It’s the start of a new year, with all the promises of a fresh start that go with it. Despite all the jokes people make about keeping New Year’s goals, this is actually a great time to start investing in your health and planning for a better year—especially if you’re diabetic. This year, instead of making vague resolutions to improve your health and keep your diabetes under control, how about setting specific goals to accomplish just that?
Don’t just say you’ll take better care of your feet—write out your plan to do so. Write a date on your calendar to schedule your annual foot exam. Write a note to yourself reminding you to wash and inspect your feet every day and tape it to your bathroom mirror where you will see it. Go through your shoe collection and work on weeding out footwear that does not properly support your lower limbs, while planning a budget to replace any worn or uncomfortable ones. Invest in good socks that fit well and wick moisture away from your feet, too.
Small steps to improve your general foot health can go a long way in preventing painful complications. Diabetes may have an effect in every area of your life, but you don’t have to let it hold you hostage. This year is a new year. You have so many chances to take control of your health and improve your quality of life—take advantage of them! If you would like help planning goals to manage diabetes in your feet, or are concerned about any kind of pain, contact Martin Foot and Ankle for an appointment or more information. You can reach our office by visiting the contact page on the website or by calling the office at (717) 757-3537.
Photo credit: David Castillo Dominici via freedigitalphotos.net