The American Podiatric Association estimates that by age 50, most Americans have logged 75,000 miles or more on their feet. Since Americans are living longer than ever before, we need to keep our feet in shape for the lengthening road ahead.

Be good to your soles! A study by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) has estimated that foot and ankle surgery on women costs $3.5 billion each year and is responsible for 15 million lost work days annually.

Common-sense tips often work as well as expensive foot care products. Foot care professionals recommend wearing shoes made of leather or other natural materials. They allow your foot to "breathe". Try to rest shoes for a day after wearing. Change socks and shoes every day. Use cornstarch powder to keep feet dry – many now come with Vitamin E added, so it helps to keep skin soft too! Putting on foot lotion and a pair of cotton socks can help to soften hardened skin whilst sleeping (not recommended for diabetics). Wearing inexpensive flip-flops in locker rooms can help prevent athlete’s foot, plantar warts or any other contagious problem being picked up. Some people are even now recommending this for airport screening areas too where passengers are removing their regular footwear. Anything that looks unusual should be immediately checked out by a Doctor – don’t give that fungal infection a chance to get too established!

If you think you are stressed, chances are your feet feel it too! When you are "foot weary" at the end of the day, being sweet to your feet can be a real sole solution! Many techniques are easy to do at home and are very cost effective. Foot spas are great, and require a little setting-up, but an inexpensive foot massage roller is low-maintenance, feels wonderful, and can be used even while watching TV!