Foot care to keep us on our toes

FOOT CARE TO KEEP US ON OUR TOES During the summer months Brits are more likely to expose their feet in fashionable summer sandals, which is why chiropodists are encouraging Britons to put their best foot forward. A new national omnibus survey found two thirds of men (66%) consider athlete's foot or bunions the biggest turn-off, and believe that athlete's foot is worse than dandruff. Despite the unappealing nature of these infections, over three quarters of men and women (86%) would rather have a reflexology session or a pedicure than visit a chiropodist. David Ashcroft of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is unsurprised by the results and said: "The survey shows that neglected feet are very unappealing, and most people do not know where to go to for basic foot care. "A visit to a state registered chiropodist is a perfect treat for feet. In the UK, people are unaware that chiropodists provide foot care ranging from cosmetic treatments to more serious infections like athletes foot." Big Brother's Spencer is not alone to experience the fungus as over 10 million people suffer from athlete's foot in the UK. However, more than half of both sexes (63%) would rather stay in with a foot spa than go on a date with a chiropodist indicating just how backwards Brits are in putting the best foot forward. David indicated that: "Too often people seek short term solutions to foot care which can be costly and ineffective. "Feet are the most used and abused part of the body as people are unaware of the daily stress and strain feet experience - a state registered chiropodist can help identify underlying problems early so we don't experience more serious conditions later on in life." To get in touch with your local state registered chiropodist or get practical advise on taking care of your feet call the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists on 0207 234 8620 and check out their website www.feetforlife.org -ENDS- For further information please contact Karen Lonsdale on 020 7344 1241 or Ludivine Delattre on 020 7344 1549 Notes to editor: · The survey results come from a Capibus survey, which interviewed over 500 people across the UK. The sample consists of men and women aged 15+ from varying professions and locations across Britain · The cost for a session with a chiropodist varies from £30-60 for a first visit (£55-110 in London) and for further check-ups £20-50 (£45- 100 in London) · The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is the largest independent professional body in the United Kingdom representing state registered chiropodists/podiatrists, with approximately 8,500 members and students. · A chiropodist/podiatrist is a practitioner of podiatry. This is defined as the specialty concerned with the diagnosis and/or medical, surgical, mechanical, physical or other treatment of the diseases, injuries and defects of the human foot. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/30/20020730BIT00460/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/07/30/20020730BIT00460/wkr0002.pdf