Foot Care for Diabetics

My father is a diabetic and if I don’t quit eating like I am and start exercising, I am headed in that direction. Since both my grandmothers were also diabetics, I probably know more about diabetes than the average person. One thing I learned from my grandmothers is that diabetics need to take good care of their feet. Why the focus on foot care? Well, if you don’t take good care of your feet, it can lead to amputation of toes, feet, or even your leg. Diabetics are more likely to have foot problems because of reduced blood flow to … Continue reading

Foot Care – Calluses and Corns

Feet aren’t pretty. Toes are weird. But a corn or callus can make things worse! Corns and calluses are caused by pressure. Your skin grows thicker to protect itself from the pressure. Calluses will develop in places where pressure is frequent and repeated — most often, your hands and feet. Tight shoes, deformed toes, misaligned foot bones, or an abnormal walk can cause calluses to form on your feet. Flat or severely arched feet can also be prone to calluses. And if you wear high-heeled shoes frequently, you may find calluses developing on the ball of your foot! Corns are … Continue reading

Foot Care – Blister Prevention

The nicer the weather is, the longer my walks tend to get. I just can’t resist the fresh air and sunshine! Whether you’re a hiker, a speed walker, or a stroller, you have to watch out for blisters! Blisters are your body’s reaction to moisture and irritation in a specific area. If your feet get hot and sweaty, your socks are going to stick to your feet. Your sticky, sweaty socks and your feet are going to rub against the inside of the shoe. A blister fills with fluid in an attempt to protect the area. You can prevent blisters … Continue reading

Does A Career Path Run In Your Family?

Sometimes, families have traditions that involve career paths. Whether it is a family business or children following in their mother’s or father’s career footsteps, careers that have a family connection can bring together people from different generations in the workplace. While I have no experience with family – related career traditions, I can only imagine that it makes for a very interesting experience, for better or for worse. Today, I saw a very interesting program on PBS about Mohawk ironworkers. Since the Mohawk are a First Nations people, they have tribal as well as nuclear family connections. One group of … Continue reading

I’m Stomping My Foot!

Some days I want to run away. I’m tired of being unappreciated. I’m tired of being the one who is the mean parent because Hailey is my responsibility 24/7. I’m tired of being the one who seems to say no more than yes. I’m tired of not being able to be the fun parent because I’m too busy working, making dinner, doing laundry, wiping noses, checking homework and worrying to have much time for fun. Does every single mother feel this way? I think we all do, there isn’t anything unique about my situation. I’m the full time parent, even … Continue reading

Preschool Craft: Foot Loop Abacus

I love the preschool years because everything is colorful and creative. I have found so many uses for Foot Loops for preschool lessons that I could write a series on the subject. Recently, I had a reader of my personal blog send me the cutest craft idea that involved cereal and math. Of course that got my attention. I already use colored O-cereal as math manipulatives so this would fit in just fine. This is a fun way to encourage math skills in little ones. Foot Loop Abacus What You Need: Small, sturdy shoe box O-shaped cereal in assorted colors … Continue reading

Affordable Football Fun

Are you ready for some football? Pigskin season has officially begun. High school, college and professional players are back in action with today being the kickoff of the 2012 NFL regular season Sunday games. For many fans, it’s time to celebrate. Whether you choose to tailgate at the game, in your garage, or on your couch, you’ll need some festive decorations to add spice to your party. Unfortunately, football-themed decor can add up quick and you may find yourself bleeding from your pockets if you are not careful. You can tackle this problem by making embellishments from inexpensive items found … Continue reading

The Difference between a Job and a Career

Do you have a job or a career? You might think there isn’t a difference between the two but there really is. Figuring out where you are might help determine the next steps you need to take. A job is generally something you do temporarily. It may not have anything to do with what you are truly gifted at or what you would really like to do. You generally don’t expect to last long doing it. On the other hand, a career tends to move you toward your ultimate goal. It is something you plan on sticking with. Of course, … Continue reading

Mommy Puts Her Foot Down

I was walking the dogs tonight and all of a sudden I see four running feet coming towards me. Yes, my two children. I just knew they didn’t tell my husband they left the house to come meet me down the street. Since they are 6 and 3 this makes me very uncomfortable. They just think they can open the door and start running wild in the street. It’s unacceptable. I was willing to look the other way on it with a stern look and warning that they will never do that again. However, the next thing they do just … Continue reading

Advancing Your Photography Career

News about a recovering economy means little to freelance photographers struggling to find enough work to feed their families. Even when times are good, it is very challenging to find decent work as a freelancer. Photojournalists especially find that competition is tough and that there are far more applicants than available jobs. That said, if you are exceptional at your craft there are ways to profit from your passion. Talent is a huge factor in the world of photojournalism. However, there are other factors that will help you advance in the market. For example, the niche you select could mean … Continue reading