Commentary: Manly pedi: Soldiers should take extra steps to take care of their feet

Sgt. Brian C. Erickson,
24th Press Camp Headquarters:

Listen up men; guys need to take care of their bodies just as much as women. Going to the gym is great, but what are you doing about the stress you place on your body while at the gym? One of the best ways to take care of your body is to head to the local spa.

Now I know many of you might say that it’s a woman’s thing. However, the male to female ratio of those who regularly go to the spa is even according to Cathy Emfinger, owner of Selah Salon and Spa at Fort Bliss.

I was one of those men who claimed that I would never step into a spa or have anything to do with a salon, and then I lost a bet and had to get a pedicure. It opened my eyes to a whole new side of taking care of oneself.

While contemplating where I would end up going to get this pedicure, I started to wonder if it really does make a difference in the way one’s feet and body would feel afterward.

After asking various people I was informed that the whole body can actually benefit from a pedicure. Not only does the massage take the stress out of the muscles, it can also help out the internal organs.

There are certain points on a person’s foot that when massaged properly will change certain organs for the better. This science is known as reflexology.

Reflexology works as the pressure techniques applied to the feet or hands interact as a part of the body’s nervous system creating relaxation, improved circulation, exercise of the nervous system and the benefits of touch.

“The troops coming home from deployment, or even just time in the field, really seem to benefit from the massage part of the pedicure,” said Emfinger.

Other benefits from a pedicure include less foot odor, reduced chance of infections and a more appealing foot.

Having your nails trimmed and filed on a regular basis can keep your nails from growing inward and causing an infection. Removing dirt and bacteria from your feet can help prevent nail diseases and disorders that can lead to increased foot odor.

Exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells, can prevent the skin cells from building up and causing unwanted bunions and corns. Also, the removal of the dead skin encourages newer cell growth which can lead to a healthier skin, according to www.reneerouleau.com, a website with useful skin tips and advice from Renée Rouleau, a trusted skin care expert and aesthetician.

The average person takes an estimated 7,000 or more steps a day just doing regular activities. Once you add in the morning physical fitness, or going to the field, the amount starts to go up. During a lifetime that number can add up to more than 100,000 miles, which most cars don’t reach unless properly maintained.

If you are one of those guys who feels like I used to I strongly encourage you to rethink your standing point. Going to the spa isn’t just for women any longer, it is just one of the things to do in order to take care of yourselves.

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