Bowman’s approval. You do not want to start adding stress or pressure until the proper amount of healing has occurred. If you have any questions about foot surgery please contact our podiatric office for an appointment. Call (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

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