MBT shoes: do they actually work?

Source: July 1, 2008

MBT trainers seem like an unlikely item of footwear to catch the imagination of the young and trendy. With their thick, curved sole and sensible wide straps, they look like the sort of thing you need to wear if one of your legs is shorter than the other. Despite their distinct un-beauty, MBT trainers have, for the last eight years, been cited as the answer to modern-day solution for anything from back problems to cellulite on your bum.

A Sheffield Hallam University study concluded that wearing MBTs was better for the knees, hips and ankles than wearing conventional shoes.

However, recently there has been speculation that MBTs may not be for everyone. The claims as to assisting posture, back, hip and knee problems are not supported by evidence or any good rational explanation.

Article in The Independent discusses the issue

Read more . . .

Complete Article  mbt-shoes-do-they-actually-work.pdf

Not so happy feet

Source: Hindustantimes.com

Article in Hindustan times conveys why Foot need to be taken care of during Summers.

Complete story

Neha Sharma, Hindustan Times

Mumbai, June 28, 2008

Enough of patting sunscreen on your face. Believe it or not, your feet need it more. If you are one of those who frequently wear flip flops or open sandals, then you are at the risk of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists say that this part of the body is most susceptible because it is often ignored.

Dr Shehla Agarwal, consulting dermatologist, says that fear of tanning compels many to apply sun-block creams or lotions on their face and arms.

The feet remain unattended to. If they apply sunscreen to their feet, they immediately slip into sandals and the cream is wiped out.

“In winters, our feet are kept safe inside shoes. Then they are suddenly exposed to extreme sunlight in sum mer. Fair skin is more vulnerable to cancer,” says Agarwal.

Acral melanoma (cancer of feet and hand) though not very common, affects Indian skin too, she warns. It emerges like a bruise and is often ignored.

The bruise does not fade, it appears and disappears. Then the toe nail lifts up or separates from the skin or, there is a black streak on the nail.

That’s the danger sign. As far as possible, try to wear socks with footwear, advises Dr Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon, Apollo Hospital. “In the west, they have introduced UV radiation-free clothing,” he informs. “If possible, we can also adopt such clothes.”

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